Overview: Allstar Summer Bash

Cover Story A Summer Barbecue in Al Roker’s Neck of the Woods

Summer Bucket List The Allstar Summer Bucket List 2024
Summer With the Allstars
Party On
Blue Ribbon Potluck
Get Outside
Family Reunion

20 Classic Appetizers for Summer

These classic appetizers will start your meal off with a bang.

By

Published on July 1, 2024

overhead view of several balsamic bruschetta with basil on a baking sheet — Photo:
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

A memorable meal starts with an unforgettable appetizer. Take your picnics, potlucks, barbecues, and backyard dinner parties up a notch with these classic summer starters. From bite-sized recipes with seasonal produce to crowd-pleasing dips that are sure to impress year-round, you'll come back to this colorful collection year after year.

01 of 20

Best Caprese Skewers

close up on a bunch of caprese skewers — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Easy, tasty, and fresh!" —Sweet Tooth

02 of 20

Cowboy Caviar

bowl of bean salad on placemat — AllrecipesPhoto

"Cowboy caviar is a quick, refreshing dish made with black-eyed peas and other pantry staples you're sure to have on hand. It comes together in minutes and develops more flavor as it sits in the fridge, so consider taking this crowd-pleasing dip to picnics, parties, or potlucks." —Cooknik

03 of 20

Balsamic Bruschetta

overhead view of several balsamic bruschetta — Dotdash Meredith Food Studio

"Used fresh tomatoes from my sisters garden and fresh basil from mine. Amazing flavor!" —P Barrios

04 of 20

Mom's Famous Raw Vegetable Dip

looking down at a bowl of raw vegetable dip with a variety of veggies around it — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This vegetable dip is always a big hit at parties. It's what my mom always used to make for me, and now I've taken it over. Serve with your favorite raw vegetables." —Araylia

05 of 20

Guacamole

a top down view of a bowl of fresh guacamole topped with diced tomatoes and parsley and served with tortilla chips. — Rita

"This guacamole recipe gets a tasty kick from cayenne and cilantro. You can serve it smooth or chunky, depending on your tastes." —Maryellen

06 of 20

Marinated Grilled Shrimp

high angle looking at a plate of marinated grilled shrimp on skewers, garnished with fresh basil leaves

"I have made this recipe several times and every time I serve it, the shrimp disappear." —dmtcrt

07 of 20

Southern Pimento Cheese

an overhead view of southern style pimento cheese topped with sliced jalapenos. — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This was without a doubt the best pimento cheese I've ever had!" —DawnInVa

08 of 20

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

an overhead view looking down at a platter of bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers served with ranch dressing. — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"These jalapeño poppers are creamy in the middle with crispy bacon on the outside. They're easy to make and taste so much better than traditional poppers." —videogator

09 of 20

Classic Savory Deviled Eggs

A close up view of several savory deviled eggs topped with fresh dill. — DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

"These classic deviled eggs are delightful. They're stuffed with a creamy blend of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and vinegar." —Jeff Sikes

10 of 20

Best Ever Crab Cakes

closeup of two crab cakes — Jessica

"Easy to make, stayed moist after cooking, and had great flavor. Better than many I have had in restaurants. Will definitely make these many more times.�� —Brian Beaudoin

11 of 20

Best Fried Green Tomatoes

low angle, looking at a plate of stacked golden brown fried green tomatoes — Dot Dash Meredith Food Studios

"Serve these fried green tomatoes outside with a glass of iced tea one summer night and enjoy the sunset with someone you love." —Diana Swenson-Siegel

12 of 20

Chef John's Gazpacho

looking down at a large bowl of gazpacho — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This gazpacho has the perfect balance of flavors. Try making it with some end-of-summer, super-sweet tomatoes—there just isn't any substitute. I hope you find some so you give this a try." —Chef John

13 of 20

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail in a white bowl — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This shrimp cocktail recipe is similar to one I first tried in San Antonio. I could never find a recipe that recaptured what I had there. I experimented and finally came up with the perfect combination of ingredients. Anyone who has tried it has begged for the recipe." —Sarah Z

14 of 20

Corn Dip

creamy corn dip in glass bowl with chips on the side and topped with green onions — fabeveryday

"This corn dip is a cool, refreshing dish that can be served anytime with chips, crackers, or sliced vegetables. Exceptional with Hawaiian bread." —Becky E.

15 of 20

The Best Fresh Tomato Salsa

The Best Fresh Tomato Salsa

"This fresh salsa recipe is simple to make from scratch and tastes great. It gets even better if you have time to let the flavors meld. Perfect with your favorite chips at any get-together!" —Cheryl Dressler

16 of 20

Roasted Tomato, Avocado, and Fresh Mozzarella Crostini

Roasted Tomato, Avocado and Fresh Mozzarella Crostini

"Roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and avocado are layered on toasted bread in this quick and easy crostini recipe everyone loves." —Julie Hubert

17 of 20

Easy Garlic-Lemon Scallops

close up view of garlic-lemon scallops on a white plate — David West

"In this simple scallop recipe, large sea scallops are sautéed in butter and garlic and served with a lemon-butter sauce. They will melt in your mouth!" —Button

18 of 20

Tomatillo Salsa Verde

mid angle looking at a bowl of tomatillo salsa verde and a side of tortilla chips — DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

"This salsa verde has a fabulous flavor. Use it on green chicken enchiladas or as a condiment for any dish that needs a little extra zip!" —Kimberly Binning

19 of 20

Watermelon Feta Salad Bites

watermelon squares topped with red onion, feta, and mint — Dotdash Meredith Video Studio

"These refreshing watermelon feta salad bites are the perfect appetizer for a summer barbecue." —Nicole McLaughlin

20 of 20

Pineapple Cheese Ball

Pineapple Cheese Ball — lutzflcat

"This creamy pineapple cheese ball with green bell pepper is my favorite cheese ball to serve at parties or potlucks." —Tish Gidney

More Inspiration

Birria de Res Tacos (Beef Birria Tacos)

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