21 Quick and Easy Appetizers for a Backyard BBQ

A backyard BBQ isn’t complete without a spread of delicious appetizers to kick off the feast. Whether you’re grilling up classics or serving fresh, no-cook bites, the best BBQ appetizers should be easy to make and packed with flavor. From smoky skewers to crisp, refreshing snacks, these quick and easy appetizers will keep everyone happy while the main course sizzles on the grill.

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked Shotgun Shells are the perfect BBQ treat, featuring manicotti tubes stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef and cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and glazed with BBQ sauce.

Get the Smoked Shotgun Shells recipe.

Sticky Bourbon Chicken Skewers

What sets Sticky Bourbon Chicken Skewers apart is their perfect balance of flavors. The bourbon adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness that complements the savory notes of garlic and soy sauce, while a hint of spice rounds out the profile.

Get the Sticky Bourbon Chicken Skewers recipe.

Mexican Street Corn Cups

Skip the cob and dig into these Mexican Street Corn Cups, a fun and easy twist on the classic elote! Perfectly portioned for parties or quick snacking, these cups are loaded with corn, creamy sauce, tangy lime, and a little kick of spice.

Get the Mexican Street Corn Cups recipe.

Honey BBQ Riblets

These Honey BBQ Riblets are a mouthwatering appetizer that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness. The tender, juicy riblets are coated in a luscious honey barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully as they cook, creating a sticky glaze that’s simply irresistible.

Get the Honey BBQ Riblets recipe.

Shrimp & Pineapple Skewers

Shrimp & Pineapple Skewers are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them a must-try for your next cookout. Juicy shrimp and caramelized pineapple are grilled to perfection, creating a smoky, tropical flavor in every bite.

Get the Shrimp & Pineapple Skewers recipe.

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Pork Belly Burnt Ends are the ultimate bite-sized BBQ indulgence—crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, and coated in a sticky, smoky glaze. Inspired by classic brisket burnt ends, this version swaps in rich, fatty pork belly for an irresistibly flavorful twist.

Get the Pork Belly Burnt Ends recipe.

Homemade Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo is a simple yet essential recipe that adds a burst of fresh flavor to tacos, grilled meats, and chips. Made with ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, zesty lime juice, and fresh cilantro, this classic salsa is bright, refreshing, and easy to make in just minutes. Unlike blended salsas, Pico de Gallo has a chunkier texture, making it perfect for scooping or spooning over your favorite dishes.

Get the Pico de Gallo recipe.

BBQ Pulled Pork Buns

The combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors in pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser for sure. These pulled pork buns are incredibly versatile. You only need 4 simple ingredients to make these, and you can decide whether to make your own pulled pork or not, which will save time.

Get the Pulled Pork Buns recipe.

Tasty Cajun Potato Wedges

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with bold Louisiana-inspired flavor, these Cajun Potato Wedges are the perfect side or snack! Coated in a smoky, spicy blend of Cajun seasoning and baked or air-fried to golden perfection, these wedges bring just the right amount of crunch and heat.

Get the Cajun Potato Wedges recipe.

Easy Pulled Pork Nachos

Pulled Pork Nachos are one of those appetizers that everyone loves, so why don’t we make it more often? I’m always asking myself that! Using pre-made pulled pork makes this recipe not only convenient but also incredibly delicious. They don’t require hours to make. In fact, they’re very fast, and they don’t require a lot of ingredients. That’s a win in my book.

Get the Pulled Pork Nachos recipe.

Smoked Deviled Eggs

These Smoked Deviled Eggs are a flavor revelation and a really fun twist on a classic appetizer that you can make while you’re out smoking things on the pellet grill. All you need to make these is eggs, mayo, and a few other simple ingredients. They aren’t fancy, but they are delicious and they’ll end up being the hit of your cookout.

Get the Smoked Deviled Egg recipe.

Glazed Salmon Bites

Glazed Salmon Bites are a deliciously sweet and savory appetizer that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. Tender, bite-sized pieces of salmon are coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze and either baked, grilled, or pan-seared to perfection.

Get the Glazed Salmon Bites recipe.

Smash Burger Sliders

These Smash Burger Sliders are mini versions of the classic burger, featuring crispy edges and juicy centers, all packed into bite-sized delights. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or anytime you crave a delicious burger, these sliders are sure to satisfy.

Get the Smash Burger Slider recipe.

Smoked Queso Dip

This Smoked Queso Dip is an appetizer everyone will love. It combines the richness of cheese with the zesty kick of chorizo, jalapeños, and the smokiness of the grill. Smoking the queso dip elevates its taste, giving it a deep, rich smokiness that you simply can’t get from stovetop cooking.

Get the Smoked Queso Dip recipe.

Grilled Volcano Potatoes

Grilled Volcano Potatoes are the ultimate indulgence for any BBQ lover—crispy baked potatoes, stuffed with a gooey cheese mixture, and wrapped in smoky bacon. As they cook, the cheese melts and bubbles over, creating a “volcano” effect that makes them just as fun to eat as they are delicious.

Get the Volcano Potato recipe.

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs are a fun and easy way to enjoy the classic dessert in a handheld form. Juicy strawberries, fluffy cake, and sweet whipped cream come together on skewers for a delightful treat.

Get the Strawberry Shortcake Kabob recipe.

Smoked Armadillo Eggs

These Smoked Armadillo Eggs are jalapeno poppers with a creamy, cheesy center, encased in sausage meat, then rolled in bacon and smoked to soak up all that classic wood flavor. Each bite is a tantalizing fusion of spicy, smoky, cheesy goodness.

Get the Smoked Armadillo Eggs recipe.

BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites

BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites are the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in one irresistible bite. These easy-to-make appetizers are coated in a tangy BBQ glaze and pan-fried until crispy.

Get the BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites recipe.

Simple Smoked Cream Cheese

If you haven’t tried Smoked Cream Cheese yet, you must give this tasty appetizer a try. With just two ingredients – cream cheese and dry rub – it’s a serious flavor bomb when smoked. Serve it with pita chips or a sturdy cracker, some veggies, sliced baguette, whatever you like.

Get the Smoked Cream Cheese recipe.

Easy Bacon Wrapped Sausages

Easy Bacon Wrapped Sausages are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer—savory, smoky, and just the right amount of crispy. These bite-sized treats come together with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Perfect for game day, BBQs, or holiday gatherings, they disappear fast, so make plenty!

Get the Bacon Wrapped Sausage recipe.