43 Labor Day Appetizers for a Sizzling Summer Send-Off

It’s not a party without appetizers! Summer is sadly ending, so throw a party and make the last of the long days count. Whether you’re hosting a get-together with family and friends or just firing up the grill for summer’s last hurrah, these Labor Day appetizers are a great way to kick off any backyard barbecue. These recipes will take your Labor Day celebration to the next level and help you close the season out with style. These tasty party starters and easy appetizers are the perfect way to bid farewell to your favorite season. May your Labor Day long weekend be filled with food, family, and fun!

Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

A plate with bacon wrapped cheeseburger bites and some fries.

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Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Smoked Gouda Bacon Cheddar Cheese Dip

Above view of smoked gouda bacon cheddar cheese dip with pretzels.
Smoked Gouda Bacon Cheddar Cheese Dip. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Sliders with deli meats and cheeses on a platter.
Hot Italian Sliders. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

A platter full of deviled eggs.
Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Dip

Above view of roasted red pepper cream cheese dip
Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Dip. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Jalapeno popper rolls on a plate with a bowl of dip.
Pull Apart Jalapeño Popper Rolls. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Bagel beer dogs on a plate.
Everything Bagel Beer Dogs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

A plate of egg rolls and a bowl of dipping sacue.
Crab Cake Egg Rolls. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Taco Pinwheels

Close view of taco pinwheels.
Taco Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Incredible Recipes.

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

Mini bagel bites.
Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Antipasto Skewers

Antipasto appetizer on skewers.
Antipasto Skewers. Photo credit: xoxobella.

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

Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

Overhead view of homemade chicken mozzarella sticks on a platter.
Chicken Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

5 Layer Bean Dip

Layered bean dip in a jar.
5 Layer Bean Dip. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches

Overhead view of a basket of pressed Italian sandwiches.
Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches. Photo credit: 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 in a black bowl.
Spicy Corn and Jalapeño Cheese Dip. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Smoked Cream Cheese

Above view of smoked cream cheese in a cast iron pan.
Smoked Cream Cheese – Tik Tok Recipe. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Cowboy caviar dip and tortilla chips.
Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

A plate of nachos and street corn.
Street Corn Nachos. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Homemade wings on a platter with dipping sauce.
BBQ Peach Bourbon Wings. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Overhead view of crab cakes with a dipping sacue.
Crab Cakes with Garlic Lemon Chipotle Aioli. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

A black casserole dish of taco dip.
Loaded Taco Dip. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Crispy Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp on a plate with sauce
Crispy Coconut Shrimp. Photo credit: The Stay At Home Chef.

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

BBQ Chicken Nachos

BBQ chicken nacho's on a pan.
BBQ Chicken Nachos. Photo credit: This Silly Girls Kitchen.

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

Avocado Herb Green Goddess Dip

Side view of avocado herb green dip with vegatbles on the side.
Avocado Herb Green Goddess Dip. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

A plate with chicken bites and bacon.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Noshing with the Nolands.

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

Polenta fries on a small baking sheet.
Parmesan Truffle Polenta Fries. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

An antipasto square being served on a spatula.
Italian Antipasto Squares. Photo credit: My Incredible Recipes.

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

Chicken wings in a bowl.
Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Sugar and Soul.

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

Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket

Bacon jalapeno pigs in a blanket served on a plate.
Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

A large bowl of homemade guacamole.
Chunky Guacamole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Homemade red salsa in a bowl with a tortilla chip in it.
Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Warm Rustic Black Bean Dip

Scooping bean dip with a tortilla chip.
Warm Rustic Black Bean Dip. Photo credit: Noshing with the Nolands.

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

Overhead view of a platter of pinwheels.
Crunchy Southwest Chicken Pinwheels. Photo credit: Noshing with the Nolands.

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

A plate with egg rolls and dip.
Southwestern Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Averie Cooks.

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

Holding a cheddar pig in a blanket.
Cheddar Pigs In A Blanket. Photo credit: Averie Cooks.

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

Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer

Tomatoes filled with burrata on a serving tray.
Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado

Shrimp ceviche in a bowl with avocado on top.
Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Sheet pan tilapia nachos.
Sheet Pan Blackened Tilapia Fish Nachos. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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 on a plate.
Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Sugar and Soul.

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 on a plate.
Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Sugar and Soul.

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

Mini corn dogs on as stick.
Mini Corn Dogs. Photo credit: Sugar and Soul.

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

Texas Twinkies

texas twinkies on a plate.
Texas Twinkies. Photo credit: Sugar and Soul.

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

5-Minute Chunky Vegan Queso

Vegan queso in a bowl with chips.
5-Minute Chunky Vegan Queso. Photo credit: Britney Breaks Bread.

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

Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti of xoxoBella is a storyteller, food lover, dog mom and adventure seeker living on the Pacific coast. She shares her passion for recipes, dogs, sustainability, adventures, travel and philanthropy, in hopes of encouraging followers to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places and stand for a cause. Bella lives with Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease.

Bella Bucchiotti is a freelance food, travel, and lifestyle writer for MSN and the Associated Press Wire.

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