8 Finger-Lickin’ Good Summer Appetizers No Party Is Complete Without

Did you know that the number one day to grill in this country is the 4th of July with 87% of households planning on firing one up? A close second is Father’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.

It doesn’t have to be a holiday to host an awesome backyard get together though. All you need are some friends, drinks, and delicious summer appetizers.

We have 8 recipes that will get your mouth watering.

1. Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Muffins

These little morsels are the perfect finger food for your next backyard party. Topped with a ketchup and Worcestershire sauce and oozing with cheddar, they are sure to please.

Mix together some bacon, ground beef, milk, onion, and egg. Season your meat with salt, sage, and dill. Now grab a muffin tin and place 1 1/2 tablespoons in each cup.

Gently press into the cup with a slice of cheese. Then cover the cheese with another 1 1/2 tablespoons of meat.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. When they are done top them with your ketchup-Worcestershire sauce and crispy onions.

2. Mini Fried Chicken and Waffles

The full sized version of this meal is a beloved brunch menu staple. This appetizer is super easy to make and sure to please your guest’s taste buds.

You can use frozen mini waffles for the base. If you have a mini waffle maker and want to get fancy, you could make your own from scratch. If you can’t find mini waffles buy the regular sized ones and cut them.

Cube your chicken and let it soak in buttermilk overnight. Then coat it in a flour and cornstarch mixture and fry.

Slather a little honey butter on the waffle and stack!

3. Reuben Pinwheels

This delicious finger food is a take on the classic sandwich. With only six ingredients you’ll have a batch whipped up in no time!

Roll out some crescent dough and smooth it until it is a triangle. Spread a thin layer of thousand island dressing over the dough. Be sure to leave the edges uncovered.

Evenly layer corned beef and swiss cheese next. Finish by sprinkling some caraway seeds. Roll the entire thing as tightly as you can, like you would a jelly roll.

Slice the roll into 16 pieces and place on a baking sheet for 14 minutes in a 375-degree oven. Serve with additional dressing for dipping.

4. Grilled Watermelon

We know, it sounds gross, but hear us out, grilled watermelon is actually delicious! All you need is a watermelon and a grill. SuperbCookout can help you find the right grill if you don’t own one.

Take your watermelon and cut it into slices leaving the rind on. Aim for slices that are at least 1/2 inch thick. You can season your slices with a little sugar, lime zest, and red pepper flakes.

Once your grill is hot, lay your slices in a single layer. You want to leave them there for about two to three minutes, or until it is warmed through and has grill marks. Then flip the slices and cook for another two to three minutes.

You can serve them with a lime wedge, feta cheese, or Greek yogurt. This lighter dessert will ensure you stay looking fabulous in your swimsuit this season.

5. Cucumber Dill Salad

All of the other dishes on this list have you cooking. So keep things light and fresh with this no-cook salad.

Start by making the dressing. Mix together some red wine vinegar, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk well, so everything combines.

Then thinly slice English cucumber and red onion. The thinner your slices, the more delicate your salad will be. If your knife skills aren’t up to par, consider using a mandolin.

Then mix your dressing and vegetables and voila!

6. Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

If you know your guests will be drinking, give them a flavorful crunchy snack to munch on. Buy a can of chickpeas and rinse them.

Preheat your oven to 425. Toss your chickpeas in a mixture of olive oil, curry powder, and salt. When they are evenly coated spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Bake them for 35 to 40 minutes until they are golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them towards the end so that they don’t burn.

7. BLT Bites

Everyone loves a good BLT, right? Well, why not give them a taste of the flavors they love, only elevated a bit?

All you need is a sleeve of Ritz crackers, tomato paste, lettuce, and bacon. For an extra punch of flavor lightly dress your lettuce in ranch.

Keep everything the size of the cracker and stack. First a layer of tomato paste, then lettuce, and top with your bacon.

8. Green Chile Guacamole

This version of guacamole is a pallet pleasing mixture of chunky and creamy textures. For this recipe, you need avocados, diced green chile, cumin, garlic powder, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste.

Remember you need a bit of lime juice to keep your guacamole looking fresh and bright green.

Start by mashing your avocados in a medium-sized bowl. Then stir in your seasonings. Then stir in the rest of the ingredients. Remember, you want to chop everything evenly and finely enough to create the right consistency.

Wow with These Summer Appetizers

With these summer appetizers, your next backyard get-together is sure to be a hit. You’ll have your guests eating and drinking until they are stuffed with your delicious treats.

Plan ahead and give yourself time to enjoy the party. You can make many of these appetizers in advance so that you are less stressed on the big day.

Browse our online magazine for some more healthy lifestyle tips!