When it comes to entertaining, food is the most important part. When I’m not working on my next epic takeout order, I’m testing out new recipes for my friends and family. The best way to get started with grilling appetizers? Start with five of my favorite grilled recipes!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Consider pairing your grilled appetizers with delicious grilled side dishes to make your next BBQ a hit. |
| Experiment with different marinades and seasonings to add unique flavors to your grilled appetizers. |
| Don’t forget to properly maintain and clean your grill before firing it up for your next backyard cookout. |
| There are many resources available, such as cookbooks and online recipe guides, to help you take your grilling skills to the next level. |
| Grilled appetizers are the perfect way to kick off any backyard BBQ party and impress your guests with your culinary skills. |
1. Grilling Bread For Crostini
Grilled bread is a great way to add flavor and texture to appetizers. The smoky char of the grill gives plain slices of bread an irresistible crunch, while also giving you plenty of room for creative toppings like melted cheese, pesto, or salsa.
Grilling bread can be used as a base for other ingredients, or eaten alone. It’s also easy to make in advance and serve at room temperature perfect for when you want to set out food ahead of time without having it end up cold by dinner time!
While grilled appetizers are the star of the BBQ show, a great side dish can steal the spotlight. Check out our guide on the 15 grilled side dishes that will make your next barbecue the talk of the town!
2. Grilled Olives
This recipe is a great way to use up those olives that you have in your pantry, or even just fresh ones from the store. Olives are usually brined in a salty, acidic solution, which gives them their distinctive flavor and color.
They can be grilled on skewers, or in a panini press if you have one. If you’re going with skewers then make sure they’re nice and dry before grilling them so they don’t slide off when turning them over!
You can also try adding other ingredients like garlic and herbs to give the olive an extra kick of flavor—just be careful not to overcook it so that it doesn’t become mushy!
3. Classic Grilled Shrimp Cocktail
Grilled shrimp is a great appetizer option, especially if you want to impress your guests. It’s quick, it’s easy and it tastes so good!
The first step is to make sure that you have all of the ingredients on hand before starting. In this recipe we’re using cocktail sauce and simple lemon juice for seasoning—but feel free to experiment with different flavors if you like!
You’ll also need some skewers or toothpicks for serving the shrimp later. These can be purchased at any supermarket or market that sells grilling supplies; look for them near the charcoal briquettes too if you don’t see them near where other cooking utensils are kept.
Classic Grilled Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined | Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. |
| 1/4 cup olive oil | In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. |
| 2 tbsp. lemon juice | Add the shrimp to the mixing bowl and toss to evenly coat with the marinade. |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until fully cooked. |
| 1/4 tsp. salt | In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to make the cocktail sauce. |
| 1/4 tsp. black pepper | Serve the grilled shrimp with the cocktail sauce and enjoy! |
| 1/2 cup ketchup | |
| 1/4 cup prepared horseradish | |
| 1 tsp. hot sauce | |
| 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce |
4. Grilled Whipped Feta Appetizer
Here’s the deal: Whipped feta is easy to make, and it’s one of those things that you can serve with just about anything.
Just add some olive oil, salt, pepper and minced garlic; blend it all together with a hand-mixer until smooth; then spoon it over your favorite sliced baguette or pita bread.
The creamy feta will pair well with any vegetable or dip you can think of—you know, like roasted peppers and hummus! Or chopped artichokes! Or even little bowls of olives!
Looking for the ultimate grilled appetizers that are sure to impress? Check out our guide on 10 delicious grilled appetizers that will have your guests begging for more!
5. Grilled Mini Caprese Skewers
If you love tomato and mozzarella, this is the appetizer for you. The basil leaves are optional but add a nice touch of freshness to balance out all that cheese and breadcrumbs, so feel free to add them if they’re handy!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (about 25)
- 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, cut into small pieces (about ¾ cup)
- Handful of fresh basil leaves (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
6. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
Prosciutto-wrapped melon is just as simple to make as it sounds. All you need to do is use a melon baller to scoop out the insides of your melon, then wrap prosciutto slices around each ball.
Use toothpicks to secure the prosciutto, and grill or bake them until they get all crispy and delicious. You can serve this appetizer with balsamic vinegar for dipping or drizzle over yogurt for breakfast!
7. Chicken and Chorizo Wraps
- Chicken and Chorizo Wraps
- Ingredients: 4 flour tortillas, 5 ounces cooked chicken, 1/4 cup chopped chorizo sausage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves.
- Serve with salsa or hot sauce for dipping.
You can also add any of your favorite ingredients to this wrap such as avocado, lettuce and tomatoes. The possibilities are endless!
Whether you’re hosting a neighborhood BBQ or a family reunion, having the right side dishes can make all the difference. Don’t miss our guide on the best grilled side dishes to elevate your BBQ game!
8. Three Steak Recipes for the Grill (or Stove)
The Classic Way to Cook a Steak on the Grill:
Heat your grill to medium-high heat, then oil or spray the grates so you don’t have to scrape them clean after cooking.
Season both sides of your steak with salt and pepper, rubbing it in well so it sticks.
Place your steak directly over the fire, keeping temperature at 350°F–375°F (176°C–191°C) for about 3 minutes per side for medium rare or 4 minutes per side for medium doneness. This method is also great if you’re looking for a thicker cut that won’t dry out too much from high heat!
9. Grilled Pineapple with Creamy Hot Pepper Sauce
Pineapples are a sweet fruit that is perfect for any meal and can be eaten raw, cooked, or even turned into juice.
They are also quite versatile, which means they can be used in many different ways. One of these ways is as an appetizer when paired with hot pepper sauce.
The creaminess of the sauce compliments the sweetness of the pineapple and makes for an interesting combination that you’ll want to make again after trying it once!
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cored | Preheat the grill to medium heat. |
| 1 tbsp. brown sugar | In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. |
| 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon | Cut the pineapple into rounds and brush each side with the mixed sugar blend. |
| 1/4 tsp. salt | Grill the pineapple rounds for 3-4 minutes per side until grill marks appear. |
| 1/4 cup mayonnaise | In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, hot sauce, and lime juice until smooth. |
| 2 tsp. hot sauce | Drizzle the grilled pineapple with the creamy hot pepper sauce and serve immediately. |
| 1 tsp. fresh lime juice |
10. Grilled Clams with Lemon-Garlic Butter
Clams are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, zinc and selenium. They’re also high in protein, low in calories and can be grilled or steamed. To grill the clams with lemon-garlic butter:
- On a large plate or tray, place the cleaned clams with their necks facing up so they don’t close while grilling (you can also steam them if you prefer).
- Drizzle olive oil over the top of each clam then drizzle some lemon juice over them as well.
- Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top of each clam along with salt and pepper to taste before sealing up your grill for about 5 minutes until done!
Having trouble thinking of creative appetizers for your next backyard grill-out? Let us help! Check out our guide on 15 mouthwatering grilled appetizers that will leave your guests raving
11. Goat Cheese Bites
Goat cheese, olive oil, garlic, parsley and salt and pepper are all you need to make these simple treats.
Make balsamic sauce in 10 minutes by mixing 1 cup of balsamic vinegar with ½ cup sugar. Simmer on low heat until sugar dissolves. Add a pinch of salt if needed then allow to cool before pouring it over goat cheese balls or dipping apples in it.
Flatten balls of goat cheese with a fork or spoon until they are about ¼-inch thick; they should look like mini pizzas!
Place them on a baking sheet with parchment paper (don’t use wax paper) and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until edges start to brown slightly but still appear soft in the center when you gently press down on one side of each little pizza slice (you’ll be able to tell if done because this will leave an indentation).
Remove from the oven, let cool briefly then put your toppings together: sliced tomatoes sprinkled with dried basil, fresh sprigs of rosemary for garnish…or whatever else sounds good!
12. Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs on a Stick
As a kid, I loved these sweet-and-sour meatballs on a stick. They’re an easy recipe to make, and the flavor combination is perfect for grilling.
The sweet-and-sour sauce perfectly complements the pork or beef in these meatballs, and it’s also great for dipping veggies into!
You can serve your meatballs on skewers that have been soaked in water for about 30 minutes before cooking time.
If you want to go with something fancier than skewers (which I do), try using cocktail picks instead. Just make sure they are long enough so that when placed in the center of each ball they extend beyond both sides by at least 1 inch (2 centimeters).
Before firing up the grill, it’s crucial to ensure that it’s clean and well-maintained for safety purposes. Check out our guide on why cleaning your grill is just as important as cooking on it to learn more about how to properly maintain your grill and keep it in top shape.
13. Easy Cheesy Marinara Bread Bowls with Kielbasa
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Cut slices from a loaf of bread, leaving a bit of room around the edges so they won’t fall apart while baking.
Fill each bowl with 2 tablespoons marinara sauce and 3 to 4 ounces mozzarella cheese. You can also use provolone, pepper jack, or even Swiss if you’re feeling fancy!
Top each bread bowl with sliced kielbasa or another topping of your choice (we recommend caramelized onions). If you’re feeling extra creative: try pineapple on top!
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed these recipes and will give them a try on your next grillout. Grilling is one of the best ways to get people together, so don’t be afraid to share your grilling expertise with others.
This guide is meant to provide you with enough information so that you can make delicious appetizers at home it’s not just about having fun but also about sharing your passion for food!
Further Reading
Grilled Appetizer Recipes on Taste of Home: Taste of Home offers a wide range of delicious grilled appetizers that are sure to please any crowd.
Grilling Cookbooks on Simon & Schuster: Simon & Schuster offers a variety of grilling cookbooks for those who want to take their grilling skills to the next level.
The Best Summer Appetizers on Food Network: Food Network has compiled a list of the best summer appetizers for your next backyard BBQ party.
FAQs
What are some easy grilled appetizers to make?
Some easy grilled appetizers to make include grilled skewers with vegetables, bruschetta, and grilled shrimp cocktail.
What are some ways to prepare grilled appetizers ahead of time?
One way to prepare grilled appetizers ahead of time is to marinate them a day before grilling. Another way is to assemble skewers and brush them with oil and seasoning, then refrigerate until ready to grill.
How long should I grill appetizers?
The grilling time for appetizers can vary depending on the type of food being cooked. Always check for doneness by using a meat thermometer to ensure that food has reached a safe temperature.
What are some tips for grilling appetizers?
Some tips for grilling appetizers include using a grill basket for small items, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes, and brushing food with oil to prevent sticking.
What are some vegetarian grilled appetizers?
Some vegetarian grilled appetizers include grilled vegetable skewers, stuffed portobello mushrooms, and grilled corn on the cob with chili-lime butter.
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.