Food and Recipes Appetizers 63 Simple Summer Appetizers Made for Sunny Skies By Southern Living Editors Southern Living Editors Since 1966, the editors of Southern Living have been carrying out the mission of the brand: to bring enjoyment, fulfillment, and inspiration to our readers by celebrating life in the South. We inspire creativity in their homes, their kitchens, their gardens, and their personal style. We are a friend they can trust, a guide to the seasons, a helping hand during the holidays, and a relentless champion of the Southern way of life. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on June 18, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry Longer days mean more time to eat outdoors, and who doesn't love an easy outdoor appetizer you can enjoy at barbecues, picnics, and tailgates? Perfect for entertaining outside, this collection of al fresco finger food features meats served straight off the grill and cool dips with no-fuss presentations. Many of these summer appetizers are make-ahead, too, helping you check one more thing off your hosting to-do list. We've got a smorgasbord of options to suit any and all taste buds, kids and adults alike. There are easy recipes for seafood lovers, like our Smoked Fish Dip, or if you're a TexMex fan, spice it up with our ever-classic Rotel Dip. Sliders and crackers make for satisfying bites at cocktail hour, and you'll find that even the simplest recipes, like Crack Crackers, will draw in a crowd. One thing is consistent though: These are all super easy outdoor recipe ideas that are sure to take summer entertaining up a notch. 01 of 63 When Entertaining Moves Outside, Call on These Easy Apps 02 of 63 Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely Recipe: Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise A Southern spin on a BLT, these heirloom tomato sandwiches are effortless. 03 of 63 Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele Recipe: Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad Vibrant, freshly tossed fruits and veggies are sure to draw a crowd to the appetizer table. 04 of 63 Tropical Chicken Lettuce Wraps Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox Recipe: Tropical Chicken Lettuce Wraps Easier than your average app but still impressive enough for a party, this no-cook dish has a tropical twist. 05 of 63 Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christina Lane; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos Recipe: Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip Serve this hot and bubbly baked mix of summer flavor with plenty of your favorite tortilla chips. 06 of 63 Classic Pimiento Cheese Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox Recipe: Basic Pimiento Cheese This classic Southern recipe is foolproof for a reason. Whether you serve it as a dip, spread, or all by itself, this recipe belongs at every summer gathering. 07 of 63 Queso-Filled Mini Peppers Antonis Achilleos Recipe: Queso-Filled Mini Peppers Who needs chips for queso? These peppers are bite-sized and brimming with cheese. 08 of 63 Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Special Sauce Alison Miksch Recipe: Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Special Sauce Two party favorites collide in this reimagined takeout dish. 09 of 63 Ham Salad Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox Recipe: Ham Salad Give your typical warm-weather chicken salad a break with these mini ham salad sandwiches. 10 of 63 Rotel Dip Caitlin Bensel Recipe: Rotel Dip In this recipe, simplicity (and Velveeta) is key. Just make sure you have enough chips on hand. 11 of 63 Fried Green Tomatoes Jennifer Davick Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes A Southern summer classic, this recipe's not-too-heavy batter is the key to getting this appetizer just right. 12 of 63 Mini Shrimp Rolls Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer Recipe: Mini Shrimp Rolls Mini but mighty, these cute little sandwiches are packed with shrimp, celery, and pickled jalapenos. 13 of 63 Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox Recipe: Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines Fresh asparagus and egg salad make this laid-back finger sandwich a summertime staple. 14 of 63 Golden Corn Fritters Southern Living Recipe: Golden Corn Fritters These crispy poppers are reminiscent of hush puppies, just lighter and richer in taste. 15 of 63 Egg Salad Sandwiches Jen Causey Recipe: Egg Salad Sandwiches A summer picnic staple, these finger sandwiches are made with the usual suspects—celery, pickle relish, and mayonnaise—but they have a few unexpected additions, too. 16 of 63 Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip Photo: Greg Dupree Recipe: Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip Take a moment to meet your new favorite appetizer. This twist on the classic spinach dip is sure to please even the most particular guests. Just like classic spinach dip, the recipe mixes together spinach, sour cream, and chives to achieve that cool onion flavor with a kick. 17 of 63 Fried Deviled Eggs Micah A. Leal Recipe: Fried Deviled Eggs Who says a classic can't be fried? Amp up your everyday deviled egg this summer with a fried crispy coating. 18 of 63 Mini Potato Skins Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop styling: Claire Spollen; Food styling: Chelsea Zimmer Recipe: Mini Potato Skins Oh-so-poppable and made for summer crowds, this five-ingredient recipe is a no-fail with guests of any age. 19 of 63 Pork Tenderloin Sliders Hector Sanchez Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Sliders Mustard-and-thyme-marinated pork tenderloin on dinner rolls makes for a hearty handful ready for any al fresco affair. 20 of 63 Tuna Pasta Salad Caitlin Bensel Recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad This fresh take on an old-school tuna pasta salad is as bright as the season. 21 of 63 Easy Catfish Tacos with Slaw Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos Recipe: Easy Catfish Tacos with Slaw You can't go wrong with a tortilla topped with slaw, avocado, and catfish. 22 of 63 Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches Iain Bagwell Recipe: Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches Pepper jelly and peaches pair with brie for a dish that was made for the outdoors. 23 of 63 Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan Recipe: Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad Tossed in a simple vinaigrette, this multicolored mix of cherry tomatoes and small fresh mozzarella balls comes together in a snap. 24 of 63 Hush Puppies Recipe: Hush Puppies One of the ultimate Southern finger foods, these hush puppies were made for an outdoor party. 25 of 63 Tomato Salad with Grilled Shrimp Hector Sanchez Recipe: Tomato Salad with Grilled Shrimp Look for beautiful and tasty heirloom tomatoes in a rainbow of colors at your local farmers' market, and keep them at room temperature until you're ready to slice and serve. 26 of 63 Grilled Cajun Shrimp Kabobs with Sausage Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer Recipe: Grilled Cajun Shrimp Kabobs with Sausage Grilled to perfection and ready to party, these Cajun skewers come together in under 20 minutes. 27 of 63 Pickled Tiny Tomatoes Iain Bagwell Recipe: Pickled Tiny Tomatoes Use a mixture of baby tomatoes such as 'Sweet 100,' 'Yellow Pear,' or 'Sun Gold'—all are available at farmers' markets in summer months. This dish uses 3 pints of tomatoes, but feel free to halve the recipe. 28 of 63 Fresh Fruit Salad Jen Causey Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad This classic fruit salad is an essential (and super easy) part of any summer spread. 29 of 63 Deviled Crab Melts Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox Recipe: Deviled Crab Melts Kick off a summer party with these loaded, crunchy crostinis. 30 of 63 Corn and Jalapeño Dip Hector Manuel Sanchez Recipe: Corn and Jalapeño Dip With sweet corn, spicy jalapeño, and bacon, this loaded dip needs a sturdy chip. 31 of 63 Buttermilk-Ricotta Cheese Dip Photo: Hector Sanchez Recipe: Buttermilk-Ricotta Cheese Dip If you've never tried homemade ricotta, then you're in for a tasty surprise. This will change the way you think about the store-bought kind. Be sure to stir only when indicated in the recipe. 32 of 63 Bacon Bow Tie Crackers Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Tami Hardeman Recipe: Bacon Bow Tie Crackers With just two ingredients, this salty-buttery app is the ultimate hostess party hack. 33 of 63 Creamy Overnight Fruit Salad Abigail Wilt Recipe: Creamy Overnight Fruit Salad You won't have to worry about bananas browning before guest arrive with this nostalgic overnight recipe. 34 of 63 Fig Flatbread Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele Recipe: Fig Flatbread Turn store-bought pizza dough into a crowd-worthy flatbread that's anything but typical. 35 of 63 Party Poppers Photo: Hector Sanchez Recipe: Party Poppers This quick and easy appetizer, with just a few ingredients and even fewer steps, will make entertaining easy without the hassle of fussing over the oven all day and night. For those who like it hot, swap mini sweet peppers for spicy jalapeños. 36 of 63 Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely Recipe: Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp It's cocktails and appetizers rolled into one. Set out a big bowlful on the picnic table, and it won't last long. 37 of 63 Buffalo Chicken Sliders Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners Prop Styling: Christine Keely Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Sliders With the help of the Southerner's favorite King's Hawaiian Rolls, you'll have tender little sandwiches that serve as the best individual appetizers on the table. 38 of 63 Hot Crab and Shrimp Dip Recipe: Hot Crab and Shrimp Dip Celebrate the summer season with a big batch of seafood dip. Lump crabmeat, fresh shrimp, smoked cheese, and spices promise to be a crowd-pleasing combination. 39 of 63 Shrimp-and-Andouille Gumbo Brian Woodcock; Styling: Rachael Burrow Recipe: Shrimp-and-Andouille Gumbo Sure, warm weather might not call for a steaming bowl of stew, but transform the beloved gumbo into a dip and it slides perfectly onto the appetizer table. 40 of 63 Ranch Snack Crackers Sheri Castle Recipe: Ranch Snack Crackers They may look simple, but don't be deceived. Our Ranch Snack Crackers might just be the most popular appetizer at the cookout. 41 of 63 Carrot-Tahini Dip Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Recipe: Carrot-Tahini Dip Any great gathering has a gaggle of dips lining the appetizer table. Instead of traditional hummus, try this summer-hued Carrot-Tahini dip instead. Serve with crackers or veggies and prepare to wow. 42 of 63 Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip Iain Bagwell; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Recipe: Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip Pepper Jack cheese gives a beloved dip a little kick. 43 of 63 Ann Taylor Pittman's Kale-Citrus Salad with Bacony Pecans Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Recipe: Ann Taylor Pittman's Kale-Citrus Salad with Bacony Pecans Bright pops of orange and watermelon radish slices make this sunny salad a delight at the next cookout. 44 of 63 Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell Recipe: Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip It turns out the Southern sandwich staple makes a mean, velvety dip. Be sure to serve with plenty of buttery crackers—you won't be able to keep up with the demand. 45 of 63 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 This simple salad takes the humble field pea and elevates it to something special. Serve as an appetizer or alongside the main meal. 46 of 63 Grilled Peach Salad with Chipotle-Raspberry Vinaigrette Courtesy Regina Charboneau Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Chipotle-Raspberry Vinaigrette Start any al fresco meal off on the right note with juicy summer peaches and a spicy vinaigrette to keep everyone on their toes. 47 of 63 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 Charred peppers, creamy ricotta, herby marinade…consider this the easy outdoor appetizer you didn't know you needed. 48 of 63 Cucumber-Chickpea Salad with Feta-Mint Vinaigrette Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Recipe: Cucumber-Chickpea Salad with Feta-Mint Vinaigrette Here's the ultimate refresher for a summer luncheon. Crisp rounds of cucumber, hearty chickpeas, and a fresh, minty vinaigrette will please everyone while leaving room for the main meal. 49 of 63 BBQ Egg Rolls Southern Living Recipe: BBQ Egg Rolls Crispy, crunchy, and barbecued? Throw in some Alabama White Sauce and you'll be the talk of the town. 50 of 63 Tangy Rainbow Slaw Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely Recipe: Tangy Rainbow Slaw Sweet apples, crisp cabbage, and cilantro create a vibrant slaw that aims to please, while being packed with nutritional value, too. 51 of 63 Creamy Avocado Dip Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry Recipe: Creamy Avocado Dip If your crowd loves guacamole, try serving them this creamy, tangy take. The secret? Sour cream and mayonnaise make for a rich, irresistible dip. 52 of 63 Kimchi-Sesame Slaw Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen Recipe: Kimchi-Sesame Slaw While kimchi and sesame oil put a definitive spin on the classic slaw, the creamy mayo dressing adds the familiar richness and consistency of a beloved side and appetizer. 53 of 63 Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke Recipe: Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Hosting an elegant outdoor summer soirée? Make sure prepare these sophisticated bites. 54 of 63 Pickled Watermelon Rind Slaw Southern Living Recipe: Pickled Watermelon Rind Slaw This slaw is a great companion to anything salty and fried—one of the South's main food groups. 55 of 63 Warm Mustard Potato Salad Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christine Keely Recipe: Warm Mustard Potato Salad It's not really a Southern gathering without some form of potato salad. Though it's lacking mayonnaise, this rendition still packs on the flavor and richness by way of soft-boiled eggs and warm mustard dressing. 56 of 63 Crack Crackers Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Anna Hampton Recipe: Crack Crackers It's all in the name. If you manage to stop yourself from eating an entire bowlful, then you might be the only one. 57 of 63 Deviled Egg-Potato Salad Antonis Achilleos Recipe: Deviled Egg-Potato Salad Deviled eggs and potato salad are two undeniable Southern mainstays. Well, we've combined the two into a decadent appetizer. Serve it and your guests are in danger of filling up before the burgers arrive. 58 of 63 Southern-Style Potato Salad Southern Living Recipe: Southern-Style Potato Salad Cover your bases with a traditional potato salad. Mayonnaise? Check. Hard-boiled eggs? Check. Celery, sweet pickle relish, mustard, and bacon? Check! 59 of 63 Easy Egg Salad Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Recipe: Easy Egg Salad The great thing about egg salad is that it makes a fantastic appetizer or complete meal. Just serve with your favorite sandwich bread. 60 of 63 Smoked Fish Dip Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke Recipe: Smoked Fish Dip It's a one-bowl dip that'll keep hungry hands away from the grill until the patties are ready. 61 of 63 Hot Brown Party Rolls Victor Protasio; Food Stying: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Recipe: Hot Brown Party Rolls Guests will be enjoying these little sandwiches well after the Kentucky Derby is over. 62 of 63 Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread Hector Sanchez Recipe: Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread No prosciutto? Feel free to substitute for country ham instead. Don't forget a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy-sweet touch. 63 of 63 Old Bay Rémoulade with Crudités and Shrimp Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry Recipe: Old Bay Rémoulade with Crudités and Shrimp This is the appetizer that'll bring you straight to the beach. Test Kitchen pro Ivy Odom developed it with memories of her family's beach house on St. George Island in mind. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit