What to Cook This Weekend

53 Summer Appetizers to Enjoy With Friends

All the snacks you need to get your dinner parties started.

June 4, 2021

Overhead view of a baking dish with blistered tomatoes and goat cheese alongside toasted baguette.

We’ve missed gathering with friends and family, snacking on summer appetizers as the grill heats up. And now that we’re back to throwing dinner parties, we really want to ace that predinner hour, focusing on easy summer appetizers and snacks that encourage everyone to relax and catch up—including the host. These snacks will curb your hunger while still letting you save room for whatever grilling recipes you’ve got on deck. Below you’ll find our favorite little bites for eating right now and all through the warmer months—the best easy summer appetizers for your cookout, including simple dips, many ways to eat tomatoes, creamy deviled eggs, refreshing crudités, and more.

Photo and Styling by Joseph De Leo
1/53
Burnt Eggplant Butter on Tomato Toasts
Summer appetizers that start with charred eggplant and grilled bread are always delicious, but cookbook author Olia Hercules ups the ante, mixing the luscious eggplant with salt, pepper, and butter. Slather it onto toast that's rubbed with garlic and tomato and you've got the ideal appetizer for a bbq.
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Photo by Christina Holmes
2/53
Jalapeño Poppers With Smoked Gouda
Forget about the deep-fried version of this summer snack. When you're thinking about appetizers for a cookout, you want this grilled version, filled with tangy cream cheese and savory smoked Gouda. It's high on our list of the very best appetizers for bbq afternoons.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop styling by Megan Hedgpeth, Food styling by Simon Andrews
3/53
Baked Tomatoes, Peppers, and Goat Cheese with Crisped Toasts
Grab a baguette and make this one one happen. Savory-sweet, luscious tomatoes pair well with rounds of soft goat cheese.
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Photo by Gentl & Hyers
4/53
Crudités With Grilled Green Goddess Dip
Everyone loves an easy dip, but everyone really loves a dip that starts on the grill for a bit of smoky flavor.
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Gabriela Herman
5/53
Grilled Pop-Up Oysters
When you don't feel like struggling to shuck oysters, just throw them on the grill.
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Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell
6/53
Grand Aioli
This is elegant snacking—and you can serve it as an appetizer or the full meal.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Megan Hedgpeth, Food Styling by Liza Jernow
7/53
Tonnato Eggs
Deviled eggs are a summer picnic tradition. But this version really wows, thanks to a savory, briny tonnato-inspired filling. Top with crispy capers, and salmon roe if desired.
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Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Sue Li
8/53
Pimiento Cheese Crackers
If you've never made crackers before, don't be intimidated. This dough can be formed into a log and stashed in the freezer so it’s on hand for whenever you just happen to need a summer bbq appetizer.
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Photo by Alex Lau
9/53
Marinated Goat Cheese With Herbs and Spices
Minimal effort, maximum flavor. Easy summer appetizers like this one are the way to go. Follow up with grilled veggies or seafood and you've got a feast.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Monica Pierini
10/53
Crudités With Chile-Lime Salt
Forget dip: this zesty spiced salt wakes up any sliced raw fruit or veggie—don’t feel limited to the ones listed in the recipe.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Lillian Chou
11/53
Kue Keju
These savory Indonesian cookies from cookbook author Lara Lee are perfectly buttery, crumbly, and cheesy. Which means they're essentially the ultimate snack.
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Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Aneta Florczyk, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou
12/53
Radishes With Crème Fraîche and Furikake
Crunchy meets creamy, with a touch of savory. And did we mention easy?
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Photo by Alex Lau
13/53
Shishito Pepper–Pistachio Dip
Toasty pistachios form the base of this bright green dip, blended with creamy tofu, scallions, shishito peppers, and carrot tops.
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Photo by Christina Holmes
14/53
Quick-Pickled Charred Vegetables
These easy pickles are grilled before they're brined, giving you a boldly flavored bite that's perfectly refreshing. Serve with a cheese board for the perfect summer app.
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