47 Summer Appetizer Recipes Made For Easy Entertaining

Get the party started with these easy, crowd-pleasing recipes.

By

Updated on May 3, 2024

Southern Living Tomato-Sandwich Toasts — Photo:
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

When summer rolls around, we get ready for an endless stream of social functions. Showers, tea parties, reunions, and more will all require menus and dishes worthy of the season and its bounty. Take a morning trip to the farmer's market and get the party started with these crowd-pleasing recipes that are made for summer.

We're swooning over simple, yet effective summer appetizers. Can't forget about all the dips and egg salads, either. And don't even get us started on the tomatoes. The best part? These easy appetizers won't take long to prepare, so you might even be able to do some of the prep ahead of time for less stress day-of. This collection of no-fail recipes promises to win over every guest. Whether you're spending a weekend at the lake, attending a potluck lunch, or throwing a backyard barbecue, you'll be making these easy appetizer recipes all summer long.

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Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers

Southern Living Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers on a blue plate to serve — Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

We love a three-ingredient appetizer and this one tastes like more than the sum of its parts. Tangy peppadews are filled with store-bought pimiento cheese and sprinkled with chopped fresh chives.

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Tiny Tacos

Southern Living Tiny Tacos on plates to serve — Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

These tiny tacos will be a hit at your next summer gathering. They are crunchy, cheesy, and so flavorful, thanks to the aromatics and green chiles in the ground beef. FYI: This appetizer is better with fajitas on the grill and a margarita in hand.

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Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips — Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel

This is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to use up a bumper crop of zucchini. Made in an airy frier, the squash slices cook up golden and crunchy (just make sure you fry them in a single layer).

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Pesto Deviled Eggs

Southern Living Pesto Deviled Eggs on a platter to serve garnished with more basil — Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Give an old classic a summery twist by stirring pesto into the deviled egg filling. Crisped-up shards of prosciutto on top add texture and makes a pretty presentation.

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Pepper Sauce Watermelon Wedges

Southern Living Pepper Sauce Watermelon Wedges on a blue platter to serve — Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Summer appetizers don't get easier than this. Top chilled watermelon slices with pepper vinegar, salt, pepper, and additional hot pickled peppers. Serve!

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Pepper Jelly-Glazed Chicken Wings

Southern Living Pepper Jelly-Glazed Chicken Wings — Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Fire up happy hour with these easy wings. Pepper jelly makes a deliciously sweet and spicy glaze for chicken wings, and it pairs really well with ranch dipping sauce.

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Southern Fried Shrimp

Southern Living Southern Fried Shrimp With Tartar Sauce on a platter to serve — Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

We love an appetizer that's so good it can double as a main dish, like these Southern Fried Shrimp flavored with Creole seasoning and served with a simple homemade tartar sauce.

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Taco Dip

Southern Living Taco Dip in a dish to serve with chips — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Grab a tortilla chip and dive into this layered taco dip. Homemade pico de gallo, lettuce, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and a sour cream mixture are stacked onto a bed of refried beans for a delicious appetizer everyone will enjoy. Since it's made with mostly store-bought ingredients, the dip comes together in no time.

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Deviled Crab Melts

Deviled Crab Melts

These tasty crab and tomato crostini are perfect for pairing with chilled white or rose wines. The crab salad is flavored with mayonnaise, cilantro, basil, lime zest, salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese.

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Peach Salsa

Peach Salsa — Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Loren Wood; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Fresh summer peaches and tomatoes shine in this seasonal salsa that comes together in just 15 minutes.

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Grilled Okra-and-Pepper Skewers with Dijon Dipping Sauce

Grilled Okra-and-Pepper Skewers with Dijon Dipping Sauce — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

While you have the grill going for the main course, pop these colorful okra-and-pepper skewers on the fire for a hint of smoky flavor and a quick tenderizing. The Dijon dipping sauce elevates this to an unforgettable summer appetizer.

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Old Bay Rémoulade with Crudités and Shrimp

Old Bay RÃ©moulade with CruditÃ©s and Shrimp — Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

The Old Bay Rémoulade can be prepared up to a week in advance and kept in the refrigerator so it's a great make-ahead option.

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Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta

Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta — Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

These cute, composed bites make lovely summer hors d'oeuvres. Pass around a platter and they're sure to disappear.

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Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip

Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip — Photo: Greg Dupree

This dip can be made ahead of time, leaving you more time to spend with your guests.

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Deviled Crab Dip

Southern Living Deviled Crab Dip in serving bowl — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Make sure to reserve the crabmeat for folding in gently after you mix the other ingredients together.

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Okra In A Blanket

Okra in a Blanket on decorated plate — James Ransom, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

This no-cook appetizer uses salty prosciutto to balance out the tangy okra.

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Chunky Guacamole

Chunky Guacamole — Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Coming together in under 10 minutes with just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing appetizers at a moment's notice if necessary.

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Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp

Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

This impressive appetizer can also be made ahead, so you can entertain with ease.

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Black Bean And Corn Salsa

Southern Living Black Bean Corn Salsa in a bowl to serve with tortilla chips, lime wedges, and glasses of beer — Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

While you can use canned corn for this recipe other months of the year, we think it's best when made with fresh, in-season corn.

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Creamy Avocado Dip

Creamy Avocado Dip — Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Mayonnaise and sour cream come together with fresh avocados for a creamy version of guacamole that comes together in just 10 minutes.

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Picnic Egg Salad

Picnic Egg Salad — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

You're just 15 minutes away from getting this crowd-pleasing recipe on the table.

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Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches — Iain Bagwell

Pepper jelly and peaches give baked brie an instant upgrade.

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Smoked-Tomato Salsa

Smoked-Tomato Salsa — Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Ditch the jarred stuff—this homemade salsa with a smoky kick will get your guests talking. Serve alongside tortilla chips and homemade guacamole.

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Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christina Lane; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Serve with plenty of your favorite tortilla or pita chips for dipping.

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Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Tami Hardeman

Just two ingredients are needed to make this easy appetizer. We suggest doubling (or tripling) the recipe.

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Red Chipotle Pepper Jelly

Red Chipotle Pepper Jelly — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Homemade pepper jelly is summer's liquid gold. When you have a jar, you're minutes away from a multitude of recipes. The most classic Southern summer appetizer? Pour the pepper jelly atop a block of cream cheese, and roll out some crackers.

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Corn and Jalapeño Dip

Corn and Jalapeño Dip — Hector Manuel Sanchez

This creamy and cheesy dip only includes eight ingredients and minimal prep time.

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Tomato-Sandwich Toasts

Southern Living Tomato-Sandwich Toasts — Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

When cherry tomatoes are in season and at their sweetest, buy them by the pint and make this no-fuss appetizer. These cute little toasts are inspired by tomato sandwiches, but even easier to make, if you can believe it.

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Mini Potato Skins

Mini Potato Skins — Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop styling: Claire Spollen; Food styling: Chelsea Zimmer

These crispy potato skins are party perfect with bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onions.

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Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts

Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts — Alison Miksch

This bite-sized version of tomato pie is the perfect party appetizer.

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Fresh Fruit Salad

Fresh Fruit Salad — Jen Causey

Orange juice, honey, and mint add even more flavor to summer fruits.

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Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

It's not summer without tomato sandwiches.

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Hot Cheesy Crab Dip

Hot Cheesy Crab Dip — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Lumps of juicy crab are ensconced in a mixture of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Honestly, if you're serving this dip, why serve anything else?

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Arancini with Pomodoro Dipping Sauce

Arancini with Pomodoro Dipping Sauce — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

These little balls of rice taste amazing but only have three steps. Make the rice mixture, with is flavored with thyme and Parmesan, before frying it to a crisp golden brown.

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Jalapeño Popper Dip

jalapeno popper dip — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

Summer sports watch party? Family reunion? Serve our Jalapeño Popper Dip as an appetizer and everyone will be asking for the recipe.

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Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

instant pot buffalo chicken dip — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

Anyone who doesn't love buffalo chicken might be lying. And anyone who says they don't like buffalo chicken dip? They're really asking for it.

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Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

These little tartlets may be meatless, but that doesn't mean they're not filling.

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Deviled Egg Potato Salad

Deviled Egg Potato Salad — Antonis Achilleos

We're combining two of the summertime greats—deviled eggs and potato salad—in this legendary recipe.

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Classic Deviled Eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Trust us, deviled eggs belong at every summer gathering.

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Lemon-Tarragon Potato Salad

Lemon-Tarragon Potato Salad — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Let's face it: Potato salad might be one of the ultimate appetizers. Who can resist chunks of tender potatoes with a creamy dressing? Very few. Here, the lemon adds a summery twist and makes it a seasonal dish.

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Crab Cake Bites with Old Bay Mayo, Chives, and Lemon

Crab Cake Bites with Old Bay Seasoning — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

This recipe for miniature crab cakes comes from Adam Evans, chef at award-winning Birmingham restaurant Automatic Seafood and Oysters. If there's one piece of advice we can offer, it's this: don't skip the Old Bay mayo.

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Fried Green Tomatoes

Southern Living Fried Green Tomatoes on a board ready to serve — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey

Everybody loves a classic fried green tomato, and summer is the best time to enjoy them.

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Roasted Potato Salad

Roasted Potato Salad — Joy Howard

If you want to make a controversial summer appetizer move, kick the mayonnaise to the door. These roasted potatoes won't need it.

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Summer Orzo Salad

Summer Orzo Salad — Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Plump tomatoes, crunchy pistachios, crisp cucumbers, and a basil pesto create a breezy summer appetizer you'll want to make again and again. Take it on the first picnic of the season or serve it at garden party.

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Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad — Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Melissa Gray

Pasta salad is always a tried-and-true winner, but this might be the ultimate summer side. You heard it from us first.

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Butter-Baked Saltine Crackers

Butter-Baked Saltine Crackers — Southern Living

Don't underestimate these crackers. Put out a bowlful and your guests are in danger of filling up on them before the main dishes even appear.

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Crawfish Dip

Crawfish Dip — Greg DuPree

Cooking this dip in a slow cooker will ensure it stays warm until you're ready to serve.

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