Our Best Summer Finger Foods
There’s nothing we love more than loading up on lots of flavorful small bites—picnics, backyard barbecues and pool parties, included. No matter what kind of get-together you’re hosting, you’re going to need a few appetizers to hold everyone over until your mouthwatering mains come off the grill. You can’t go wrong with picks like summery dips, assorted bruschetta, kebabs or sliders—so we’ve rounded up our best takes on these classics, here. You’ll find everything you need to get the party started, including our take on Baba Ganoush, a classic Levantine eggplant and tahini dip that is beloved throughout the Middle East. Our version calls for grilling the eggplant and skips any yogurt to allow the charred smoky flavor to really shine through.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baba Ganoush
Peach Bruschetta
Make the most of sweet summer peaches by serving them on a crispy baguette with a tangy goat cheese spread.
Get the Recipe: Peach Bruschetta
Sea Island Wings
Kardea’s blend of sweet, spicy and smoky flavors prompted several reviewers to name these “the best wings ever.”
Get the Recipe: Sea Island Wings
Creamy Corn and Chile Dip
Trisha’s slightly-spicy appetizer is ideal for pairing with an icy margarita.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Corn and Chile Dip
Grilled Edible Cheeseboard
We love a good bread bowl so why not a bread platter? Whether you make your own pizza dough or buy it at the store, cooking it on the grill will give you a dough that is golden, crisp and tinged with a subtle smoky flavor. Loaded with warm melting cheese, briny olives and salty charcuterie, the board can be the centerpiece of a snacks and drinks gathering with friends or served alongside a big green salad for the perfect summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Edible Cheeseboard
Colorful Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Use a mandoline to turn the vegetables into paper-thin slices, and then find zen while you perfect filling and rolling each lovely bundle. It takes time and practice, so be sure to have a few extra rice wrappers on hand in case some tear.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Classic Deviled Eggs
Make room for this tried-and-true classic finger food; they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your next party.
Get the Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs
Grilled Guacamole and Grilled Queso Dip
In Mexico, charring vegetables such as corn, tomatoes, peppers and onions is a popular way to add a smokey flavor to salsas, soups, sauces and the like. We used that technique here for both the guacamole and queso. You can also make the rest of the queso on the side burner, if your grill has one. If not, be sure to set the saucepan over high enough heat on the grill so that the mixture simmers. Since queso doesn’t reheat well, make it right before you want to serve it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Guacamole and Grilled Queso Dip
Watermelon Salsa
This 15-minute salsa is light, fresh and really convenient. With watermelon instead of tomato, the final product is mild enough to be spread on everything from tacos to pita chips.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Salsa
Coconut-and-Lime Pork Kebabs
Both creamy and citrusy, one taste of these pork skewers will transport you from your backyard to someplace tropical.
Get the Recipe: Coconut-and-Lime Pork Kebabs
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