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    Home » Appetizers » 50 Easy Summer Appetizers

    50 Easy Summer Appetizers

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    Looking to elevate your summer gatherings with delicious appetizers? Well, you're in the right place! We are sharing over 50 of our best easy summer appetizers to snack on including cool and refreshing dips, simple baked appetizers, easy-to-assemble crostini and snack platters, and more.

    Plus, this recipe collection offers something for everything — including healthy, vegetarian, gluten-free, and kid-friendly options too. Whether you’re preparing appetizers for a soirée by the pool, organizing a backyard barbecue, or simply enjoying a sunny day with loved ones, there is a summer appetizer recipe here for you.

    Over 50 easy summer appetizers including refreshing dips, simple baked appetizers, easy-to-assemble crostini and snack platters, and more. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Summer Appetizers

    Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze

    Tomato bruschetta with balsamic glaze is an easy Italian appetizer topped with tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil and olive oil. Delicious, fresh and simple.

    Tomato bruschetta with balsamic glaze is an easy Italian appetizer topped with tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil and olive oil. Delicious, fresh and simple. | aheadofthyme.com

    Antipasto Skewers

    Antipasto skewers with tortellini are a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer with the best parts of a traditional antipasto platter but easier to eat.

    Antipasto skewers with tortellini are a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer with the best parts of a traditional antipasto platter but easier to eat. | aheadofthyme.com

    Whipped Ricotta Dip

    Light and airy, whipped ricotta dip is so easy to make in just 5 minutes with a few fresh ingredients including fresh herbs, olive oil, garlic, and honey.

    Light and airy, whipped ricotta dip is so easy to make in just 5 minutes with a few fresh ingredients including fresh herbs, olive oil, garlic, and honey. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cauliflower Tots

    These Cauliflower Tots are everything you want in a tater tot — but better! They are crunchy on the outside, tender inside, higher in fiber, and cheesy.

    These Cauliflower Tots are everything you want in a tater tot — but better! They are crunchy on the outside, tender inside, higher in fiber, and cheesy. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara

    Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara will save your weeknight dinner routine (and the kids love it too!). It's low carb, vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto.

    Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara will save your weeknight dinner routine (and the kids love it too!). It's low carb, vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto. | aheadofthyme.com

    Sweet Chili Chicken Bites

    Sticky crispy baked sweet chili chicken bites is better than takeout and so easy to make healthier at home. An easy dinner or game day appy.

    Sticky crispy baked sweet chili chicken bites is better than takeout and so easy to make healthier at home. An easy dinner or game day appy. | aheadofthyme.com

    7 Layer Dip

    This easy and delicious 7 layer dip is the perfect dip to serve at your next party, made with layers of beans, guacamole, salsa, cheese, and more.

    This easy and delicious 7 layer dip is the perfect dip to serve at your next party, made with layers of beans, guacamole, salsa, cheese, and more. | aheadofthyme.com

    Deviled Eggs

    Classic deviled eggs are a simple, easy, and healthy appetizer to make when you need something quick for brunch, picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or Easter.

    Classic deviled eggs are a simple, easy, and healthy appetizer to make when you need something quick for brunch, picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or Easter. | aheadofthyme.com

    Homemade Taquitos

    Homemade Taquitos are crispy, delicious and flavorful. These rolled tacos are filled with seasoned ground beef and melty cheese — and can be fried or baked!

    Homemade Taquitos are crispy, delicious and flavorful. These rolled tacos are filled with seasoned ground beef and melty cheese — and can be fried or baked! | aheadofthyme.com

    Fig Crostini

    Fig crostini topped sweet, juicy figs, tangy goat cheese and crunchy pistachios is flavourful, delicious, and perfect for snacking on or entertaining.

    Fig crostini topped sweet, juicy figs, tangy goat cheese and crunchy pistachios is flavourful, delicious, and perfect for snacking on or entertaining. | aheadofthyme.com

    Zucchini Bites

    Zucchini Bites are savory balls that are loaded with fresh zucchini. They're quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes in the air fryer or oven.

    Zucchini Bites are savory balls that are loaded with fresh zucchini. They're quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes in the air fryer or oven. | aheadofthyme.com

    Caprese Skewers

    Caprese Skewers are a quick and fresh appetizer made with bite-sized mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil leaves with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

    Caprese Skewers are a quick and fresh appetizer made with bite-sized mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil leaves with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. | aheadofthyme.com

    Baked Potato Wedges

    Baked Potato Wedges are crispy outside and soft inside — exactly what you want from a potato wedge but without frying! Cook in the oven or air fryer.

    Baked Potato Wedges are crispy outside and soft inside — exactly what you want from a potato wedge but without frying! Cook in the oven or air fryer. | aheadofthyme.com

    Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce

    Better than takeout, easy to make tender chicken satay skewers with coconut marinade and homemade peanut dipping sauce is savoury, sweet, tangy, and nutty.

    Better than takeout, easy to make tender chicken satay skewers with coconut marinade and homemade peanut dipping sauce is savoury, sweet, tangy, and nutty. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

    Smooth creamy roasted red pepper hummus is a delicious, flavourful, vegan + gluten-free dip. This healthy appetizer is easy to make with a few ingredients.

    Smooth creamy roasted red pepper hummus is a delicious, flavourful, vegan + gluten-free dip. This healthy appetizer is easy to make with a few ingredients. | aheadofthyme.com

    Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Chicken

    Vietnamese summer rolls with chicken are fresh, light, and healthy. This Asian summer snack takes less than 20 minutes to make and easier than you think.

    Vietnamese summer rolls with chicken are fresh, light, and healthy. This Asian summer snack takes less than 20 minutes to make and easier than you think. | aheadofthyme.com

    Chicken Meatballs

    Baked Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy, and flavorful (no dry meatballs here!). Made in just 45 minutes using simple ingredients. So quick and easy!

    Baked Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy, and flavorful (no dry meatballs here!). Made in just 45 minutes using simple ingredients. So quick and easy! | aheadofthyme.com

    Sheet Pan Nachos

    Oven-baked loaded sheet pan nachos are a crowd pleaser for an easy weeknight dinner or a crave-worthy appetizer to serve on game day.

    Oven-baked loaded sheet pan nachos are a crowd pleaser for an easy weeknight dinner or an addicting appetizer to serve on game day. | aheadofthyme.com

    Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

    Vegetarian stuffed mushrooms are a delicious, flavorful, healthy, and nutritious appetizer. Plus, quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes including prep!

    Vegetarian stuffed mushrooms are a delicious, flavorful, healthy, and nutritious appetizer. Plus, quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes including prep! | aheadofthyme.com

    Homemade Fish Sticks

    Quick easy baked homemade fish sticks are crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and packed with flavor. Kid-friendly + freezer-friendly.

    Quick easy baked homemade fish sticks are crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and packed with flavor. Kid-friendly + freezer-friendly. | aheadofthyme.com

    Marinated Mozzarella Balls

    Marinated mozzarella balls is a delicious and simple yet stunning appetizer, made with fresh bocconcini soaked in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.

    Marinated mozzarella balls is a delicious and simple yet stunning appetizer, made with fresh bocconcini soaked in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. | aheadofthyme.com

    BBQ Chicken Pizza

    Forget delivery and make sweet, tangy, and smoky BBQ chicken pizza from the comfort of your own home in under 30 minutes. The easiest weeknight dinner.

    Forget delivery and make sweet, tangy, and smoky BBQ chicken pizza from the comfort of your own home in under 30 minutes. The easiest weeknight dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Queso Mexican Cheese Dip

    Homemade queso Mexican cheese dip is smooth, creamy, delicious, flavorful, and so easy to make. It's so much better than store-bought in every way.

    Homemade queso Mexican cheese dip is smooth, creamy, delicious, flavorful, and so easy to make. It's so much better than store-bought in every way. | aheadofthyme.com

    Baked Coconut Shrimp

    Crispy baked coconut shrimp is a delicious appetizer that is easy to make in 30 minutes. They are more flavourful, tastier and healthier than takeout. One of my favorite finger foods!

    Crispy baked coconut shrimp is a delicious appetizer that is easy to make in 30 minutes. They are more flavourful, tastier and healthier than takeout. | aheadofthyme.com

    Veggie Tray

    This homemade veggie tray is a quick easy healthy snack or appetizer to make for your next party, with a variety of colorful vegetables and delicious dips.

    This homemade veggie tray is a quick easy healthy snack or appetizer to make for your next party, with a variety of colorful vegetables and delicious dips. | aheadofthyme.com

    Jalapeño Poppers

    Jalapeño poppers are the perfect appetizer — spicy, crispy, cheesy, and creamy, toasted to golden brown perfection. Plus easy to make ahead and freeze well.

    Jalapeño poppers are the perfect appetizer — spicy, crispy, cheesy, and creamy, toasted to golden brown perfection. Plus easy to make ahead and freeze well. | aheadofthyme.com

    Garlic Butter Steak Bites

    Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy, and flavorful. This quick and easy appetizer or weeknight dinner takes just 15 minutes to make in one skillet. Serve with toothpicks for an easy finger food idea.

    Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy, and flavorful. This quick and easy appetizer or weeknight dinner takes just 15 minutes to make in one skillet. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cheesy Garlic Bread

    Cheesy Garlic Bread is toasty and crispy on the outside, tender and soft inside with a garlic butter and melty cheese on top. Make in under 20 minutes!

    Cheesy Garlic Bread is toasty and crispy on the outside, tender and soft inside with a garlic butter and melty cheese on top. Make in under 20 minutes! | aheadofthyme.com

    Baked Chicken Quesadillas

    Baked Chicken Quesadillas are cheesy, crispy, flavorful, and delicious. This family-friendly recipe is quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes!

    Baked Chicken Quesadillas are cheesy, crispy, flavorful, and delicious. This family-friendly recipe is quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes! | aheadofthyme.com

    Falafel

    Homemade falafel are delicious, golden brown and crispy on the outside, fluffy tender and soft inside. Plus, they're vegan, loaded with plant-based protein.

    Homemade falafel are delicious, golden brown and crispy on the outside, fluffy tender and soft inside. Plus, they're vegan, loaded with plant-based protein. | aheadofthyme.com

    Black Bean Salsa - recipe coming soon

    Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    Spice it up and make copycat Szechuan chicken lettuce wraps with spicy mayo from the comfort of your own home with this easy to follow recipe. Plus, it is healthier than the original!

    Spice it up and make copycat Szechuan chicken lettuce wraps with spicy mayo from the comfort of your own home with this easy to follow recipe. Plus, it is healthier than the original! | aheadofthyme.com

    Turkey and Cheese Sliders

    Turkey and Cheese Sliders are quick and easy, made with deli meat and Swiss cheese filled inside soft Hawaiian dinner rolls topped with a buttery sauce.

    Turkey and Cheese Sliders are quick and easy, made with deli meat and Swiss cheese filled inside soft Hawaiian dinner rolls topped with a buttery sauce. | aheadofthyme.com

    Green Bean Fries

    Baked green bean fries are flavorful, crispy, and nutritious. These veggies are quick and easy to make as a healthy appetizer, snack, or side dish.

    Baked green bean fries are flavorful, crispy, and nutritious. These veggies are quick and easy to make as a healthy appetizer, snack, or side dish. | aheadofthyme.com

    Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

    Bacon wrapped chicken bites are one of the best appys ever — well seasoned tender juicy chicken is wrapped in bacon and oven-baked to crisp perfection.

    Bacon wrapped chicken bites are one of the best appys ever — well seasoned tender juicy chicken is wrapped in bacon and oven-baked to crisp perfection. | aheadofthyme.com

    Toasted Ravioli

    Toasted Ravioli is a classic Italian appetizer that is crispy and golden on the outside, and tender and gooey on the inside. Ready in less than 30 minutes!

    Toasted Ravioli is a classic Italian appetizer that is crispy and golden on the outside, and tender and gooey on the inside. Ready in less than 30 minutes! | aheadofthyme.com

    Salmon Bites

    Salmon Bites are flavorful and delicious bite-sized pieces of salmon cooked until tender with crispy, golden edges and coated with an homemade sticky glaze.

    Salmon Bites are flavorful and delicious bite-sized pieces of salmon cooked until tender with crispy, golden edges and coated with an homemade sticky glaze. | aheadofthyme.com

    Tzatziki Sauce

    Light and fresh, easy tzatziki sauce is a creamy yogurt cucumber dip packed with fresh cucumbers, garlic, dill, lemon juice and olive oil. So easy to make.

    Light and fresh, easy tzatziki sauce is a creamy yogurt cucumber dip packed with fresh cucumbers, garlic, dill, lemon juice and olive oil. So easy to make. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cheese Quesadilla

    This Cheese Quesadilla has the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. Ready to serve in just a few minutes with your favorite toppings.

    This Cheese Quesadilla has the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. Ready to serve in just a few minutes with your favorite toppings. | aheadofthyme.com

    Air Fryer Short Ribs

    Air fryer short ribs are crispy, flavorful, and delicious. The easy marinade ensures they're tender and juicy inside, while the air fryer makes them crispy.

    Air fryer short ribs are crispy, flavorful, and delicious. The easy marinade ensures they're tender and juicy inside, while the air fryer makes them crispy. | aheadofthyme.com

    Spinach Cheese Rolls

    Spinach cheese rolls are an easy appetizer that's creamy, cheesy, comforting, and delicious. Serve as an appy at parties, for a school lunch, or snack.

    Spinach cheese rolls are an easy appetizer that's creamy, cheesy, comforting, and delicious. Serve as an appy at parties, for a school lunch, or snack. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pigs in a Blanket

    Pigs in a blanket from scratch are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack to make for your next party or gathering — juicy, cheesy, flaky, and buttery.

    Pigs in a blanket from scratch are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack to make for your next party or gathering — juicy, cheesy, flaky, and buttery. | aheadofthyme.com

    Shrimp Cakes

    Quick and easy shrimp cakes are juicy, tender, delicious, and flavorful. They're made simple with a food processor and your choice of three cooking methods.

    Quick and easy shrimp cakes are juicy, tender, delicious, and flavorful. They're made simple with a food processor and your choice of three cooking methods. | aheadofthyme.com

    Whipped Ricotta Crostini

    Whipped ricotta crostini is a fancy easy appetizer to make in just minutes or prepare in advance and assemble before serving. A total crowd pleaser.

    Whipped ricotta crostini is a fancy easy appetizer to make in just minutes or prepare in advance and assemble before serving. A total crowd pleaser. | aheadofthyme.com

    Miso Garlic Chicken Wings

    Baked miso garlic chicken wings are crispy, delicious, and easy to make. They're marinated in a savoury Asian marinade, and cooked in the oven or air fryer.

    Baked miso garlic chicken wings are crispy, delicious, and easy to make. They're marinated in a savoury Asian marinade, and cooked in the oven or air fryer. | aheadofthyme.com

    Greek Fries

    Homemade Greek fries bring a Mediterranean twist on a classic side dish, crispy fries are topped with crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and lime juice.

    Homemade Greek fries bring a Mediterranean twist on a classic side dish, crispy fries are topped with crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and lime juice. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

    Easy pepperoni pizza rolls are crispy on the bottom, tender and chewy inside, packed with pepperoni and cheese, and baked until bubbly. One of my favorite finger foods!

    Easy pepperoni pizza rolls are crispy on the bottom, tender and chewy inside, packed with pepperoni and cheese, and baked until bubbly. | aheadofthyme.com

    Marinara Sauce

    Marinara sauce is rich, vibrant, and loaded with flavor. It’s easy to make with a few simple fresh ingredients. Serve as a dip or in pasta and pizza.

    Marinara sauce is rich, vibrant, and loaded with flavor. It’s easy to make with a few simple fresh ingredients. Serve as a dip or in pasta and pizza. | aheadofthyme.com

    Zucchini Fritters

    Zucchini fritters are crispy outside, tender inside, and loaded with zucchini. These healthy bites are one of my favorite ways to use up summer zucchini.

    Zucchini fritters are crispy outside, tender inside, and loaded with zucchini. These healthy bites are one of my favorite ways to use up summer zucchini. | aheadofthyme.com

    More Recipes

    • Easy Summer Grilling Recipes
    • 60+ Summer Dinner Ideas
    • 40 Best Summer Desserts
    • 20 Best Dip Recipes
    • 40 Best Salad Recipes
    • 50 Best Finger Foods

    Did You Make Any of These Easy Summer Appetizer Recipes?

    Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of easy summer appetizers. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

    HUNGRY FOR MORE? Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipe updates.

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    Over 50 easy summer appetizers including refreshing dips, simple baked appetizers, easy-to-assemble crostini and snack platters, and more. | aheadofthyme.com

    50 Easy Summer Appetizers


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    • Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
    • Yield: 10-12 pieces
    • Diet: Vegetarian
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    Description

    Over 50 easy summer appetizers including refreshing dips, simple baked appetizers, easy-to-assemble crostini and snack platters, and more. One of my favorite summer appetizers is this Tomato Bruschetta.


    Ingredients

    • 1 cup tomatoes, pitted and diced (about 4 roma tomatoes)
    • ¼ cup red onion, diced (about ¼ red onion)
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 5 fresh basil leaves, chopped
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

    For assembling:

    • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
    • ½ loaf of Italian bread or French baguette, sliced into ½ inch slices
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

    Instructions

    1. Make the tomato topping: In a medium mixing bowl, add tomatoes, red onion, garlic, basil, olive oil and salt and pepper. Toss to combine and store in the refrigerator for one hour (you don't have to wait this long, but letting the mixture sit in the refrigerator will help bring out the flavours).
    2. Make the balsamic glaze: In a small pot, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium heat. Continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes until the sauce is reduced by half. Immediately, pour the glaze into a small bowl and set aside to cool. The glaze will continue to thicken quite a bit when removed from heat. The glaze will be glossy and thick enough to coat the back of the spoon (similar to liquid honey).
    3. Toast the bread:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine olive oil and garlic powder. Brush the top side of each of the baguette slices with the olive oil mixture. Place the slices onto a quarter sheet baking pan and toast for 10 minutes, until light golden brown.
    4. Assemble the bruschetta: Top each toasted slice with a spoonful of the tomato mixture. Drizzle the balsamic glaze on top and serve.
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Wait Time: 1 hour
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Category: Appetizer
    • Method: Assemble
    • Cuisine: Italian

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    50 Easy Summer Appetizers
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