BBQ Dips and Appetizers

Every great cookout starts with irresistible BBQ dips and appetizers that bring everyone to the table. These recipes are full of flavor, simple to prepare, and perfect for sharing at any summer gathering. With fresh ingredients and easy steps, they make hosting feel effortless and fun.

Titled graphic collage of 12 dip and appetizer images.

A few well-chosen, easy BBQ recipes can make hosting feel effortless and enjoyable. These BBQ appetizers bring bold flavors and pair beautifully with grilled meats, fresh salads, and chilled drinks. They’re simple enough for casual gatherings but also flavorful enough to feel special, helping you set the tone for a fun summer meal.

Need more ideas for cookout parties? Make sure to check out our easy summer chicken recipes and best meals to cook on Blackstone!

whipped feta dip on a white bowl with a pita chip on top and placed in a parchment paper with a spoon at the side and striped cloth, bowl of pita chips and salt in the background.

Whe We Love These Recipes

Perfect for sharing.
These small bites appetizers are easy to pass around and enjoy while mingling, making them an ideal way to kick off any summer gathering.
Simple yet creative.
With plenty of finger food ideas, these recipes go beyond the usual chips and dip, offering unique flavors and textures that guests remember.
Made for outdoor parties.
Designed as appetizers for BBQ party menus, they hold up well outdoors and complement grilled mains beautifully, helping you create a full, satisfying spread.

a closeup of a caprese tortellini appetizer with a tray of caprese skewers with balsamic glaze and a red and white napkin in the background.

Easy Dip Recipes

No cookout or gathering feels complete without a few irresistible party dips to keep everyone snacking and happy. These easy dip recipes come together quickly, with bold flavors and simple ingredients that make them perfect for summer entertaining. They’re a tasty way to start any meal and keep guests satisfied while the grill is going.

Dairy Free Buffalo Chicken Dip

This dairy free buffalo chicken dip is creamy, spicy, and packed with bold flavor! Try this buffalo chicken dip (dairy free) for game day snacks.

Chicken Buffalo Dip

A serving of buffalo dip on a platter with crackers and vegetables.

Cajun Crab Dip

This creamy Cajun crab dip is full of bold flavor and seafood goodness! Make this easy shrimp and crab dip recipe for your next party.

Crab Dip Recipe

A bowl of cajun crab dip with shrimp with a spoon.

Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe

This Knorr spinach dip recipe is creamy, savory, and perfect for parties! Try this easy Knorr veggie dip spinach with your favorite dippers.

Knorr Spinach Dip

🎯 TFN Pro Tip

Use small serving bowls and refill as needed to keep dips cool and fresh, especially important at a summer barbecue party.

Smoked Queso Dip

Make the best smoked queso dip recipe with spicy chorizo and melty cheese! This smoked queso recipe is perfect for game day & parties. Try it today!

The Best Smoked Queso Dip

Dipping a tortilla chip into a cast iron skillet of smoked queso dip.

Feta Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Creamy feta roasted red pepper dip is a flavorful appetizer made with roasted red peppers, feta, and olive oil. Enjoy this dip with pita or veggies!

Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip

Asian Dipping Sauce

Make your own Asian dipping sauce with sweet mango and a chili kick! A perfect dip for meatballs, lettuce wraps, and crispy appetizers.

Mango Dipping Sauce

a platter of meatballs and a bowl of chili mango sauce recipe.

3 Ingredient BBQ Sauce

This easy, no-cook homemade BBQ sauce is perfect for grilling or dipping and it's made with 3 ingredients and takes less than 5 minutes to make!

BBQ Sauce Recipe

basting chicken with 3 ingredient bbq no cook sauce.

BBQ Party Appetizers

A good appetizer for a cookout sets the tone for the entire meal, giving guests something tasty to nibble on while the grill heats up. These finger foods appetizer recipes are easy to serve, fun to eat, and full of flavor. It is perfect for keeping everyone happy until it’s time for the main course.

Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

Stuffed jalapeno poppers are a game day snack worth craving! Our stuffed jalapeno recipe uses cream cheese and cheddar to mellow the heat.

Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

Jalapeno peppers stuffed with cream cheese and cheddar cheese.

Shredded Pork Sliders

Make these shredded pork sliders for a delicious and easy meal. This pulled pork sliders recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for any gathering!

Pulled Pork Sliders

Dutch oven pulled pork topped with cabbage slaw, served on buns.

Tortellini Caprese Skewers

These tortellini skewers are perfect appetizers. Made with fresh ingredients and a balsamic drizzle, they're the easiest party snack!

Tortellini Skewers Appetizers

a white tray of kabob party appetizers with balsamic glaze on top of a red and white napkin.

Bisquick Sausage Balls

Try our make-ahead sausage ball recipe with Bisquick. These sausage balls are moist, flavorful, and ready to satisfy any party craving in 30 minutes!

Sausage Balls Bisquick Recipe

Bisquick sausage balls on a large white platter with a small jar of dipping sauce on the side.

Spicy Deviled Eggs

Craving a flavor explosion? Spicy Deviled Eggs are the answer. Creamy, spicy, and ready in minutes, they're the perfect party starter.

Easy Deviled Eggs

Pigs in a Blanket Casserole

Make this easy pigs in a blanket casserole with lil smokies! Includes ideas for pigs in a blanket dipping sauce and fun variations to try.

Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

A bowl of sauce in the middle of baked pigs in a blanket.

Ham Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Make easy and delicious ham cheese puff pastry pinwheels with flaky pastry, melty cheese, and savory ham. Perfect for parties or holiday gatherings!

Check out this recipe

Ham and cheese pinwheels on a serving platter.

Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

Cream cheese stuffed mini peppers are a simple yet flavorful appetizer, filled with a creamy cheese mixture and baked until perfectly tender.

Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers

White plate topped with mini stuffed peppers on a white background.

🎯 TFN Pro Tip

Skewers and toothpicks make bbq finger foods easier for guests to grab and enjoy, keeping things neat and convenient.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these BBQ finger foods and cookout dips with fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and chilled drinks to create a complete spread. At your next barbecue party, set out a mix of hot and cold options so guests can snack while you finish grilling. Combining these starters with a few easy BBQ recipes for mains makes hosting simple and keeps everyone satisfied from the first bite to the last.

🎯 TFN Pro Tip

For a seamless experience, prepare both hot and cold easy party appetizers so guests have plenty to snack on while waiting for the grill or mains to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare easy appetizers for a party ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, many easy appetizers for a party, including dips, pinwheels, and skewers, can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until it’s time to serve.

What kind of party appetizers work best for outdoor cookouts?

Party appetizers that hold up well outdoors include finger foods, sturdy breads with spreads, and portable cookout appetizer recipes like sliders or skewers.

How do I keep appetizer dips fresh at a barbecue?

Place appetizer dips over ice to keep them chilled. Serving smaller batches and refreshing them regularly also helps maintain their flavor and texture during your cookout.