This post contains ideas for summer appetizers
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A couple weeks ago I posted 7 Ideas for a Summer Dinner Party. Afterwards I was thinking how fun it would be to have a dinner party that solely consisted of an array of fresh summer appetizers. I think it would be wonderful to have friends over and be able to visit and move and partake without being bound to a single spot or plate. This would be even great for a summer baby or bridal shower. Alternatively, if you are having a quiet evening in, any of these quick, easy, and fresh options will complement your book, podcast, or summer view well.
My goal in this post is to give you both versatility and variety while maintaining some ingredients overlay. My hope is that should you (ambitiously) choose to create several options from these 12, that you will have a beautiful tablescape for your summer appetizer party with some common ingredient threads picked up and used in a new way from dish to dish. This would also be an awesome inspiration list to create a summer appetizer potluck menu out of! Lastly, I didn’t want any of the dishes to be seat-bound. For example, popular summer salads have been turned into small bite options and hot and savoury options are easily portioned out. Enjoy!
1.) Halloumi, Grape, and Mint Bites
This recipe is taken from a friend of mine, @commonplacecook. She runs a TikTok and Instagram account featuring beautiful and delicious recipes. This is one of my favourites from her that I’ve used again and again. I love this one because it is easy, warm, and fresh:
- Cube 1 package of halloumi cheese and fry until golden
- Slice green grapes in half and drizzle with lemon and olive oil
- Put the grapes on top of the cheese, skewer with fresh mint, and enjoy!
2.) Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Bites
This isn’t by any means a new recipe, but it’s one that I love for its savoury freshness.
- Slice your cucumbers and blot dry
- Spread cream cheese, and lay smoked salmon on top
- Season with salt, pepper, and dill
There are a lot of variations of this dish found online, so feel free to explore and find one that is right for you. My main tip is to not make this summer appetizer idea too far ahead of time as you want the cucumbers to be nice and crisp.
3.) Watermelon Feta Bites
I love the sweet and salty pairing of watermelon and feta. This take on the popular summer salad would look beautiful on a platter alongside the grapes and halloumi dish in option one. In one of my favourite cookbooks, “Salt Fat Acid Heat,” I learned that all delicious dishes, no matter how small the bite, includes at least three of these elements. I find it is a helpful rule of thumb when putting together or recognizing flavour combinations.
For this particular combination:
- Cube watermelon and feta
- Skewer with fresh mint
- Option to drizzle balsamic vinegar
4.) Crab Stuffed Mushroom Caps
It’s time for a hot and savoury option! Though this is one of the more labour-intensive options on the list, it should only take about 30-40 minutes (including baking time). I went through several recipe options on the internet, and I found this one particularly helpful.
5.) Summer Charcuterie Board
If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know I love a good summer charcuterie board! Check out my detailed post on How to Make a Charcuterie Board on the blog for more detailed instructions. Many of the other ingredients from other on this list can also be used in your board arrangement.
6. Caprese Salad Bites
In keeping with the salad bite theme, the caprese salad is a summer staple that lends itself perfectly to being a fresh summer appetizer idea. This summer classic is comprised of just four ingredients: balsamic vinegar, mini bocconcini cheese (small pieces of fresh mozzarella!), cherry tomatoes, and basil. Skewer and enjoy!
7. Vietnamese Spring Rolls
This is one of the more substantial and filling options on the list. What I love about Vietnamese Spring rolls is that the ingredients can be prepped ahead of time for easy assembly right before you need them. There are a variety of ingredients you can choose to include. I recommend shrimp, mint or basil, cucumber, and carrot. Don’t forget the peanut dipping sauce!
8. Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese Crostini
I’ve shared about my Lemon Ricotta Crostini with Peaches summer appetizer that was a resounding success in our home! This is a very similar option that involves grilling the peaches. There are a lot of variations of these crostini online, but I love this one in particular.
9. Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
This golden and crispy dish has a quick bake time and definitely deserves a spot alongside other summer appetizer ideas. I also learned from this creator that fried coconut shrimp freezes well, so this is an excellent option for prepping ahead of time for quick serving! Add additional easy summer flavour notes by serving with orange, peach, or apricot jam as a dipping sauce.
10. Fruit Skewers
Fruit skewers are great as a sweet dessert option and easy to prep! Chop up cantaloupe, watermelon, kiwi, grapes, or honey dew ahead of time and add smaller berry options before skewering. One tip is to lightly squeeze lemon juice on them after prepping to keep them from browning. I like to include honey or strawberry Greek yogurt in a pretty bowl for additional dipping options.
11. Strawberry Oven Baked Brie
I used to associate baked brie entirely with the winter holidays. I am used to adding warm spices and apples on top alongside nuts. This was until I saw this creator turn this warm and gooey appetizer into a summer option using strawberries, pecans, basil, and a balsamic/honey marinade. Definitely a summer appetizer ideas that I am inspired to try!
12. Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Many of the hot summer appetizer ideas here use the oven. I wanted to be sure to include a summery grill option and came across these grilled bacon-wrapped scallops. Bacon-wrapped scallops aren’t new in the world of summer appetizer ideas, but I think that grilling rather than baking them will add a new dimension of taste. Unlike using an oven, it is recommended to slightly pre-grill the bacon before wrapping to ensure even cooking between the two meats. This ideas for summer appetizers only need three ingredients: bacon, scallops, and olive oil! Feel free to add salt and pepper as additional seasoning.
Ideas for Summer Appetizers
I love to embrace the days of the summer season through good company, the outdoors, and food, and I hope you have found some inspiration for your next summer appetizer party here.
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