When hosting a successful barbecue, appetizers play a crucial role in setting the tone for your gathering. The right starters keep your guests satisfied while the main dishes cook on the grill.
From classic dips to grilled vegetables and cheese platters, BBQ appetizers offer endless possibilities to showcase your culinary skills before the main event.
A well-planned selection of appetizers can elevate your barbecue from ordinary to extraordinary. You can choose options that complement your grilled main dishes or provide contrasting flavors.
Many appetizers can even be prepared in advance, allowing you more time to enjoy with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
1. Grilled Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi cheese is a perfect BBQ appetizer that will impress your guests. This firm cheese doesn’t melt when heated, making it ideal for grilling.
When grilled, halloumi develops a crispy, golden-brown crust while remaining soft inside. The heat enhances its salty flavor and creates a satisfying texture that’s slightly squeaky when you bite into it.
You can serve grilled halloumi simply with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon, or get creative with toppings. Try honey and chili for a sweet-spicy combination, or pair it with fresh herbs.
It makes a standalone appetizer or can be added to salads and sandwiches for extra flavor and protein.
2. Watermelon and Mozzarella Skewers
Watermelon and mozzarella skewers offer a refreshing twist on the classic caprese appetizer for your next BBQ. These colorful treats combine sweet juicy watermelon with creamy mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.
Assembly is simple – just thread cubes of watermelon, folded basil leaves, and mozzarella balls onto skewers. You can enhance the flavor by drizzling with balsamic glaze and a touch of olive oil before serving.
For an extra touch, add thin slices of prosciutto to create a sweet and savory combination. These skewers highlight summer’s best ingredients and make perfect finger food that your guests can easily enjoy while mingling.
3. Thai Style Beef Satay
Thai Beef Satay is a crowd-pleasing BBQ appetizer that brings Asian flavors to your gathering. Strips of beef are marinated in a mix of spices including garlic, ginger, and cumin before being skewered and grilled.
The marinade tenderizes the meat while adding rich flavor. For best results, let the beef marinate for up to 24 hours. Use flank steak cut into 1-inch cubes for the perfect texture.
What makes this dish special is the peanut dipping sauce. Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, fresh ginger, and lime juice for a creamy sauce that’s both sweet and spicy.
You can prepare these skewers ahead of time, making them perfect for entertaining.
4. Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
Bacon wrapped chicken bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will disappear fast at your next BBQ. These tasty morsels combine juicy chicken cubes with crispy bacon for an irresistible flavor combination.
To make them, simply cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and wrap each with a third of a bacon slice. Season them with your favorite BBQ rub or try a brown sugar coating for a sweet and savory twist.
Grill these bites at around 275°F until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is fully cooked. The caramelized bacon creates a perfect cocoon around the tender chicken inside, making each bite packed with flavor.
5. Fig Crostini with Honey
Fig crostini with honey is a delicious appetizer that brings a touch of elegance to your BBQ gathering. This simple dish combines sweet figs with creamy cheese on toasted baguette slices.
To make these, slice a baguette diagonally and brush with olive oil before toasting. Spread goat cheese or mascarpone on each slice.
Top with fresh fig slices and drizzle with honey. For extra flavor, add herbs like mint or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
You can customize this appetizer with different cheeses like brie or smoked mozzarella. Some versions include salami or toasted nuts for added texture.
6. Classic Olive Tapenade
Olive tapenade is a bold and briny appetizer that’s perfect for your next BBQ. This French condiment is made with chopped olives, capers, garlic, and fresh herbs.
You can prepare this tasty spread ahead of time, which makes it ideal for entertaining. Simply blend the ingredients until you get a coarse paste.
Serve your tapenade on grilled bread slices for an elegant touch. It’s also great with crackers or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
The combination of salty olives and zippy lemon juice creates a flavor that stands out on any appetizer table. Your guests will appreciate this versatile, flavorful option.
7. Chipotle Candied Bacon Strips
Chipotle candied bacon combines sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors that will impress your BBQ guests. This appetizer features thick-cut bacon coated with brown sugar and chipotle seasoning.
To make it, simply coat bacon strips with a mixture of brown sugar and chipotle powder. Bake until the bacon becomes caramelized and crispy, which takes about 40 minutes.
The result is irresistible bacon with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool before eating.
Serve these flavorful strips on their own or use them to upgrade sandwiches and salads at your barbecue.
8. Mini Shrimp Rolls with Dill
Mini shrimp rolls are perfect finger foods for your BBQ gathering. They combine plump shrimp with a light, tangy dressing on buttery rolls.
To make these tasty appetizers, start with about 1½ pounds of peeled and deveined shrimp. Mix them with light mayonnaise, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, and finely diced celery for crunch.
Some recipes add a touch of horseradish to give the shrimp salad an extra kick. Serve the mixture on buttery challah rolls or sweet mini buns.
These two-bite treats will disappear quickly while your guests wait for the main course to come off the grill.
9. Armadillo Eggs
Armadillo eggs are a Texas BBQ staple that make perfect appetizers for your cookout. Despite the name, they contain no actual armadillo!
These tasty treats consist of jalapeño peppers stuffed with a cream cheese mixture, then wrapped in pork sausage and smoked. Some recipes use a bacon wrap on the outside for extra flavor.
You can smoke them at 225°F for about 30-45 minutes until the jalapeños soften and the meat cooks through. Follow with a quick high-heat sear for a crispy exterior.
Each pitmaster has their own variation, but they all deliver a delicious combination of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors. Serve with a sweet BBQ sauce for dipping.
10. Smoked Cream Cheese Dip
Smoked cream cheese is an easy appetizer that will wow your guests. Simply take blocks of cream cheese, score the top, and dust with your favorite BBQ rub.
Smoke it at low temperature until it gets a beautiful golden color. The cream cheese becomes soft and takes on a wonderful smoky flavor.
You can top it with bacon jam for a savory option. Just cook thinly sliced bacon with sweet onions until caramelized. The salty-sweet combination is irresistible.
For a sweeter version, try dusting with cinnamon and serving with graham crackers. It tastes like a smoky cheesecake!
Pepper jelly also makes a great topping for a spicy-sweet kick.
11. Cranberry Jalapeño Poppers
Cranberry Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect sweet and spicy appetizer for your next BBQ. These flavorful treats combine the heat of jalapeños with the tartness of cranberries for an unexpected flavor combination.
Start by halving jalapeños and removing the seeds. Fill them with a mixture of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and diced cranberries for a creamy, tangy center.
For extra flavor, consider using goat brie instead of cream cheese. The brie melts beautifully, creating a luscious filling that pairs perfectly with the cranberries.
Wrap each popper in bacon before smoking or grilling until the peppers soften and the bacon crisps up. The smoky flavor takes these poppers to the next level.
12. Five-Cheese Pimento Cheese
Five-Cheese Pimento Cheese is a Southern classic that will elevate your BBQ gathering. This creamy spread combines five different cheeses with chopped pimentos for a perfect balance of flavors.
To make it, you’ll need cream cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped pimentos drained from their liquid. Some recipes add a bit of Miracle Whip for extra tanginess.
You can serve this versatile spread with crackers or celery sticks. It also makes a great topping for burgers hot off the grill.
For a spicier version, add jalapeños to the mix. Your guests will love this rich, cheesy appetizer while waiting for the main BBQ dishes.
13. BBQ Shotgun Shells
BBQ Shotgun Shells are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines sausage and tasty fillings. They get their name from their cylindrical shape that resembles actual shotgun shells.
To make these, you’ll need tubes of smoked sausage filled with a mixture that can vary based on your preference. Popular fillings include BBQ pork, buffalo chicken dip, or cheese blends.
The filled sausage tubes are often wrapped in bacon and then smoked until everything is cooked through. You can serve these at your next gathering as a unique finger food.
These flavorful bites make an excellent addition to your BBQ appetizer lineup and are sure to impress your guests with their creative presentation and delicious taste.
14. Crudités with Chile-Lime Salt
This simple appetizer brings a zesty twist to fresh vegetables. To make the chile-lime salt, combine flaky sea salt with lime zest and ancho chile powder in a small bowl.
Prepare a variety of fresh vegetables like mini cucumbers cut into spears, sliced radishes, orange rounds, fennel, celery, and jicama. Cut them into easy-to-handle, two-bite sized pieces.
Arrange your colorful vegetables on a platter. Serve with the chile-lime salt for dipping and lime wedges for squeezing over the veggies.
This refreshing appetizer is perfect for guests to enjoy while waiting for the main BBQ dishes. It’s light, healthy, and adds vibrant colors to your spread.
15. Carne Guisada and Cheddar Bites
Carne Guisada and Cheddar Bites bring traditional Tex-Mex flavors to your BBQ gathering. These savory appetizers feature bite-sized portions of tender beef stew topped with melted cheddar cheese.
To make these, prepare a rich carne guisada by simmering chunks of round steak with cumin, garlic, onions, and bell peppers in a flour-thickened sauce. The beef becomes incredibly tender when cooked slowly.
Serve the meat mixture on small tortilla rounds or in mini empanada shells, then top with sharp cheddar cheese. These bites work perfectly as finger food that won’t distract from your main BBQ dishes.
You can prepare the carne guisada ahead of time, making assembly quick and easy when guests arrive.
16. Burger Onion Rings
Burger onion rings combine two favorite foods into one amazing appetizer. They’re made by stuffing seasoned ground beef between two onion rings, then coating and cooking them.
Many recipes add cheese inside with the beef and wrap the rings in bacon for extra flavor. The beef is typically seasoned with salt and pepper, though you can add your own spice mix.
You can cook these on your grill or smoker for that perfect BBQ flavor. They’re easy to eat by hand, making them ideal for cookouts and gatherings.
Serve them with a dipping sauce like BBQ or a special “magic sauce” as mentioned in some recipes for a truly memorable appetizer.
17. Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese
Jalapeno poppers are a must-have BBQ appetizer that always disappears quickly. You can make these tasty treats by cutting fresh jalapenos in half and removing the seeds.
Fill each jalapeno half with a mixture of cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. For extra flavor, mix in some crumbled bacon bits with the cheese filling.
Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a piece of bacon for that perfect smoky flavor. Place them on a hot grill until the bacon becomes crispy and the cheese gets bubbly.
These spicy, creamy bites are easy to prepare ahead of time and cook up in minutes. Your guests will keep coming back for more of these delicious poppers.
18. Sikil P’aak (Mayan Pumpkin Seed Dip)
This ancient Mayan dip from the Yucatán region makes a unique BBQ appetizer that will impress your guests. Sikil P’aak combines roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) with tomatoes and habanero peppers for a creamy, earthy spread.
To make it, you’ll need to grind roasted pumpkin seeds and mix them with roasted tomatoes and onions. Add a habanero for some heat and cilantro for freshness.
The result is a rich, savory dip with subtle smokiness that resembles hummus in texture. Serve it with tortilla chips (totopos) or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing starter at your next barbecue.
19. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Bacon-wrapped dates are a crowd-pleasing BBQ appetizer that combines sweet and salty flavors perfectly. You only need three simple ingredients to create this tasty treat.
Start with pitted dates, stuff them with creamy cheese or almonds, then wrap each date with a strip of bacon. Secure with toothpicks to hold everything together.
Grill them until the bacon turns crispy on the outside, usually just a few minutes per side. The heat makes the dates even sweeter while the cheese becomes melty inside.
For an extra touch, drizzle honey over the dates after they’re cooked. These bite-sized appetizers disappear quickly at any barbecue gathering.
20. Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Goat Cheese
These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for your next BBQ gathering. Cherry tomatoes filled with creamy goat cheese create a refreshing contrast of flavors that guests will love.
To make them, slice cherry tomatoes in half and scoop out the seeds. Mix goat cheese with a bit of cream or sour cream for smoothness, then add chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
Fill each tomato half with the cheese mixture using a small spoon. For extra flavor, try adding roasted red peppers to your cheese filling or a sprinkle of parmesan on top.
These can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until your guests arrive, making them a stress-free addition to your barbecue spread.
21. Spicy Pulled Pork Sliders
Spicy pulled pork sliders are the perfect bite-sized BBQ appetizer for any gathering. These mini sandwiches pack big flavor in a small package.
To make them, slow cook pork with chile powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and other spices until tender. The meat should easily shred with a fork.
Serve your pulled pork on Hawaiian sweet rolls for the perfect sweet-savory combination. Add a spicy vinegar-based BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
Top with creamy coleslaw to balance the heat. The cool, crunchy texture works perfectly against the tender meat.
These sliders are ideal for game day or any party where you need a crowd-pleasing finger food.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect BBQ Appetizers
Selecting the right appetizers for your BBQ can make or break your gathering. The best choices will complement your main dishes while keeping guests satisfied during cooking time.
Considering Flavor Profiles
Match your appetizers with your planned main dishes. If you’re serving bold, smoky meats like brisket, choose starters with complementary flavors that won’t compete or overwhelm.
Acidity works well at BBQs – think pickled vegetables or tangy dips that cut through rich flavors. These refreshing options cleanse the palate between bites of heavier foods.
Consider the progression of flavors. Start with milder options like veggie platters or light dips, then move toward more intense flavors such as spicy buffalo cauliflower bites or savory skewers.
Temperature variety is key. Include both hot items (grilled appetizers) and cold options (dips, deviled eggs) to provide contrast and accommodate cooking schedules.
Balancing Spice Levels
Offer a range of spice intensities to please all guests. Label anything particularly spicy to avoid surprises for sensitive eaters.
Provide cooling elements alongside spicier appetizers. Creamy dips, sliced cucumbers, or cool beverages help balance heat and refresh the palate.
Consider your guest list when planning spice levels. Family gatherings with children might need more mild options, while adult-focused events can handle more heat.
Create a “build-your-own” appetizer station where guests can adjust spice to their preference. This works well for items like nachos or tacos where hot sauces can be added individually.
Remember that heat builds throughout a meal. Start with milder appetizers and save the spicier options for later when taste buds have adjusted.
Pairing BBQ Appetizers with Drinks
The right drink can elevate your BBQ appetizers from good to unforgettable. Thoughtful pairings enhance flavors and create a more complete taste experience for your guests.
Beer Pairings
Light lagers work wonderfully with milder appetizers like grilled shrimp skewers or veggie platters. The crisp, refreshing quality cuts through richness without overwhelming delicate flavors.
For smokier items like bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers or smoked wings, try amber ales or brown ales. Their malty sweetness complements the smoky char while providing enough body to stand up to bold flavors.
IPAs pair excellently with spicy BBQ appetizers such as buffalo chicken dip or spicy meatballs. The hop bitterness helps cool the palate between bites of heat.
For cheese-based starters like queso dip or stuffed mushrooms, wheat beers offer a light, slightly fruity complement that won’t overpower the creamy textures.
Stouts and porters match beautifully with heartier appetizers featuring beef or rich sauces. Their roasted notes enhance caramelized flavors from the grill.
Wine Suggestions
Rosé is incredibly versatile at BBQs. It pairs with everything from light seafood appetizers to grilled vegetable platters. Its refreshing acidity and subtle fruit notes make it a crowd-pleaser.
Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully with herb-forward appetizers like bruschetta or caprese skewers. Its bright citrus notes and herbaceous qualities enhance fresh ingredients.
For meatier starters like sliders or beef satay, reach for a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Malbec. These wines have enough structure to complement proteins without overwhelming them.
Sparkling wines pair surprisingly well with fried appetizers such as onion rings or tempura vegetables. The bubbles cut through richness and cleanse the palate between bites.
Sweet Riesling offers a perfect counterpoint to spicy BBQ appetizers. Its slight sweetness helps to tame the heat while its acidity keeps flavors balanced.
