Get your taste buds fired up for the ultimate lineup of Grilled Appetizer Recipes that’ll have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds). Whether you’re gearing up for the big game, hosting a dinner party, or just chillin’ in the backyard, these flame-kissed easy apps are guaranteed to please.

A plate full of sticky wings, garnished and ready to devour!

Packed with bold flavors and epic bites, there’s a favorite easy appetizer for everyone here. From cheesy, melty goodness to finger foods that hit just right, these grilled appetizers are so freakin’ delicious, you won’t believe how easy they are to make.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Appetizers

When it comes to appetizers, there’s something about the smoky flavor from the grill that takes even the simplest ingredients to the next level. Grilled appetizers are perfect for any occasion because they’re:

  • Easy to Make – With just a handful of ingredients, you can create impressive, flavor-packed appetizers. Whether you’re whipping up something last minute for an easy weeknight dinner or planning perfect party appetizers for a big crowd, grilling delivers every time.
  • Great for Parties – The grill isn’t just for the main course—using it to make appetizers frees up your oven and creates a communal, fun vibe around the fire. Plus, the smoky flavor adds a gourmet touch to bite-sized appetizers.
  • Versatile – From meat to veggies to cheese, grilling levels up a variety of foods, offering an array of flavors that will wow your guests. You can pair these with delicious dips like a creamy BLT dip or a zesty jalapeño popper dip to keep things interesting. 
Grilled Appetizer Recipes wouldn't be complete without the bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers.

General Tips on Making and Serving Grilled Appetizers

Grilling appetizers can be a breeze, but a few expert tips can elevate your appetizer game to a whole new level:

  • Prep Your Simple Ingredients – Have your appetizers prepped and ready to go before your guests arrive. Whether you’re using a food processor for dips or marinating your meats, preparation is key to making grilling a stress-free experience.
  • Use the Right Tools – Grilling small bites or delicate items can be tricky. Investing in grill mats, skewers, and cast-iron pans is a game changer. And, of course, I highly recommend the FYR Grill for all your grilling adventures. My newly designed rig is a reliable and yet totally portable workhorse that easily adapts to all your grilling needs.
The FYR Grill is my crazy versatile new invention that I can no longer live without.
  • Pair with Dips – Grilled foods pair perfectly with creamy or spicy dips. A cheesy dip with pepper jack cheese or a creamy salmon dip offers balance and variety.
  • Serve with Tortilla Chips – Pair your grilled appetizers with crispy tortilla chips for a fun finger food option that’s both crunchy and smoky.

The Grilled Appetizer Recipes Roundup

Ready to dive into the grill and make some easy appetizers? Below are some of the best appetizer recipes you’ll find for your next party. Whether you’re planning anything from the Fourth of July to a Christmas party or a tailgate to a birthday party – everyone will love these quick bites! They can be a snack or quick appetizers for an easy weeknight dinner! Favorful and super simple to make, these recipes won’t disappoint.

Jalapeño Poppers

Texas Twinkies

Create the ultimate appetizer with a delicious combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, leftover smoked brisket, whole jalapeño peppers, BBQ seasoning, and a touch of maple syrup.
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BBQ Jalapeño Poppers cooked, glazed and served!

Shrimp Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeños are stuffed with a creamy mixture of cheese and BBQ shrimp, then wrapped in crispy bacon for a savory bite.
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jalapeno poppers on the grill

Bacon Wrapped JalapeNo Poppers

Grilled jalapeño poppers wrapped in crispy bacon create a mouthwatering appetizer that's bursting with flavor.
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Surf and Turf Jalapeño Poppers with Cilantro Chimichurri plated and served

Surf and Turf Jalapeño Poppers

These tasty poppers are filled with cream cheese, topped with succulent lobster meat, and encased in savory beef bacon.
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Quesadillas: the Best Flavor

When it comes to appetizers, unequivocally, nothing beats a grilled quesadilla. I mean, who can say no to flavorful meats, gooey melted cheese, and then all those killer toppings and dips? I know I can’t, and I’m willing to bet you can’t either!

For a more in depth view at quesadillas, check out my best quesadilla recipes!

Cheesy Steak Quesadilla

Easy Steak Quesadilla

Nothing quite beats steak and cheese. This Easy Steak Quesadilla is the ideal mixture for the outdoor cook!
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The Grilled Chicken Fajita Quesadilla

Grilled Chicken Fajita Quesadilla

The Grilled Chicken Fajita Quesadilla is an easy recipe that packs a punch with fajita flavors and cheesy goodness that are so freakin' delicious.
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Dipped quesadillas in the ranch.

Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla for a delicious, dip-able, cheesy, buffalo chicken experience.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla plated and ready to devour.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla

Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla for a delicious, hand held meal!
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Nacho Recipes

Possibly, the most shareable of all dishes is a plate full of nachos. Now, these are so good you might not want to share the. So just make sure to make a big batch!

If you love nachos, then make sure to check out all my Best Nacho Recipes!

Steak Elote Nachos are served.

Steak Elote Nachos

Steak Elote Nachos bring the Mexican street food vibes to your backyard grill. Juicy steak, creamy elote corn, perfectly spiced, and all your favorite toppings create a fiesta to remember.
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Grilled steak nachos plated and served!

Steak Nachos

Steak Nacho that the whole family will love.
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Loaded Huevos Rancheros Nachos

Loaded Huevos Rancheros Nachos

Loaded Huevos Rancheros Nachos for a delicious meal at any time of the day! Chips, chicken and eggs paired with all your favorite toppings!
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bbq brisket nachos

BBQ Brisket Nachos

From some of the leftover brisket we cooked up earlier this week, we have these BBQ Brisket Nachos. Super easy and fun to put together so make sure to give it a try! 
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platter full of surf and turf nachos with a margarita in the background

Surf and Turf Nachos

These Surf and Turf Nachos are tortilla chips drizzled with nacho cheese and layered with sautéed shrimp, juicy steak, and more.
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Grilled Chicken Wing Appetizer Recipes

Well, the flavor options here are truly endless here. The great thing about wings is that you can make a massive amount of them without much extra work too!

Take a deep dive into my world of chicken wings with Best Chicken Wing Recipes!

Best buffalo wings ready to eat

Buffalo Wings

Our best Buffalo wings have a spicy-sweet kick, paired with the smoking, frying and saucing masterpiece of double fried wings.
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Smoked and twice fried chicken wings seasoned with Primal Kitchen BBQ Sauce and Buffalo Sauce is foodie heaven.

Double Fried Chicken Wings

Get ready to taste the best smoked and double-fried chicken wings ever, leveled up by Primal Kitchen's Buffalo Sauce and BBQ Sauce, made with familiar ingredients that are good for you!
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overhead of a platter filled with honey chili oil chicken wings next to a fire

Honey Chili Oil Chicken Wings

These Honey Chili Oil Chicken Wings are smoked until tender, fried to crispy perfection, then tossed in a sweet and spicy chili oil glaze.
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Colorado Golden BBQ Wings Recipe

Colorado Golden BBQ Wings

Colorado Golden BBQ Wings
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Smoked and Fried Sticky Wings

Smoked and Fried Sticky Wings

Need a fun recipe thats a fun twist on a classic? Try these Smoked and Fried Sticky Wings on your Oklahoma Joe Smoker for an epic wing party in your backyard.
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Loaded Fries Appetizers

Similar to our nacho situation, loaded fires are easy to share and customized to your liking! Below are some of my favorites, but if you want even more on loaded fries check out my all Loaded Fries Recipes!

Cheese fries with chimichurri steak

Cheese Fries with Chimichurri Steak

This loaded plate of fries has steak, zesty chimichurri sauce and melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
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Loaded Steak Fries with Shrimp.

Loaded Steak Fries with Shrimp

Steak Fries with Shrimp is my idea of the best Loaded Surf and Turf Fries ever. When it comes to the best things I can make on my backyard grill, this hearty plate of fries ranks high on my list. So freakin' delicious!
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a plate of loaded chili cheese fries set next to a fire

Loaded Chili Cheese Fries

These Loaded Chili Cheese Fries are made with crispy fries layered with melty cheddar, beef chili, and the best toppings!
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Loaded Steak Fried, a shot from the top of the plate.

Loaded Steak Fries

Loaded Steak Fries make a fantastic party appetizer or a meal all on its own!
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Grilled Buffalo Chicken Fries

My Grilled Buffalo Chicken Fries recipe features buffalo chicken grilled on the Oklahoma Joe's Judge Charcoal Grill.
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You could easy change these up with kettle chips too! Check out my Loaded Buffalo Chicken Kettle Chips and Loaded Buffalo Chicken Kettle Chips for more crunchy goodness.

Grilled Slider Appetizer Recipes

Don’t underrate the flavor packing power of a tray of sliders. Easy to prep, easy to eat and also (as always) so freakin’ delicious!

For even more on sliders, make sure to check out The Best Slider Recipes!

Cowboy Butter Sliders

Cowboy Butter Sliders

Cowboy Butter Sliders are the ultimate comfort food. Tender sliced filets are slathered in the zesty spicy butter and paired with caramelized onions and gooey mozzarella cheese.
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BBQ Beef Sliders are the ultimate comfort food.

BBQ Beef Sliders

BBQ Beef Sliders made with my new HNY FYR BBQ Sauce from FYR are the ultimate comfort food for your next game-day party.
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A close up shot of the Grilled Steak Elote Sliders so you can see the filling.

Grilled Steak Elote Sliders

Grilled Steak Elote Sliders for a so freaking delicious meal!
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chicken bacon ranch slider

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

This easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders recipe is leveled up by a spicy twist of buffalo sauce.
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Am Italian Slider ready to get dipped into the spicy marinara.

Italian Sliders

Italian Sliders for a delicious handheld dish!
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Queso Dip

Honestly, this is my favorite appetizer. I’ll order a whole bowl for myself because I don’t want to share. Zero regrets.

Skillet Choriqueso

Skillet Choriqueso

Skillet Choriqueso is quick, simple but extremely delicious! Enjoy!
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Smoked Steak Queso Dip cooked Over the Fire.

Smoked Steak Queso Dip

For the next game day, Smoked Steak Questo Dip with melty cheese, tender sliced filets, and caramelized onions, scores and wins! 
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Smoked Chorizo Queso finished and sitting on the smoker.

Smoked Chorizo Queso

Smoked Chorizo Queso is the dip that every chip wants to be coated in!
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A chip that's been dipped in the smoked brisket queso.

Smoked Brisket Queso

Smoked Brisket Queso for a delicious bowl of melty cheese and savory brisket.
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Smoked Nashville Hot Chicken Queso ready to smash.

Smoked Nashville Hot Chicken Queso

Smoked Nashville Hot Chicken Queso for a delicious, savory and spicy cheese dip!
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Other Delicious Dips

While cheese may be the king for dips (in my opinion), I definitely can’t write off some of these other delicious dips! Whatever your preference, don’t miss a change to step outside the norm and give one of these a try!

Jalapeño popper dip

Jalapeño Popper Dip

Jalapeño popper dip is a spicy, cheesy appetizer — right in the middle of stuffed pizza crust — that's perfect for your next party.
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Easy buffalo chicken dip in a cheese-stuffed pizza dough crust.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Crust Dip

For this killer dip, roasted in the Oklahoma Joe's Judge Charcoal Grill, hot buffalo sauce, shredded chicken, jalapenos, red onions, and cheese are melted and nestled into a killer pizza dough crust stuffed with more cheese.
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The smoked cream cheese assembled on the smoker.

Nashville Hot Smoked Cream Cheese

This Nashville Hot Smoked Cream Cheese will have your whole family running back for another bite, and possibly a glass milk.
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Pizza Bread: The Perfect Appetizer

Instead of dialing up for takeout pizza ahead of the football game, why not fire up the grill and make some pizza bread? It’s super easy and like 1,000 times more freakin’ delicious!

The two chorizo pizza breads next to each other on the grill.

Chorizo Pizza Bread

Enjoy the spicy, savory flavors of chorizo in this easy, delicious pizza bread recipe.
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two halves of pepperoni pizza on a grill

Pepperoni Pizza Bread

This Italian-style pizza bread is stuffed with spicy Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and pepperoni for a cheesy, flavorful snack.
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Pizza Sausage Skewers

Pizza Sausage Skewers

A no-carb pizza built with tasty sausage and gooey cheese. Slice these up and you have a keto-friendly option at your next party.
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Big Mac Stuffed Bread is a tasty twist on the classic fast food burger!

Big Mac Stuffed Bread

It's not quite a pizza, but close enough. It's perfect for pleasing the burger-loving crowd on game day.
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Salmon Bites: Healthy snacks

You can’t go wrong with salmon bites packed with heart-healthy Omega 3 fatty acids. They’ve got that perfect mix of killer flavor and then just the right amount of class, making them a hit no matter the occasion.

Does salmon for dinner sound good? If so, make sure to check out my Best Salmon Recipes!

Hot honey salmon bits plated and ready to devour.

Hot Honey Salmon Bites

Smoked salmon bites are basted in a buttery, spicy, and sweet hot honey sauce, delivering a perfect kick.
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Maple Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Maple Bacon Bourbon Salmon Bites

Experience the perfect balance of sophistication and comfort with these salmon bites flavored with maple, bacon, and bourbon.
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Close up of the salmon bites

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Seasoned with your favorite BBQ rub and basted with honey, these bacon-wrapped salmon bites are grilled to a perfect crust.
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Other Fun Finger Foods

Even more delicious appetizers!

Grilled Steak Crostini assembled and sitting on a cutting board in front of the fire.

Grilled Steak Crostini

Grilled Steak Crostini for some bite size slivers of steak on top of a cheesy baguette with chili oil!
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The taquitos sitting on the serving plate.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Taquitos

Chicken Bacon Ranch Taquitos for a fun dinnertime delight or shareable starter.
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finished BBQ volcano potatoes topped with garnishes overhead

BBQ Volcano Potatoes

These BBQ Volcano Potatoes are stuffed with a cheesy pulled pork stuffing, wrapped in crispy bacon, then smoked until hot and melty.
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One of the Chili Cheese Potato Volcanoes that's been sliced down the middle.

Chili Cheese Potato Volcanoes

Chili Cheese Potato Volcanoes for a fun, easy and filling meal.
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The Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells plated so that we can serve them.

Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells

Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells for a fun twist on a Nashville hot chicken!
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cooked shotgun shells lined on a smoker

Smoked Shotgun Shells

These Smoked Shotgun Shells are manicotti shells loaded with a rich pulled pork cream cheese filling and wrapped in crispy bacon.
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Burger Stuffed Onion Rings getting dipped in a white sauce.

Burger Stuffed Onion Rings

Burger Stuffed Onion Rings for a fun, onion ring style recipe.
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By now, I hope that you’re absolutely sure that these bite-sized finger foods will make your next party unforgettable. The smoky, rich flavors, along with the fun nature of grilling, will make any gathering a memorable experience.

In other words, these grilled appetizers will hit the spot. Whether chowing down at a Christmas party or an easy weeknight dinner, you’ll be in food heaven. For flair, sprinkle them with fresh herbs for the best presentation. With all this variety on the table, get ready for an appetizer spread unlike any other.

And, if you’re on the hunt for more grilled appetizer recipes, I’ve got you covered. Before you fire up the grill, check out my latest roundups. They’ll hit all the right spots and then some.

A single popper held up to the camera. Best Grilled Appetizer Recipes

Grilled Appetizers: How to Store Leftovers and Reheating

When it comes to grilled appetizers, they are always best on the day they are made. If you do have leftovers, here’s how you can store and reheat them:

  • Storing – Place your leftover appetizers in an airtight container in the fridge. Most grilled appetizers, like jalapeño poppers and loaded nachos, will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
  • Reheating – Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes, or pop them back on the grill for a few minutes to bring back that charred flavor. For appetizers like dips, use a slow cooker or the stovetop to reheat slowly and evenly.
  • Freezing – You can freeze some appetizers for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen for best results.
Adding chopped steak on top of some cheesy nacho chips.

FAQs for Easy Appetizer Recipes

How do you grill appetizers without them falling through the grill grates?

Grill mats or skewers are an excellent way to prevent small or delicate foods from falling through the grates. A cast-iron skillet is also perfect for grilling smaller items like onion rings.

Can I use an air fryer instead of a grill for these appetizers?

Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, an air fryer is a great alternative for many appetizers like jalapeño poppers or crispy nachos.

Can I prepare grilled appetizers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep many appetizers ahead of time. Dips can be made a day or two in advance. You can assemble jalapeño poppers and refrigerate them until you’re ready to grill them.

What’s a Great healthy grilled appetizer?

Caprese skewers made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are a great healthy snack option. You can also skewer up some veggies.

Get stoked for life

This sauce is FYR!

an all-new line created for live fire cooking

Born from a deep passion for food and flavor. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or live fire cooking around the world, we have what you need to transform every meal into an adventure.

Derek Wolf

Derek is the driving force behind Over the Fire Cooking. He started cooking with live fire in 2016 and decided to start a social media page so his friends and family could follow the journey. Fast forward to today and Over the Fire Cooking has spread across multiple platforms with millions now following Derek's fire cooking journey. He's a southern fellow who enjoys everything from classic BBQ to Central and South American inspired dishes. Whatever he's cooking up, it's guaranteed to be so freakin' delicious!

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