59 Summer Appetizer Recipes to Get the Party Started

Whether you’re planning snacks for a buffet or just want to offer a light bite before the main course, this wide variety of summer appetizer recipes has you covered. You’ll find unique options like smoked trout dip and tortellini caprese skewers, alongside classics like crab cakes, roasted tomato crostini, and classic bruschetta. These appetizers combine elegance with vibrant flavors, perfect for kicking off any meal. Let’s get this party started!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Roast Beef Sliders

Tender roast beef topped with melted cheddar cheese on a soft sweet roll make these baked roast beef sliders a fun choice anytime you need a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

Pimento cheese is a creamy cheese spread that is a southern staple. This spicy version of Pimento Cheese with Jalapenos has just the right amount of heat. This spreadable cheese makes the perfect dip, sandwich or topping for burgers!
Get the Recipe: Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

Air Fryer Apple Fries

Air fryer apple fries taste just like an apple pie — but are way easier to whip up. As a bonus, your entire house will be filled with the wonderful aromas of apple, cinnamon, and sugar.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fries

Avocado Roll

Forego the expensive raw fish and make this delicious and inexpensive Avocado Roll! This avocado sushi roll recipe is filled with creamy avocado and wrapped in seasoned sushi rice.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Roll

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

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

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

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

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

Salmon Bruschetta

This twist on a classic Italian appetizer is perfect for summer. Salmon makes this elegant and easy for a summer starter that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Bruschetta

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

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

Roasted Zucchini Rolls With Guacamole

Roasted zucchini stuffed with guacamole is such a tasty summer combination. These rolls are a great appetizer, and you might want to save the recipe for the zucchini season for the best side dish!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Zucchini Rolls With Guacamole

Watermelon Pizza

Slice a fresh watermelon and top it with yogurt and berries for a fresh and fruity summer appetizer that tastes amazing and is so healthy!
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Pizza

Caprese Salad Cracker Stacks

Bring caprese salad flavor to a cracker stack for a flavorful and easy appetizer that captures the flavor of summer in each bite.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad Cracker Stacks

Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Who could resist these easy mozzarella balls? This recipe is easy but is certain to be a favorite by anyone who tries them. This recipe can also be frozen for future entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Avocado Goat Cheese Cucumber Bites

This appetizer is so easy to assemble, but it looks and tastes ultra elegant. Avocado and goat cheese are such a flavorful combination for summer snacking with friends.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Goat Cheese Cucumber Bites

Roasted Tomato and Avocado Crostini

Avocado and tomatoes are such a wonderful combination for a summer snack to share. This recipe might be simple, but it delivers big flavor in each bite.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato and Avocado Crostini

Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Top bruschetta with goat cheese, tomatoes and balsamic glaze for a summery appetizer that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine and good company.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Avocado Deviled Eggs

Add a special twist to a satisfying appetizer with this recipe for avocado deviled eggs. They’re easy to make and full of flavor! Who needs regular deviled eggs when you can have these!
Get the Recipe: Avocado Deviled Eggs

Grilled Peach and Ricotta Crostini

Grilled peaches pair perfectly with ricotta cheese to make this tasty crostini. Serve this at a summer gathering and anticipate rave reviews!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach and Ricotta Crostini

Caprese Ladybug Bites

These bites look like ladybugs but have all of the flavor of caprese for a fun party food. These are guaranteed to be a favorite amongst your guests.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Ladybug Bites

Easy Smoked Trout Dip

Smoked trout tastes like an upscale offering, but this recipe is so easy. Make this for a party or for simple summer snacking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Trout Dip

Jalapeno Shrimp Bites

Top jalapeno pita chips with succulent and spicy shrimp with jalapeno for a show stopping appetizer. Make these to share, or to munch on at home. Either way, you will love these bold flavors together.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Shrimp Bites

Jalapeno Smoked Cream Cheese

Smoked cream cheese is just the thing to serve for a simple appetizer that will keep drawing people back for another taste. Add jalapenos to the top to spice things up.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Smoked Cream Cheese

Necatarine Bruschetta

Use fresh summer nectarines, crusty bread and ricotta cheese to make this no baking required appetizer. This pairs perfectly with white wine for a cocktail party, but you can also make this for a simple summer snack to enjoy at home.
Get the Recipe: Necatarine Bruschetta

Cajun Spiced Peanuts

Add spicy nuts to your appetizer options for variety and a little heat! This recipe is easy and the results are perfect for a healthier summer snack.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Spiced Peanuts

Cucumber Hummus Bites

This appetizer is fresh, flavorful and budget friendly. It uses sliced cucumbers, feta and hummus to make a snack that you can offer to a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Hummus Bites

Cool Cucumber Salsa

This simple appetizer is perfect for the hottest summer night. It uses cool cucumbers to add a refreshing element that tastes amazing with salty tortilla chips.
Get the Recipe: Cool Cucumber Salsa

Mango Guacamole

Make guacamole with a tasty twist for an easy appetizer to share. This recipe uses mangoes to add a new flavor element that I know you are going to love.
Get the Recipe: Mango Guacamole

Mozzarella Bruschetta

Bruschetta makes for an ideal summer appetizer. Use fresh tomatoes and basil for an unforgettable flavor that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Bruschetta

Peach Barbecue Little Smokies

These Peach Barbecue Little Smokies are going to be an instant game day party hit! Made in the slow cooker with barbecue sauce, peach preserves, and cayenne pepper, it’s an addictive appetizer recipe everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Peach Barbecue Little Smokies

Prosciutto Melon and Mozzarella Skewers

Proscuitto, mozarella and melon are such a delicious combination. These skewers are sure to disappear from the food table fast, so make extras!
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Melon and Mozarella Skewers

Asparagus and Proscuitto Bundles

Tuck salty proscuitto and tender asparagus into puff pastry for a flaky and delicious appetizer option that offers a little bit of everything in each bite.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and Proscuitto Bundles

Spinach, Bacon and Onion Dip

Crusty bread slices and spinach, bacon and onion dip are perfect partners for a satisfying starter. This recipe is easy and so tasty for a snack before dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach, Bacon and Onion Dip