As summer approaches and outdoor gatherings become more frequent, the allure of grilling fills the air. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a picnic with friends, or simply enjoying a relaxing evening on the patio, appetizers are the perfect way to kick off the festivities. Grilling not only enhances flavors but also brings a delightful smoky char that elevates even the simplest ingredients.
Chinese Chicken Skewers
Chinese Chicken Skewers are a delightful fusion of tender marinated chicken and vibrant flavors, perfect for grilling. Marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, these skewers are grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy meat with a deliciously charred exterior. Serve them with a side of sweet chili sauce or peanut dipping sauce for an extra kick.
Get the Chinese Chicken Skewers recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a delicious and quick-to-make appetizer that showcases the natural sweetness of shrimp. Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs, the shrimp are threaded onto skewers and grilled until perfectly charred and succulent. These skewers are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor, making them a fantastic addition to any summer gathering.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe.
Smoked Chicken Tacos
Experience the vibrant flavors of Smoked Chicken Tacos, featuring tender, smoky chicken that’s been slow-cooked to perfection and shredded for a satisfying bite. Wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with fresh salsa, creamy avocado, and zesty lime, these tacos are a delightful fusion of smoky goodness and vibrant toppings that will transport your taste buds straight to taco heaven.
Get the Smoked Chicken Taco recipe.
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Savor the juicy, flavorful goodness of Grilled Chicken Drumsticks, marinated in a savory blend of spices and grilled to crispy perfection. The charred exterior locks in moisture, while the tender meat offers a satisfying bite. Perfect for finger-licking fun at any gathering, these drumsticks are a crowd favorite that are sure to disappear quickly.
Get the Grilled Chicken Drumsticks recipe.
Grilled Corn
Enjoy the sweet, smoky flavors of Grilled Corn, where fresh ears of corn are charred on the grill to enhance their natural sweetness. Brushed with butter and sprinkled with your choice of seasonings—like chili powder, lime juice, or cotija cheese—this vibrant side dish is perfect for summer barbecues and adds a burst of flavor to any meal.
Get the Grilled Corn recipe.
Grilled Pineapple
Savor the tropical sweetness of Grilled Pineapple, where juicy pineapple slices are caramelized on the grill, intensifying their flavor and creating a delightful char. Whether enjoyed on their own, served as a topping for burgers, or blended into a refreshing salsa, these grilled pineapple slices bring a deliciously sweet twist to your outdoor dining experience.
Get the Grilled Pineapple recipe.
Volcano Potatoes
Grilled Volcano Potatoes are the ultimate indulgence for any BBQ lover—crispy baked potatoes, stuffed with a gooey cheese mixture, and wrapped in smoky bacon. As they cook, the cheese melts and bubbles over, creating a “volcano” effect that makes them just as fun to eat as they are delicious. Perfect for cookouts, game days, or any time you want a hearty, crowd-pleasing side dish, these potatoes are guaranteed to impress.
Get the Volcano Potatoes recipe.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Indulge in the rich, smoky flavor of Pork Belly Burnt Ends, where succulent bites of tender pork belly are slow-cooked to perfection and then caramelized with a sweet and tangy barbecue glaze. These melt-in-your-mouth morsels are a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering.
Get the Pork Belly Burnt Ends recipe.
Tequila Lime Wings
Elevate your wing game with Tequila Lime Wings, marinated in a zesty blend of tequila, lime juice, and spices. Grilled to crispy perfection, these wings offer a delightful balance of tangy and savory flavors, making them a refreshing twist on a classic favorite.
Get the Tequila Lime Wings recipe.
Alabama BBQ Sauce Blackened Chicken Sliders
Savor the bold flavors of Alabama BBQ Sauce Blackened Chicken Sliders, featuring juicy, blackened chicken breasts topped with a tangy Alabama white sauce and served on soft slider buns. These sliders pack a punch of flavor and are perfect for a fun, casual meal.
Get the Alabama BBQ Slider recipe.
Grilled Eggplant
Enjoy the smoky, tender goodness of Grilled Eggplant, seasoned and grilled to perfection. This versatile vegetable can be served as a side dish or as a hearty addition to salads and sandwiches, making it a delicious and healthy option for any grilling occasion.
Get the Grilled Eggplant recipe.
Grilled Spring Onions
Discover the sweet and savory flavor of Grilled Spring Onions, lightly charred on the grill to enhance their natural sweetness. These tender, flavorful onions make a fantastic side dish or a unique addition to salads and tacos, adding a delicious twist to your meal.
Get the Grilled Green Onion recipe.
Smoked Queso Dip
Dive into the creamy, cheesy delight of Smoked Queso Dip, where rich melted cheese is combined with smoky spices and fresh ingredients, all infused with a hint of wood smoke. Perfect for dipping with tortilla chips, this dip is a must-have for any gathering.
Get the Smoked Queso Dip recipe.
Grilled Artichokes
Delight in the unique flavors of Grilled Artichokes, where tender, marinated artichoke halves are grilled to perfection, enhancing their natural earthiness with a smoky char. Served with a zesty dipping sauce, these artichokes offer a deliciously sophisticated appetizer or side dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Perfect for impressing your guests, they bring a touch of gourmet flair to any outdoor gathering.
Get the Grilled Artichoke recipe.
Grilled Street Corn Jalapeno Poppers
The combination of flavors in Grilled Street Corn Jalapeño Poppers is nothing short of magical. The heat from the jalapeños is perfectly balanced by the creamy filling, which is inspired by the traditional toppings of street corn—think cotija cheese, lime, and cilantro.
Get the Street Corn Jalapeno Popper recipe.
Smash Burger Sliders
Smash Burger Sliders are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic burger, designed for easy sharing and maximum enjoyment. Made with seasoned ground beef that’s smashed onto a hot griddle, these sliders develop a crispy crust while remaining juicy on the inside. They’re topped with melted cheese, tomatoes, pickles, and a delicious burger sauce.
Get the Smash Burger Sliders recipe.
Smoked Shotgun Shells
Smoked Shotgun Shells are a unique and flavorful appetizer that combines pasta shells stuffed with a savory filling and smoked to perfection. Typically filled with a mixture of cream cheese, sausage, and spices, these shells are wrapped in bacon and smoked until crispy and delicious. The result is a smoky, cheesy, and indulgent bite that will have everyone coming back for more.
Get the Smoked Shotgun Shells recipe.
Smoked Aramadillo Eggs
Smoked Armadillo Eggs are a mouthwatering appetizer that features jalapeño peppers stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture and wrapped in savory sausage. These flavorful bites are then smoked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while creating a crispy exterior. The combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and smoky sausage makes for a deliciously addictive treat.
Get the Armadillo Eggs recipe.
Smoked Deviled Eggs
Smoked Deviled Eggs offer a delicious twist on the classic appetizer, infusing a smoky flavor into the creamy filling. Hard-boiled eggs are halved and the yolks are mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, and spices before being smoked to add depth and richness. Topped with paprika or fresh herbs, these deviled eggs are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor.
Get the Smoked Deviled Egg recipe.
Glazed Teriyaki Salmon Bites
Teriyaki Salmon Bites are a delectable appetizer that combines the rich flavor of salmon with a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. Cubes of fresh salmon are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, then grilled or baked until tender and flavorful. These bite-sized pieces are garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Get the Teriyaki Salmon Bites recipe.
Smoked Cream Cheese
Smoked Cream Cheese is a rich and flavorful spread that elevates any appetizer platter. Simply take a block of cream cheese, season it with your favorite spices, and smoke it until it develops a creamy texture and smoky flavor. Serve it with crackers, fresh vegetables, or bread for a deliciously indulgent snack.
Get the Smoked Cream Cheese recipe.
Grilled Cauliflower Skewers
Grilled Cauliflower Skewers are a delicious and healthy vegetarian option that highlights the natural flavors of cauliflower. Marinated in a savory blend of spices and olive oil, the cauliflower florets are threaded onto skewers and grilled until tender and slightly charred. These skewers are packed with flavor, making them a fantastic addition to any barbecue.
Get the Grilled Cauliflower skewers recipe.
Grilled Zucchini Skewers
Grilled Zucchini Skewers are a vibrant and nutritious appetizer that showcases the fresh flavors of summer vegetables. Sliced zucchini is tossed in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before being threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. The result is tender, flavorful zucchini that pairs beautifully with a variety of dips or sauces.
Get the Grilled Zucchini Skewers recipe.
Sticky Bourbon Chicken Skewers
Sticky Bourbon Chicken Skewers are a mouthwatering treat that combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy bourbon glaze. Marinated in a rich mixture of bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and spices, the chicken is grilled to perfection, resulting in a caramelized exterior and juicy interior. Serve with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch!
Get the Sticky Bourbon Chicken Skewers recipe.
Laura is the founder and editor of the travel blogs Savored Sips and Savored Journeys. She is dedicated to sharing the best information about drinks found around the world.