I can’t wait to fire up the grill this summer and make all my friends jealous with all the amazing food I’m going to be making. But, first things first: what do we eat first? Appetizers! If you’re like me, you love a good appetizer before your main course.
It’s the perfect way to kick off any kind of party or gathering. Just don’t forget it’s not an excuse for eating four servings of everything on the table before your entrée arrives!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Grilled appetizers are a delicious and easy way to impress guests at any party or BBQ. |
| Side dishes can make or break a BBQ, so choose wisely and consider grilled options to complement your appetizers. |
| There are many grilling tools and gadgets available that can make the grilling process more efficient and enjoyable. |
| Proper grill maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and performance of your grill. |
| Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create unique and flavorful grilled appetizers that will leave your guests wanting more. |
Here are 10 delicious ways to kick off your next barbecue with something that isn’t hot dogs or hamburgers.
Grilled sweet corn
This is the easiest one, but it’s also the most delicious. You just throw some kernels on the grill and serve them up with butter, salt and pepper.
As long as you’re using fresh corn that was picked within 12 hours of cooking (or less), you’ll have a sweet, smoky treat to share with your guests!
It can be served as an appetizer or a side dish—either way it’s sure to be well received.
With our ultimate guide to grilled appetizers, you’ll be the star of the party. Impress your guests with delightful starters by following our tips and tricks” – Check out the guide on grilled appetizers to wow your guests at the next party
Grilled asparagus with lemon, garlic and parmesan
Asparagus is a great low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. It’s also packed with vitamins C and K, which are essential for supporting the immune system.
In addition to these nutritional benefits, asparagus has been shown to help reduce inflammation in your body. If you’re looking for a healthy way to fill up before dinner, try grilling some asparagus on skewers!
Asparagus only has about 30 calories per cup yet it’s loaded with fiber and vitamins including vitamin C (which helps fight off colds), B6 (good for energy), folic acid (for healthy skin), magnesium (helps regulate blood pressure), potassium (beneficial for muscle health), thiamin (aids brain function) and others.
A cup of cooked green beans contains roughly 25 grams of protein while broccoli has almost 7 grams per cup—and both are less than 20 calories per serving!
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 pound asparagus, trimmed | Preheat grill to medium-high heat. |
| 1 tablespoon olive oil | In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | Drizzle asparagus with olive oil mixture and toss to coat. |
| 1/2 lemon, juiced | Place asparagus on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender and lightly charred. |
| 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated | Remove from grill and transfer to a serving platter. |
| Salt and pepper to taste | Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. |
Grilled peaches with ricotta
Peaches are the perfect fruit to grill. They cook quickly, so you can have them ready to go in just a few minutes, and they taste amazing with ricotta.
Grilled peaches with ricotta is a simple appetizer that’s perfect for summer picnics or backyard barbecues and it goes great with grilled meats and chicken, too!
What is ricotta cheese? It’s made from cow’s milk, which means that vegans can’t eat it. Ricotta also has less fat than other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella (although it does contain some protein).
This makes it a good choice for those who want to lower their cholesterol but still enjoy their favorite Italian dishes like lasagna or cannolis!
Take your summer cookouts to the next level with our list of 15 mouth-watering grilled appetizers that will have your guests begging for more. From sweet and savory to spicy and tangy, we’ve got you covered” – Learn more about these appetizers by checking out our list of grilled appetizers that will have everyone begging for more.
Grilled Pizza
Grilled pizza is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s super easy to make. First, you’ll need the following:
1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Olive oil
Toppings of your choice—we recommend pepperoni, sausage and mushrooms!
Now that you’ve got everything on hand, let’s get started! If using homemade dough: Shape into two small rounds by rolling out on a floured surface until evenly thin.
Brush both sides with olive oil and place seam side down on large sheet pan lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 pound pizza dough | Preheat grill to high heat. |
| 1/4 cup tomato sauce | Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. |
| 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese | Brush one side of the dough with olive oil and place on grill, oiled side down. |
| 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni | Grill for 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned, then remove from heat. |
| 1/4 cup sliced onion | Add toppings to the grilled side of the dough, starting with the tomato sauce, then cheese, pepperoni, onion, and any other toppings. |
| 1/4 cup sliced bell pepper | Return pizza to the grill and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is crispy. |
| Olive oil for brushing | Remove from heat, slice, and serve. |
If using store bought dough: Spread both sides evenly with tomato sauce then top however you like! Place pizzas directly on grill grate over medium-high heat for about five minutes per side until crust is golden brown and bubbly all over; remove from grill immediately so it doesn’t burn.
Grilling the main dish is important, but don’t overlook the importance of side dishes. Our list of 15 grilled side dishes will make your BBQ the best on the block” – Discover the perfect grilled side dish to complement your appetizers by checking out this list of grilled side dishes
French fries on the grill
Grilled French fries are amazing, and they’re super easy to make. You can use any type of potato you like, but russets will turn out the crispiest and most delicious fries. Simply peel your potatoes, slice them in half, then cut each half into thin strips.
Toss them with a little oil and seasonings (I recommend garlic powder), then lay them out on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Once you’ve prepped your potatoes, set up your grill for indirect cooking: Turn one side on high heat with the lid closed for about 20 minutes (or until hot), then turn down that side to medium heat for another 5 minutes or so to get everything nice and hot.
Open up the lid of your grill if it’s still too cool inside add more coals and place another piece of foil underneath each rack without putting anything on top; this is where we’ll put our fries!
Then arrange those racks over top of those coaled-off areas so that they’re suspended over direct heat—this ensures even cooking throughout while also keeping them from burning before they cook through at all!
Bake those babies for another 10-15 minutes until crispy and golden brown; serve immediately alongside whatever else needs grilling up today! If you want something extra special try adding some salt & vinegar flavorings or barbecue sauce just before taking them off the grill!
Looking for some recipe ideas for your next tailgate party? We’ve got you covered with our list of 15 grilling recipes that will keep your guests satisfied, no matter who’s winning the game” – Learn more about these recipes by checking out our list of grilling recipes perfect for your next tailgate party
Grilled olives
- Olives are a great appetizer because they’re easy to grill, healthy, and delicious.
- You can make them in a variety of ways: marinated, stuffed with cheese and herbs, or tossed with bacon.
- They’re also great snacks when you want something savory but don’t want to fill up on junk food.
Grilled guacamole
Guacamole is the perfect summer appetizer. It’s easy to make and it tastes incredible on grilled bread, bagels, or chips. Plus, it’s a great way to get your veggies in! If you’ve never made guac before (or are just feeling extra lazy), try our foolproof recipe below:
- 2 avocados
- juice of 1 lime
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and pepper to taste (about 1/4–1/2 tsp each)
Grilled potatoes and onions with lemon, rosemary and feta
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary, or to taste (or use thyme or sage instead)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Directions: Preheat the grill. Drizzle the potatoes and onions with olive oil and brush to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
Place on a grill rack coated with cooking spray, over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. Mix together lemon juice, rosemary, salt and pepper in a small bowl; drizzle mixture over vegetables just before serving topped with feta if desired.
Cooking the perfect BBQ requires the proper tools. With our list of top 17 grilling tools, you’ll be equipped to handle any cooking challenge thrown your way” – Learn more about these tools by checking out our top grilling tools for a perfect BBQ every time
Grilled zucchini hummus boats
Zucchini boats are the perfect way to use up any leftover zucchini you have. This recipe uses a tomato-based hummus, which gives it a bit of a kick. Add some feta cheese and fresh herbs for an extra punch of flavor.
1 large zucchini, sliced lengthwise into halves or quarters (depends on how thick your zucchini is)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt plus more to taste (if necessary)
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar plus more to taste (if necessary)
Easy Grilled Pita Bread With Spiced Feta And Tomatoes
To make the pita bread, start with a package of refrigerated pita bread (about 8 pieces). Brush each side with olive oil and place on the grill for about 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they have little grill marks and are slightly golden brown.
To make the spiced feta, start by mixing together 1 cup crumbled feta cheese with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon ground cumin and ½ teaspoon garlic powder in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
To make the tomatoes, cut 4 medium tomatoes into thick slices or chunks depending on how big your tomatoes are; brush each piece lightly with olive oil; season generously with salt and pepper before placing them on the hot grill until charred slightly but still tender-crisp inside (about 2 minutes per side).
Conclusion
Grilled appetizers are perfect for parties and get-togethers. They’re easy to make and always impress guests! Plus, you can add some extra flavor by using different spices or toppings on top (like feta cheese).
So go ahead, grill up these 10 delicious appetizers this summer season—you won’t regret it!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources on appetizers and grilling that we recommend:
CookingChew: 25+ Grilled Appetizers to Satisfy Your Cravings – Check out this extensive list of grilled appetizers that will provide you with plenty of inspiration for your next cookout.
Insanely Good Recipes: 24 BBQ Appetizers Perfect for Your Next Backyard Bash – Impress your friends and family with these mouth-watering BBQ appetizers that are perfect for any outdoor gathering.
PureWow: 45 Summer Appetizers That Require Zero Heat or Cooking – For those hot summer days where you don’t want to turn on the grill, check out this list of no-cook summer appetizers that are perfect for entertaining.
FAQs
What are some popular grilled appetizers?
Some popular grilled appetizers include bacon-wrapped jalapenos, grilled shrimp skewers, stuffed mushrooms, and bruschetta.
How long do you grill appetizers for?
The cooking time for grilled appetizers can vary depending on the item being grilled, but most appetizers can be cooked in under 10 minutes.
How do you prevent food from sticking to the grill?
To prevent food from sticking to the grill, make sure the grill grates are clean and oiled before placing the food on them. You can also try using a non-stick cooking spray or marinating the food in oil beforehand.
Can appetizers be cooked on a charcoal grill?
Yes, appetizers can be cooked on a charcoal grill. Make sure the charcoal is hot and glowing before adding the food to the grill.
What are some vegetarian appetizer options for grilling?
Some vegetarian appetizer options for grilling include vegetable skewers, grilled portobello mushrooms, stuffed bell peppers, and grilled avocado halves.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James, and I’m a grilling enthusiast. I’ve been grilling for years, and I absolutely love it. I love how it brings people together and how you can feed your family with just a few minutes of work.