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BBQing With The Nolands Baking Up Love

Appetizers

Noshing With the Nolands » Appetizers

21 Easy Summer Appetizers

By Tara Noland on June 16, 2026 | Updated June 16, 2026

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21 Easy Summer Appetizers are the secret weapons of every great outdoor gathering. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a poolside party, or a casual evening with friends, the right starters set the whole tone. From grilled bites to creamy dips, there is truly something for everyone on this list.

We rounded up 21 of our absolute favorite summer appetizers that are easy to make and seriously impressive. You’ll find options for every crowd, from light and fresh to bold and indulgent. Grab your favorites and get the party started!

21 Summer Appetizers long pin.

Table of Contents

  • Smørrebrød
  • Loaded Hummus
  • Turkey Chili Nachos
  • Tomato Burrata Salad
  • Marinated Feta
  • Baked Brie Cheese
  • Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites
  • Grilled Eggplant Baba Ganoush
  • Smoked Crab Dip
  • Crostini Recipe
  • Smoked Fried Halloumi Cheese
  • Garlic Herb Butter Grilled Oysters
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa
  • Appetizer Tortellini Skewers
  • Lobster Deviled Eggs
  • Cucumber Hummus Bites
  • Feta Roasted Red Pepper Dip
  • Bruschetta Caprese

Smørrebrød

Open faced sandwiches on a counter.

Smørrebrød from Noshing With The Nolands are stunning Danish open-faced sandwiches that turn simple ingredients into something truly beautiful. Layer each one on hearty rye bread with toppings like shrimp, smoked salmon, roasted beet, and fresh flowers. They are showstopping yet surprisingly simple to put together.

Loaded Hummus

Bowl of loaded hummus.

Loaded Hummus by Noshing With The Nolands takes a classic dip to the next level with a gorgeous spread of Mediterranean toppings. Pile creamy, homemade hummus high with crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh dill. It looks stunning on any table and comes together in just 15 minutes.

Turkey Chili Nachos

Nachos on a sheet pan.

Turkey Chili Nachos by Noshing With The Nolands are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day or casual summer get-togethers. Load crispy tortilla chips with a hearty, seasoned ground turkey chili and top with bubbling melted mozzarella. Finish them with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a bold, satisfying bite.

Tomato Burrata Salad

Overhead of Tomato Burrata Salad.

Tomato Burrata Salad from Noshing With The Nolands is a summer staple that lets peak-season heirloom tomatoes truly shine. Drape juicy, colorful tomatoes around a lush ball of burrata, finished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve it with crusty sourdough bread and watch it disappear.

Marinated Feta

Jar of Marinated Feta.

Marinated Feta from Noshing With The Nolands is one of those effortlessly elegant appetizers that tastes far fancier than the effort involved. Creamy feta cubes soak in herb-infused olive oil with garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes for at least 24 hours. Pair it with crusty bread or tuck it into a charcuterie board for an instant upgrade.

Baked Brie Cheese

Wheel of baked brie topped with nuts.

Baked Brie Cheese from Baking Up Love is warm, melty perfection that never fails to impress a crowd. Bake a whole wheel of brie until gooey, then top with blueberry preserves, crunchy walnuts, and a golden drizzle of honey. Scoop it up with crackers, fresh fruit, or slices of toasted crostini.

Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites

Pineapple bites on wooden cutting board.

Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites by BBQing With The Nolands hit that perfect sweet, salty, and smoky combination in one irresistible little bite. Wrap juicy fresh pineapple chunks in hickory-smoked bacon, dust with brown sugar and cayenne, then grill to crispy perfection. Make a double batch because they will absolutely vanish from the platter.

Grilled Eggplant Baba Ganoush

Bowl full of baba ganoush.

Grilled Eggplant Baba Ganoush from BBQing With The Nolands is a velvety dip with bold Mediterranean flavor. Blend fire-charred eggplant with crumbled feta, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for a deeply satisfying spread. Serve it cold with warm pita bread and fresh veggies for a beautiful starter.

Smoked Crab Dip

Skillet full of crab dip.

Smoked Crab Dip by BBQing With The Nolands transforms a classic party dip into something truly extraordinary. Combine lump crab meat, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and Old Bay seasoning in a cast-iron skillet and smoke low and slow for two hours. The result is a rich, smoky dip that pairs perfectly with crackers or crusty bread.

Crostini Recipe

Crostini in a white serving platter.

Crostini from Baking Up Love are golden, crispy little toasts that serve as the perfect base for any dip, spread, or topping you love. Brush thin baguette slices with quality olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake until perfectly toasted. Keep a batch on hand all summer long for easy entertaining.

Smoked Fried Halloumi Cheese

Fried cheese on a wooden cutting board.

Smoked Fried Halloumi Cheese by BBQing With The Nolands is a uniquely delicious appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Cold-smoke the halloumi first to absorb all that wonderful wood flavor, then fry in a cast-iron skillet until perfectly golden and crispy. A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts take it right over the top.

Garlic Herb Butter Grilled Oysters

Grilled oysters on a serving platter.

Garlic Herb Butter Grilled Oysters from BBQing With The Nolands are a show-stopping appetizer for any summer cookout. Each fresh oyster sits in its shell, topped with a luscious blend of butter, garlic, parsley, chives, and a squeeze of lemon, then grilled in just minutes. Tender, buttery, and full of fresh flavor, they are a seafood lover’s dream.

Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo in a bowl with tortilla chips.

Pico de Gallo from Noshing With The Nolands is a fresh salsa that beats anything you’ll find in a jar. Ripe Roma tomatoes, white onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice come together in a chunky, flavor-packed dip. Serve it with tortilla chips, pile it on tacos, or spoon it over your favorite grilled meats.

Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa

Overhead shot of Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa in a bowl with tortilla chips and tomatillos on the side.

Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa by Noshing With The Nolands is a tangy salsa verde with just five simple ingredients. Simmer the tomatillos until tender, then blend with garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, and salt for a perfectly balanced dip. Scoop it up with tortilla chips or use it to brighten up tacos, enchiladas, and more.

Appetizer Tortellini Skewers

Skewers on a platter.

Appetizer Tortellini Skewers from Noshing With The Nolands put all the flavors of Italian antipasto onto one fun, easy-to-eat stick. Cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, salami, fresh mozzarella, olives, and roasted red peppers thread together beautifully on a skewer. Drizzle with pesto and serve with toasted bread for a party appetizer everyone will love.

Lobster Deviled Eggs

Lobster deviled eggs on a platter.

Lobster Deviled Eggs by Noshing With The Nolands take a party classic and turn it into something truly luxurious. Creamy yolk filling with chunks of tender lobster, then pipe back into the egg whites and garnish with smoked paprika and fresh chives. Make-ahead friendly and always a total crowd-pleaser.

Cucumber Hummus Bites

Cucumber bites on serving tray.

Cucumber Hummus Bites by Noshing With The Nolands are a light, refreshing appetizer that is perfect for warm weather entertaining. Top cool cucumber slices with creamy hummus, a burst of cherry tomato, crumbled feta, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Ready in 15 minutes and always a hit with health-conscious guests.

Feta Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Red pepper dip in a small bowl.

Feta Roasted Red Pepper Dip from Noshing With The Nolands is a six-ingredient appetizer that’s super easy to make. Roasted red bell peppers, garlic, fresh oregano, feta, and cream cheese blend together into a rich dip with a subtle kick. Scoop it up with pita chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for a dip that disappears fast.

Bruschetta Caprese

Close-up, slight overhead shot of a Bruschetta Caprese appetizer.

Bruschetta Caprese from Noshing With The Nolands brings together two Italian classics into one gorgeous, flavor-packed appetizer. Layer crispy olive oil crostini with fresh mozzarella, a bright basil leaf, juicy marinated Roma tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. It is elegant enough for a dinner party and simple enough for a casual summer evening.

With so many incredible options, it is hard to pick just one favorite from this list of summer appetizers! Whether you lean toward smoky and bold or fresh and light, there is a recipe here that is perfect for your next gathering. Try a few, mix and match, and enjoy every delicious bite of the season.

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