70 Outdoor Appetizers Perfect For Easy Summer Entertaining

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Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

A Southern spin on a BLT, these heirloom tomato sandwiches are effortless and make the most of fresh summer tomatoes.

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Dill Pickle Dip

Bet you didn't see this one coming, but you'll be so happy to be acquainted. With each bite of this dill pickle dip, you get the juiciness of pickle pieces and the herby tang of fresh dill.

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If you're looking for something that is always a hit during summer, fresh shrimp is a no-brainer. We’ve paired these shrimp with an easy homemade cocktail sauce spiked with a little barbecue sauce to tame the spicy horseradish.

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Peach Salsa

Take chips and salsa up a notch with the fresh peach salsa that makes use of one of our favorite summer fruits. It has a perfect bite of sweetness.

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French Dip Sliders

These sliders feature everything you need with French Dip flavors such as roast beef, caramelized onions, creamy provolone cheese, and meaty au jus—in a portable slider form.

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Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta

Look for beautiful and tasty heirloom cherry tomatoes in a rainbow of colors at your local farmers' market. Tangy goat cheese and crusty French bread come together in perfect harmony.

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Classic Pimiento Cheese

Southern Living Basic Pimento Cheese in a bowl to serve with crackers and vegetables — Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke

This basic Southern recipe is foolproof for a reason. Whether you serve it as a dip or mini sandwich, pimiento cheese belongs at every summer gathering.

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Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Hosting an elegant outdoor summer soirée? Make sure prepare these sophisticated bites.

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Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad

Vibrant, freshly tossed fruits and veggies are sure to draw a crowd to the appetizer table. This recipe is easy to throw together.

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Blistered Cherry Tomatoes with Red Pepper-Feta Spread

Burst tomatoes are the star here, but the feta dip is incredibly delicious on its own. It calls for red peppers, feta, lemon juice, and garlic for tons of versatile flavor.

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Tropical Chicken Lettuce Wraps

This no-cook dish has a tropical twist, thanks to mango, and calls for rotisserie chicken for ultimate ease.

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Old Bay Rémoulade with Crudités and Shrimp

This is the appetizer that'll bring you straight to the beach. Test Kitchen pro Ivy Odom developed it with memories of her family's beach house on St. George Island in mind.

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Hot Brown Party Rolls

Guests will be enjoying these little sandwiches well after the Kentucky Derby is over.

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Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp

With the flavors of a cocktail and appetizer rolled into one, this dish is perfect for setting out a big bowlful on the picnic table, and it won't last long.

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Deviled Crab Melts

Kick off a summer party with these loaded, crunchy crostinis topped with crab, tomatoes, and cheese.

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Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Serve this baked mix of summer flavor with plenty of your favorite tortilla chips.

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Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

With just two ingredients, this salty-buttery app is the ultimate party hack for hosts.

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Ham Salad

Give your typical warm-weather chicken salad a break with these mini ham salad sandwiches perfect for a summer shower.

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Deviled Crab Dip

Celebrate the season with a big batch of seafood dip. Lump crabmeat, cream cheese, and Old Bay seasoning promise to be a crowd-pleasing combination.

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Rotel Sausage Dip

In this recipe, simplicity (and Velveeta) is key. Just make sure you have enough chips on hand.

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Pickled Watermelon Rind

No summer relish tray would be complete without the addition of pickled watermelon rind, which is both sweet and spicy.

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Egg Salad

The great thing about egg salad is that it makes a fantastic appetizer or complete meal. Just serve with your favorite crackers or vegetables.

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Fried Green Tomatoes

A Southern summer classic, this recipe's not-too-heavy batter is the key to getting this appetizer just right.

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Ranch Oyster Crackers

Southern Living Ranch Snacker Crackers in a bowl to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Even though they're sneakily simple, our ranch-seasoned crackers might just be the most popular appetizer at any occasion.

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Skillet Taco Dip

You can't go wrong with this hearty beef-and-bean dip that is served with tortilla chips and whichever toppings you prefer.

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Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders

Packing a lot of saucy punch for a slider, this recipe instantly makes BBQ brisket achievable for home cooks thanks to your slow cooker.

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Mini Muffulettas

Stuffed with layers of cheese, cold cut, and pickled vegetables, these crowd-pleasers are also easy to prep the day before.

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Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip

This chilled twist on classic spinach dip is sure to please even the most particular guests. Just like the usual recipes, this rendition mixes together spinach, sour cream, and chives to achieve that onion flavor with a kick.

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Fried Deviled Eggs

Who says you can't switch things up? Amp up your everyday deviled egg with a fried crispy coating.

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Mini Potato Skins

Easy to transport and made for a crowd, this five-ingredient recipe is a no-fail with guests of any age.

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Pork Tenderloin Sliders

Bacon-and-Sweet Onion Jam — Hector Sanchez

Mustard-and-thyme-marinated pork tenderloin on dinner rolls makes for a hearty handful ready for any al fresco affair.

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Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

Pepper jelly and peaches pair with brie for a dish that never fails to look elegant on any spread.

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Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Tossed in a simple vinaigrette, this multicolored mix of cherry tomatoes and small fresh mozzarella balls comes together in a snap.

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Easy Hush Puppies

Hush Puppies. on a plate with coleslaw beside

One of the ultimate Southern finger foods, these hush puppies were made for an outdoor party.

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Fresh Fruit Salad

This basic fruit salad in a simple dressing can be served with toothpicks for cool snacking.

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Corn and Jalapeño Dip

With sweet corn, spicy jalapeño, and bacon, this packed-full dip needs a sturdy chip, such as a Frito Scoop.

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Creamy Overnight Fruit Salad

You won't have to worry about bananas browning before guests arrive with this nostalgic overnight recipe that you can serve as a side dish or as a snack in miniature cups.

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Fig Flatbread

Turn store-bought pizza dough into a crowd-worthy flatbread that's anything but typical with figs and a generous drizzle of balsamic.

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Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Special Sauce

Two party favorites collide in this reimagined takeout dish that will disappear quick at any party.

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Party Poppers

With just a few ingredients and even fewer steps, this will make entertaining easy without the hassle of fussing over the oven all day and night. For those who like it hot, swap mini sweet peppers for spicy jalapeños.

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Skillet Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Serve this dip right in the skillet for easy transport. If you find yourself with any leftover dip, try folding it into cooked pasta as a sauce with a little added milk or pasta water.

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Grilled Peach-and-Arugula Salad with Feta

Start any al fresco meal off on the right note with juicy summer peaches and a spicy vinaigrette. Serve in halves on a bed of arugula for a more put-together appetizer presentation.

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Grilled Sweet Pepper Salad with Ricotta and Summer Herbs

Charred peppers, creamy ricotta, herby marinade—consider this the easy outdoor appetizer you didn't know you needed.

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Deviled Potatoes

It's not really a Southern gathering without some form of potato salad, though this rendition is a bit unique. These two-bite wonders are a combination of deviled eggs and potato salad.

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Tangy Rainbow Slaw

Sweet apples, crisp cabbage, and cilantro create a vibrant slaw that aims to please, while being packed with nutritional value, too. Serve in small cups as an appetizer or alongside a meal.

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Creamy Avocado Dip

If your crowd loves guacamole, try serving them this creamy, tangy take. The secret? Sour cream and mayonnaise make for a rich dip.

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Deviled Egg-Potato Salad

Deviled eggs and potato salad are two undeniable Southern mainstays. We've combined the two into a decadent appetizer that you can serve in individual cups.

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Ranch-Cheese Crackers

It's all in the name. If you manage to stop yourself from eating an entire bowlful, you might be the only one.

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Smoked Fish Dip

It's a one-bowl dip that'll keep hungry hands away from the grill until the patties are ready.

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Southern-Style Potato Salad

Cover your bases with a traditional potato salad. Mayonnaise? Check. Hard-boiled eggs? Check. Celery, sweet pickle relish, mustard, and bacon? Check!

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Blooming Quesadilla Ring

Prepare for quesadilla-loving guests to crowd around this appetizer. Made by cutting tortillas in half, stuffing them, and rolling them into cone shapes and baking them together with some extra cheese. They're ooey, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying.

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Muhammara

Bright, nutty, and tangy, this roasted red pepper-and-walnut spread is a delicious addition to the picnic spread.

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Million Dollar Deviled Eggs

It's time to give Mama's deviled eggs a little competition. These gems are buttery, creamy, tangy, and even a little crunchy too. A few of the the secret ingredients? The unexpected combo of cornichons and Dijon mustard.

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Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Make room for the Ritz. In this recipe, melted cheese, ham, and pepper jelly are sandwiched between two buttery, salty Ritz crackers.

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Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Fries can't have all the fun. Transform the goodness of loaded baked potatoes into appetizer form with these mini smashed bites.

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Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

There's nothing easier than this elegant appetizer that wraps crisp asparagus with salty pieces of prosciutto.

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Ham Cheese Ball

It wouldn't be a party without a cheeseball, right? Right. This recipe combines smoky cheeses and ham, plus pecans and fresh herbs for the ultimate serve-yourself snack.

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Pulled Pork Nachos

Nachos are a great choice for any occasion, any time of year. Pulled pork is the star of these nachos that are complemented by tomatoes, corn, and shredded cheese.

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Roast Beef Sliders

Are there ever too many ways to serve sliders? Not a chance. In this recipe, juicy slices of roast beef are paired with garlic-herb butter and horseradish mayo on a buttery roll.

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Pepper Jelly-Glazed Chicken Wings

Give those chicken wings a kick. Peppery jelly adds a spicy-sweet punch to a classic summer appetizer.

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Cantaloupe Salad With Chile-Lime Dressing

A little something fresh and flavorful for the al fresco party. In season cantaloupe shines in this recipe that gets a burst from the chili-lime dressing.

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Benedictine Spread

A Kentucky classic can come to life for any of your hosting needs. Cucumbers, onions, chive, and cream cheese come together for a flavorful dip that's great for dunking chips, toasted crostini, or fresh cut veggies.

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Smashed Oven-Fried Okra

Summer is the time for okra to have its moment – and let this veggie shine. Not only are they smashed (so fun!) but they are oven-fried which makes them extra crispy.

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Radishes With Miso-Sesame Butter

Introduce a new type of dip to the spread. This mis-sesame butter is the perfect option for warm weather affairs when you want something light, effortless, and delicious for dipping.

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French Onion Dip

Sure we love our store-bought dips when we're in a pinch but homemade French onion will be the talk of the party. Break out all the fancy chips for this occasion.

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Sweet Potato Queso

Is it possible for a dip to be rich, creamy, and healthy? You bet. Sweet potato is the secret ingredient in this recipe that takes just 20 minutes to whip together.

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Crawfish Dip

Break out the slow-cooker for this crowdpleaser. Fifteen minutes of hands-on time is a dream when you can create a party appetizer that is loaded with flavor.

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Mini Potato Skins

This six-ingredient potato skins recipe makes a bite-sized appetizer that every guest will rave about, and it has a high yield for your biggest crowds.

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Chicken-Fried Chicken Gizzards

Surprise the crowd with these crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside pieces. Fried chicken gizzards are so good because of the long simmer that's followed by being dredged in buttermilk and flour.

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Tiny Tacos

Imagine how excited your guests will be when they can enjoy tacos at the summer picnic. Crispy, bite-sized tacos filled with ground beef are great for an appetizer that kids and adults will love. Have some fun and set out sour cream, salsas, guacamole, and more toppings.

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70 Outdoor Appetizers Perfect For Easy Summer Entertaining

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