45 Easy Outdoor Appetizers Made for Sunny Skies

Recipe: Buttery Garlic Shrimp

Ready in just 15 minutes, this quick appetizer is perfect for last-minute company. When making the sauce in Step 2, whisk in the butter 1 Tbsp. at a time--the key technique in making the sauce velvety.

Recipe: Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

A Southern spin on a BLT, these heirloom tomato sandwiches are effortless.

Recipe: Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad

Vibrant, freshly tossed fruits and veggies are sure to draw a crowd to the appetizer table.

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.

Recipe: Potato Skins

A party hit every time, these potatoes take it up a notch with a simple, tangy-spicy sour cream sauce.

Recipe: Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Serve this hot and bubbly baked mix of summer flavor with plenty of your favorite tortilla chips.

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.

Recipe: Queso-Filled Mini Peppers

Who needs chips for queso? These peppers are bite-sized and brimming with cheese.

Recipe: Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Special Sauce

Two party favorites collide in this reimagined takeout dish.

Recipe: Ham Salad

Give your typical warm-weather chicken salad a break with these mini ham salad sandwhich.

Recipe: Rotel Dip

In this recipe, simplicity (and Velveeta) is key. Just make sure you have enough chips on hand.

Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes

A Southern summer classic, this recipe's not-too-heavy batter is the key to getting this appetizer just right.

Recipe: Mini Shrimp Rolls

Mini but mighty, these cute little sandwiches are packed with shrimp, celery, and pickled jalapenos.

Recipe: Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines

Fresh asparagus and egg salad make this laid-back finger sandwich a summertime staple.

Recipe: Golden Corn Fritters

These crispy poppers are reminiscent of hush puppies, just lighter and richer in taste.

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.

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.

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.

Recipe: Watermelon Salad

Start your party on a bright note with this refreshingly simple salad.

Recipe: Homemade Pretzels

Top them off with whatever you'd like, from sesame seeds to kosher salt.

Recipe: Halloumi-and-Summer Vegetable Kebabs​​​​​​​

These veggie kabobs with grilled Halloumi cheese are a winning formula for outdoor fun.

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.

Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Sliders

Mustard-and-thyme-marinated pork tenderloin on dinner rolls makes for a hearty handful ready for any alfresco affair.

Recipe: Grilled Pork Meatball Kebabs

Get the party started with a masterful balance of sweet and heat.

Recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad

This fresh take on an old-school tuna pasta salad is as bright as the season.

Recipe: Easy Catfish Tacos with Slaw

You can't go wrong with a tortilla topped with slaw, avocado, and catfish.

Recipe: Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

Pepper jelly and peaches pair with brie for a dish that was made for the outdoors.

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.

Recipe: Hush Puppies

One of the ultimate Southern finger foods, these hush puppies were made for an outdoor party.

Recipe: Roasted Broccoli Salad

Combine the flavors of Dijon, mayo, honey, apple, and fennel for a side that travels easily and is at home anywhere.

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.

Recipe: Grilled Cajun Shrimp Kabobs with Sausage

Grilled to perfection and ready to party, these Cajun skewers come together in under 20 minutes.

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.

Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad

This classic fruit salad is an essential (and super easy) part of any summer spread.

Recipe: Deviled Crab Melts

Kick off a summer party with these loaded, crunchy crostinis.

Recipe: Grilled Pizza with Summer Veggies and Smoked Chicken

Take pizza off the main table and let summer guests have a slice from the grill during happy hour.

Recipe: Corn and Jalapeño Dip

With sweet corn, spicy jalapeño, and bacon, this loaded dip needs a sturdy chip.

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.

Watch Us Make It!
Video: Buttermilk-Ricotta Cheese Dip

Recipe: Avocado Fritters with Lime Cream

Crispy-on-the-outside and creamy-on-the-inside, these fried avocados are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Recipe: Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

With just two ingredients, this salty-buttery app is the ultimate hostess party hack.

Recipe: Creamy Overnight Fruit Salad

You won't have to worry about bananas browning before guest arrive with this nostalgic overnight recipe.

Recipe: Fig Flatbread

Turn store-bought pizza dough into a crowd-worthy flatbread that's anything but typical.

Recipe: Pickled Shrimp and Vegetables

There's nothing like a cool, pickled shrimp to beat the summer heat.

Recipe: Cornbread-Stuffed Zucchini

Ready in less than an hour and sure to be devoured far quicker.

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.