Irresistible Summer Dinner Party Starters

As the smell of delicious summer, BBQ saturates the air, your guest’s bellies might be ah-rumbling as they wait for dinner to be ready. It’s always nice to offer a little appetizer that can satisfy their cravings and help set the tone for great conversation. I’m so happy you stopped by because we are going to highlight some of the most irresistible summer dinner party starters that you can offer your friends.

This post is all about summer dinner party starters. It contains affiliate links which means I might receive a small commission, but at no cost to you.

When looking for ideas, such as fabulous dinner party appetizers, are you like me and love to peruse blog posts to glean ideas from someone you know and trust? I do this ALL. THE. TIME. LOL! I love getting inspiration from others because it saves me the hassle of trying to figure it out on my own.

Here is the list that we compiled of appetizers that we would like to use at our upcoming summer gatherings. I hope they inspire you as well and give you ideas you can use at your get-togethers.

Summer Appetizer Ideas

Caprese Salad– This salad screams summertime to me. A delicious starter made with creamy mozzarella, juicy tomato, fresh basil, and a balsamic glaze. The perfect option for a summer BBQ.

Baked Brie– Yummy, gooey, cheesy goodness! Add in come water crackers or crusty bread and enjoy.

Antipasto Skewers– I love these! They are so cute and appease so many different palettes. You can’t go wrong serving antipasto skewers as you get the party started.

Mini Flat Bread Pizza Wedges– For a simple summer appetizer, you can grab frozen thin-crust pizzas at your local grocery store and pop them in the oven just before your guests arrive or make your own deliciousness. Cut them up into small triangles or squares. This simple starter will quickly become a crowd-pleaser at your event.

Bruschetta– This is a family favorite of ours. We love a crunchy bruschetta appetizer. It’s super easy and you can prepare the tomato relish the day before (highly recommended for the flavors to pop). The crusty baguette, goat cheese, and tomato topping go so well with a honey balsamic glaze drizzled on top. Mmmmmm!

Grilled Peach Crostini– This one offers the perfect bit of crunch along with the creaminess of the cheeses and sweetness from the peaches. Yummo!

Sheet Pan Nachos– One of the easiest summer appetizers out there. Throw down some tortilla chips and shredded cheese and place in the oven until the cheese is melted. Add those amazing toppings and, voila. Mexican amazingness!

Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers– Having guests over who are on the ketogenic diet? This one would be a perfect option to use as an appetizer and is super delicious.

Bacon Wrapped Dates– The bacon and the dates caramelize and create the most amazing flavor. Your guests will want more! Tip: Stuff an almond inside the date before wrapping it with bacon.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bites– Oh my goodness, this sounds so good right now. These bites are sure to be a huge hit for your meat-loving guests.

Watermelon and Feta Salad– This watermelon, red onion, feta cheese, mint, and balsamic dish is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. The perfect combo of sweetness and salty-tang!

Mexican Corn Salad– A combination of corn and queso that will have your crowd scooping up more.

Bean Relish– This perfect summer dinner party appetizer will make you look like a culinary expert. The flavors pop and taste like the gourmet salad they serve at Rochester Chop House. So good!

Pita Chips and Hummus– Whether you want to go “Betty Crocker” and make your own hummus or grab your favorite one from the grocery store or your local Mediterranean restaurant, you can’t go wrong serving pita chips and the famous chickpea dip as your next appetizer.

Grilled Corn on the Cob– After you grill the corn, you can keep it warm in the oven and take it out when your guests arrive. Add some sea salt and Keri Gold butter on top, and enjoy!

Tortilla Chips and Salsa– Grab your favorite tortillas (we love the Garden Fresh blue chips) and salsa, or make it homemade, and serve it in a cute bowl and platter.

Meat and Cheese Charcuterie Board– Deli meats of all kinds combined with sharp, mild, salty, and sweet cheeses staged perfectly on a wooden board. One of the top trending ways to style an appetizer.

Watermelon Wedges– Nothing says summertime like watermelon. You can cut it up into triangles and pop in popsicle sticks for an easy handle.

Vegetable Platter– Cut up those perfect summer vegetables and have a few dipping sauces to enhance the fresh flavors.

Grilled Pineapple Meatball Skewers– A little taste of sweetness from the pineapple and a little salty flavor from the meatballs will have your guests loving this summer dinner party starter.

Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups– It’s as easy as rolling up some ham slices around a cheese stick. Add a toothpick to secure and you have another super easy appetizer.

What Others are Asking…

Why are Starters Called Appetizers?

Starters are called appetizers to whet the appetite and make the digestive juices flow before the meal. When hosting a gathering, having an appetizer available for your guests to snack on can help open up conversation and be a great icebreaker.

Is Soup a Starter or an Appetizer?

Soup is considered both a starter and an appetizer. It can be displayed in single-serve cups with tiny spoons or served in a larger bowl at the start of a three-course meal when everyone sits around the dinner table.

Other Posts You Might Want to Check Out

Ridiculously Easy Bean Salad Recipe that is Delish

Crowd Pleasing and Easy Spinach Balls Recipe

Summer Dinner Party Ideas

Conclusion

Thank you for joining me as we looked at some of our favorite summer dinner party starters. I’m hoping these ideas inspired you to create appetizer masterpieces for your guests this summer.

Feel free to let me know what you think about the post in the comments. If you have a favorite appetizer, please share it with all of us so we can enjoy the goodness, too. We love hearing from you. 🤍

P.S. Note of Encouragement

It’s the little things, like having guests over for dinner, that makes life so enjoyable. Be intentional with having moments to connect with other people. The conversation and camaraderie that comes from it will be invaluable to your soul.

Life can get SO busy. It has a funny way of making you feel like you are living on an island, sometimes. I get it! I am a living testimony of this fact. LOL! I have to MAKE TIME, to do fun things and connect with others. When I do, it is so refreshing, life-giving, and usually full of many laughs.

Even though life is busy, make the time for great connections, enjoy other people, laugh, and eat amazing food.

I pray God’s blessings over you, your family, your gatherings, and your conversations.🤍