63 Simple Summer Appetizers Made for Sunny Skies
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.
When Entertaining Moves Outside, Call on These Easy Apps
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Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise
Recipe: Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise
A Southern spin on a BLT, these heirloom tomato sandwiches are effortless.
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Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad
Recipe: Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad
Vibrant, freshly tossed fruits and veggies are sure to draw a crowd to the appetizer table.
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Tropical Chicken Lettuce Wraps
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.
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Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip
Recipe: Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip
Serve this hot and bubbly baked mix of summer flavor with plenty of your favorite tortilla chips.
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Classic Pimiento Cheese
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.
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Queso-Filled Mini Peppers
Recipe: Queso-Filled Mini Peppers
Who needs chips for queso? These peppers are bite-sized and brimming with cheese.
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Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Special Sauce
Recipe: Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Special Sauce
Two party favorites collide in this reimagined takeout dish.
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Ham Salad
Recipe: Ham Salad
Give your typical warm-weather chicken salad a break with these mini ham salad sandwiches.
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Rotel Dip
Recipe: Rotel Dip
In this recipe, simplicity (and Velveeta) is key. Just make sure you have enough chips on hand.
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Fried Green Tomatoes
Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes
A Southern summer classic, this recipe's not-too-heavy batter is the key to getting this appetizer just right.
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Mini Shrimp Rolls
Recipe: Mini Shrimp Rolls
Mini but mighty, these cute little sandwiches are packed with shrimp, celery, and pickled jalapenos.
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Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines
Recipe: Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines
Fresh asparagus and egg salad make this laid-back finger sandwich a summertime staple.
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Golden Corn Fritters
Recipe: Golden Corn Fritters
These crispy poppers are reminiscent of hush puppies, just lighter and richer in taste.
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Egg Salad Sandwiches
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.
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Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip
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.
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Fried Deviled Eggs
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.
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Mini Potato Skins
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.
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Pork Tenderloin Sliders
Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Sliders
Mustard-and-thyme-marinated pork tenderloin on dinner rolls makes for a hearty handful ready for any al fresco affair.
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Tuna Pasta Salad
Recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad
This fresh take on an old-school tuna pasta salad is as bright as the season.
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Easy Catfish Tacos with Slaw
Recipe: Easy Catfish Tacos with Slaw
You can't go wrong with a tortilla topped with slaw, avocado, and catfish.
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Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches
Recipe: Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches
Pepper jelly and peaches pair with brie for a dish that was made for the outdoors.
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Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
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.
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Hush Puppies
Recipe: Hush Puppies
One of the ultimate Southern finger foods, these hush puppies were made for an outdoor party.
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Tomato Salad with Grilled Shrimp
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.
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Grilled Cajun Shrimp Kabobs with Sausage
Recipe: Grilled Cajun Shrimp Kabobs with Sausage
Grilled to perfection and ready to party, these Cajun skewers come together in under 20 minutes.
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Pickled Tiny Tomatoes
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.
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Fresh Fruit Salad
Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad
This classic fruit salad is an essential (and super easy) part of any summer spread.
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Deviled Crab Melts
Recipe: Deviled Crab Melts
Kick off a summer party with these loaded, crunchy crostinis.
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Corn and Jalapeño Dip
Recipe: Corn and Jalapeño Dip
With sweet corn, spicy jalapeño, and bacon, this loaded dip needs a sturdy chip.
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Buttermilk-Ricotta Cheese Dip
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.
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Bacon Bow Tie Crackers
Recipe: Bacon Bow Tie Crackers
With just two ingredients, this salty-buttery app is the ultimate hostess party hack.
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Creamy Overnight Fruit Salad
Recipe: Creamy Overnight Fruit Salad
You won't have to worry about bananas browning before guest arrive with this nostalgic overnight recipe.
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Fig Flatbread
Recipe: Fig Flatbread
Turn store-bought pizza dough into a crowd-worthy flatbread that's anything but typical.
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Party Poppers
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.
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Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp
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.
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Buffalo Chicken Sliders
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.
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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.
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Shrimp-and-Andouille Gumbo
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.
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Ranch Snack Crackers
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.
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Carrot-Tahini Dip
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.
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Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Recipe: Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Pepper Jack cheese gives a beloved dip a little kick.
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Ann Taylor Pittman's Kale-Citrus Salad with Bacony Pecans
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.
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Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip
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.
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Field Pea Salad with Tomatoes and Feta
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.
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Grilled Peach Salad with Chipotle-Raspberry Vinaigrette
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.
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Grilled Sweet Pepper Salad with Ricotta and Summer Herbs
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.
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Cucumber-Chickpea Salad with Feta-Mint Vinaigrette
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.
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BBQ Egg Rolls
Recipe: BBQ Egg Rolls
Crispy, crunchy, and barbecued? Throw in some Alabama White Sauce and you'll be the talk of the town.
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Tangy Rainbow Slaw
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.
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Creamy Avocado Dip
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.
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Kimchi-Sesame Slaw
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.
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Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese
Recipe: Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese
Hosting an elegant outdoor summer soirée? Make sure prepare these sophisticated bites.
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Pickled Watermelon Rind Slaw
Recipe: Pickled Watermelon Rind Slaw
This slaw is a great companion to anything salty and fried—one of the South's main food groups.
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Warm Mustard Potato Salad
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.
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Crack Crackers
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.
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Deviled Egg-Potato Salad
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.
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Southern-Style Potato Salad
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!
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Easy Egg Salad
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.
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Smoked Fish Dip
Recipe: Smoked Fish Dip
It's a one-bowl dip that'll keep hungry hands away from the grill until the patties are ready.
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Hot Brown Party Rolls
Recipe: Hot Brown Party Rolls
Guests will be enjoying these little sandwiches well after the Kentucky Derby is over.
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Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread
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.
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Old Bay Rémoulade with Crudités and Shrimp
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.