80 Best Summer Appetizers - Easy Ideas For Summer Appetizers

PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Whether you're hosting a cookout or attending a potluck, no summer dinner party is complete without a few good appetizers. Sure, you could just put out store-bought , but trust us, homemade really is better. Plus, appetizers are the perfect way to keep the crowd occupied while you put the finishing touches on the main course. Check out our list of 80 summer appetizers—they’ll keep your loved ones happy from 'til .

Since we wait so long for summer produce, we can't wait to take advantage of it once it peaks. That means using an abundance of fresh fruits and veggies in everything from and dips to fritters and flatbreads, like this or our .

Even when it comes to basic snacks, you can do better than the store-bought stuff. We love the convenience of a glass jar of salsa, but one thing you can’t get at the store are fresh and flavorful dips that feature in-season produce. Try our recipe for , our colorful , or our jammy . They're all easy enough to execute so make a few so that there's something for everyone to dig into.

Looking for other dishes that show off the very best of summer's bounty? Try our , our , and our hearty .

Want more summertime inspiration? Check out our favorite , , , and too.

1

Best-Ever Guacamole

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: FRANCESCA ZANI

When in doubt, serve guacamole. Whether you serve it as a simple , load it on top of , or smear it on a bun as a topping, this recipe is sure to go fast.

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2

Grilled Tomato Feta Pizzettes

PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

The undying love for tomato and continues, and we can’t get enough. These little pizzettes are excellent for a lazy backyard hangout. The combination of grilled pizza dough, charred sweet tomatoes, and briny salty feta is easy to love.

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Loaded Cheesy Corn Bites

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Packed with cheese, bacon, and three types of corn, these loaded cheesy corn bites will be the first app gone at your summer cookout.

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4

Melon Prosciutto Skewers

PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

An iconic summer appetizer, these melon prosciutto skewers get a flavorful upgrade with the addition of creamy mozzarella, , and rich balsamic. It's the ultimate combination of sweet and salty flavors.

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Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta

PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

is one of our favorite summer appetizers because it's quick to throw together and is guaranteed to please. This one takes it over the top with the addition of fresh summer , sweet ricotta, basil, and balsamic.

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6

Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Nachos

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: TYNA HOANG

Elote, otherwise known as Mexican street corn, pairs corn with mayo, chili powder, and cotjia cheese. Our favorite app solution? Turning it into skillet , which can be enjoyed by a crowd all summer long.

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Hummus

PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Hummus is one of our because it's delicious and so simple to make. All you need to do is blend , tahini, and a few other simple ingredients in a food processor until creamy. Serve with pita and seasonal crudité for easy snacking.

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8

Pinwheel Sandwiches

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Pinwheel sandwiches are easy to assemble, look great on a platter, and are ideal for any summer party. To make them, you'll layer flour tortillas with -flavored mayonnaise, sliced cheese, deli meats, and lettuce. All that's left to do is roll them up tightly and slice.

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Whipped Feta With Balsamic Roasted Strawberries

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Sweet meets savory in this summer appetizer. Fresh is combined with mascarpone, whipped until super smooth, then topped with balsamic-roasted and fresh . The result is an easy, irresistible dip that everyone will love.

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10

Greek Feta Dip

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Our Greek feta dip starts with a whipped feta, yogurt, and cream cheese base. However, we don't stop there. We top the whole thing off with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and . It's tangy, creamy, and irresistible.

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Watermelon Feta Skewers

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

+ is one of our favorite combinations of all time, especially during summertime. Create skewers with crunchy and balsamic glaze and you've got an easy, impressive appetizer that everyone will love.

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12

Esquites Fritters

Erik Bernstein

Esquites were the inspiration for these bite-sized . Paired with a lime and garlic-spiked sour cream, these crisp patties are guaranteed to disappear in minutes.

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Jalapeño Popper Dip

PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: LESLIE RANEY

This creamy, smoky jalapeño popper dip takes all the best parts of the classic bar snack and transforms them into a bubbling party dip that's incredibly crowd-friendly. It's topped with crispy bacon for a salty bite and crunchy texture.

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14

Parmesan Zucchini Fritters

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Think outside of the box with these shatteringly crispy and super cheesy zucchini fritters. Pro tip: salt the to draw out some of the moisture before you form the batter, which will prevent them from becoming soggy.

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Copycat TJ's Peach Salsa

PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Everything Trader Joe’s touches turns into gold, which is why we were so disappointed when they discontinued their smoky salsa. Luckily, a recipe is our forte, and this one's just as good as the real thing.

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16

Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Stuffed mini peppers (especially cheesy ones) are such an easy to throw together and are always a crowd-pleaser. These are a really good alternative to a , so everyone can enjoy them at your cookout.

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Mexican Street Corn Flatbread

PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Here, we’re taking the creamy tangy sauce that usually goes on (Mexican street corn) and spreading it over pre-made . Then, we top it with fresh corn kernels, more chile peppers, and lots of cheese for the ultimate summer appetizer.

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18

Antipasto Bites

Erik bernstein

Inspired by a traditional antipasto platter but so much more fun to eat, these adorable skewers will be the star of the show. They feature layers of fresh cheese tortellini, salami, , marinated mozzarella cheese, and roasted red peppers.

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Baked Feta & Blueberries

PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

We took the beloved and turned it into a sweet dip. When baked, fresh plump and feta turn into a creamy, jam-like dip, making it a fun alternative to a traditional fruit and cheese plate.

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20

Caprese Bites

PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Assemble these adorable skewers in lieu of a traditional . They save you the hassle of having to cut perfectly even slices of heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, but more importantly, they're so fun to eat. Win-win!

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