15 Appetizers Perfect for Backyard Parties
Ryan Nadolny | Ryan Eats Everything
As much as I love the heavy comforting meals during the colder months, I much prefer the lighter, refreshing, more flavorful meals of the summer season.
Plus, any excuse to get outside and grill, smoke or barbecue, I will happily take! I just want to be outside as much as possible once the weather turns nice.
Backyard parties are a great way to achieve that goal, so I've rounded up 15 appetizer recipes you’ll want to bookmark for entertaining this summer!
New to this? Get our tips on hosting your first dinner party.
1. Harissa Goat Cheese Deviled Eggs Recipe
Deviled eggs are a backyard party staple, but this harissa goat cheese deviled eggs recipe levels up the game! If you like a little kick with your deviled eggs, then you have to try this recipe. An appetizer you'll fall in love with, these deviled eggs are creamy and tart thanks to the goat cheese while the harissa adds kick.
2. Roasted Zucchini and Tomato Crostini Recipe
This dish is so ridiculously easy to make and is full of fresh summer flavors. Our roasted zucchini and tomato crostini recipe says you can use goat cheese or hummus as your spread, but I say, why not both?! Topping these crostini with some crumbled goat cheese, or even fresh mozz, will take it to the next level.
3. Texas Caviar Recipe
You can rest assured that there are no fish eggs used in the making of this tasty Texas caviar recipe. However, it is packed full of amazing flavor with fresh bell peppers, onion, and black eyed peas. If you have the ability to, let this one marinate in your fridge overnight and serve it the next day with tortilla chips.
4. Tex Mex Crab Cakes Recipe
Another easy dish to put together that can serve a large party or be trimmed down for smaller parties, our Tex Mex crab cakes recipe is always a hit with guests. They can also be made with canned tuna for a quick weeknight dinner without sacrificing flavor. We serve ours over greens with a zesty remoulade.
5. Mexican Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
You’re going to want to make extra of these Mexican sweet potato fries because they won’t last. Simple ingredients, with exceptional taste. I bet you can’t eat just 30. If sweet potatoes aren’t your thing, you can swap them for regular potatoes, but the avocado and cilantro dipping sauce is a must.
6. Beet Hummus Recipe
Beets aren’t exactly everyone’s favorite vegetable. I struggled with them for years, until I had them roasted with garlic. They became an instant favorite. Once pureed with chickpeas, as with this beet hummus recipe, they take on a whole new flavor. Served with veggies, the combination is amazing. Yum!
7. Guacamole Wontons Recipe
When I say that this guacamole wonton recipe is crowd pleaser, what I mean is that it is a crowd pleaser. These little morsels of deliciousness will disappear as soon as you set the plate down. It’s like having the chip and the dip all on one fantastic bite. Serve them with salsa or even queso dip!
8. Mexican Arancini with Avocado Cilantro Dipping Sauce
This Mexican arancini recipe is an amazing take on the classic Italian appetizer. Loaded with flavor and wonderful texture, they are unexpectedly delicious and sure to disappear in no time at all. You get creamy, crunchy, cheesy, spicy, and then cool it all down with a refreshing avocado cilantro sauce!
9. Lentil Hummus Recipe
I’ve only recently discovered how amazing lentils are. They’re super healthy and add such wonderful flavor to food. Case in point, this Mexican spiced lentil hummus chock full of cilantro, lime juice, and those south of the border spics we all love so much! It's even more delicious than traditional hummus.
10. BBQ Chicken Summer Rolls Recipe
Admittedly, these BBQ chicken summer rolls can be a bit time consuming to make, but the reward is more than worth the bit of effort. Your guests will be talking about these rolls for years to come. You could always save time by using your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce, but where’s the fun in that?!
11. Avocado Reuben Bites Recipe
I’m a total purist when it comes to Reubens. I like it made as traditional as possible. That being said, I would devour these avocado Reuben bites before anyone even knew they existed. Sorry, not sorry. Layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, avocado and sauerkraut are piled high on waffle fries and topped with Thousand Island dressing
12. Cinnamon Baked Wonton Chips
Looking for a healthy and easy snack to make? All you need is cinnamon, sugar, cooking oil, and wonton wrappers to make our cinnamon baked wonton chips. Follow the simple instructions and you’ll have a hot and fresh snack or appetizer in no time. It also makes a fresh summer dessert served with fruit salsa.
13. Loaded Guacamole Recipe
Guacamole is always a big hit at any party. I mean, what’s not to like about it. This epic loaded guacamole recipe takes it a step further by loading it up with bacon, jalapeños, queso fresco, and whatever else your little food loving heart can dream up! When it comes to this one, more is more is more. Trust me.
14. Rosemary Cashews Recipe
*Warning* All self control will be lost the moment you taste these rosemary cashews. I already have little restraint when it comes to regular cashews. Add in some sweet and spicy ingredients and you’ll never want to eat cashews any other way! Bonus - these roast up in the toaster oven in under 20 minutes.
15. Black Olive Tapenade Recipe
When you need a salty snack in your life, this black olive tapenade recipe become your new go-to appetizer all year long. Don’t be afraid of the anchovies. You’ll never know they’re in there. You can also use anchovy paste with the same results. Serve with toasted bread points or crackers for an easy, tasty summer appetizer.
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