Sizzling summer bites: 27 creative appetizers to wow your guests

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Prepare to surprise your guests with a sensational array of summer appetizers! As the season of gatherings and celebrations heats up, elevate your entertaining game with these show-stopping recipes that will leave your guests in awe and craving for more.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers on a plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers. Photo Credit: Cook What You Love.

Caprese Salad Skewers

caprese skewers on a silver tray.
Caprese Salad Skewers. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Serving caprese salad on skewers is a less messy way to enjoy this classic summer dish at parties. Combining juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a light and flavorful appetizer that perfectly complements the summer season.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad Skewers

Peach Salsa

A bowl of peach salsa with a chip in the bowl, surrounded by cilantro, peaches and chips.
Peach Salsa. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Peach Salsa is the ultimate summertime appetizer. Made with fresh peaches, tomatoes and peppers, you will love this fresh-tasting salsa. Serve it as a dip or spoon it over grilled goodness like chicken breasts.
Get the Recipe: Peach Salsa

Bacon, Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini

Fig and goat cheese crostini on a white tray.
Bacon, Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Elevate your summer party with the exquisite flavors of this Bacon, Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini. This crunchy, flavor-packed appetizer features a combination of smoky bacon, sweet figs, fresh thyme, gooey honey and creamy goat cheese — all perfectly balanced on crunchy crostini toasts. It’s a show-stopping amuse-bouche that will impress your guests and bring a touch of sophistication to your summer soirée.
Get the Recipe: Bacon, Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

a basket of glazed chicken wings with a glass bowl of ranch sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a perfect choice for a hassle-free and crowd-pleasing appetizer. These wings can be cooked directly from frozen in an air fryer, resulting in crispy and succulent bites. Paired with your favorite dipping sauces and veggie snacks, they make a delicious and convenient option for summer parties.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Marinated Cheese

Marinated Cheese.
Marinated Cheese. Photo credit: Feast and West.

Marinated Cheese is a flavorful, make-ahead appetizer that shines at any summer gathering. Layered with two kinds of cheese and soaked in a marinade of herbs and pimento peppers overnight, it develops rich and tangy flavors. Scoop it as-is onto crackers or bread to create a crowd-pleasing starter that will steal the spotlight at your party.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Cheese

Baked Brie with Honey, Bacon and Walnuts

Baked Brie with Honey on a plate.
Baked Brie with Honey, Bacon and Walnuts. Photo Credit: Feast And West.

Sweet honey, savory bacon and crunchy walnuts covering creamy baked Brie is a perfect choice for summer party appetizers. Served with crispy crackers or crusty bread, it delivers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will please your everyone’s palates.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Honey, Bacon and Walnuts

Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with green flags.
Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates. Photo Credit: Feast And West.

Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates are an irresistible treat that combines sweet, salty, and spicy flavors in one bite. These easy-to-make appetizers are packed with deliciousness and disappear quickly at any party, making them a popular choice for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

Fried Pickles

Fried pickles with dip.
Photo credit: Feast And West

Homemade Fried Pickles are a crowd-pleasing snack that adds a touch of indulgence to summer parties. With crispy breading and an unmatched tangy flavor, these pickles are a delightful pre-dinner snack. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a satisfying and moreish treat.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pickles

Bacon-Wrapped Pork-Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers on a plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers. Photo Credit: Cook What You Love.

Bursting with flavor, these Bacon-Wrapped Pork-Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers are a spicy and savory delight for summer parties. Stuffed with a delicious combination of pork and cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon and slow-smoked to perfection, these mouthwatering bite-sized treats are hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pork-Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

Pizza Popcorn

Pizza popcorn in a bowl with fresh rosemary.
Pizza Popcorn. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Pizza Popcorn is the ultimate snack to satisfy your pizza and popcorn cravings during a summer movie night or party. The buttery popcorn is sprinkled with herbs and cheese, creating a savory and addictive treat that combines the best of both worlds.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Popcorn

Spinach Artichoke Dip

A cheese covered dip sits next to crackers.
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Made with just five ingredients, this quick and easy Spinach Artichoke Dip is a fantastic option for summer gatherings. Its hot and creamy goodness is ready to be shared in just 30 minutes, making it a convenient and delicious appetizer that pairs perfectly with chips or bread.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Popcorn Shrimp

Popcorn shrimp.
Photo credit: Feast and West

Homemade Popcorn Shrimp is a versatile protein option for summer parties. Served with your favorite dipping sauce, these bite-sized and crispy shrimp will surely please seafood lovers. They can also double as the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Shrimp

Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

a closeup of blue cheese inside of green olives smothered in olive oil and surrounded by fresh rosemary on a blue plate.
Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives are a unique and flavorful appetizer that adds sophistication to any summer party. Filled with creamy and sharp blue cheese, they can be enjoyed as a standalone appetizer or added to a cheese plate. Bonus: Use them as garnish for martinis and Bloody Marys for a homemade twist to your cocktail hour.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites

Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites on a plate with herbs.
Low Carb Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

These Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites are a keto-friendly and healthy appetizer that will impress your guests at any summer gathering. With their gluten-free and low-carb profile, these zucchini bites are packed with flavor and make a great addition to any party spread.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites

Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon and Herbs

Baked ricotta cheese in a blue casserole dish with sliced bread.
Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon and Herbs. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Creamy and full of flavor, Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon and Herbs is a perfect summertime appetizer. When paired with bread or crackers, its zesty flavors make it an ideal addition to your party menu, bringing a touch of elegance to the table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon and Herbs

Tuscan White Bean Dip

A teal towel, plate of bread and a tomato lie next to a black bowl of tuscan white bean dip.
Tuscan White Bean Dip. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Tuscan White Bean Dip captures the essence of Italian flavors, making it an excellent choice for a summer party appetizer. Featuring white beans, juicy tomatoes, onion, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs, this dip is both delicious and memorable, providing a taste of Tuscany for your guests to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Dip

Queso Fundido

Queso fundido in a cast iron skillet.
Queso Fundido. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Spice up your next taco night or dinner party with a skillet of hot and cheesy Queso Fundido. Best served warm on tortilla chips or soft tortillas, this flavorful cheese dip brings a touch of Mexican cuisine to your summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Queso Fundido

Shishito Peppers

Shishito peppers that have been blistered covered in sea salt.
Shishito Peppers. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Blistered Shishito Peppers are an easy and enjoyable way to savor this mild-but-sometimes-spicy Japanese pepper at home. Their vibrant and slightly smoky flavor pairs well with aioli or your favorite dipping sauce, making them a popular choice for a summer party appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Shishito Peppers

Homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers

A stack of homemade cheddar cheese crackers.
Homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Crunchy, cheesy and salty, homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers are a delightful snack or addition to a cheese tray for summer parties. With just six ingredients, they are easy to prepare and offer a homemade touch to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers

Beer Cheese Dip

Soft pretzels next to a bowl of beer cheese dip and two beers in bottles.
Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Beer Cheese Dip is a must-have for a summer party, bringing together the flavors of beer and cheese in a creamy and addictive dip. Whether served with soft, salty pretzels or crunchy bread, this dip adds a savory and satisfying element to your appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip

Grilled Feta with Herbs

Grilled Feta with Herbs in a black serving dish with toasted bread and a lemon wedge.
Grilled Feta with Herbs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Grilled Feta with Herbs is a simple yet flavorful appetizer that celebrates the taste of summer. With fresh herbs and a zing of lemon, this grilled delight is a crowd-pleaser that offers a burst of Mediterranean flavors everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta with Herbs

Bacon Ranch Cream Cheese Dip

Keto Crack Dip with veggies.
Keto Crack Dip. Photo Credit: Primal Edge health.

Dive into the ultimate summer appetizer with Bacon Ranch Cream Cheese Dip. Combining crispy bacon, zesty ranch seasoning and smooth cream cheese, this flavorful dip is perfect for poolside gatherings and cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Cream Cheese Dip

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

A hand holding a slice of cucumber topped with taco dip with cream cheese.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese is a quick and crowd-pleasing vegetarian appetizer perfect for summer parties. Its easy preparation and flavorful combination of ingredients make it a versatile dish that will be a hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Corn Fritters

Image shows three corn fritters stacked atop each other on a white plate with a blue wooden background.
Corn Fritters. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These pan-fried Corn Fritters are a tasty and versatile appetizer that can be enjoyed throughout the summer. With their lightly sweet flavor and crispy texture, they make a delightful addition to any summer party and can be made with fresh or frozen corn.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Low Carb Tuna Salad

Tuna Salad as appetizer on a pieces of baked zucchini.
Low Carb Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Tuna Salad is a healthy and satisfying option for a summer appetizer. This gluten-free, grain-free recipe is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a dip with crackers or served on cucumber slices, making it a versatile choice for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tuna Salad

Cheesy Pickle Chips

baked pickle cheese chips with bowl of ketchup on white plate
Cheesy Pickle Chips. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Savor the taste of summer with Cheesy Pickle Chips, a delightful combination of tangy pickles and melted cheese. With their crispy and gooey texture, these addictive bites are a unique and flavorful addition to your summer picnics and beach outings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Pickle Chips

Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Garnished shrimp cucumber bites on a plate.
Shrimp Cucumber Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shrimp Cucumber Bites are a refreshing, low-carb appetizer that’s quick to prepare. Made with a combination of shrimp, Cajun seasoning, homemade guacamole and crisp cucumber slices, these light bites offer a bright and flavorful option for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

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