BBQ season is here, and it’s time to kick off your cookouts with some tasty appetizers. These small bites will keep your guests happy and satisfied while the main dishes are still on the grill. From classic favorites to creative new options, BBQ appetizers can set the tone for a fun and delicious outdoor gathering.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or heading to a potluck, having a variety of appetizers on hand is always a good idea. You’ll find options that are quick to prepare, easy to serve, and sure to please different tastes. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these mouthwatering starters that perfectly complement your BBQ menu.
Smoky BBQ chicken wings are a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next cookout. These wings have a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors.
You can make them in the oven or on the grill. Start by seasoning the wings with a dry rub. Then cook them until crispy and coat them in a homemade BBQ sauce.
For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to your sauce. Or use smoked paprika in your dry rub. Serve the wings hot with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
These wings are sure to be a hit at any gathering. They’re great for game days, summer parties, or just a tasty snack.
Grilled shrimp skewers are a tasty and easy BBQ appetizer. You can make them in just a few simple steps.
Start by marinating the shrimp. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices like paprika and oregano. Let the shrimp soak up the flavors for 15-30 minutes.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. If you’re using wooden ones, soak them in water first to prevent burning.
Bacon-wrapped jalapenos are a tasty treat for your next BBQ. You’ll need fresh jalapenos, cream cheese, and bacon to make these spicy bites.
Cut the jalapenos in half and remove the seeds. Fill them with a mixture of cream cheese and seasonings. Wrap each stuffed pepper with a strip of bacon.
Grill the poppers until the bacon is crispy and the peppers are tender. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes over medium heat.
These appetizers offer a mix of heat, creaminess, and smoky flavor. They’re perfect for parties or game day snacks. Serve them hot off the grill for the best taste.
Spicy BBQ meatballs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next barbecue. You can make them easily using frozen meatballs or your own homemade recipe.
To create the sauce, mix grape jelly with spicy barbecue sauce and a pinch of red chili flakes. This combination gives a perfect balance of sweet and heat.
Cook the meatballs in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. For the slow cooker method, combine the sauce and meatballs, then cook on high for about 3 hours.
If using the stovetop, simmer the sauce in a large skillet. Add the meatballs and cook for 15-20 minutes until they’re heated through.
Honey mustard BBQ ribs are a tasty twist on classic barbecue. You’ll love the sweet and tangy flavor of this glaze on tender, juicy ribs.
To make the glaze, mix yellow mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. This simple sauce comes together in seconds and adds a zesty kick to your ribs.
For best results, use the 3-2-1 method when smoking your ribs. This technique ensures they’re perfectly cooked and fall-off-the-bone tender.
Apply the honey mustard glaze during the final hour of cooking. The heat will caramelize the sugars, creating a sticky, flavorful coating on your ribs.
Serve these ribs as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next barbecue. Cut them into smaller portions so guests can easily grab a piece and enjoy.
Pulled pork sliders are a tasty BBQ appetizer that’s sure to please a crowd. You can make them easily with Hawaiian rolls or slider buns.
Start by layering the bottom buns in a baking dish. Add your prepared pulled pork on top. For extra flavor, drizzle some BBQ sauce over the pork.
Sprinkle cheese on the pork if you like. Cheddar or pepper jack work well. Place the top buns on and brush them with melted butter mixed with garlic and brown sugar.
Bake the sliders for about 10 minutes until they’re warm and the cheese melts. Serve with extra BBQ sauce, pickles, and coleslaw on the side for guests to add as they please.
Charred corn salad is a tasty BBQ appetizer that’s easy to make and full of flavor. You can prepare it on the grill or in a skillet.
Start by cooking corn kernels until they get a nice char. This adds a smoky taste to the salad. Let the corn cool before mixing it with other ingredients.
Add some fresh veggies like radishes or tomatoes for crunch and color. Toss in herbs like cilantro or basil to boost the flavor. A simple dressing of lime juice, olive oil, and spices ties it all together.
This salad is great served cold or at room temperature. You can make it ahead of time, which is perfect for BBQs.
BBQ deviled eggs bring a tasty twist to a classic appetizer. You’ll love the mix of creamy filling and smoky barbecue flavor.
To make them, start with hard-boiled eggs cut in half. Mix the yolks with mayo, mustard, and a dash of hot sauce. Then add a spoonful of your favorite BBQ sauce for that signature taste.
You can top the eggs with chopped smoked meat like pork or chicken. This adds extra texture and flavor. Sprinkle some paprika on top for a nice color.
These eggs are perfect for cookouts and parties. They’re easy to make ahead of time and always a crowd-pleaser. Give them a try at your next BBQ!
Sweet and spicy BBQ drumsticks are a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next barbecue. To make them, marinate chicken drumsticks overnight in a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and sriracha.
When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat. Mix chili sauce, honey, and more sriracha for the glaze.
Grill the drumsticks for about 25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Brush on the glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.
The result is tender, juicy chicken with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Your guests will love these finger-licking drumsticks as a tasty start to your BBQ feast.
BBQ brisket nachos are a tasty way to use leftover smoked beef. Start with a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top with shredded brisket, BBQ sauce, and cheese.
Add a second layer of chips, brisket, and cheese. Bake until the cheese melts. Sprinkle on some corn and a dollop of sour cream.
You can customize these nachos with beans, jalapeños, or diced onions. They’re perfect for game day snacks or casual dinners. The mix of smoky brisket and crunchy chips is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Cheesy BBQ stuffed mushrooms are a tasty appetizer for your next barbecue. Start with fresh mushrooms and remove the stems. Mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and your favorite BBQ sauce for the filling.
Stuff the mushroom caps with this cheesy mixture. Place them on a cedar plank or in a grill-safe pan. Grill the mushrooms for about 15 minutes until they’re tender and the cheese is melty.
The smoky flavor from the grill adds a nice touch to these bite-sized treats. Serve them hot as a starter or side dish. Your guests will love the mix of creamy cheese and tangy BBQ sauce in every bite.
BBQ chicken quesadillas are a tasty appetizer that combines the flavors of barbecue and Mexican cuisine. You can make them easily with leftover BBQ chicken, cheese, and tortillas.
Start by shredding cooked BBQ chicken and mixing it with extra sauce for moisture. Spread the mixture on half of a tortilla and top with shredded cheese.
For added flavor and texture, try adding corn, black beans, or bell peppers. Fold the tortilla in half and cook in a skillet until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot. They’re perfect for parties or as a quick snack. You can customize them with different BBQ sauces or cheeses to suit your taste.
BBQ beef sliders are a tasty mini-burger appetizer perfect for parties. You can make them with pulled beef or ground beef.
For pulled beef sliders, smoke a chuck roast until tender. Shred the meat and mix with BBQ sauce. For ground beef sliders, cook the meat in a pan with onions and BBQ sauce.
Use small buns like Hawaiian rolls. Layer the meat with cheese on the buns. You can add extra toppings like pickles or coleslaw if you like.
Brush melted butter on top of the assembled sliders. Bake them for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts and buns are toasted. Serve these bite-sized burgers hot for a crowd-pleasing BBQ appetizer.
BBQ Cauliflower Bites are a tasty veggie appetizer for your next cookout. To make them, start by preheating your oven to 450°F.
Cut a head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Toss the florets in a bowl with BBQ sauce, making sure to coat them well.
Spread the coated cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10 minutes until crispy.
For extra crunch, you can coat the cauliflower in a batter made from flour and milk before baking. Roll the battered pieces in breadcrumbs for even more texture.
Serve your BBQ Cauliflower Bites hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
BBQ turkey meatballs are a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs. You can easily make them at home with ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and spices.
Mix the ingredients gently to avoid tough meatballs. Form them into small balls, about 1.5 tablespoons each. You can bake them in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
Once cooked, toss the meatballs in your favorite BBQ sauce. For extra flavor, you can even smoke them on your grill or in a smoker at 325-350°F.
Serve these meatballs as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next BBQ gathering. They’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Mix BBQ sauce with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. Toss the tofu cubes in this mixture and let them marinate for at least an hour.
Thread the marinated tofu onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water first to prevent burning.
Grill the skewers on medium heat for about 2 minutes per side. Brush with extra BBQ sauce while cooking for more flavor.
You’ll know they’re done when you see grill marks and the tofu is heated through. Serve hot as a protein-packed appetizer.
BBQ chicken dip is a tasty appetizer that’s perfect for your next barbecue. It combines the flavors of BBQ sauce and tender chicken with creamy ingredients.
To make this dip, you’ll need cooked chicken, cream cheese, BBQ sauce, and shredded cheese. Mix these ingredients together in a bowl.
You can add extras like corn, black beans, or green onions for more flavor and texture. Spread the mixture in a baking dish and top with more cheese.
Bake the dip in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly. Serve it with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks for dipping.
For an easier option, you can make this dip in a slow cooker. Just mix everything together and heat on high until warm and melted.
Next, you brush them with a glaze made of maple syrup and BBQ sauce. The maple adds a rich sweetness that goes well with the smoky bacon.
Pop them in the oven or on the grill until the bacon is crispy. The shrimp inside stays juicy and tender.
Serve these as an appetizer at your next BBQ or party. Your guests will love the blend of flavors and textures. They’re easy to eat and hard to resist.
BBQ sweet potato wedges are a tasty and healthy appetizer for your next cookout. Cut sweet potatoes into thick wedges and toss them with olive oil and your favorite spices.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the wedges directly on the grates, perpendicular to prevent them from falling through. Grill for about 5 minutes per side, flipping once.
The wedges are done when they’re tender and have nice grill marks. Serve them hot with a dipping sauce like ranch or chipotle mayo for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Tips for Preparing BBQ Appetizers
Great BBQ appetizers set the tone for a fun cookout. These tips will help you make tasty starters that get everyone excited for the main course.
Choose the Right Ingredients
Pick fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Opt for ripe tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs. Select meats that cook quickly, like shrimp or small cuts of chicken. For vegetarian options, try firm vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
Use bold seasonings to add extra punch. Garlic, chili powder, and smoked paprika work well with many BBQ flavors. Don’t forget about sauces and dips – they can elevate simple appetizers. BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and guacamole are popular choices.
Remember to consider your guests’ preferences and dietary needs. Offer a mix of meat-based and vegetarian options. Include some gluten-free choices too.
Prepping Techniques for Flavor
Marinate meats and vegetables before grilling to boost flavor. A simple mix of oil, lemon juice, and herbs works well. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marinating time, but no more than 8 hours for most foods.
Cut ingredients into bite-sized pieces. This makes them easier to eat and ensures even cooking. For skewers, keep pieces about the same size so they cook at the same rate.
Pre-cook certain items like bacon or potatoes. This cuts down on grill time and prevents burning. You can finish them on the grill for added smoky flavor.
Cooking Times and Temperatures
Use direct heat for quick-cooking items like shrimp or thin vegetable slices. For larger appetizers, use indirect heat to prevent burning. Keep your grill around 350-400°F for most appetizers.
Watch cooking times closely. Small bites can go from perfect to overcooked quickly. Shrimp only need 2-3 minutes per side, while chicken skewers might take 8-10 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F, while beef can be cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Let meats rest for a few minutes before serving to keep them juicy.
Serving Suggestions for BBQ Appetizers
Make your BBQ appetizers stand out with eye-catching displays, tasty drink pairings, and flavorful garnishes. These tips will help you create an appetizer spread that’s sure to impress your guests.
Presentation Ideas
Use tiered serving trays to add height and visual interest to your appetizer display. Place small bites like stuffed mushrooms or bacon-wrapped dates on the top tier, with larger items like chips and dips on the bottom.
Wooden cutting boards make great serving platters for finger foods. Arrange sliders, skewers, or bruschetta in neat rows or fun patterns on the boards.
For a rustic look, serve appetizers in mini cast iron skillets or mason jars. Fill small jars with individual portions of dips or snack mixes.
Create a grazing table by spreading out a variety of appetizers on a large table or kitchen island. Use cake stands, bowls, and platters of different heights to add dimension.
Pairing with Drinks
Light, crisp beers pair well with most BBQ appetizers. Try wheat beers or pale ales with spicy or tangy bites. For wine lovers, a chilled rosé or Sauvignon Blanc complements many summer appetizers.
Serve fruity sangria alongside chips and dips for a refreshing combo. Make a big batch ahead of time so guests can help themselves.
For non-alcoholic options, offer flavored lemonades or iced teas. Mint-infused water is another cool, refreshing choice for hot days.
Consider setting up a DIY cocktail station. Provide spirits, mixers, and garnishes so guests can create their own drinks to pair with appetizers.
Garnishes and Sides
Fresh herbs add color and flavor to many appetizers. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over guacamole or top bruschetta with basil leaves.
Lemon and lime wedges are must-have garnishes. Guests can squeeze them over grilled shrimp or use them to add zing to dips.
Offer a variety of dipping sauces to go with finger foods. BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and honey mustard are popular choices.
Don’t forget the veggies! Serve crunchy carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices alongside creamy dips for a healthy option.
Add some crunch with toasted nuts or crispy onions. These make great toppings for dips or can be sprinkled over salads.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
