POPSUGAR

30 Summer Appetizer Recipes For Every Warm-Weather Occasion

Jun 2 2023 - 4:15pm

Imagine: the sun is slowly fading, and as you sip on a chilled glass of spicy pink rosé [1], you realize the only thing that could make this warm summer evening better is a mouthwatering appetizer to kick off your dinner. Or perhaps you're thinking ahead and looking for a showstopping summer appetizer to bring to your next backyard barbecue — one that will leave everyone talking. Whether you're in the mood for something rich like bacon nacho fries or refreshing like strawberry tomato bruschetta, we have a list of summer appetizer recipes that will come in clutch for any warm-weather occasion.

Complete with vegan options, veggie-filled bites, savory meat ideas, and so much more, this list of summer appetizer ideas is all you need to soar through summer and enjoy the best food the season has to offer. Whether you're grilling it up at a barbecue [2] or kicking back on the beach, these appetizers will make your meal (and night!) complete. Keep reading to see the best summer appetizer recipes, and enjoy!

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

These jumbo scallops are coated in a sweet and savory glaze and then broiled in the oven, meaning there's no need to light up the grill. If scallops aren't your thing (or you can't find good ones nearby), you can also try this recipe with shrimp — either way, it'll be a hit.

Get the recipe: bacon-wrapped scallops [4]

Accordion Potatoes

These accordion potatoes hit it big on TikTok, and for good reason: every bite is crispy. Guests will be super impressed by this visually appealing and tasty summer appetizer, and they won't believe how easy it is to make.

Get the recipe: accordion potatoes [5]

Mediterranean Layered Dip

Like a Mediterranean take on the Southwestern star seven-layer dip, this hummus-based appetizer packs a variety of crave-worthy flavors into each and every bite. Pair with pita crackers (store-bought or homemade) for the perfect vessel.

Get the recipe: Mediterranean layered dip [6]

Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Love Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay biscuits? You're in luck. We have a recipe on how to make a copycat version from scratch, and it's the perfect thing to serve as a summer barbecue appetizer.

Get the recipe: Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuits [7]

Cheesy Beef Taco Dip

Put this taco dip in a big tortilla shell, and you'll get major points. The best part is this summer appetizer only takes 15 minutes to make, so you can whip this up even with short notice.

Get the recipe: cheesy beef taco dip [8]

Grilled Buffalo Shrimp

There's nothing more game-stopping than this spin on grilled shrimp. With bold flavors and the perfect mix of savory and sweet, these skewers will go fast. Enjoy them with your favorite dip and some crunchy celery for best results.

Get the recipe: grilled buffalo shrimp [9]

Bacon Nacho Fries

Turn frozen curly fries into a wow-worthy summer appetizer by adding nacho cheese, bacon, and green onions. If you really want to spice it up, pick up some seasoned fries from the store or add your own spices.

Get the recipe: bacon nacho fries [10]

Strawberry Tomato Bruschetta

If you're in the mood for a fresher summer appetizer that uses the season's ripe produce, give this bruschetta a try. For an extra burst of flavor, you can also add crumbled goat cheese, feta, or shaved parmesan on top.

Get the recipe: strawberry tomato bruschetta [11]

Bacon, Jam, and Triple Crème Jalapeño Poppers

To make anything a summer appetizer, you just have to wrap it in bacon. Serve these hot poppers — which are mellowed out by creamy brie cheese — with the dipping sauce of your choice, and enjoy.

Get the recipe: bacon, jam, and triple crème jalapeño poppers [12]

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

If you're a fan of Trader Joe's beloved corn salsa [13], try this homemade black bean version for an easy summer appetizer. The best part? It only takes 15 minutes to make!

Get the recipe: black bean and corn salsa [14]

Baked Zucchini With Parmesan and Thyme

These baked zucchini sticks are a crowd-pleaser and taste best served right out of the oven — so don't bake them too far in advance! Pair them with tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Get the recipe: baked zucchini with parmesan and thyme [15]

Crispy Coconut Shrimp With Piña Colada Coconut Shrimp Sauce

Bring some full-bodied flavor to the table with this coconut shrimp duo. With crispy shrimp and tropically sweet sauce, this summer appetizer is ideal for warm weather and beach vacations. Dig in!

Get the recipe: crispy coconut shrimp with piña colada coconut shrimp sauce [16]

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

A creative alternative to wings, these chicken meatballs can be made ahead of time for an easy-to-serve summer appetizer. Top them off with a blue cheese dressing, and serve with toothpicks, skewers, or tiny forks. (And if you do want wings, consider trying Hailey Bieber's air-fryer wing recipe [17].)

Get the recipe: slow-cooker buffalo chicken meatballs [18]

Oven-Fried Pickles (aka Frickles)

Pickle fanatics will flip over just how tasty these crispy bites are. Make them in the oven or, if you have one, with an air fryer, and serve alongside a green goddess ranch dipping sauce (forewarning: you'll want to put it on everything).

Get the recipe: oven-fried pickles [19]

Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Logs

Complete with gooey cheese and rich chicken, these tasty logs are a win at any summer event. Bring them to a barbecue, and you'll feed everyone's cravings.

Get the recipe: buffalo chicken mozzarella logs [20]

"American Dogs" (aka Corn Dogs)

While a corn dog recipe may seem straightforward, this Japanese take on the classic American corn dog switches up the nostalgic treat. Rather than using cornmeal and flour for the batter, this recipe uses pancake mix.

Get the recipe: "American dogs," aka corn dogs [21]

Vegan French Onion Dip

This plant-based french onion dip is a sweet surprise. Raw cashews substitute the dip's classic sour cream base, which complements the caramelized onions. Just add the chips of your choice!

Get the recipe: vegan french onion dip [22]

Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries With Spicy Aioli

Add a little color to your barbecue plate with these nutritious and perfectly crunchy sweet potato fries. Service with a rich and spicy aioli for a party-ready summer appetizer or side dish.

Get the recipe: garlic parmesan sweet potato fries with spicy aioli [24]

Baked Sweet Potato Parmesan Tater Tots

These baked sweet potato tots are crispy on the outside (thanks to crunchy panko bread crumbs) and soft on the inside (thanks to warm, mashed sweet potatoes) and will have you coming back for more. Dunk them in ketchup, ranch, or honey if you want some extra flavor.

Get the recipe: baked sweet potato parmesan tater tots [25]

Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Cream cheese pinwheels are a classic summer appetizer, and this recipe requires just six ingredients, plus ground pepper to taste. Tweak the fillings to your liking, and bring to any event this season.

Get the recipe: cream cheese pinwheels [26]

Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Baby Potatoes

That's right: more bacon-wrapped goodness. Some pro tips: for best results, be sure to use round baby potatoes (not another shape) and soak your toothpicks in water ahead of time so they don't burn in the oven.

Get the recipe: smoky bacon-wrapped baby potatoes [27]

Crab Rangoon Bites

This summer appetizer recipe is easy and delicious and only takes a total of 20 minutes to bake. Still, your guests will be impressed that they're homemade and not a frozen app from Trader Joe's [28].

Get the recipe: crab rangoon bites [29]

Reuben Dip

Put your slow cooker to good use when you turn your favorite sandwich into a dip. The best part about this summer appetizer recipe is that you can customize how many people you want to feed, and the ingredient list automatically adjusts to the number you picked.

Get the recipe: reuben dip [30]

Cobb Pasta Salad With Red Wine Vinaigrette

Light, refreshing, and full of flavor, this spin on traditional pasta salad is as good as it gets. Complete with hardboiled eggs, creamy avocados, ripe cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, chives, crispy bacon, and blue cheese, the flavor combination will surprise and delight crowds when served as a summer appetizer.

Get the recipe: cobb pasta salad with red wine vinaigrette [31]

Caprese Skewers

How could you say no to easy-to-prepare finger fare? These caprese skewers are made with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, and their simplicity is genius. They make a perfect light summer appetizer ahead of a big meal.

Get the recipe: caprese skewers [32]

Cheesy Crab Spread

This cheesy, creamy crab spread topped on a cracker is a great summer appetizer when you're on the coast — and using canned crab meat means it's simple (and affordable) compared to using fresh seafood.

Get the recipe: cheesy crab spread [33]

Crispy Olive Oil Fried Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are the unofficial hot girl veggie, and frying them in oil turns them into a summer appetizer or side dish everyone will love — and let's not forget the caramelized onion, garlic, and a sprinkle of pine nuts and parmesan cheese on top.

Get the recipe: crispy olive oil fried brussels sprouts [34]

Chili Con Queso Nachos

Sometimes more really is more, like with these chili con queso nachos. Pile on your favorite toppings, and get to work!

Get the recipe: chili con queso nachos [35]

Caprese Bruschetta

Stick with the ultimate classic caprese bruschetta to kick off your summer dinner this season. It's light, refreshing, and seriously underrated!

Get the recipe: caprese bruschetta [36]

Mini Barbecue Chicken Bites

Don't underestimate these tiny summer appetizers! With the sweet flavors of barbecue sauce atop a cracker everyone loves, these mouthwatering bites can be whipped up and assembled in no time.

Get the recipe: mini barbecue chicken bites [37]


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