Grilling is a great way to cook up your favorite foods, and now that it’s summer, there’s no better time to fire up your grill! When you’re craving something savory, nothing hits the spot like a big plate of appetizers.
And since most people tend to go for lighter fare during warm weather months, these mouthwatering grilled appetizers are sure to be a hit at any barbecue or cookout.
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| Grilled appetizers are easy to prepare and make for appetizing starters that can be enjoyed at parties or BBQs |
| Proper grilling techniques and tools can make all the difference in enhancing the flavor and texture of grilled appetizers |
| Including vegetarian grilled appetizers in your list of options can accommodate dietary preferences and provide more variety for everyone |
| Building a support system around a shared interest in grilling can foster a sense of community and lead to more fun and enjoyable experiences |
Grilled Sausage and Peppers Skewers
A fun way to use your grill is in an appetizer. Try grilling sausage and peppers skewers, which are a great way to use items you already have in your pantry.
Slice the bell peppers into thin slices and cut the onions into chunks.
Next, add cherry tomatoes on top of the purple onions (if you want more color) or just squeeze some balsamic vinegar on top of everything else before turning on the fire!
Add olive oil so that it drips down into all those beautiful colors in between each slice or chunk of vegetable or fruit.
Looking for new ideas on grilled appetizers to serve for your next BBQ? Check out our ultimate guide to mouthwatering starters that includes various types of appetizers with detailed information on how to prepare and grill them to perfection.
Grilled Brie With Prosciutto and Arugula
To make grilled brie with prosciutto and arugula:
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and the balsamic vinegar together. Add in fresh thyme leaves and crushed garlic cloves and then season with salt and pepper (to taste).
Place a wedge of Brie on a vegetable grate or wooden board that’s been seasoned with olive oil, paprika, salt and pepper. Drizzle with half of the dressing mixture on top of the wedge before topping it with some prosciutto slices.
Arrange arugula leaves around it in little bunches then drizzle remaining dressing over them to finish up this appetizer dish. Enjoy!
Grilled Brie With Prosciutto and Arugula Recipe
| Ingredients | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Brie cheese | 8 oz |
| Prosciutto slices | 8 |
| Arugula leaves | 1 handful |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Cherry tomatoes | 4-5 |
| Baguette slices | 8 |
| Balsamic glaze | to drizzle |
Directions:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Cut the brie cheese in half lengthwise and place one half on a sheet of aluminum foil.
Top the brie with prosciutto and the other half of the cheese. Fold the foil over the cheese to make a packet.
Grill the cheese packet for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the prosciutto is crispy.
Remove from the grill and let cool for a minute.
Arrange the arugula leaves and cherry tomatoes on a serving plate.
Drizzle the olive oil over the arugula and cherry tomatoes.
Place the grilled brie packet on the plate with the arugula and cherry tomatoes.
Serve with baguette slices and a drizzle of balsamic glaze on the top. Enjoy!
Grilled Pineapple and Ham
If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s sweet, salty and savory all at once, then grilled pineapple is your answer.
The fruit is delicious on its own when cooked to a golden brown and topped with melted cheese or butter. It also pairs perfectly with sweet ham—and there are few things better than pairing sweet and salty flavors together.
While pineapple grilling can be done on the grill or in an oven (just make sure the temperature doesn’t exceed 400°F!), our favorite method is to use a cast iron skillet over medium heat on the stovetop.
The result will be beautiful caramelization of both sides of this tasty fruit while retaining some juiciness inside.
Once it’s finished cooking through and slightly browned, remove from heat before adding your favorite toppings like melted cheeses or nuts! You’ll want to serve this as an appetizer but feel free to serve it as a main course if you prefer!
Impress your guests with these 10 delicious grilled appetizers that are easy to make and taste amazing. With our simple yet delicious recipes, you’ll be able to create appetizers that look and taste like they were prepared by a professional chef.
Grilled Pear and Blue Cheese Bruschetta
Peaches, pears and blue cheese are a match made in heaven. The sweet fruit tastes perfect with the tangy cheese, while the latter brings an earthiness that balances out the sweetness.
Combine these ingredients on a grilled baguette and you’ve got yourself an appetizer that everyone will love! If you’re lucky enough to have access to fresh pears (and not those canned ones), use those instead of store-bought ones for this recipe.
Make sure they’re ripe before grilling; underripe fruits won’t taste as good when they’ve been cooked on high heat.
To keep things simple, go ahead and use store-bought ricotta instead of making your own too—it’ll save time without sacrificing flavor!
The Ultimate Antipasto Skewers
An antipasto is an appetizer that consists of a wide variety of small dishes. Antipasto skewers are no different, and they’re the perfect way to get all your guests together for an appetizer before the main course.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A variety of cured meats (salami, prosciutto, capicola)
- Olives (black olives or green olives)
- Artichoke hearts (marinated in oil or vinegar)
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus With Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
These bacon-wrapped asparagus spears are smoky, salty and sweet. You can easily make them ahead of time and serve them to your guests with a side of strawberry balsamic glaze for dipping!
Ingredients:
- 12 asparagus stalks (about 1 pound)
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise
Strawberry Balsamic Glaze:
1/2 cup chopped strawberries (frozen berries work best here) 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon brown sugar Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil; coat with cooking spray.
Wrap each spear in half-slices of bacon and place on prepared baking sheet; bake until crisp and browned, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat until heated through; set aside until ready to serve. To serve, spoon glaze onto serving plate then top with asparagus spears
To ensure that your BBQ party goes smoothly without any hiccups, it’s important to know the dos and don’ts of grill maintenance. Learn about common mistakes to avoid, and how to keep your grill in top shape before you start grilling your appetizers
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is the perfect side to any grilled meal. It can be made on the grill, but you can also make it in an oven or on a stove top. You can use different types of cheese and herbs to give it a little kick.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
| Ingredients | Measurements |
|---|---|
| French bread baguette | 1 |
| Butter, softened | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | to taste |
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Slice the French bread baguette in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and minced garlic.
Spread the butter mixture evenly over the bread slices.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the bread slices.
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top.
Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Cut into slices and serve hot. Enjoy!
Grilled Crostini With Figs, Prosciutto, and Honey
- 4 slices of prosciutto
- 6 slices of figs (halved)
- 1/2 cup honey, divided into 3 parts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, divided into 3 parts
- 1 baguette (cut into 2 inch slices)
Preheat the grill to medium high heat. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and drizzle each with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Grill for about 2 minutes per side or until lightly golden brown and crisp. In separate bowls combine the remaining ingredients: 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and salt & pepper to taste until blended well together. Cut each slice from the baguette into 5 equal pieces then place 2 halved figs on top of each piece before serving!
Wondering what are the best grilling gadgets to use to make your appetizers stand out? Our list of 15 grilling gadgets is all you need to take your grilling game to the next level. From meat thermometers to cast-iron griddles, our list has got you covered!
Buffalo Chicken Satay
- Prepare the chicken.
- Cook the chicken until it’s cooked through, about 10 minutes. Chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup melted butter with 1/3 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is best), 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk until well combined; set aside in a warm place while you assemble skewers.
Assemble skewers: Thread each skewer with one slice of chicken breast and one cube of cheese (if using), followed by another piece of chicken breast.
Repeat this process until all four skewers are full or your ingredients are gone but never fill more than three quarters of your skewer so it won’t break when you cook them!
Secure each one tightly so that everything stays in place during cooking—we recommend using wooden toothpicks as opposed to metal ones because they’re sturdier and don’t rust over time like some metals do when exposed to moisture (like sweat).
Grilled Avocado Fries With Chipotle Ranch Dip
If you want to get your kids to eat more avocados, this recipe is a great way to do it. The creamy avocado fries are served with an easy chipotle ranch dip that will be a hit at your next party.
Kids love these because they taste like french fries and adults love them because they’re filled with healthy fats from the avocado and cheese.
This appetizer is easy enough for anyone to make and tastes great with guacamole or salsa for dipping. If you want something even simpler than making this dip, skip straight over to our Grilled Fried Avocado Tacos recipe!
Grilling can be an art and a science that requires a deep understanding of the processes involved to achieve perfection. Our detailed guide on the science behind grilling offers insights on the chemical reactions that take place during grilling, and how to maximize flavors and textures for the perfect appetizers.”
Pulled BBQ Jackfruit Tacos With Coleslaw and Crispy Onions
- Jackfruit is a great alternative to pulled pork.
- Shred the jackfruit with a fork.
- It’s low in calories, high in fiber and protein.
To make the coleslaw, shred 1/2 head of cabbage into thin strips and place in a large bowl. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and toss until well combined (add more apple cider vinegar if needed).
To make the crispy onions: slice 2 yellow onions very thinly lengthwise on mandolin; transfer onto paper towel-lined plate; sprinkle with salt; let sit for 30 minutes; pat dry with paper towels; heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat until shimmering hot but not smoking; add onion slices one at a time so as not to crowd pan fry 3 minutes per side or until deep golden brown before transferring onto paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease; season with additional salt as desired before serving tacos!
Grilled Zucchini Rolls With Creamy Herbed Ricotta
- What you’ll need:
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to make it:
Brush the zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat until softened but not fully cooked, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool slightly before filling them.
In a small bowl, combine ricotta with chopped fresh basil leaves, lemon zest, salt, and pepper; set aside in refrigerator until ready for use (up to 24 hours).
Fill the grilled zucchini rounds with the ricotta mixture before serving immediately or refrigerating until ready for use (up to 24 hours).
Serve as an accompaniment alongside grilled meats or atop salads; reheat gently on grill while still wrapped in foil before serving again at room temperature
Grilled Sweet Potato Lattice Cups with Charred Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels or fresh corn kernels, if available
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling on top of the sweet potato lattice cups (optional)
Thai-Style Chicken Skewers with Peanut Dipping Sauce
These Thai-inspired grilled chicken skewers are a great appetizer to serve at your next party. They’re easy to make, and the peanut sauce takes them from ordinary to extraordinary.
To prepare the chicken skewers:
Cut two boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder and olive oil to taste; mix until evenly coated with spices.
Place chicken skewers on a large plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil; set aside in refrigerator until ready to cook (at least 30 minutes).
Preheat grill over medium heat for 10 minutes until coals are white hot with visible flames around edges of grill rack (or use an indoor grill pan).
Thread one cube of boneless chicken breast onto each skewer lengthwise; brush lightly with olive oil if desired before grilling for about 5 minutes per side or until done (internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F).
Remove from heat once cooked throughly then cover loosely with foil until needed again later so that they stay warm throughout party!
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this delicious collection of grilled appetizers and are now ready to try out some new recipes.
The best way to keep things interesting? Try new flavors and combinations! You can always add a different twist on the ingredients you already know, but don’t be afraid to experiment with something totally new.
Further Reading
Check out Allrecipes for a variety of party appetizer recipes that are easy to make and delicious.
Looking for more grill-inspired appetizer ideas? Head to Taste of Home for an assortment of grilled appetizers that will surely delight your guests.
Get inspired by Pinterest to make your Superbowl Party a hit by learning about great food ideas that will be the center of attention and wow your guests.
FAQs
What are some common grilled appetizers?
Some common grilled appetizers include grilled chicken skewers, grilled shrimp, grilled vegetable kabobs, grilled barbecue meatball skewers, and grilled quesadillas.
How can I prepare grilled appetizers in advance?
You can marinate the ingredient the day before and assemble the skewers or kabobs in advance. You could also pre-chop vegetables and meat for a quick and easy grill.
Can I grill appetizers indoors?
Yes! You can use either an indoor grill or grill pan to cook your appetizers. Just ensure that there’s proper ventilation to contain smoke and prevent setting off your smoke detector.
How do I know when my appetizers are properly cooked on the grill?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your appetizers. The proper internal temperature for chicken is 165°F and for shrimp is 120°F. Vegetables should be tender and lightly charred.
What are some vegetarian grilled appetizers?
Vegetarian grilled appetizers options include grilled portobello mushrooms, grilled eggplant, grilled corn on the cob, grilled asparagus, and grilled tofu skewers.
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.