Summer is finally here, and so is the official start of outdoor entertaining season. From picnics and patio dinner parties to celebrate Mom and Dad, to Cinco de Mayo and Juneteenth gatherings, or to cheer on a new grad, there’s no shortage of reasons to host a get-together. If your social calendar is full but your arsenal of appetizers is lacking, you’ve come to the right place. We’re sharing some of our favorite crowd-pleasing summer appetizers that are ready to party whenever you are. These finger-friendly bites are easy to make, serve, and scale for any crowd using seasonal, affordable ingredients. Great for groups of any age, these celebratory snacks are as fun as they are flavorful. Pick your favorite or serve a mix-and-match spread for easy, delicious entertaining, no matter what the occasion.
Antipasto Party Cups
Whether you’re hosting at home or hitting the road, these tasty party cups are ready to roll anytime. All the best parts of an Italian antipasto platter, like salami, mozzarella, stuffed peppers, and olives, are ready to mix and mingle, served inside individual plastic cups for easy serving and cleanup.
Get the recipe: Antipasto Party Cups
Ham and Brie Sliders
These summer appetizers go from game day to backyard party. Savory, sweet, and slightly surprising, these two-bite sandwiches pack in flavor. Blueberry jam adds fruity tang to a combination of honey ham, melty Brie, and peppery arugula served warm on gently toasted Hawaiian rolls.
Get the recipe: Ham and Brie Sliders
Italian Marinated Cheese with Crackers
Say goodbye to boring cheese plates! Three kinds of cheese make this no-cook summer appetizer one-of-a-kind. Colby Jack, sharp Cheddar, and cream cheese are all flavored with a zippy, herb-flecked marinade that can be assembled and kept in the fridge up to 24 hours before party time.
Get the recipe: Italian Marinated Cheese with Crackers
Mini Corn Dogs
Bring the carnival to your backyard with mini corn dogs that will make everyone feel like a kid again. Boxed corn muffin mix is the shortcut to a flavorful, crispy batter for all-beef hot dogs that are quickly deep-fried and served on skewers.
Get the recipe: Mini Corn Dogs
Grilled Pizza on a Stick
If you’re throwing a bash for the pizza-lover in your life, these unexpected kabobs are sure to stack up rave reviews. Refrigerated pizza dough brushed with garlic butter and a customizable mix of toppings, like pepperoni, sausage, peppers, and mushrooms, is turned party-ready, served on skewers, and cooked on the grill. Don’t forget the warm tomato sauce for dunking.
Get the recipe: Grilled Pizza on a Stick
Vegetarian Summer Rolls
These delicious and refreshing summer rolls are everything we love about the season. Fresh herbs, crisp veggies, and hearty rice noodles are all rolled up into rice paper wraps for the perfect Vietnamese-inspired light bite. Dip them in the creamy and savory peanut sauce for the ultimate, crave-worthy summer appetizer.
Get the recipe: Vegetarian Summer Rolls
Vegetable Flower Bouquet with Dip
Kids can help assemble this edible summer appetizer that’s perfect for any Mother’s Day celebration. Six kinds of crunchy vegetables combine into adorable bouquets complete with cucumber and tomato “flowers” sitting in individual cups filled with ranch dip.
Get the recipe: Vegetable Flower Bouquet with Dip
Mediterranean Seven Layer Dip
This reimagined take on a classic party dip will transport your guests to the Greek Isles. Get a jump on party prep with this make-ahead appetizer that layers seven kinds of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, including feta, tzatziki, hummus, and Kalamata olives, served with pita chips for scooping.
Get the recipe: Mediterranean Seven Layer Dip
Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta
Traditional bruschetta gets a summery makeover in this version that’s cooked on the barbecue—and guests won’t see it coming. Tangy balsamic-marinated strawberries and fresh basil combine over creamy ricotta served on slices of grilled baguette.
Get the recipe: Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta
Grilled Sausage Stuffed Mini Peppers
This light but satisfying appetizer is ready to celebrate with just four ingredients and 10 minutes of simple prep. Halved sweet mini peppers are a colorful, crunchy vehicle for pieces of Italian sausage stuffed inside, skewered, and cooked on the grill.
Get the recipe: Grilled Sausage Stuffed Mini Peppers
Texas Caviar
This make-ahead, vegan-friendly party app works as both a chunky salsa and a crunchy accompaniment for grilled meat and Tex-Mex meals. A warm dressing of red wine vinegar, olive oil, and garlic helps to meld the flavors of two kinds of beans, peppers, corn, and red onion, all finished with fresh cilantro.
Get the recipe: Texas Caviar
Pasta Salad Skewers
Always-popular pasta salad moves from the picnic basket to the center of the party with this recipe that ditches the fork. Tender tortellini, mozzarella, salami, and a mix of crisp veggies become a finger-friendly summer appetizer stacked on skewers and served with your choice of sauces for dipping.
Get the recipe: Pasta Salad Skewers
Grilled Onion Dip
Transform a large sweet onion with smoked paprika, a package of onion soup and dip mix, and a mixture sour cream, cream cheese, and mayonnaise. It’s a party-ready dip that gets a boost of flavor straight from the grill. The best part? Make this ahead of time, and it only gets better as it sits in the fridge.
Get the recipe: Grilled Onion Dip
