There is something about the summer that always makes the food taste so good. Maybe it’s the weather, the fresh produce, or both. Gather your family and friends this summer and treat yourself to that amazing food with the best summer appetizers.

BEST SUMMER APPETIZERS TO ENJOY

Forget saving room for the main course. These summer appetizers will so be addicting that you easily could make a meal out of them. From dips and sliders to skewers and wings, you really can’t go wrong with any of them.

It will be challenging to choose which one of these appetizers to make. Good thing you’ll have all summer long to cook your way through this tasty list. All of the recipes are the perfect kickoff to your summer cookout, family BBQ, or just a relaxing night in the backyard.

1. 7-LAYER DIP

Each bite of this 7-layer dip is better than the next. With each layer providing a burst of flavor, it is basically a requirement to go back for seconds as each bite will provide something new.

7 layer bean dip served in a casserole dish topped with guacamole tomatoes cheese green onions and black sliced olives
7-Layer Dip
7-Layer Dip is a party favorite with a Tex-Mex flair! A creamy bean dip base is topped with guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and taco fixings. 
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2. CHIPOTLE GUACAMOLE

Keep your summer appetizers simple and serve up a big bowl of this guacamole. The fan-favorite dip only requires six ingredients and can be ready in less than 15 minutes.

Chipotle Guacamole Recipe
Chipotle guacamole is made with six simple ingredients. Ripe Hass avocados, lime juice, cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, and salt. Ready in less than 15 minutes!
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3. AVOCADO DIP

You might think avocado dip would be just like guacamole, but it is something entirely different. This dip is made with avocado, greek yogurt, and ranch to provide a refreshing twist on a favorite ingredient.

Avocado Dip
Avocado Dip made with only 3-ingredients – avocados, greek yogurt, and ranch!  This easy dip recipe will be one of your go-to party appetizers in no-time! 
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4. RUSTIC SUMMER BRUSCHETTA

Is there anything better than a fresh tomato in the summer? Show off the produce at its peak and slice them up into a bruschetta to experience the produce at its finest.

Rustic Summer Bruschetta
My Rustic Summer Bruschetta is the ultimate summer appetizer- it’s simple, rustic and always a crowd pleaser!
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5. QUESO DIP

It won’t take long for cheese lovers to fall in love with this queso dip. The super creamy dip is a must-have for any summer spread.

Queso Dip
Queso dip is the ultimate appetizer for cheese lovers everywhere! Infused with Tex-Mex flavors, this homemade queso dip is easy to make and perfect for a party.
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6. MINI CRAB CAKES

Crab cakes and summertime are a pairing that just goes hand in hand. Top these mini crab cakes with a light tartar sauce for the ultimate bite.

Mini Crab Cakes
Mini Crab Cakes make the perfect holiday appetizer! All the flavors of the delicious crab cakes you love in a delicious bite-sized appetizer that’s party-friendly and sure to be a favorite. These crab cakes are
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7. BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALSA

You won’t ever go back to eating regular salsa after you taste this black bean and corn salsa. The replacement is so good that you’ll be eating it way past the summer months.

Overhead shot of Black Bean and Corn Salsa in bowl with tortilla chips
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Corn and Black Bean Salsa takes your typical salsa-and-chips appetizer to the next level. Instead of a sad, watery tomato-based salsa, this recipe is made with black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables, all tossed together with zesty lime juice. Perfect for picnics, backyard barbecues, or even school lunches!
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8. CAPRESE SKEWERS

Love fresh tomatoes? How about mozzarella? Basil too? Then you will absolutely love these Caprese skewers. The skewers make the summer salad super easy to eat.

Caprese Skewers
Fresh and easy, Caprese skewers are a great summer appetizer with mozzarella, tomato, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
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9. INSTANT POT HOT WINGS

Looking for an appetizer that the whole crowd will love? Look no further than these Instant Pot hot wings. Not only will they taste delicious, but they will also be a breeze to make in your Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Hot Wings
These Instant Pot Hot Wings are a crazy simple way to make your wings in a jiffy. They're tasty and so simple to cook up!
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10. BURRATA WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATOES

Heirloom tomatoes might take the prize when it comes to the best summer produce. Celebrate the tomatoes in all of their glory with this burrata and heirloom tomato salad.

Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes – Love and Lemons
This burrata recipe is the best summer appetizer! With fresh tomatoes, peaches, and a lemon-thyme oil, it’s fresh, delicious, and easy to make.
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11. PIGS IN A BLANKET

Pigs in a blanket always make every occasion better. Seriously, what is not to like about a mini hotdog wrapped in a buttery crescent roll? These pigs in a blanket even get a little upgrade by adding everything season right onto the bun.

pigs in a blanket
Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a Blanket is a classic party appetizer that pairs buttery crescent roll dough with little smokies sausages. I give mine a flavorful twist by adding everything bagel seasoning!
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THE BEST SUMMER APPETIZERS TO SNACK ON ALL SEASON LONG

12. BLISTERED SHISHITO PEPPERS

Add a veggie to the appetizer spread and cook up some shishito peppers to add to the mix. Just watch out for the spicy one!

Blistered Shishito Peppers – Love and Lemons
This blistered shishito peppers recipe is so easy and delicious! Made with sesame oil and sea salt, it’s an irresistible appetizer or snack.
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13. CRAB RANGOON DIP

You are probably going to want to double or even triple this crab rangoon dip — it’s that tasty. The creamy and cheesy riff on your favorite Chinese appetizer will easily be a mega crowd pleaser.

Crab Rangoon Dip
This Crab Rangoon Dip is the party-sized version of everyone’s favorite Chinese restaurant appetizer! If you’re looking for an instant hit for a holiday get-together, this is it!
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14. TEXAS CAVIAR

Move over, caviar! Texas caviar is here to take your place. The simple salad is so good that you’ll want to add it to everything on your plate.

Texas Caviar

15. GRILLED SHRIMP KABOBS

Show off your skills on the grill and impress your guest with these grilled shrimp kabobs. Good luck eating just one!

Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
These GRILLED SHRIMP KABOBS are juicy shrimp marinated in cumin, Italian seasoning, lemon, garlic, pepper flakes, and fresh herbs then threaded along with..
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16. BUFFALO CHICKEN SLIDERS

If you love wings and buffalo sauce, you will fall in love with these buffalo sliders. The mini sliders are the perfect appetizer to munch on while you are soaking up the sun.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a hit for game day or any day of the week! They're spicy, cheesy, and perfect served on sweet Hawaiian rolls.
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17. FRIED PICKLES

Love pickles? How about fried food? Then you will love fried pickles. New to fried pickles? Get ready to have a party in your mouth. The bite-sized treats are both crunchy and tangy all at the same time. Good luck eating just one, as they are super addicting!

Fried Pickles
Fried Pickles – a classic Southern favorite, these well-seasoned and battered fried dill pickles are light and crispy and have the right amount of tanginess and heat to keep you coming back for more. It’s the easiest party or game day appetizer you could ask for! It seems like it was just ……
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18. BUFFALO CHICKEN NACHOS

You’ll never want to go back to eating plain nachos after you treat yourself to these buffalo chicken nachos. It’s a good thing the recipe is simple to put together, as it will be one you will want to enjoy all summer long.

Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
If you’re looking for a quick and easy appetizer recipe, this Buffalo Chicken Nachos recipe is it!
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19. WATERMELON CUPS

Keep the appetizers super refreshing with these mini watermelon cups. The bite-sized pieces of fruit are topped with cucumber, red onions, and fresh herbs for a super satisfying bite.

Watermelon Cups
This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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20. JALAPEÑO POPPERS

If spicy food is your thing, then you are going to want to whip up a batch of these jalapeño poppers.

Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are a favorite restaurant appetizer, but I think they’re even better when you make them at home.
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21. ANTIPASTO KABOBS

With these antipasto kabobs, you don’t have to worry about running out of room on your plate. The kabobs keep everything nice and organized and somehow make the flavorful combinations taste even better.

Antipasto Kabobs
My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. —Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio
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22. EASY 7-LAYER GREEK DIP

You can’t go wrong by adding this 7-layer greek dip to your appetizer spread. It’s basically like a deconstructed Greek salad.

Easy 7-Layer Greek Dip
7-Layer Greek Dip – This healthy 7-Layer Greek Dip is so delicious you’ll want to eat it with a spoon!
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23. ZUCCHINI & CHEESE ROULADES

Impress your tastebuds with these zucchini and cheese roulades. The best part about this appetizer is its flexibility. Fill it with cheese or switch it up and add sun-dried tomatoes. Either way, it will be delicious.

Zucchini & Cheese Roulades
My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
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24. HEIRLOOM TOMATO GALETTE WITH PECORINO

Show off your beautiful heirloom tomatoes with this gallate stuffed with pecorino cheese. It will almost be too pretty to cut into.

Heirloom Tomato Galette with Pecorino
I found beautiful heirloom tomatoes and had to show them off. In this easy galette, the tomatoes are tangy and the crust is beyond buttery. —Jessica Chang, Playa Vista, California
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MORE SUMMER APPETIZERS TO ENJOY

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