Kick off your backyard bash with these grilled appetizers. The easy recipes here help make a gorgeous spread at summer cookouts.
30 Best Grilled Appetizers
Updated on Jun. 22, 2025
1/30
Sweet Sriracha Wings
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve these fiery hot wings on game day or any time friends and family gather. If you don’t like a ton of sweetness, add the honey slowly and taste as you go. —Logan Holser, Clarkston, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken wing: 201 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
2/30
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s no faster way to get a party started than with these bacon jalapeno poppers. Make them ahead and bake them just before serving. Even those who are intolerant of hot peppers will love them. —Dawn Onuffer, Crestview, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 66 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
3/30
Grilled Bruschetta
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my go-to appetizer in the summer when tomatoes and basil are fresh from the garden. The balsamic glaze takes this bruschetta recipe over the top. I like to use an olive oil infused with Tuscan herbs or basil for this, but it's great with just plain olive oil too. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 58 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
4/30
Grilled Guacamole
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re a guacamole lover, try this fun grilled version that has a smoky flavor. The veggies tend to darken a bit when heated, so stir it gently to prevent further discoloration. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 85 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
5/30
Balsamic-Glazed Fig & Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
I have a huge fig tree that produces an abundance of figs. One year I tried drying some and developed this sweet and smoky recipe as a result. Now it's a regular at family gatherings. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 139 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
6/30
Grilled Zucchini & Cheese Roulades
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 24 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 58mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
7/30
Grilled Nectarine & Cheese Crostini
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, we love the summer tastes of sweet grilled nectarines and fresh basil over goat cheese. I can usually find all the ingredients at the farmers market. —Brandy Hollingshead, Grass Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 48 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
8/30
Grilled Zucchini with Peanut Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Zucchini slices make perfect finger food. It’s fun to make a topping for zucchini, and this is a good solution for a never-ending crop. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 38 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
9/30
Teriyaki Shish Kabobs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 306 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 1203mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
10/30
Maryland Corn Pops
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh-picked sweet corn is a big thing in Maryland. Here’s my homespun version of Mexican street corn that brings in local bay flavors. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 corn pop: 164 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 336mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
11/30
Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make a bold statement with this simple yet elegant treat. Ripe plums are grilled and then dressed with a balsamic reduction and tangy goat cheese. —Ariana Abelow, Holliston, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 plum half with 1 tablespoon cheese and 2 teaspoons glaze: 58 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/30
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love eggplant Parmesan, but when it’s hot outside, the dish feels too heavy. Grilled eggplant slices topped with tomato, mozzarella and Parm satisfy everyone. —Joann Parlin, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 eggplant stacks: 449 calories, 31g fat (18g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
13/30
Campers Favorite Dip
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family craves this cheesy chili dip so much we make two batches—one especially for the guys. If you’re not grilling out, bake it in the oven. —Valorie Ebie, Bel Aire, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 250 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 403mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
14/30
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband first tried this recipe with plain potatoes. They were yummy, so we experimented with sweet potatoes. Dipped in Gorgonzola spread, they’re irresistible. —Kristen Minello, Macomb, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving with 3 tablespoons spread: 362 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein.
15/30
Grilled Cheese Loaf
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10-12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often serve buttery grilled bread with steak and a salad. It's so quick to make, and it's also easy to add to whatever else you have on the grill. —Debbi Baker, Green Springs, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 172 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
16/30
Grilled Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak. For a special occasion, you can also brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill them. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 201 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
17/30
Grilled Sausage-Basil Pizzas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love basil recipes, and these easy little pizzas are a wonderful change of pace from the classic cookout menu. Let everybody go crazy with the toppings. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza: 808 calories, 56g fat (19g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 1996mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
18/30
Jalapeno-Lime Chicken Drumsticks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bottled hot sauce isn't my thing, so I developed a fresh pepper glaze for grilled chicken. These drumsticks practically fly off the plate. —Kristeen DeVorss, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken drumsticks: 361 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 494mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
19/30
Steak & Blue Cheese Bruschetta with Onion & Roasted Tomato Jam
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
This appetizer bursts with flavor from bleu cheese, caramelized onion, jam and balsamic vinegar. The tasty bites vanish in a hurry. —Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 185 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
20/30
Mushroom Bacon Bites
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the perfect appetizer for most any occasion. The bacon bites are easy to assemble and brush with prepared barbecue sauce. When we have a big cookout, they're always a hit ... but they also make a nice little extra for a family dinner. —Gina Roesner, Ashland, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 82 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
21/30
Grilled Jalapenos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When barbecuing for friends at home, I also use the grill to serve up hot appetizers. These crowd-pleasing stuffed peppers have a bit of bite. They were concocted by my son. —Catherine Hollie, Cleveland, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 97 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
22/30
Zippy Shrimp Skewers
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These flavorful skewers deliver a mouthwatering kick with minimal effort. Fix them for your next party and watch them disappear. —Jalayne Luckett, Marion, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 57 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat.
23/30
Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this dish as an appetizer or a dessert—the choice is yours! If desired, the pineapple spears can be rolled in flaked coconut before grilling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 spears with 2 tablespoons dip: 160 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
24/30
Grilled Glazed Drummies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family prefers these mild-tasting chicken wings more than the traditional hot wings. They are great for any gathering. —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 141 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
25/30
Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 skewers (3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for lighter recipes to take on tailgate outings—and this one works fabulously for grilling. Just whip up the marinade, add the chicken and take it along to the pregame festivities. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 59 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
26/30
Grilled Potato Skins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
It's easy to love these delicious appetizers. They're nice to serve outside when you invite friends over for a grilled meal. They remind me of the potato skins I have had in restaurants—only better! —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 327 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
27/30
Grilled Red Pepper Dip
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4-3/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We grill peppers with rosemary and garlic, then blend them with sun-dried tomatoes for a creamy spread to pass with pita chips. —Donna Alwine, Bloomington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 127 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
28/30
Flank Steak Crostini
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is perfect for gatherings, holidays or a special Sunday football snack. My kids love it and so do my friends and family. You can substitute butter for the olive oil or any kind of steak for the flank steak. —Donna Evaro, Casper, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 63 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
29/30
Grilled Steak Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Many times I come up with recipes requiring only ingredients already in my pantry. This is one of those recipes. It's my husband's favorite meat dish. —Dolores, Lueken, Ferdinand, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 447 calories, 29g fat (6g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
30/30
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever we're invited to potlucks, I'm always asked to bring a salad because people know it's one of my specialties. This dish is especially good on summer days when it's too hot to cook on the stove. —Deb Weisberger, Mullett Lake, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 376 calories, 25g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 688mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
Grilled Appetizer FAQs
What are good hot grilled appetizers?
Good grilled appetizers that are best served hot include wings, kabobs, jalapeno poppers, hot dips, flatbreads and certain crostini.
What can I take to a backyard barbecue?
You probably know never to show up empty-handed to a party. That’s great! If you’re wondering what to take, first ask the host to see if there’s anything you can help with. Offer to cook barbecue sides or bring a few desserts for the barbecue. You could also supply plates, napkins, cups and silverware. Or, whip up batch cocktails or bring a few cases of seltzer or beer.
Can I prep grilled appetizers ahead of time?
Yes, some grilled appetizers can be prepped ahead of time, but wait to grill them until party day. You can cut, marinate, prep sauces and assemble the ingredients ahead of time so they’re ready when you are.
