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30 Insanely Good Appetizers That Will Slay Every Summer BBQ

Jocelyn Delk Adams
7 min read
  • 30 easy BBQ appetizer recipes are perfect for summer cookouts and barbecues, ranging from grilled appetizers to dips, seafood, sliders, and salads.

30 Insanely Good Appetizers That Will Slay Every Summer BBQ originally appeared on Parade .

As the weather warms up and we start coming back together (safely, y'all!) it's time that we bust out the grills and throw a little shindig—with a little social distancing outside. No cookout is complete without appetizers for everyone to nosh on while waiting for the steak, ribs and juicy burgers on the grill , and these 30easy BBQ appetizer recipeswill be the star of the event.

Related:  35 Recipes to Grill this Summer

I love summer cookouts and barbecues (honestly, who doesn't?), and these 30 appetizers are a perfect mix of crowd-pleasing light, medium, or heavy bites. From grilled appetizers, to those whipped up in the kitchen, dips and spreads, seafood and sliders, charcuterie boards and salads, and, of course, toothpick appetizers !

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Check out the list and get ready to cook up these delicious foods all summer long!

Easy BBQ Appetizers

Copycat KFC Coleslaw

Krista Marshall

Krista Marshall

KFC coleslaw has been a beloved favorite for decades, so creating a make-at-home version was a no-brainer. You will love how easy and tasty this Copycat KFC Coleslaw is for your next burger night or backyard barbecue .

Get the Recipe: Copycat KFC Coleslaw

Mango Jerk Wings

Grandbaby Cakes

Grandbaby Cakes

This Mango Jerk Wings recipe pairs a nuanced jerk flavor with the tropical sweetness of mangoes. You will never make wings another way again!

Get the Recipe: Mango Jerk Wings

Coconut Shrimp + Dipping Sauce

Sweet Tea + Thyme

Sweet Tea + Thyme

Crowd-pleasing coconut shrimp are crispy little bites of golden-brown deep-fried goodness with juicy jumbo shrimp inside. This recipe is super easy, quick to whip up, and served with the tangy, sweet, and savory coconut shrimp sauce that everyone loves.

Get the Recipe: Coconut Shrimp + Dipping Sauce

Easy Macaroni Salad

Baum Foods

Baum Foods

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This Easy Macaroni Salad is a classic, plant-based spin on the original. 7 ingredients make this your next go-to warm weather dish.

Get the Recipe: Easy Macaroni Salad

Bacon Bourbon Jam

Bacon and Bourbon are combined to create a perfect spread for your holiday soirees.

Get the recipe: Bacon Bourbon Jam

Cucumber Tomato Salad

The Hungry Hutch

The Hungry Hutch

Heirloom tomatoes and Persian cucumbers get tossed with thinly sliced red onion and a handful of other ingredients for a simple, delicious summer salad.

Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Jerk Pork Sliders

Recipes from a Pantry

Recipes from a Pantry

If you're scrounging around the kitchen trying to find something quick and easy for dinner, look no further – I've got you covered with these tasty Jerk Pork Sliders. Since Pork Tenderloin is a fairly economical cut of meat, you can easily whip up this delicious meal without blowing your budget.

Get the Recipe: Jerk Pork Sliders

Peach Caprese Salad

Manila Spoon

Manila Spoon

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Such an easy, tasty and summer salad loaded with delightful flavors from fresh peaches, mozarella, basil, tomatoes and balsamic dressing!

Get the Recipe: Peach Caprese Salad

Creamy Herb Sauce

Maple + Mango

Maple + Mango

This creamy, flavourful herb-packed sauce adds a fresh pop of flavor to any dish. Deliciously served with roasted/grilled meats or fish, potatoes or served as a dip with veggies.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Herb Sauce and Dip

Grilled Corn and Shishito Peppers

Profusion Curry

Profusion Curry

Grilled shishito peppers and corn is a healthy and delicious appetizer ideal for summer picnics or as a bbq side dish.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn and Shishito Peppers

Keto Cauliflower Hummus

Jennifer Banz

Jennifer Banz

This Super Easy Keto Cauliflower Hummus recipe is the perfect choice for a great low carb dip for those special occasions or an easy meal prep for on-the-go! Smooth, creamy and dangerously addicting makes this keto friendly alternative to hummus a must-have recipe!

Get the Recipe: Keto Cauliflower Hummus

BLT on a Stick

Art from my Table

Art from my Table

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Creamy homemade avocado dressing drizzled over crisp butter lettuce, salty bacon, and sweet juicy grape tomatoes all on a skewer for the perfect party appetizer.

Get the Recipe: BLT on a Stick

Grilled Peach Chicken Wings

Erhardts Eat

Erhardts Eat

Summer is almost here, which mean grilling season is almost here! This Peach Grilled Chicken Wings recipe is sweet, a bit spicy and smokey for a delicious flavor combination.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Chicken Wings

Meat and Cheese Platter

The Rising Spoon

The Rising Spoon

Learn how to make a gorgeous appetizer platter that'll impress everyone and disappear quickly at your next party. This one's loaded with cured meats, cheeses, seasonal produce, and lots of sweet & savory bite-sized nibbles, so there's something for everyone.

Get the Recipe: Meat and Cheese Platter

Mushroom and Tofu Yakitori

Yum Vegan Lunch Ideas

Yum Vegan Lunch Ideas

This vegan yakitori is the perfect vegan bbq option. It's completely flavorful, covered in teriyaki.

Get the Recipe: Mushroom and Tofu Yakitori

Grilled Apricot Chicken Kabobs

Grandbaby Cakes

Grandbaby Cakes

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Store bought chicken kabobs are grilled and

jazzed up with delicious apricot preserves making the best shish kabobs ever!

Get the Recipe: Grilled Apricot Chicken Kabobs

Shrimp Ceviche With Avocado

Leanne Ray

Leanne Ray

This shrimp ceviche with avocado couldn't be easier thanks to frozen, fully-cooked shrimp. Everything gets chopped and tossed together in a bowl with fresh citrus and cilantro. Simple ingredients are transformed into a beautiful and flavorful accompaniment for salty tortilla chips.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche With Avocado

Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders

Sweet Tea + Thyme

Sweet Tea + Thyme

Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders are a fun, easy, and crazy delicious freezer-friendly dish that is a hit at get-togethers with adults and kids alike! Use your favorite cheese and type of ham in between soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls then slather on plenty of that amazing garlic butter sauce that is full of great flavor.

Get the Recipe: Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders With Garlic Butter Sauce

Sriracha Lime Grilled Shrimp

The Little Kitchen

The Little Kitchen

I love grilled shrimp and it's perfect for the summer AND al fresco dining. This recipe is so easy…it will take you no time to prepare it!

Get the Recipe: Sriracha Lime Grilled Shrimp

Loaded Black Bean Dip

The Kitchen Girl

The Kitchen Girl

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This Loaded Black Bean Dip is the easiest party food you'll ever make! It's a simple 10-minute Mexican black bean dip garnished with fresh produce and Cotija cheese. It's naturally gluten-free and vegetarian!

Get the Recipe: Loaded Black Bean Dip

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms Caprese

Lemon Blossoms

Lemon Blossoms

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms bathed in a simple balsamic herb marinade, topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes and basil and grilled to perfection. Drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze, these Caprese-style stuffed portobello mushrooms are absolutely delicious!

Get the Recipe: Grilled Portobello Mushroom Caprese

Cowboy Caviar

Tastes Better from Scratch

Tastes Better from Scratch

I can't think of a more delicious and summer appetizer than Cowboy Caviar! This simple chip dip is always a party favorite and besides being so easy to make, I especially love how fresh and healthy it is.

Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

French Onion Dip

Vintage Kitchen Notes

Vintage Kitchen Notes

Super flavorful, creamy and easy to make this appetizer is also known as French Onion dip. No more store-bought stuff as it comes together in 30 minutes! Eat it with potato chips, it's the best way!

Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip

Paleo Asian Coleslaw

I Heart Umami

I Heart Umami

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This fresh and crunchy Paleo Asian Coleslaw has shredded vegetables and with a creamy toasted Japanese sesame dressing.

Get the Recipe: Paleo Asian Coleslaw

Chunky Guacamole Dip

Sense & Edibility

Sense & Edibility

Use hass avocados to create this creamy, versatile dip. Serve with warm corn tortilla chips.

Get the recipe: Chunky Guacamole Dip

Pico de Gallo

The Healthiful Ideas

The Healthiful Ideas

Pico de Gallo is one of the easiest dips you can make along with guacamole. I like serving it with tortilla chips as a snack or an appetizer.

Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Pimento Cheese

Biscuits and Burlap

Biscuits and Burlap

Homemade pimento cheese with a smoky twist and a spicy kick is perfect for snacks and sandwiches on its own. Use it in any recipe that calls for pimento cheese as an ingredient, and take your dish up a notch or two.

Get the Recipe: Smoky Pimento Cheese

Cajun Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Lemon Blossoms

Lemon Blossoms

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These Grilled Shrimp Skewers are seasoned with a simple Cajun butter resulting in the most mouthwatering, succulent and delicious grilled shrimp. An easy appetizer or dinner recipe guaranteed to become a favorite!

Get the Recipe: Cajun Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Goat Cheese Appetizers

Biscuits and Burlap

Biscuits and Burlap

These goat cheese appetizers will become a favorite recipe for a great many reasons. They're easy to make yet impressive, universally liked, vegetarian-friendly, and beautiful.

Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Appetizers

Cheesy Pesto Naan Bread

Vintage Kitchen Notes

Vintage Kitchen Notes

This grilled naan bread, filled with melting mozzarella and pesto, requires no yeast and can be grilled in a skillet or outdoors!

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Pesto Naan Bread

Up next: 

Related: 15 Amazing Artichoke Appetizer Recipes

30 Insanely Good Appetizers That Will Slay Every Summer BBQ first appeared on Parade on May 29, 2025

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This story was originally reported by Parade on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.

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