From saucy wings and smoky skewers to charred veggies, these easy grilled appetizers are ideal for summer barbecues and casual backyard parties.
1/30
Sweet Sriracha Wings
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve these fiery hot wings on game day or any time friends and family gather. If you don’t like a ton of sweetness, add the honey slowly and taste as you go. —Logan Holser, Clarkston, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken wing: 201 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
2/30
Grilled Bruschetta
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my go-to appetizer in the summer when tomatoes and basil are fresh from the garden. The balsamic glaze takes this bruschetta recipe over the top. I like to use an olive oil infused with Tuscan herbs or basil for this, but it's great with just plain olive oil too. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 58 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
3/30
Grilled Guacamole
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re a guacamole lover, try this fun grilled version that has a smoky flavor. The veggies tend to darken a bit when heated, so stir it gently to prevent further discoloration. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 85 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
4/30
Balsamic-Glazed Fig & Pork Tenderloin
From the Recipe Creator:
I have a huge fig tree that produces an abundance of figs. One year I tried drying some and developed this sweet and smoky recipe as a result. Now it's a regular at family gatherings. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 139 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
5/30
Zucchini & Cheese Roulades
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 24 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 58mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
6/30
Grilled Nectarine & Cheese Crostini
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, we love the summer tastes of sweet grilled nectarines and fresh basil over goat cheese. I can usually find all the ingredients at the farmers market. —Brandy Hollingshead, Grass Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 48 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
7/30
Grilled Zucchini with Peanut Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Zucchini slices make perfect finger food. It’s fun to make a topping for zucchini, and this is a good solution for a never-ending crop. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 38 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
8/30
Teriyaki Shish Kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 306 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 1203mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
9/30
Maryland Corn Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh-picked sweet corn is a big thing in Maryland. Here’s my homespun version of Mexican street corn that brings in local bay flavors. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 corn pop: 164 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 336mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
10/30
Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums
From the Recipe Creator:
Make a bold statement with this simple yet elegant treat. Ripe plums are grilled and then dressed with a balsamic reduction and tangy goat cheese. —Ariana Abelow, Holliston, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 plum half with 1 tablespoon cheese and 2 teaspoons glaze: 58 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
11/30
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
From the Recipe Creator:
We love eggplant Parmesan, but when it’s hot outside, the dish feels too heavy. Grilled eggplant slices topped with tomato, mozzarella and Parm satisfy everyone. —Joann Parlin, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 eggplant stacks: 449 calories, 31g fat (18g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
12/30
Campers Favorite Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family craves this cheesy chili dip so much we make two batches—one especially for the guys. If you’re not grilling out, bake it in the oven. —Valorie Ebie, Bel Aire, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 250 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 403mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
13/30
Mexican Street Corn Flatbread
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fun twist on a classic Mexican dish! Keep your kitchen cooled down during the summer by grilling this fresh flatbread outdoors. —Amanda Phillips, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 211 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
14/30
Grilled Cheese Loaf
From the Recipe Creator:
I often serve buttery grilled bread with steak and a salad. It's so quick to make, and it's also easy to add to whatever else you have on the grill. —Debbi Baker, Green Springs, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 172 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
15/30
Grilled Shrimp
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak. For a special occasion, you can also brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill them. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 201 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
16/30
Grilled Sausage-Basil Pizzas
From the Recipe Creator:
We love basil recipes, and these easy little pizzas are a wonderful change of pace from the classic cookout menu. Let everybody go crazy with the toppings. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza: 808 calories, 56g fat (19g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 1996mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
17/30
Jalapeno-Lime Chicken Drumsticks
From the Recipe Creator:
Bottled hot sauce isn't my thing, so I developed a fresh pepper glaze for grilled chicken. These drumsticks practically fly off the plate. —Kristeen DeVorss, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken drumsticks: 361 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 494mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
18/30
Steak & Blue Cheese Bruschetta with Onion & Roasted Tomato Jam
From the Recipe Creator:
This appetizer bursts with flavor from bleu cheese, caramelized onion, jam and balsamic vinegar. The tasty bites vanish in a hurry. —Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 185 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
19/30
Mushroom Bacon Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the perfect appetizer for most any occasion. The bacon bites are easy to assemble and brush with prepared barbecue sauce. When we have a big cookout, they're always a hit ... but they also make a nice little extra for a family dinner. —Gina Roesner, Ashland, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 82 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
20/30
Firecracker Shrimp
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp: 27 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
21/30
Grilled Jalapenos
From the Recipe Creator:
When barbecuing for friends at home, I also use the grill to serve up hot appetizers. These crowd-pleasing stuffed peppers have a bit of bite. They were concocted by my son. —Catherine Hollie, Cleveland, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 97 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
22/30
Zippy Shrimp Skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
These flavorful skewers deliver a mouthwatering kick with minimal effort. Fix them for your next party and watch them disappear. —Jalayne Luckett, Marion, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 57 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat.
23/30
Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this dish as an appetizer or a dessert—the choice is yours! If desired, the pineapple spears can be rolled in flaked coconut before grilling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 spears with 2 tablespoons dip: 160 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
24/30
Grilled Glazed Drummies
From the Recipe Creator:
My family prefers these mild-tasting chicken wings more than the traditional hot wings. They are great for any gathering. —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 141 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
25/30
Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for lighter recipes to take on tailgate outings—and this one works fabulously for grilling. Just whip up the marinade, add the chicken and take it along to the pregame festivities. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 59 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
26/30
Grilled Potato Skins
From the Recipe Creator:
It's easy to love these delicious appetizers. They're nice to serve outside when you invite friends over for a grilled meal. They remind me of the potato skins I have had in restaurants—only better! —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 327 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
27/30
Grilled Red Pepper Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
We grill peppers with rosemary and garlic, then blend them with sun-dried tomatoes for a creamy spread to pass with pita chips. —Donna Alwine, Bloomington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 127 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
28/30
Flank Steak Crostini
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is perfect for gatherings, holidays or a special Sunday football snack. My kids love it and so do my friends and family. You can substitute butter for the olive oil or any kind of steak for the flank steak. —Donna Evaro, Casper, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 63 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
29/30
Grilled Steak Kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Many times I come up with recipes requiring only ingredients already in my pantry. This is one of those recipes. It's my husband's favorite meat dish. —Dolores, Lueken, Ferdinand, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 447 calories, 29g fat (6g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
30/30
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Raspberry Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilling the prosciutto with the asparagus gives this appetizer a salty crunch that's perfect for dipping into a sweet glaze. When a delicious appetizer is this easy to prepare, you owe it to yourself to try it! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 asparagus spear with 1-1/2 teaspoons sauce: 50 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
Grilled Appetizer Recipes FAQ
What are the easiest appetizers to grill?
Skewers with shrimp or vegetables, grilled flatbreads and sturdy cheeses like halloumi are some of the easiest appetizers to grill. They cook quickly over direct heat and need minimal prep. For something different, sear shishito peppers with sea salt or char corn ribs with a squeeze of lime. Grilled pineapple or peaches brushed with honey or balsamic make a great sweet-savory option alongside creamy dips.
What are some vegetarian grilled appetizer options?
Vegetarian grilled appetizers include grilled romaine hearts, smoky eggplant stacks, grilled asparagus and stone fruit with cheese. You can grill halved romaine until lightly wilted, then top it with shaved Parmesan for a smoky Caesar-inspired bite. Asparagus pairs well with lemon zest or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can also layer eggplant slices with herbed ricotta for a savory bite. For something sweeter, grill fresh figs until soft and caramelized and then pair them with crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese for a unique sweet-savory starter.
What dips pair well with grilled appetizers?
Cool, creamy dips like tzatziki, herbed yogurt or whipped feta pair well with smoky, grilled appetizers. You can also serve hummus or baba ganoush alongside veggie skewers, grilled bread or charred cauliflower florets. For something richer, try a warm cheese dip or a roasted red pepper spread with a touch of spice. Just be sure to serve dips chilled or at room temperature so they contrast nicely with the heat of the grill.
