Here Comes the Sun (And the Food)
Bust out your sunblock and break out the forks—summer parties are officially here! With all those good tunes and tan lines comes delicious food, and we’ve narrowed down our top 20 picks for the best apps you can bring this season.
1. Melon Prosciutto Skewers
It might seem like a weird combo on the surface, but don’t knock it ‘til you try it! Melon and prosciutto bring both sweet and salty, which is a classic combo for most palettes. You don’t need anything more than a melon baller and a few slices of deli meat to bring the smiles this summer.
2. Pinwheel Sandwiches
Pinwheels are great for anyone who wants a quick, filling bite. They’re also a blank canvas for creative home cooks, allowing you to grab anything from turkey, chicken, salami, or even cream cheese. Toss in your favorite herbs or spreads, and you’ve got something made from the heart!
3. Grilled Tomatoes
We all appreciate a fresh slice on hamburgers, but tomatoes are just as delicious on the grill. With a little olive oil and fresh basil leaves, you can easily add a whirlwind of flavor without very many ingredients.
4. Stuffed Jalapeños
The heat’s in the air, but it’s time to bring the heat to your mouth! You don’t need more than a little cream cheese, fresh herbs, and cheddar cheese to bring this creation to life, either. All that cheese helps balance the spice levels, making it a terrific option for backyard parties.
5. Caprese Salad
If, on the other hand, you’re looking for cheese in a mild dish, caprese salads get the job done with just a few ingredients. All you need is a handful of cherry tomatoes and a mouth-watering balsamic glaze to accompany your mozzarella.
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6. Meatball Parmesan Skewers
Turn that beloved pasta dish into a delectable skewer this season—all in a matter of minutes. While some chefs opt to make their meatballs from scratch, you can easily grab the premade kind to save some time. Either way, you’ll have melted cheese on beef, and there’s no topping that.
7. Peach Crostini
Summer means fruit, which is exactly where peach crostini comes in. In addition to your juicy peaches, you only need a bit of goat cheese, some olive oil, and a splash of honey to make this tasty app. It’s sweet, it’s fresh, and it’s perfect for the hotter months.
8. Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but you might change your tune with this little guy. From cream cheese and cayenne pepper to Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, there’s no shortage of ways to pack these caps—and all that flexibility makes them easy for anyone to enjoy!
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9. Guacamole
Summer gatherings just aren’t complete without guacamole. This year, be the life of the party with homemade guac, easily whipped up from avocados, fresh lime juice, tomatoes, and onions. Just don’t forget to sprinkle in your seasoning.
10. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
We aren’t done with prosciutto just yet! Asparagus hardly seems like a crowd-pleaser, but it’s hard to deny the charm of this easy-peasy recipe. Wrapped in thin slices of tasty meat, you’ll have a simple app ready in just a few minutes.
11. Tomato Bruschetta
There’s no reason to get too creative this season—sometimes, the best treats are the most traditional. Grab some fresh bread and top those slices with a refreshing blend of tomato, red onion, and balsamic glaze. You can even add a cheese crumble for a little something special.
12. Deviled Eggs
The world is your oyster with deviled eggs, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box! While you can certainly stick with classic recipes, consider alternatives like dill pickle, shrimp, or even everything bagel seasoning. You can also pop ‘em in the air fryer for a crunchy twist.
13. Coconut Shrimp
The only thing better than shrimp is tossing them in shredded coconut breading. For this one, all you really need is flour, eggs, and a pinch of seasoning to get the job done. Pair your platter with Thai chili sauce for a thrilling pop of flavor.
14. Pigs in a Blanket
If we’re going to talk about classic apps, we can’t turn our backs on this favorite. The best part about them (besides their taste) is that they’re super easy to make! Grab a little butter, some flour, crescent dough, and a few cocktail weenies for an easy recipe that feeds dozens of hungry mouths.
Ann Larie Valentine on Wikimedia
15. Everything Bagel Dip With Veggies
Want an everything bagel without the bagel? We’ve got you covered. A bit of cream cheese and sour cream act as the base for a few tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. If you can’t get your hands on the seasoning itself, you can always make it with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and dried onion.
16. Carrot and Cheddar Bites
You might enjoy carrots with Ranch, but not everyone can stomach this veggie on its own. That’s okay! Say hello to cheesy carrot bites, the easy appetizer made with breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, and grated carrots. A pinch of salt and pepper ties it all together, leaving you with a crunchy choice that goes down surprisingly smooth.
17. Hummus
Speaking of smooth, how could we forget about hummus? It’s a heavyweight favorite among partygoers, making it a great option for anyone in need of a quick dish to bring! Chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and olive oil star as the main ingredients for this dip, though you can always add a splash of lemon juice as well.
18. Texas Caviar
Alright, it may not be the caviar you’re thinking of, but it still brings the flavor! Think of it as a bowl of all your favorite things: black beans, corn, red onion, and black eyed peas. You can also include all kinds of additional goodies like cilantro, bell peppers, and fresh lime.
19. Watermelon Feta Skewers
What’s summertime without watermelon? As refreshing as it is, kick it up a notch this season with a bit of feta! You only need those two for a crowd-pleasing app, but you can also add a fresh basil or mint leaf for a surprisingly fitting twist.
20. Garlic Lemon Scallops
Scallops aren’t just for the dinner table. This appetizer is as hearty as it is simple, taking just fifteen minutes to make. Butter, garlic, and lemon juice help sear your scallops to perfection while a pinch of salt and pepper bring the flavor.
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