28 BBQ Appetizers Ideas For Your Next Cookout

Summer is my favorite reason. First, I was born in the summer. Second, you can enjoy fresh fruits, ice cream, and barbecue!

To prepare for the hot season to come, I’ve decided to write several lists of recipes you can eat for a barbecue party.

Let’s start with this list of tasty bbq appetizers!

01. Buffalo Chicken Dip

This buffalo chicken dip will have you hooked from the first bite.

It features melty cheddar cheese, rich cream cheese, spicy hot sauce, flavorful ranch dressing, fresh garlic, and, of course, juicy shredded chicken breasts.

Plus, it’s so easy to make. You literally just have to cook the garlic and then combine all the ingredients in a cast iron skillet until the cheese is melted.

Packed with so many bold flavors, this dip is sure to be the hit of your barbecue party!

02. Bacon Wrapped Sausages

No bbq party would be complete without these irresistible bacon-wrapped sausages.

This dish is a savory dish, but the brown sugar addition transforms it into a delightful blend of savory and sweet.

When baked, the sugar caramelizes and adds a crispy coating that is incredibly addictive.

And since the sausages are secured with a toothpick, they are so easy to eat that you won’t even realize how many you’ve had!

03. Queso Blanco Dip

Want something extremely creamy and cheesy for your next cookout? Look no further than this cheese queso dip.

This recipe doesn’t involve Velveeta cheese. Instead, you have a scrumptious blend of white American cheese and mozzarella.

To spice up the cheesy mix, this dip includes chili powder, red pepper flakes, and green chiles. The combination of creamy and spicy is immaculate.

Dip with tortilla chips, fresh veggies or pretzels.

04. Pulled Pork Sliders

This is one of my favorite bbq appetizers!

Super tender pulled pork is topped with crunchy coleslaw and paired with fluffy buttery buns. The whole is then baked until golden perfection.

I love to add barbecue sauce to bring sweetness to the mix. But it’s totally optional. I also like to prepare my own homemade buns for a more flavorful experience!

A crowd-please guaranteed.

05. Cheesy Stuffed Potato Skins

Good news: you no longer have to throw out potato skins!

Rather, use them as vessels for a decadent cheesy-gooey-crispy filling. Made with butter, cream, crispy bacon bites, and nutty grated cheese, you’ll crave more.

All that goodness. Plus it’s so easy to make. Top with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chives. ith a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chives.

And don’t hesitate to play with the fillings. The recipe suggests a few funny alternatives.

06. BBQ Meatballs

If you’ve ever tried bbq meatballs, you know how incredibly flavorful they are. If not, I suggest you run to the kitchen, because they’re too good to miss!

They’re sweet, they’re savory and they require only 3 ingredients: meatballs, grape jelly and bbq sauce.

They’re delicious on their own. But you can serve them with fresh bread, crispy french Fries or vegetables to balance things out.

07. Taco Dip Recipe

A taco dip is like having tacos without actually having it. And this one is phenomenal.

First, you have this decadent creamy cheesy layer flavored with taco seasoning. Then, it’s topped with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, savory olives, spicy jalapenos, and sharp melted cheddar cheese.

It’s an explosion of textures and tastes, all at the same time.

You can even make your own taco seasoning to feel like a chef.

08. Stuffed Mushrooms

It’s hard to know what’s not to love about these stuffed mushrooms. They’re incredibly creamy, savory, and even crispy!

Served on a decadent 4 cheese sauce, you won’t be able to stop eating them. The recipe makes 8 – 10 mushrooms but I suggest you double the quantity because it’s so good.

Since you’re at a bbq party, you can also prepare grilled stuffed mushrooms. Instead of baking them, simply wrap them in aluminum foil and grill them directly on the grill.

You’re welcome.

09. Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewer

Speaking of the grill, here’s another simple yet delectable recipe.

Jumbo shrimp are soaked in a flavorful herb garlic marinade before being grilled to perfection.

The recipe calls for jumbo shrimp. But if you can’t find it, you can try gambas or prawns instead.

Loaded with zesty and bright flavor, these skewers won’t last long on your barbecue table.

10. Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Have you ever tried combining pineapple and chicken? If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?

Made with bright pineapple, sweet red onion, colorful bell pepper, and juicy chicken, these Hawaiian skewers will add a nice tropical touch to your next cookout.

Served with a fresh pasta salad or crispy French fries, it will be the star of the barbecue.

11. Parmesan Zucchini Fries

I’ve never been a big fan of zucchini. But you add cheese to it and I go crazy!

These fries are excessively crisp-tender that no one would ever believe you baked them! And with under 135 calories, they’re 100% guilty free too.

When ready, dunk in a tangy tartar sauce. Or if you feel adventurous, in a spicy boom boom sauce.

12. Pigs in a Blanket (With Cheese)

Who doesn’t love pigs in a blanket? Add cheese to it and you have a delicious bbq appetizer that everyone will love, kids and adults alike!

Plus it’s really easy to make and requires only 3 ingredients: cheese, little smokies and crescent rolls.

Smokies are wrapped in cheese slices and crescent rolls before being brushed with melted better. They’re sure to be hit!

13. Pork Belly Burnt Ends

These pork belly burnt ends will melt in your mouth from the first bite.

Juicy, thick bite-sized cubes of pork belly are grilled in a delectable dry rub and then in a rich barbecue sauce.

It’s smokey, it’s savory, it’s heavenly.

It’s not complicated but it takes a little time. But it totally worth waiting.

14. Jalapeno Poppers

With these jalapeno poppers, you have crispy and spicy in one single snap. To me, it’s the perfect love match!

Jalapenos are filled with an irresistible cream cheese stuffing, then dipped in a breadcrumbs mixture and fried. The result is a creamy-crispy inside-outside that’s just to die for.

The recipe suggests you deep fry the poppers. But nothing prevents you from using an air fryer. It’s a healthier option, yet equally flavorful.

15. Nachos

Nachos at a barbecue party? Yes, please!

This divine dish features juicy ground beef and tomatoes, sharp Monterey jack cheese, rich nacho cheese sauce, and of course, crispy tortilla chips.

Plus, it takes only 20 minutes and every bite is an explosion of flavor.

16. Deviled Eggs

If you’re looking for a simple appetizer for a barbecue party, this recipe is for you!

And that couldn’t be more simple: hard-boiled egg whites are stuffed with a delightful mixture made of creamy mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice.

You then sprinkle with a hint of smoked paprika – this little touch of spiciness will complement the creaminess so well.

And voilà! you have the perfect bite-sized appetizer.

17. Spinach Artichoke Dip

Ok, this dip uses artichokes and spinach. But on top of that, you have a warm, creamy and cheesy topping that will leave you craving for more.

I suggest you use fresh spinach – it won’t necessarily take you more time to prepare than frozen spinach. Plus it will taste more authentic.

Dunk crostini, tortilla chips, or of course baguette slices for excellent dipping options.

18. Cheeseburger Sliders

You can’t go wrong with cheeseburger sliders. Mini sandwiches are great for any occasion, but especially for barbecue parties.

The ingredients are ridiculously simple: buns, beef, cheese, condiments, and a sauce of your choice (But I recommend trying this divine ranch sauce).

Plus they take 10 minutes to throw together (+ 15 minutes to bake). Yum!

19. Bruschetta

Do you love Mediterranean flavors? If you do, you’ll love this bruschetta sauce (+ bruschetta bread) recipe.

This appetizer is juicy and full of herb and tomato flavors. And served at a barbecue party, it adds the freshness hint you’re desperately looking for.

The recipe uses canned tomatoes because they can be used outside of the peak season. But you can use fresh tomatoes, this will taste even more delicious!

20. Mexican Corn Dip

Mixing mayonnaise and corn doesn’t sound like a brilliant idea. But have you really tried Mexican corn dip?

Topped with lime juice, chili powder, cheese and of course mayonnaise, this appetizer tastes just like heaven. And it only takes a few minutes to whip up.

Advice: ditch the chips. It’s sooo good that you won’t need the chips at all!

21. Grilled Potato Chips

Why make potato chips when you can have them for one dollar at the store? Because they’re tastier and healthier!

Plus, you can vary the seasonings and it’s easy to double the quantity if you’re feeding a crowd.

The recipe is really simple, you guessed it. But it requires leaving the potatoes soaking for one hour. But the result really worth the wait.

22. Fig Crostini

Impress your guest with this elegant fig crostini. And because it involves bread and cheese, it’s sure to be a hit!

The creamy ricotta makes a perfect pair with the buttery prosciutto. Add crispy garlic bread and sweet figs, and you have a winning combo.

You can also add crumbled blue cheese for more greed (and French flair!).

23. Dilly Cucumber Bite

Not only are the dilly cucumber bites light, and refreshing, but they’re also packed with so many flavors!

They include French baguette (!!), cucumber, cream cheese, mayonnaise, ranch and dill weed seasoning. And that’s it!

Plus they go so well with anything. You can pair them easily with any other appetizer on this list.

To add more crunch, I recommend toasting the baguette slices on the grill. This will add a nice slightly smoky taste for sure. You can also replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.

24. Garlic Bread

Is there anything better than melted cheese on top of soft bread? I don’t think so.

Incredibly gooey on the inside but with crispy edges, this garlic bread is definitely a show-stopper.

It has the perfect amount of garlic and butter that come together and get smeared all over the bread. And the flawless blend of mozzarella and parmesan will please your taste buds.

A pure bliss.

25. Peach Salsa

Peach salsa is a fun twist on standard salsa!

Featuring fresh peaches, tomatoes, jalapeños, lime juice and so much more, it’s sweet and refreshing.

If you can’t find fresh peaches, you can use canned ones. It won’t taste as fresh but it will be equally divine.

25 BBQ Appetizer Ideas For Your Next Cookout

Directions

Choose your favorite bbq appetizer recipe

Gather all the ingredients

Prepare a bbq appetizer recipe in 30 minutes or less!

25 BBQ Appetizer Ideas to Spice Up Your BBQ Game