From cheeseburger sliders to BBQ meatballs, here are 23 of our favorite recipes for your next cookout. When the Summer sun is out, it can only mean one thing: it’s time for barbecue! Barbecues are all about grilled meats, but appetizers are fun to serve, too. Grilling takes a while, so if you don’t want your guests to go pale from hunger, you better serve them some starters!
The Best BBQ Appetizers
Too busy to think of appetizers for your fun barbecue? Don’t worry, that’s what I’m here for! I’ve scoured the web and rounded up some of the best BBQ appetizers. These 23 appetizers will make your barbecue a sure-fire hit.
1. Pineapple Salsa
Let’s get the ball rolling with an easy salsa with a fun tropical twist! Fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, cilantro, and pineapple: that’s what I call summer in a bowl. The addition of pineapple gives this salsa a sweet and spicy combo! Serve this with chips for an epic appetizer. The pineapple bowl makes it even more special!
2. Cheeseburger Sliders
This recipe makes the perfect juicy and meaty cheeseburger sliders. The best part? These sliders only take 30 minutes to make from beginning to end! That’s what makes them an exceptional BBQ appetizer. Plus, you can even prepare them in advance and reheat when you’re ready to serve. Just microwave for a few seconds and they’re ready.
3. BBQ Meatballs
You know what goes well with BBQ? More BBQ! There are two reasons I’m in love with this BBQ meatballs recipe. First, it makes the juiciest and tastiest meatballs I’ve ever had in my life. Second, they’re insanely easy to make. I always thought meatballs were such a hassle to make. But when I came across this recipe, everything changed. “Only three ingredients?” It seemed too good to be true. But then I tried it… and now I’m a believer. Everything this recipe says is true! Three ingredients, 5 minutes of prep time, and a crockpot. That’s all it takes.
4. Pulled Pork Sliders
These pulled pork sliders are sweet, savory, and spectacular. Pulled pork and coleslaw resting in between buttery buns? What a thing of beauty! Whether you serve them as an appetizer or as a main entrée, it doesn’t matter. They will disappear in seconds. They’re also a breeze to make! These stunners come together in just 30 minutes. Less time in the kitchen, more time for entertaining!
5. Queso Dip
Four cheeses in one dip. That’s the stuff! I love chips and salsa. I truly do. But if you’re going to make me choose between salsa and this queso dip? I pick the latter. This queso dip is like no other. I mean, come on, it has four different types of cheese in it! Jalapeno cheddar cheese, white American cheese, white Queso Blanco, and whole milk. In the words of Barney Stinson, “It’s gonna be legend–wait for it–dairy!” This recipe is so easy, you can make it using three methods. You can use either the stove, the slow cooker, or the microwave. Yes, the microwave. Easy-peasy!
6. Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a blanket. First of all: that name is so much fun to say. Second, these fantastic finger foods are a hit at every party! I have nothing but love for pigs in a blanket. Hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls — it sounds so simple, yet the taste is phenomenal. I can munch on these guys all day. The addition of cheese makes this treat even more special. They’re quick and easy to make, too! All it takes are three ingredients: hotdogs, cheese, and crescent dinner rolls. Serve them with ketchup and mustard, and you’ll have the perfect BBQ appetizer!
7. Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
These bite-sized beauties are always a crowd favorite, and it’s not surprising. They’re mind-blowing! Complete with bacon, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and tortillas, they’re definitely drool-worthy. They’re easy to prepare, too! You can serve them hot or cold, which means you can make them in advance. When you’re hosting a BBQ, that’s so helpful! Hearty, delicious, and easy to make, they’re everything you want in an appetizer.
8. Corn Dip
Hello everyone. My name is Kim, and I’m a dip-aholic. With this addictive corn dip, who wouldn’t be? It’s made with corn, but there’s nothing corny about this dip at all. It has everything in it: corn, jalapenos, mayo sour cream, cheese, the works! Who can say no to that? This corn dip is a certified crowd-pleaser. I suggest you double the recipe because one batch won’t last very long.
9. Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon
We’ve talked about pigs in a blanket, now let’s put the spotlight on little smokies wrapped in bacon. When you combine little smokies and bacon, you make a heavenly masterpiece. The added brown sugar makes it even more divine!
10. Potato Skins
Crisp potato skins loaded with sour cream, bacon, green onions, and melted cheese. It’s the perfect bite. While a lot of recipes call for deep frying the potatoes, this one doesn’t. That’s what makes it ideal for barbecues. Who has the time to fry potatoes when you have a grill to fire up? With this recipe, all you need is to pop those spuds in the oven and wait.
11. Easy Cheesy Bread
Soft, chewy, garlicky, and oozing with melted cheese: this bread has it all! If you think this recipe is difficult, think again! This bread could not be easier to make. All you need to do is cut Italian bread in half and load it with garlic butter and mozzarella. Pop it in the oven, and that’s it. Just like my niece loves to say, easy-peasy lemon-squeezy!
12. Garlic Grilled Shrimp
Skewer some shrimp and grill them to perfection for the ultimate summer treat! Shrimp is the king of the sea. It’s just so sweet, plump, and juicy! While it’s perfect just the way it is, it also can’t hurt to marinate it. This recipe calls for lemon, garlic, fresh herbs, and spices. It adds a hint of tanginess that enhances the shrimp’s flavor even further.
13. Easy Nachos
Get your party started with loads of loaded nachos! When it comes to appetizers, you can’t go wrong with crunchy tortilla chips with everything on top. It’s the easiest way to impress your guests! What’s also great about nachos is that you can use whatever meats, cheeses, and veggies you have on hand. No need to head to the grocery store! Everything you need is in your fridge. The only two non-negotiables for this recipe are the tortilla chips and the cheese. You can go crazy on the toppings from there! For the meat, you can use ground beef, turkey, chicken, pork–anything. And the veggies, just add whatever you want! Tomatoes, olives, corn, onions, jalapenos, the sky’s the limit. Finish it off with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for the most phenomenal party appetizer.
14. Spinach Artichoke Dip
This spinach artichoke dip is insane! Rich, creamy, cheesy, and so addictive. Sure, it’s made with veggies, but I guarantee even the kids will love it. If you’ve been using store-bought spinach artichoke dip all your life, you’re missing out. Trust me, homemade dip is so much better! It doesn’t take a pro to make it, either. Plus, there’s a different satisfaction to making something from scratch. Seriously, there’s no reason not to make this dip yourself.
15. Watermelon Skewers
Nothing beats the hot summer weather better than a refreshing slice of watermelon. This recipe combines watermelon, cantaloupe, melon, and prosciutto in one fantastic skewer! Drizzled with balsamic vinegar and grilled to perfection, it’s the ultimate summer starter! As a bonus, it’s also nutritious and low calorie.
16. Grilled Potato Chips
These grilled potato chips are 100 times better than store-bought! The key to the best homemade chips? Thinly and evenly sliced spuds. How to do it? Easy: just use a mandolin slicer. This nifty little tool is a lifesaver! Once you’ve nailed down the slicing, it’s just a matter of grilling the chips. Five minutes on each side and they’re done. See, not so hard, is it?
17. Bruschetta
If you’re feeling a little fancy, how about serving the guests with some Bruschetta? No one can say no to a crisp toast topped with tomatoes, basil, and parmesan! The veggies are coated in balsamic vinegar and olive oil for maximum flavor. It may be simple, but they definitely hit the spot. So light and refreshing! It’s perfect for the summer.
18. Jalapeno Poppers
Unbelievably crunchy, cheesy, these jalapeno poppers are a must at every BBQ. Even those who don’t like spicy food can’t resist these charming poppers. The rich and creamy cheese tones down the heat from the peppers. Together, they make one delicious bite.
19. Deviled Eggs
Creamy, dreamy deviled eggs. These bad boys are sinful, indeed. They have a certain charm and appeal that no one can resist. That luscious golden center is so heavenly, it’s to die for! All you need to make it are eggs, yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, and pepper! Then top it with smoked paprika and fresh chives. And that’s it! How can something this good be so easy to make?
20. Chips and Guacamole
Did you know that Chipotle has released its official guacamole recipe? Being the guacamole lover that I am, I tried it immediately! And oh my gosh, it is so darn delicious. This is the only guacamole you will ever need. All it takes are avocados, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt!
21. Zucchini Fries
I know how tough it can be to host a barbeque and be on a diet at the same time. Thankfully, these zucchini fries are both delicious and guilt-free! These fries don’t involve potatoes at all but don’t discount them just yet. They may be made with zucchini and baked instead of fried but trust me, they’re fantastic. The key is to give the zucchini sticks a parmesan herb dressing. It’s what makes them so crunchy-delicious! For more flavor, serve the zucchini fries with a variety of dips. Marinara, aioli, and ranch are some of the best.
22. Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
If you’re looking for an appetizer your guests will fall in love with, look no further. Grilled chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion make these lip-smacking skewers. No one can say no to these sweet and savory Hawaiian chicken kebabs! They’re the ultimate tropical treat. I never pictured myself making kebabs. I used to think they were so complicated to make. But now that I’ve tried this easy recipe, I see myself making it again and again. And again.
23. Buffalo Chicken Dip
I’ve already featured several dips, so it’s safe to say I have an obsession. If you only make one dip for your BBQ, it should be this one. Rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, blue cheese dressing, and hot sauce all in one mouth-watering dip. What more can you ask for? The best part about? It’s a cinch to make. You need not be a rocket scientist to pull off this crowd favorite. Click on a star to rate it!
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