20 BBQ Appetizers: From Grilled Bites to Party-Perfect Sides

Are you looking to impress guests at your next BBQ?

This collection of 20 BBQ appetizer ideas offers the perfect balance of smoky grilled favorites and refreshing sides.

From grilled jalapeño poppers and teriyaki skewers to fresh watermelon feta salad and zesty Mexican street corn, you’ll find options for everyone – including vegetarian and make-ahead dishes.

With easy-to-follow serving suggestions and key ingredients for each dish, entertaining has never been simpler.

Grilled bruschetta with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella

Serving idea: Brush bread slices with olive oil, grill until marked, top with mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella, and balsamic.

Grilled garlic shrimp skewers with lemon and herbs

Serving idea: Thread peeled shrimp on skewers, brush with herb-garlic butter and lemon juice, grill 2-3 minutes per side until pink.

Mini beef sliders with caramelized onions

Serving idea: Form small beef patties seasoned with salt and pepper, grill, top with caramelized onions and cheese on mini buns.

Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers stuffed with cream cheese and cheddar

Serving idea: Place cream cheese in into halved jalapeños, wrap with bacon, and grill until bacon is crispy. Hint: Use toothpicks to keep bacon attached.

BBQ chicken wings with various sauce options

Serving idea: Toss wings in BBQ sauce mixed with melted butter, grill until charred and cooked through, serve with celery. Hint: try grilling chicken wings for added flavor and a nice bit of char.

Grilled Pineapple

Serving idea: Brush pineapple rings with honey-butter mixture, grill until caramelized with nice grill marks.

Grilled mushroom skewers

Serving idea: Thread mushroom caps with onions and peppers, brush with garlic-herb oil, grill until tender and caramelized.

Buffalo chicken meatballs

Serving idea: Mix ground chicken with buffalo sauce and breadcrumbs, form meatballs, grill until cooked through.

Teriyaki beef skewers

Serving idea: Marinate beef chunks in teriyaki sauce, thread on skewers with onions and peppers, grill until desired doneness.

Mini pizza bites with mozzarella cheese, sausage, ham, parsley, lettuce, cherry tomato

Serving idea: Top mini pizza rounds with sauce, cheese, meats and veggies, grill until cheese melts and crust is crispy. Tip: Use min bagels instead of pizza dough to form the mini pizzas.

Grilled Peaches

Serving idea: Halve peaches, brush with honey-butter, grill cut-side down until softened with nice marks.

Mexican street corn bites (elote)

Serving idea: Grill corn until charred, slather with mayo-mixture, sprinkle with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime.

Grilled cauliflower florets

Serving idea: Toss cauliflower in olive oil and seasonings, grill in a basket until tender with crispy edges.

Grilled avocado stuffed with tomatoes, cheese, parsley

Serving idea: Halve avocados, remove pit, and grill briefly until warmed. Fill with tomato-cheese-herb mixture or pico de gallo.

Creamy coleslaw

Serving idea: Mix shredded cabbage , carrots, red onion, and cilantro with a creamy dressing (mayo, vinegar, sugar), season to taste.

Seven-layer dip

Serving idea: Layer beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, olives, and green onions in clear serving dish.

Smoked pimento cheese dip served with crackers and celery sticks

Serving idea: Blend pimentos, cheddar, cream cheese, and seasonings until smooth, serve with crackers and veggies.

BBQ Brisket Sliders

Serving idea: Pile brisket mixed with BBQ sauce on slider buns, top with pickled onions and slaw.

Fresh watermelon and feta salad

Serving idea: Combine watermelon cubes and crumbled feta with mint leaves, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic, season with black pepper.

Cornbread muffins with honey butter

Serving idea: Mix cornbread batter, bake in mini muffin tins, serve warm with honey-whipped butter.

Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or planning an intimate backyard gathering, these BBQ appetizers are sure to kick off your party in style.

Looking for even more options? Check out some BBQ Snack Ideas for your next party for additional inspiration.