20+ Easy Summer Appetizer Recipes Everyone Will Love! (2024)

Prepare for your next party with these easy summer appetizers. From dips to incredible bite-sized bread, there is something for everyone on this mouthwatering list.

When you are planning a party, the last thing you need is to spend all day in the kitchen cooking. I’m with you! That’s why I collected the quickest and easiest appetizers that are perfect for summer parties.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Love These Recipes

3 Handheld Bites

4 Simple Snacks

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 More Summer Recipe Ideas You Might Enjoy

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

Most of the recipes in this list don’t even need to be cooked or baked. Instead, you just mix them and chill them until they are ready to be served.

All of these appetizers make enough to feed a crowd. They look fancy, but you won’t break a sweat making them. Ready to find out what they are?

Delicious Dips

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Veggie Pizza Dip

This veggie pizza dip really does taste just like your favorite veggie pizza. It’s made with an irresistible combination of cream cheese and ranch dressing, then topped with healthy raw vegetables. This dip isn’t just delicious, it is good for you too.

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Cheesy Veggie Dip

Love dill? Embrace the flavor of this herb with this cheesy veggie dip. The Havarti dill cheese elevates this appetizer to unforgettable status. It’s creamy and zesty and the perfect thing to enjoy with raw veggies.

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Italian Hoagie Dip

Fill a bread bowl with colorful and healthy ingredients and you have a perfect Italian hoagie dip. This dip almost looks too good to eat. It’s even fun to munch on with a fork.

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Loaded Veggie Ranch Dip

Dips are the perfect appetizer because you can set them out and people can grab as much as they want. Plus, they are fun to serve in decorative bowls. Thisloaded veggie dipis filled with fresh flavors. Serve with veggies and chips.

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Out of this World Corn Dip

I’ve also been known to call this crack corn dip because it is pretty addicting. It has some serious bite, thanks to the jalapenos and green chilis. Trust me – you make this once, and people will be asking for you to make it again.

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Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Artichoke Dip

This thick and creamy sun-dried tomato dip is a fun twist on my favorite spinach artichoke dip. What really makes it incredible is the combination of smoked gouda and fontina cheese.

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Spicy Peach Salsa

If you like peaches and enjoy salsa, then you’re going to love this spicy peach salsa. Being fresh, sweet, and spicy, it’s delicious served with tortilla chips, on your favorite tacos, or on top of your favorite meat or fish. No matter how you enjoy it, you’ll be making this unique salsa again and again.

Handheld Bites

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Pizza Bread

This pizza bread is worth the effort it will take to heat up your oven and mess up your counters. Layers of flaky bread are wrapped around spicy pepperoni. Then, you can slice the bread thinly and serve them on a platter. Your guests will love it!

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Antipasto Kabobs

I love to serve kabobs at summer parties. They are already perfectly portioned so that people can grab their own skewers. These antipasto kabobs have layers of zesty meat, cheese, and olives with herbs and spices that enhance their flavors.

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Pasta Salad

When it comes to hosting a summer party, pasta salads are always a huge hit! You can make a huge bowl of it for next to nothing, and everyone loves it. These are my best pasta salad recipes – browse them and pick out a few to make for your party.

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Prosciutto and Melon Bites

An Italian favorite, theseProsciuttoand Melon Bites are an easy and delicious appetizer recipe perfect for summerentertainingor afternoon snack. This is a classic combination of salty and sweet that will never go out of style. In addition, a drizzle of balsamic glaze takes this prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe to whole new level.

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Snackle Box

A traveling charcuterie board… a grazing box on the go… a tackle box meets snacks? Call it what you want, but the Snackle Box might be my new favorite way to snack. Organize a box with your favorite goodies, open it up, sit back, and enjoy. You’re in for a treat!

Simple Snacks

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Summer Cheese Board

Make asummer cheese boardthe centerpiece of your party’s food table. Follow my tips, and you are sure to make one that impresses your guests and serves the best meat and cheese varieties too.

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Sweet Yellow Squash Pickles

Bright yellow squash and sweet red onions look absolutely perfect together! These yellow squash pickles have a deliciously sweet flavor that makes them hard to stop eating.

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Avocado BLT Bites

These little BLT bites are so much fun to eat. Juicy tomatoes are wrapped inside of bacon, lettuce, and avocado. The pesto has flavors that tie all these ingredients together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we all drool over these yummy recipes, here are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to making amazing summer appetizers.

What is the difference between appetizers and hors d’oeuvres?

The biggest difference between the two comes down to when you are serving them. You usually serve appetizers before a meal. Hors d’oeuvres are usually served a few hours before dinner and are a bit more filling than appetizers.

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What are some keto-friendly appetizers I can make?

It’s really easy to make keto-friendly appetizers. All you have to do is make sure you use sugar-free and low-carb ingredients. The easiest way to do this is to focus on meat, cheese, and vegetables. For a great example, my antipasto kababs are low-carb and well-loved by all (keto or not).

What should I bring to a summer party?

The best things to take to a summer party are a pitcher of drinks or some delicious appetizers or desserts. Take something that doesn’t need to be refrigerated and can be shared with a crowd. Even if your host already has dinner prepared, a dessert can be a welcome addition.

What are some summer appetizers to make ahead?

Looking for a great make-ahead option? The easiest things to make ahead for your summer party are cold appetizers you can refrigerate. Any of my dips are fantastic choices because they can chill the night before in the refrigerator and be served chilled. In fact, some dips taste even better the day after you make them!

More Summer Recipe Ideas You Might Enjoy

  • Perfect Summer Dessert Recipes
  • My Favorite Cold Appetizer Recipes
  • 11+ Fabulous Sangria Recipes
  • The Ultimate Collection of Summer Drink Recipes
  • 8+ Go-To Hors D’Oeuvres Ideas
  • Picture Perfect Summer Picnic Ideas

I hope you’ll try a few of these easy summer appetizer recipes. I know you’re going to love them. If you do, please leave a comment and tell me your favorite!

Want more from Inspired by Charm? Follow along onInstagramandTikTokfor daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration onFacebookandPinterest!

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20+ Easy Summer Appetizer Recipes Everyone Will Love! (2024)

FAQs

How many appetizers per person for 20 guests? ›

More than 6 appetizers per person are too many. You don't want to fill your guests' bellies before dinner. Generally, you will need enough for each guest to eat 2 of each type of appetizer you serve. For very large parties, you can lower this to 1.5 servings per person per appetizer.

What are good appetizers for 100 people? ›

finger food items for a buffet for 100 + people
  • Baked Ham & Cheese Ring Recipe by Tasty. Baked Ham & Cheese Ring Recipe by Tasty. ...
  • Cream Cheese Dip with Chutney. Cream Cheese Dip with Chutney. ...
  • Keto Edible Cookie Dough- The BEST recipe! - ...
  • Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Recipe - Life Love Liz. ...
  • Red Velvet Mug Cakes.

What are good outdoor snacks for hot weather? ›

Nuts, dried fruit, and jerky are all classic trail snacks and easy to eat out of hand. Cut fresh fruit and veggies into convenient sticks and slices. And carry along some protein, with nut butters, bean dips, and a few other tricks. Grab a handful of your favorite mix of nuts and seeds, rich in healthy fats.

What are good appetizers to buy for a party? ›

11 Store-Bought Appetizers Our Editors Turn To For Easy...
  • Taylor Farms Sweet Kale Chopped Salad Kit.
  • Publix Deli Chicken Breast Dip, Buffalo Style.
  • Trader Joe's Pastry Bites Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions.
  • The Fresh Market Take & Bake Brie.
  • Publix Deli Artichoke & Spinach Dip.
Feb 19, 2023

How much finger food for 25 guests? ›

How many bites per person? If you're hosing 25 -35 guests, plan 3-4 bites per person if a full dinner is to be served afterwards, or 5-7 bites per person if a lighter meal will be served. If you're hosting a party of 50, then you can offer 6 to 9 different items.

How much food do I need for 20 guests? ›

Each adult will consume 1 pound of food total; children, about 1/2 pound. The more options you have, the less you need of each; decrease the main course portion sizes by 1 to 2 ounces if served on a buffet.

What is considered the simplest appetizer? ›

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – are the simplest appetizer. Fruits are good appetizers because they give an attractive appearance, fragrance, appealing taste and delicious flavor. For example, you could serve a platter of thinly sliced cucumbers, chunks of red bell pepper and baby carrots.

What is the most popular appetizer? ›

Top 100 Appetizer Recipes
  • Mozzarella Sticks. “This recipe was so good and easy. ...
  • Bite Size Sandwiches. “These were good! ...
  • Turkey & Spinach Bites. ...
  • Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls With Blue Cheese Dip. ...
  • Cheesy Fried Chicken Parm Balls. ...
  • Spicy Sausage Won Ton Appetizer. ...
  • Chicken Phyllo Mini Tarts. ...
  • Mini Taco Quiches.

What do you like to eat on a hot day? ›

Foods to Eat:
  • Watermelon. Watermelon is the perfect fruit to consume during hot summer weather as it is made up of about 90% water. ...
  • Cucumber. Cucumber is another hydrating food that is rich in water content and low in calories. ...
  • Coconut Water. ...
  • Mint. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Spicy and fried foods. ...
  • Alcohol. ...
  • Coffee.
May 29, 2023

What do you eat when the weather is hot? ›

Opt for light, hydrating foods like fruits (especially watermelon and cucumber), vegetables, salads, and foods high in water content. Avoid heavy, greasy meals that can make you feel sluggish. Additionally, consider electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water or sports drinks to maintain hydration levels.

What are the 8 appetizers? ›

They work perfectly to tide you over until your dinner is ready, but they also ensure you're not full when your meal comes.
  • co*cktails. co*cktails are some of the most popular appetizers. ...
  • Hors D'oeuvres. ...
  • Canape. ...
  • Relishes & Crudite. ...
  • Salad. ...
  • Soup. ...
  • Chips & Dips.
Aug 1, 2022

How many full trays of food do I need for 20 guests? ›

What Does a Typical Catering Tray Feed? Generally, a catering tray can feed 15-20 people. For example, a full tray of chicken breasts should have enough protein for 15-20 people. However, remember that people may choose sides like salads and desserts, which may not factor into this.

How do you calculate the number of appetizers per person? ›

Caterers often plan a minimum of 4 different choices for groups of 25-100 or more, adding an additional choice for each 25 people. A good rule of thumb for a dinner party, allow for 6 appetizers per person. For a co*cktail party consider making 12 appetizers per person.

How many canapés do I need for 20 guests? ›

How many canapés should I order? For a one-hour drinks reception, order four to six canapés per person. If it's before a grand dinner, four should be plenty. For longer events, add another two to four pieces per hour.

What is the portion size for appetizers? ›

Portion Size: One of the most important distinctions between appetizers and hors d'oeuvres is the portion size. The former tends to be 3-4 bites while the latter are usually 1-2 bites.

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