57 BBQ Appetizer Recipes for Your Next Cookout

BBQ party coming up? Impress your guests with these amazing appetizer ideas! Choose from crowd-pleasing dips like corn and jalapeno, fancy finger foods like antipasto skewers, and even Texas cowboy caviar (trust us, it’s delicious). These BBQ appetizer recipes pair perfectly with grilled or smoked meats, but they’re tasty enough to stand alone too. Pick your favorites and get ready to wow your crew!

Antipasto Skewers

Impress your guests with easy-to-make antipasto skewers, perfect for any occasion! Made with classic Italian flavors, these crowd-pleasing bites are ideal for parties, picnics, and more.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

Smoked Gouda Bacon Cheddar Cheese Dip

Smoked gouda bacon cheddar cheese dip pairs beautifully with pretzels. So if you’re looking for the best pretzel cheese sauce recipe, look no further. This cheese dipping sauce is made with smoked gouda, cheddar and cream cheese, along with other flavourful ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda Bacon Cheddar Cheese Dip

Hot Italian Sliders

Spice up your next gathering with hot Italian sliders – the perfect appetizer for tailgating or backyard picnics! Made with slider rolls, deli meats, and cheeses, these mini sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget the marinara dipping sauce for an extra kick of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Hot Italian Sliders

Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs

Loaded deviled eggs such as these Bloody Mary eggs are always a welcome part of the BBQ, cookout, or picnic table. They’re also a handy snack at any time since you can make these unique gourmet deviled eggs ahead.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs

Taco Pinwheels

When you’re tired of the same old taco Tuesday, give these taco pinwheels a try! They are unique, amazing, and perfect for dipping. These will become one of your favorite appetizer recipes!
Get the Recipe: Taco Pinwheels

Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

These homemade mini pizza bagel bites are just as more-ish as they sound! That’s right – one is never enough. Once you know how to make bagel bites, you’ll want to rustle up this bite size pizza snack all the time.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

These crispy air fryer chicken mozzarella sticks are the perfect appetizer. Made with ground chicken and mozzarella sticks, this easy recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

Chipotle Chicken Wings with Buttermilk Firecracker Ranch

Everyone loves this tasty air fryer chicken recipe with a buttermilk firecracker ranch recipe dipping sauce. Put this one the menu and learn how to make air fryer chicken wings tonight!
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Chicken Wings with Buttermilk Firecracker Ranch

5 Layer Bean Dip

This Mexican layered dip with ground beef is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Its layers of pinto beans, ground beef, tequila lime sour cream, pico de gallo, and cheese make it a flavorful and satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: 5 Layer Bean Dip

Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

These air fryer bacon wrapped cheeseburger bites are a perfect appetizer for any occasion, with a quick and easy preparation. Whether you call them bacon wrapped meatballs or meatloaf balls, you’re sure to love their amazing taste!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

Crispy Coconut Shrimp

Crispy Coconut Shrimp has the most tender, plump shrimp with a crispy, sweet coating. This delicious combination is irresistibly crispy to make these shrimp an absolute favorite quick dinner or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Coconut Shrimp

Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce

Nacho Cheese Sauce is ridiculously easy to make, and tastes so much better than store bought. Enjoy it as a dip or on a plate of nachos.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce

BBQ Chicken Nachos

Tortilla chips piled high with shredded BBQ chicken, cheese sauce, MORE cheese, and tons of epic toppings will make these BBQ Chicken Nachos your new favorite treat. Truly irresistible and perfect for game day to any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Nachos

Onion Petals

Onion Petals with copycat Outback dipping sauce could not be any more crave-worthy. Sweet onion petals are battered, and deep fried to a crispy and golden brown, served with signature bloom’ sauce, need I say more?
Get the Recipe: Onion Petals

Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Dip

Although most grocery stores carry sweet pepper dip and other dipping options, this homemade roasted red pepper cream cheese dip is well worth the effort. It’s a Mediterranean inspired dip with bell peppers, basil, garlic, shallot, and more.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Dip

Pull Apart Jalapeño Popper Rolls

These air fryer jalapeño popper rolls are a spicy and cheesy appetizer that can be made with Pillsbury pizza or crescent dough. With hot sauce, jalapeños, and two types of cheese, these quick and easy pull apart rolls are perfect for fans of spicy food.
Get the Recipe: Pull Apart Jalapeño Popper Rolls

Everything Bagel Beer Dogs

Everything bagel beer dogs are a great game day appy which are easy to make. Cocktail weenies are coated in a tasty coating and then served with an easy horseradish mayo dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Beer Dogs

Crab Cake Egg Rolls

Prepare an amazing appetizer with these air fryer crab cake egg rolls that are easy to make and bursting with flavors of Old Bay, lemon, and sriracha. Dip them in the fire sauce for an extra kick and enjoy the perfectly crispy texture achieved by air frying.
Get the Recipe: Crab Cake Egg Rolls

Avocado Herb Green Goddess Dip

Whether you want to dip veggie sticks, melba toast, chips, crackers, or something else, this avocado herb green goddess dip is really good. Pair it with a vegetable board or charcuterie platter and enjoy the fresh flavours in every mouthful.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Herb Green Goddess Dip

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites

Bacon-wrapped chicken bites are simply the best!! They are the perfect bite with smokey bacon on the outside and chicken slathered with cream cheese and jalapenos on the inside. Make up a batch of these for Super Bowl, game day, or any gathering for that matter.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites

Parmesan Truffle Polenta Fries

These crispy polenta fries, flavored with parmesan and truffle, are perfect as a side dish or appetizer and can be paired with a delicious truffle mayo dipping sauce. If you serve them at your next gathering, your guests are sure to ask for the recipe!
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Truffle Polenta Fries

Italian Antipasto Squares

Enjoy the flavor of delicious deli cuts with pepperoncini, ham, cheese and more with this delicious recipe for antipasto squares. They’re fun to make, easy enough, and perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Get the Recipe: Italian Antipasto Squares

Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Wings

Grilled Korean BBQ chicken wings are tender, juicy, and covered in mouthwatering sweet heat sauce after being perfectly grilled with indirect heat! A delicious appetizer that takes only 5 minutes to prep!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Wings

Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs W/ Jalapeno

Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs with Jalapeno are a fun Southern twist on deviled eggs. Complete with Instant Pot and stovetop instructions!
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs W/ Jalapeno

Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket

These air fryer bacon jalapeño cheese pigs in a blanket are a quick and delicious finger food or appetizer, made with Pillsbury pizza dough, bratwurst, cheese, and jalapeños. They’re perfect for game day or entertaining guests.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket

Chunky Guacamole

This chunky guacamole recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Made with avocados, tomatoes, green onions, chilies, lime juice, and cilantro, it is a perfect addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole

Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa

Make your own fresh tomatillo red chili salsa with this easy copycat Chipotle recipe that’s perfect as a snack or appetizer with chips or crackers, and goes great with steak, chicken, or any south of the border inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa

Brownie S’mores Dip

The Brownie S’mores Dip Recipe is the perfect indulgent treat for summertime gatherings, combining the delicious flavors of classic s’mores with a rich, chocolatey brownie base. Baking the dip in a cast-iron skillet adds a rustic charm, while the gooey marshmallow layer and melted chocolate chunks are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Get the Recipe: Brownie S’mores Dip

Warm Rustic Black Bean Dip

This warm rustic black bean dip recipe would make any party a hit. The bean dip has it all, lots of garlic, chilies, chili powders, 4 kinds of cheese, and more make it a memorable feast. Game Day or family get-togethers won’t be the same without it.
Get the Recipe: Warm Rustic Black Bean Dip

Crunchy Southwest Chicken Pinwheels

Crunchy Southwest chicken pinwheels are loaded with creamy chicken, veggies, and cheese, and they get a crunch from crushed tortilla strips, which sends them to another level. They are perfect for a lunchbox, after-school snack, or as an appetizer for game day!!
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Southwest Chicken Pinwheels

Southwestern Egg Rolls

Juicy chicken, melted Pepper Jack cheese, black beans, bell peppers, and corn seasoned with southwest-inspired seasonings and fried to crispy perfections! You can fry, air fry, or bake these easy egg rolls which are a Chili’s Restaurant copycat. The quick creamy mashed avocado ranch dipping sauce is the perfect final touch!
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Egg Rolls

Cheddar Pigs In A Blanket

If you’ve never tried pigs in a blanket with cheese before, make this recipe! Sliced cheddar cheese and flaked salt takes this classic game day recipe and turns up the flavor! A fast and easy appetizer for holiday parties, get-togethers, or events!
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Pigs In A Blanket

Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches

Transport your taste buds to Italy with these amazing pressed Italian picnic sandwiches! Perfect for lunch or a summer picnic, these sandwiches are bursting with authentic flavors that will have you coming back for more. These will become one of your favorite appetizer recipes!
Get the Recipe: Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Spicy Corn and Jalapeño Cheese Dip

Spicy corn and jalapeño cheese dip makes great party food. You can make this jalapeño corn dip in the crockpot and make it as spicy (or not) as you choose. This slow cooker dip recipe is always a BIG hit and this easy street corn dip doesn’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Spicy Corn and Jalapeño Cheese Dip

Pink Beetroot Hummus

This healthy and colourful appetizer is a nice change from a classic hummus recipe. Roasted beets and tahini are the star ingredients of this easy pink beetroot hummus recipe. This homemade hummus is the perfect dip or healthy spread for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Pink Beetroot Hummus

Smoked Cream Cheese

It’s one of the best smoked appetizer ideas you can make with a pellet grill or Traeger smoker. Find out how to smoke cheese and get ready for this brand new jalapeno and cheese flavour experience with this tasty appetizer dip.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cream Cheese

Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip

Despite its name, this Texan recipe doesn’t actually contain any fish or caviar, but it’s a delicious and colorful appetizer that’s perfect for summer barbecues, and a great option for those looking for a vegan Southwest-style dip or a bean and corn salsa.
Get the Recipe: Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip

Street Corn Nachos

These elote Mexican street corn nachos offer a delicious twist to the classic Mexican nachos recipe, featuring a zesty cheese sauce and unique toppings that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Once you try them, you’ll surely agree that the combination of elote and nacho chips is an unbeatable culinary delight.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Nachos

BBQ Peach Bourbon Wings

These delicious air fryer BBQ peach bourbon wings can be served as an appetizer or as part of a tasty dinner for any occasion. The combination of peach and bourbon flavors with the chicken wings, cooked to perfection in the air fryer, will leave your guests wanting more!
Get the Recipe: BBQ Peach Bourbon Wings

Crab Cakes with Garlic Lemon Chipotle Aioli

Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make meal with these air fryer crab cakes served with a flavorful garlic lemon chipotle aioli sauce. These Southwest-inspired crab cakes make a perfect addition to any dinner menu, and the air frying method makes them crispy and delicious in no time!
Get the Recipe: Crab Cakes with Garlic Lemon Chipotle Aioli

Loaded Slow Cooker Taco Dip

If you’re looking for a loaded slow cooker taco dip recipe, this Mexican inspired party dip should tick all your boxes! Once you’ve prepared the ingredients and loaded them in your slow cooker, you can simply forget about.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Slow Cooker Taco Dip

Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer

For a delightful Italian appetizer, try making fresh burrata-stuffed tomatoes – a quick, simple, and colorful dish that’s perfect for bite-sized finger food. With only four ingredients, plus salt and pepper, these appetizers are appetizing without being too filling, making them a great start to an Italian-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer

Antipasto Board

Make the Italian antipasto board or holiday antipasto wreath your new appetizer tradition – a delicious party platter featuring a variety of cheeses, deli meats, vegetables, and a flavorful garlicky herb dressing that’s sure to please every palate.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Board

Italian Stromboli Recipe

Experience the taste of true Italian flavors with this authentic stromboli recipe, originating from South Philly where Italian immigrants first created this Italian-American dish. With its combination of deli meats, cheese, and rich Italian flavors rolled into a delicious sandwich, this easy-to-make stromboli is a great way to spice up any pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Italian Stromboli Recipe

Easy Strawberry Jalapeño Jam

This delicious jalapeño and fruit jelly without pectin pairs sweetness with a hit of spice from the chilli pepper. It’s certainly an unusual recipe and you can tweak the spice level to suit your palate.
Get the Recipe: Easy Strawberry Jalapeño Jam

Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado

If you’re a seafood lover, you have to give Mexican shrimp ceviche a try. With its fresh ingredients and tangy flavors, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. This will become one of your favorite appetizer recipes!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado

Sheet Pan Blackened Tilapia Fish Nachos

These sheet pan blackened tilapia fish nachos are the perfect meal for any night of the week. Made with crispy blackened tilapia, and loaded with all your favourite nacho toppings, these fish nachos are sure to become a new family favorite
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Blackened Tilapia Fish Nachos

Pasta Chips

Pasta Chips are a deliciously crunchy viral TikTok recipe that’s perfect for enjoying with warm marinara sauce or any of your favorite dips! Ready for dipping and eating in just under 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Pasta Chips

Corn Ribs

Corn Ribs slices ears of fresh sweet corn into strips and seasons them before they get charred up to perfectly sweet and slightly chewy corn! Prep this Tiktok side dish in just 15 minutes! These will become one of your favorite appetizer recipes!
Get the Recipe: Corn Ribs

Mini Corn Dogs

These Mini Corn Dogs take half hot dogs, roll them in a sweet, cornmeal batter, and then deep fry to golden brown perfection! Great for a weekend snack, game day appetizer, or a quick lunch your kids will love!
Get the Recipe: Mini Corn Dogs

Korean Corn Cheese (Elote Style)

Korean corn cheese, a delectable fusion of cheesy and sweet flavors with a hint of savory taste, has gained immense popularity among snack enthusiasts. Its combination with the Mexican elote flavors, including cotija cheese, mayo, lime, and cayenne, offers a more enhanced and delightful way to relish corn during the summer season.
Get the Recipe: Korean Corn Cheese (Elote Style)

Honey Sriracha Wings

These sweet and spicy wings are so tasty that they taste like they came from a trendy take out spot. But, they are homemade and really easy to make, so you can make them at home anytime you want.
Get the Recipe: Honey Sriracha Wings

Texas Twinkies

Texas Twinkies are an easy recipe of jalapenos stuffed with a cheesy brisket filling, wrapped in salty bacon, and brushed with BBQ sauce!
Get the Recipe: Texas Twinkies

Brioche Pretzels

Brioche Pretzels with Smoked Gouda Beer Cheese Dip! … Brioche Pretzels? With Smoked Gouda Beer Cheese Dip? What?! If it sounds like heaven, it’s because it is! These soft and buttery brioche pretzels are flaky and delicious! The outer shell is smooth and the crumb is pillowy soft like a cloud!
Get the Recipe: Brioche Pretzels

5-Minute Chunky Vegan Queso

In a pinch and need something quick and easy? Look no further, this 5-minute chunky vegan queso is not only easy but is super delicious! It comes together in about 5 minutes and has less than 10 ingredients!
Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Chunky Vegan Queso

Asparagus and Prosciutto Puff Pastry Bundles

These Asparagus and Prosciutto Puff Pastry Bundles are the perfect appetizers for Brunch or any party! Asparagus, prosciutto, and cheese wrapped together inside of a puff pastry and cooked until perfectly golden – you can’t go wrong. They’re easy to make, quick, and so delicious!
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and Prosciutto Puff Pastry Bundles

Tzatziki Sauce

Elevate your everyday meals with the thick and luscious Tzatziki Sauce, infused with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that burst with freshness. Made with yogurt, cucumber, dill, and lemon juice, this versatile Greek sour cream dip adds a tangy and crunchy texture to your favorite dishes and is a must-have in your fridge for an instant flavor boost.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki Sauce