30 Summer Appetizers That Are Perfect For Picnics And Parties
When the weather warms up, it’s hard to resist the call of easygoing outdoor gatherings, and every good picnic or party needs a lineup of fresh, flavorful appetizers. This collection of 30 summer appetizers is full of crowd-pleasing options that are light, bright, and easy to share.
Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout, a casual park picnic, or just need something simple to bring to a potluck, you’ll find a variety of recipes that celebrate the best of summer ingredients without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.
Summer Herb Veggie Cups
These Summer Herb Veggie Cups combine creamy herb spread with crisp vegetables in a crunchy phyllo shell. They’re simple to prepare and make a fresh, light appetizer for warm-weather gatherings.
Get the Summer Herb Veggie Cup recipe.
Peach Mozzarella Skewers
When summer peaches are at their peak — sweet, juicy, and just a little floral — you want to use them in every way you can. These Peach Mozzarella Skewers are one of those recipes that look a little fancy, but come together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
Get the Peach Mozzarella Skewers recipe.
Summertime Ice Cream Skewers
Ice Cream Skewers are the ultimate hands-off dessert—literally. With wedges of ice cream on sticks they’re a playful way to serve a classic treat without the mess of cones or bowls. Perfect for summer parties, birthday celebrations, or anytime you want to wow guests with minimal effort.
Get the Ice Cream Skewer recipe.
Mini Chicken Wraps
These mini chicken wraps are incredibly versatile. You can fill them with a variety of ingredients, from grilled chicken and fresh veggies to creamy sauces and zesty seasonings. This means you can easily tailor them to your taste or dietary preferences, making them a great option for everyone at the table.
Get the Mini Chicken Wraps recipe.
Cream Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Celery
Cream Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Celery is one of those timeless snacks that always finds a spot on the table, whether it’s a holiday spread, game day platter, or quick weekday appetizer. Crisp celery sticks filled with creamy, savory spreads offer just the right balance of fresh and rich.
Get the Stuffed Celery recipe.
Deviled Eggs with Bacon Crumbles
Deviled Eggs are a classic for a reason, but when you add crispy bacon crumbles on top, they go from nostalgic to irresistible. These little bites are creamy, savory, and just indulgent enough to steal the spotlight at any potluck or party.
Get the Deviled Egg recipe.
Easy Veggie Pizza Appetizer
If you’re looking for a colorful, crowd-pleasing snack that doesn’t require a ton of effort, this Easy Veggie Pizza Appetizer is your answer. Made with a soft pizza crust, a cool ranch-style spread, and loads of fresh, crunchy vegetables, it’s a favorite that disappears fast.
Get the Veggie Pizza recipe.
Margarita Watermelon Skewers
Say hello to juicy watermelon cubes paired with zesty lime and a hint of mint, drizzled with a splash of tequila-inspired glaze. These skewers are a fun, refreshing nod to the classic margarita in bite-sized form.
Get the Margarita Watermelon recipe.
Pulled Pork Crostini with Coleslaw
Crunchy toasted baguette slices piled high with tender, savory pulled pork and a refreshing, crunchy coleslaw, creating the perfect balance of smoky and tangy in every bite.
Get the Pulled Pork Crostini recipe.
Prosciutto & Melon Appetizer Skewers
This delightful combination of sweet, juicy melon and savory, thinly sliced prosciutto creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both simple and sophisticated. these skewers are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can impress your guests with a dish that embodies the vibrant tastes of the season.
Get the Prosciutto & Melon Skewers recipe.
Dr. Pepper Baby Back Ribs
This mouthwatering dish features tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs coated in a sweet and tangy glaze made from the beloved soda. The unique flavor of Dr. Pepper not only adds sweetness but also enhances the savory notes of the meat, creating a deliciously addictive appetizer.
Get the Dr. Pepper Rib recipe.
Cookie Fries with Frosting Dip
Cookie Fries with Frosting Dip are the kind of playful treat that turns dessert into a whole experience. These buttery, dippable cookie sticks are crisp on the outside, soft in the center, and perfect for dunking into a sweet swirl of frosting.
Get the Cookie Fries recipe.
Corn Dog Bites
Corn Dog Bites are a delightful twist on the classic fair favorite, combining the sweetness of corn muffins with savory hot dogs. These bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing with your guests at a party.
Get the Corn Dog Bites recipe.
Root Beer Float Popsicles
Root Beer Float Popsicles are a nostalgic summer treat with a fun twist—classic root beer and creamy vanilla ice cream frozen together into a handheld dessert. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for kids and adults alike.
Get the Root Beer Float Popsicle recipe.
Potato Salad Bites
If you’re looking for a fun twist on classic potato salad, these Potato Salad Bites are just the thing. They’re creamy and totally irresistible with that familiar comfort of potato salad, but now it’s all packed into cute little potato cups.
Get the Potato Salad Bites recipe.
Firecracker Chicken Lollipops
If you’re looking to add a little excitement to your appetizer spread, Firecracker Chicken Lollipops are the perfect choice. These vibrant, flavorful bites are not only visually appealing but also packed with a deliciously spicy kick.
Get the Firecracker Chicken Lollipops recipe.
Watermelon, Cheese, and Blueberry Skewers
Watermelon, cheese, and blueberry skewers are a delightful and refreshing snack that brings together the best of summer flavors in a fun and easy-to-eat format. With their vibrant colors and delicious taste, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Get the Watermelon, Cheese, and Blueberry Skewer recipe.
Corn Lollipops with Cowboy Butter
Corn Lollipops with Cowboy Butter are the kind of appetizer that makes your whole party more fun. You slice the cob into thick rounds, grill them until they’re golden and slightly charred, and stick a skewer in each one. Then comes the best part: a generous brush of cowboy butter, that warm, garlicky, herby sauce, that’s just a little spicy.
Get the Corn Lollipop recipe.
Sugar Cookie Fruit Cups
These Sugar Cookie Fruit Cups are buttery and crisp on the outside, creamy in the center, and juicy on top. They’re easy to customize depending on the season or what you have on hand, and they’re the kind of treat that disappears fast at parties.
Get the Sugar Cookie Fruit Cups recipe.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
These Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are smoky, buttery, and just a little bit fiery. The chicken soaks up a marinade loaded with garlic, lemon, and a hint of heat, then gets brushed with more cowboy butter as it cooks.
Get the Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers recipe.
Irresistible Steak Kabobs
Steak Kabobs are one of those appetizers that feel like summer, no matter when you make them. Juicy, marinated steak chunks threaded between colorful veggies cook up quickly over the grill or under the broiler, giving you that perfect charred exterior and tender center.
Get the Steak Kabobs recipe.
Wedge Salad Skewers
This creative appetizer takes the traditional elements of a wedge salad, including crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy bacon, and creamy dressing. But this transforms them into fun, bite-sized skewers.
Get the Wedge Salad Skewer recipe.
Bacon Jalapeno Popper Bites
Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites are everything you love about the classic appetizer, just in a smaller, easier-to-serve package. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, spicy, and crunchy. They’re guaranteed to disappear fast at any party.
Get the Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites recipe.
Easy Brownie Bites
Brownie Bites are the perfect little treat when you want something rich and chocolatey from the appetizer table. The mini brownie is the perfect vessel for whipped topping, strawberries, and blueberries. With their red, white, and blue colors they add a festive touch to a 4th of July celebration.
Get the Brownie Bites recipe.
Simple Smores Skewers
S’mores are a beloved classic that evokes memories of cozy campfires and sweet indulgence, but what if you could take this timeless treat to the next level? Enter S’mores on a Stick—a fun and creative way to enjoy the gooey goodness of s’mores without the mess.
Get the Smores Skewer recipe.
Veggie Cups
When you need a healthy, grab-and-go snack or appetizer, Quick & Easy Veggie Cups are the perfect solution. Packed with crisp, colorful veggies and a flavorful dip, they’re great for parties, meal prep, or lunchbox additions.
Get the Veggie Cups recipe.
Mini Chicago Dogs
Mini Chicago Dog Sliders are a fun and delicious way to bring the iconic flavors of a classic Chicago-style hot dog to your next party. These bite-sized sliders feature all the traditional toppings—yellow mustard, neon green relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, sport peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt—all nestled between soft, mini buns.
Get the Mini Chicago Dog Sliders recipe.
Mini Cheeseburger Bites
These delightful Mini Cheeseburger Bites are perfect for your 4th of July party, offering all the flavors of a traditional cheeseburger in a fun and easy-to-eat format. One of the best things about these mini bites is how easy they are to customize! Whether you prefer classic toppings like pickles and ketchup or want to get creative with gourmet ingredients, the options are endless.
Get the Mini Cheeseburger 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.
Cobb Salad Skewers
Cobb Salad Skewers take everything you love about the classic salad—crispy bacon, juicy turkey, creamy avocado, and hard-boiled eggs—and put it on a stick for the perfect party-friendly appetizer or light meal.
Get the Cobb Salad Skewer recipe.
