These 32 easy cookout appetizers keep everyone happy while the grill heats up. Most come together fast, travel well, and disappear even faster, whether you are hosting a full BBQ or a low-key summer party.
I lean a lot on make-ahead starters so I am not stuck in the kitchen. These cookout appetizers can be prepped hours ahead. Then I just set them out and pour a drink.
Pair these with my Memorial Day cookout ideas and Father’s Day grilling recipes. For the table, add a few BBQ side dishes too.
Make-Ahead Dips and Spreads
Start here. A good dip anchors the whole spread and most of these wait happily in the fridge.
Sour Cream Spinach Dip
This creamy spinach dip skips the soup mix for real, fresh flavor. Scoop it up with chips or crusty bread.
Hot Artichoke and Shrimp Dip
Two crowd favorites in one dish. The shrimp makes this artichoke dip feel a little special.
Black Sesame Hummus
Nutty black tahini gives this hummus a striking color. Serve it with warm pita and veggie sticks.
Easy Authentic Guacamole
My guacamole sticks to the authentic method: ripe avocados mashed with lime, cilantro and a little onion, with nothing else getting in the way. Mash it right before guests arrive and set out a big bowl of chips.
Taco Salsa
This no-cook taco salsa takes five minutes and simple pantry ingredients. It is bright and fresh, and it doubles as a topping once the burgers come off the grill.
Wings and Saucy Bites
Sticky fingers are part of the fun. These wings, meatballs, and ribs are built for sharing.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
Buttery garlic and salty parmesan coat every wing. They go fast, so make extra.
Baked Buffalo Wings
Classic buffalo wings baked until crisp. The homemade blue cheese dip seals the deal.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Tender meatballs in a glossy sweet and sour sauce. Set out toothpicks and watch them vanish.
Honey Garlic Spare Ribs
Sticky, garlicky ribs cut into easy two-bite pieces. They reheat well for a party.
Sticky-Spicy Korean Chicken Wings
These wings get lacquered in a sticky gochujang glaze that turns glossy under the broiler. The sauce comes together while the wings bake, so there is no last-minute scramble.
Crispy Cauliflower Wings
My cauliflower wings give the vegetarians at the cookout something to reach for. A cornstarch batter crisps them in the oven before they get tossed in sticky sauce.
Skewers and Grilled Bites
These play nicely with a hot grill. Thread, sear, and serve straight off the skewer.
Grilled Coconut Salmon Skewers
Coconut-marinated salmon with a punchy peanut sauce. Light, fresh, and perfect for summer.
Grilled Ham and Gruyere Tarts
Flaky puff pastry topped with ham and nutty gruyere. They crisp up right on the grill.
Lamb Kofta in Tahini Sauce
Spiced lamb skewers with a cool, creamy tahini sauce. Great hot off the grill.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates (Devils on Horseback)
Sweet dates, salty bacon, tangy blue cheese. This three-bite combo always wins.
Juicy Chicken Skewers
A buttery garlic parmesan marinade keeps these chicken skewers juicy on a hot grill. Thread them the night before and they go straight from the fridge to the fire.
Thai Satay
These satay skewers marinate in coconut milk and warm spices, then grill fast over high heat. Set the peanut sauce alongside for dipping.
Chilled Seafood Starters
When it is hot out, I love a cold seafood bite. These are bright, fresh, and no-fuss.
Boom Boom Shrimp
Crispy shrimp tossed in creamy, spicy boom boom sauce. Pile them high on a platter.
Shrimp, Corn and Avocado Ceviche
Sweet corn, creamy avocado, and tender shrimp. Scoop it with chips for an easy starter.
Crispy Cookout Appetizers
Everyone reaches for the crunchy stuff first. Keep these coming and the party stays happy.
Sweet Potato Nachos
Crisp sweet potato rounds under a quick cheese sauce. A fun twist on loaded nachos.
Flaky Onion Rings
Light, shatter-crisp onion rings that hold their crunch. Set out plenty of dipping sauce.
Herbed Baked Goat Cheese Fritters
These fritters bake instead of fry, so you get a crisp herbed crust without a pot of hot oil at a backyard party. Serve them warm from the oven.
Crostini and Handhelds
Round out the table with toasts and sliders. These hold their shape and look pretty on a board.
Camembert Crostini with Roasted Grapes
Warm camembert and sweet roasted grapes on toast. Sweet, savory, and very easy.
Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini
Creamy goat cheese and fresh strawberries on crisp bread. A bright bite for early summer.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Soft rolls with ham, melty cheese, and a buttery glaze. Bake a tray and slice for a crowd.
These easy cookout appetizers cover every craving on the table. Make the dips ahead, grill the skewers last, and enjoy the party.
Bruschetta with Mozzarella
Ripe summer tomatoes, torn mozzarella and basil pile onto grilled bread for the freshest appetizer on the table. Salt the tomatoes ahead and spoon the juices over the toasts.
Rainbow Crostini
A platter of rainbow crostini covers every topping preference at once, from creamy to fresh to salty. It is the prettiest thing you can set on a picnic table.
The Brie Appetizer Everyone Loves
This brie appetizer takes minutes to assemble and everyone crowds around it. Warm the wheel until it is molten and set out crackers or sliced baguette for scooping.
