43 Summer Appetizer Recipes Made for Easy, Breezy Entertaining

Picnic Egg Salad
Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

When summer rolls around, we get ready for an endless stream of social functions. Showers, tea parties, reunions, and more will all require menus and dishes worthy of the season and its bounty. Take a morning trip to the farmer's market and get the party started with these crowd-pleasing appetizers that are made for summer.

We're swooning over simple, yet effective summer appetizers like Beet-Goat Cheese Dip and dressed-up Lemon-Tarragon Potato Salad. Can't forget about all the dips and egg salads, either. The perfect Picnic Egg Salad is calling our name. And don't even get us started on the tomatoes. The best part? These easy appetizers won't take long to prepare—you might even be able to do some of the prep ahead of time for less stress day-of. This collection of no-fail recipes promises to win over every guest. Whether you're spending a weekend at the lake, attending a potluck lunch, or throwing a backyard barbecue, you'll be making these easy appetizer recipes all summer long.

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Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip

Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip
Photo: Greg Dupree

Recipe: Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip

This dip can be made ahead of time, leaving you more time to spend with your guests.

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Classic Deviled Eggs

basic deviled eggs
Southern Living

Recipe: Basic Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs belong at every summer gathering.

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Pickled Tiny Tomatoes

Buttery Garlic Shrimp
Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Recipe: Pickled Tiny Tomatoes

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

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Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches
Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

Pepper jelly and peaches give baked brie an instant upgrade.

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Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines

Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines
Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines

A laid-back finger sandwich is great for more casual occasions.

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Grilled Okra-and-Pepper Skewers with Dijon Dipping Sauce

Grilled Okra-and-Pepper Skewers with Dijon Dipping Sauce
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Grilled Okra-and-Pepper Skewers with Dijon Dipping Sauce

While you have the grill going for the main course, pop these colorful okra-and-pepper skewers on the fire for a hint of smoky flavor and a quick tenderizing. The Dijon dipping sauce elevates this to an unforgettable summer appetizer.

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Smoked-Tomato Salsa

Smoked-Tomato Salsa
Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Recipe: Smoked-Tomato Salsa

Ditch the jarred stuff—this homemade salsa with a smoky kick will get your guests talking. Serve alongside tortilla chips and homemade guacamole.

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Crack Crackers

Crack Crackers Recipe
Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Anna Hampton

Recipe: Crack Crackers

After the first bite, you'll understand why they're called Crack Crackers.

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Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christina Lane; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Serve with plenty of your favorite tortilla or pita chips for dipping.

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Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Tami Hardeman

Recipe: Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

Just two ingredients are needed to make this easy appetizer, and we suggest doubling (or tripling) the recipe.

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Queso-Filled Mini Peppers

Queso-Filled Mini Peppers
Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Queso-Filled Mini Peppers

Mini sweet peppers are the perfect bite-sized vessel for rich cheese dip.

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Red Chipotle Pepper Jelly

Red Chipotle Pepper Jelly
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Red Chipotle Pepper Jelly

Homemade pepper jelly is summer's liquid gold. When you have a jar, you're minutes away from a multitude of recipes. The most classic Southern summer appetizer? Pour the pepper jelly atop a block of cream cheese, and roll out some crackers. Bon appetit!

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Corn and Jalapeño Dip

Corn and Jalapeño Dip
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Corn and Jalapeño Dip

This creamy and cheesy dip only includes eight ingredients and minimal prep time.

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Grilled Green Tomatoes with Jalapeño-Honey Vinaigrette

Grilled Green Tomatoes with Jalapeño-Honey Vinaigrette
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Grilled Green Tomatoes with Jalapeño-Honey Vinaigrette

There's much more you can do with green tomatoes than fry them. Not convinced? Consider this standout recipe for grilled green tomatoes your proof.

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Mini Potato Skins

Mini Potato Skins
Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop styling: Claire Spollen; Food styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Mini Potato Skins

These crispy potato skins are party perfect with bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onions.

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Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts

Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts
Alison Miksch

Recipe: Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts

This bite-sized version of tomato pie is the perfect party appetizer.

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Easy Summer Appetizer Board

Easy Summer Appetizer Board
Photo: Hector Sanchez; Stylist: Buffy Hargett

Recipe: Easy Summer Appetizer Board

Welcome guests with Sothern summer classics like pimiento cheese and riesling peaches.

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Marinated Field Pea Relish

Chicken With Field Pea Relish
Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen

Recipe: Marinated Field Pea Relish

Serve this field pea relish with chips for a happy hour snack.

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Fresh Fruit Salad

Fresh Fruit Salad
Jen Causey

Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad

Orange juice, honey, and mint add even more flavor to summer fruits.

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Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

It's not summer without tomato sandwiches.

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Hot Cheesy Crab Dip

Hot Cheesy Crab Dip
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Hot Cheesy Crab Dip

Lumps of juicy crab are ensconced in a mixture of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Honestly, if you're serving this dip, why serve anything else?

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Arancini with Pomodoro Dipping Sauce

Arancini with Pomodoro Dipping Sauce
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Recipe: Arancini with Pomodoro Dipping Sauce

These little balls of rice taste amazing but only have three steps. Make the rice mixture, with is flavored with thyme and Parmesan, before frying it to a crisp golden brown. It's an appetizer that'll instantly transport you to a warm evening in Rome.

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Jalapeño Popper Dip

jalapeno popper dip
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Dip

Summer sports watch party? Family reunion? Serve our Jalapeño Popper Dip as an appetizer and everyone will be asking for the recipe.

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Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

instant pot buffalo chicken dip
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

Recipe: Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Anyone who doesn't love buffalo chicken might be lying. And anyone who says they don't like buffalo chicken dip? They're really asking for it.

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Beet-Goat Cheese Dip

Beet-Goat Cheese Dip
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Beet-Goat Cheese Dip

A vibrant dip is just the thing you need for a fresh summer appetizer. We take the classic beet and goat cheese pairing to new heights, combining them with dates and Greek yogurt for a creamy factor. If you don't have time to roast your own beets, don't panic. A package of pre-cooked ones will do just the trick.

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Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

These little tartlets may be meatless, but that doesn't mean they're not filling.

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Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta

Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Recipe: Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta

These cute, composed bites make lovely summer hors d'oeuvres. Pass around a platter and they're sure to disappear.

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Deviled Egg Potato Salad

Deviled Egg Potato Salad
Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Deviled Egg Potato Salad

We're combining two of the summertime greats—deviled eggs and potato salad—in this legendary recipe.

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Southern-Style Grilled Cobb Salad

Southern-Style Grilled Cobb Salad
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Recipe: Southern-Style Grilled Cobb Salad

Of course, summer comes with a big dose of heat and humidity. This appetizer doesn't require the stove, so make it one of your go-tos.

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Field Pea Salad with Tomatoes and Feta

Field Pea Salad with Tomatoes and Feta
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Recipe: Field Pea Salad with Tomatoes and Feta

Serving this is basically a Southern summer rite of passage. It makes for an excellent appetizer or side dish, served along with fresh corn on the cob and potato salad.

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Lemon-Tarragon Potato Salad

Lemon-Tarragon Potato Salad
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Lemon-Tarragon Potato Salad

Let's face it. Potato salad might be one of the ultimate appetizers. Who can resist chunks of tender potatoes with a creamy dressing? Very few. Here, the lemon adds a summery spot and makes it a seasonal dish.

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Crab Cake Bites with Old Bay Mayo, Chives, and Lemon

Crab Cake Bites with Old Bay Seasoning
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Crab Cake Bites with Old Bay Mayo, Chives, and Lemon

This recipe for miniature crab cakes comes from Adam Evans, chef at award-winning Birmingham restaurant Automatic Seafood and Oysters. If there's one piece of advice we can offer, it's this: don't skip the Old Bay mayo.

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Jessica B. Harris' Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Jessica B. Harris' Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Everybody loves a classic fried green tomato, and Jessica B. Harris's version is as good as it gets.

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Roasted Potato Salad

Roasted Potato Salad
Joy Howard

Recipe: Roasted Potato Salad

If you want to make a controversial summer appetizer move, kick the mayonnaise to the door. These roasted potatoes won't need it.

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Summer Orzo Salad

Summer Orzo Salad
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Plump tomatoes, crunchy pistachios, crisp cucumbers, and a basil pesto create a breezy summer appetizer you'll want to make again and again. Take it on the first picnic of the season or serve it at garden party.

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Grilled Sweet Pepper Salad with Ricotta and Summer Herbs

Grilled Sweet Pepper Salad With Ricotta And Summer Herbs
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Grilled Sweet Pepper Salad with Ricotta and Summer Herbs

Sure, it looks fancy, but this salad is only two steps and can be executed while the grill heats up for all the hot dogs.

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Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Melissa Gray

Recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Pasta salad is always a tried-and-true winner, but this might be the ultimate summer side. You heard it from us first.

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Butter-Baked Saltine Crackers

Butter-Baked Saltine Crackers
Southern Living

Recipe: Butter-Baked Saltine Crackers

Don't underestimate these crackers. Put out a bowlful and your guests are in danger of filling up on them before the main dishes even appear.

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Deviled Eggs with Pickled Okra

Deviled Eggs with Pickled Okra Recipe
Jennifer Causey, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Pickled Okra

Deviled eggs are so easy, you might as well add a little pizazz in the form of some okra.

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Pimiento Pickle Poppers

Pimiento Pickle Poppers
Southern Living

Recipe: Pimiento Pickle Poppers

With just six ingredients (two of which you may already have in your pantry), there's no excuse not to make these very poppable summer bites.

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Crawfish Dip

Crawfish Dip
Greg DuPree

Recipe: Crawfish Dip

Cooking this dip in a slow cooker will ensure it stays warm until you're ready to serve.

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Green Tomato Stacks with Herb Oil and Crispy Capers

Green Tomato Stacks with Herb Oil and Crispy Capers
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Green Tomato Stacks with Herb Oil and Crispy Capers

An elegant, un-fried take on green tomatoes, these pretty tomato stacks make a great starter for a seated summer dinner.

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Picnic Egg Salad

Picnic Egg Salad
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Picnic Egg Salad

You're just 15 minutes away from getting this crowd-pleasing recipe on the table.

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