Looking for bbq appetizers that go beyond a bowl of chips? These ideas include bacon-wrapped bites, loaded nachos and little watermelon stacks.
There’s plenty to choose from, whether you want something straight from the grill or a colorful platter to set beside it.
You can keep things simple or go all out with the toppings. Pick a couple of favorites for your table, then bring in a dip or some skewers to round things out.
Appetizer Ideas for Your Next BBQ
bacon-wrapped jalapeño bites
We’re starting off strong with these loaded jalapeño bites. Little sausages sit over a pale filling, with bacon wrapped around the outside.
I love how you can see all those layers at the open ends.
Follow this serving idea with a dark platter and individual picks. These already have plenty going on without an extra garnish.
jalapeño-topped bacon cups
How cute are these little bacon cups? The browned filling peeks out at the top, with a jalapeño round sitting right in the middle.
If you want to follow the presentation, stand yours upright on a serving board rather than piling them together.
saucy sliders with slaw
I am obsessed with these little sliders. The glossy buns, saucy shredded filling and pickle slices look so good together.
That purple-and-white slaw adds plenty of color too.
Arrange yours close together on a rectangular platter like this. Keep the fillings facing out so they’re not hidden under the buns.
charred corn ribs
The corn fans are going to love this! These curled strips have dark charred patches, plenty of seasoning and chopped green herbs scattered over the top.
I especially love the little bowl of pale dipping sauce on the side. Try a similar setup if you’d rather let everyone choose how much sauce to add.
loaded skillet dip
If you are looking for something to put in the middle of the table, this one is for you. The orange dip has pieces of meat throughout, with chopped tomatoes piled in the center.
Keep a bowl of tortilla chips beside yours, just like the one in the background. A sprinkle of herbs finishes the presentation.
cheesy charred bites
Look at those browned edges! These chunky meat bites have pale melted cheese spilling over the tops and little green flecks throughout.
The picks make this feel like an appetizer rather than a main dish. I’d keep that detail when serving a similar platter.
shrimp skewers and lemon
This shrimp platter may just be one of my favorites here. I love the chopped green topping against the pink-orange shrimp.
The browned lemon halves are such a pretty addition.
Read also: 20 New Orleans Food Ideas From Beignets to Shrimp
Set a small bowl of extra herb sauce alongside your skewers if you want to follow this serving idea.
seasoned wings with dip
Don’t want to add lots of toppings? No problem!
These wings have a dark, speckled coating and browned edges, with a pale dip tucked into the side of the basket.
Try a paper-lined tray for the same casual setup. You could add celery sticks beside it rather than crowding them in with the wings.
watermelon and mint stacks
How pretty are these watermelon bites? Each pink block has a white cheese square, mint leaves and a dark drizzle on top.
I love how simple the white platter is here. Leave a little space between your stacks so those bright colors can really show.
loaded nachos
If you like a little bit of everything on your nachos, then this one is for you. There’s melted cheese, browned meat, corn, diced tomatoes and purple onion piled over the chips.
The little green pepper pieces and white drizzle finish the look. I’d serve a similarly loaded batch with extra plain chips on the side.
peach-topped toast rounds
I am obsessed with the peach slices on these little toasts. They sit over a white spread, with browned bacon pieces, thin green ribbons and a dark drizzle on top.
This is a lovely idea if you want to bring fruit into the appetizer spread without serving a separate fruit bowl.
stuffed bacon-wrapped bundles
These bundles have a little surprise inside. The cut halves show a green pepper with a pale center, surrounded by meat and an outer bacon wrap.
Try cutting a few finished pieces for your serving board so the layers are visible. The glossy outside is pretty, but that cross-section is the detail I’d show off.
mini corn dog bites
Want something without a pile of toppings? These mini corn dog bites keep it simple.
The cut pieces show the sausage centers inside their golden coating.
A small square bowl of sauce fits right onto the platter. You could offer a second dip alongside it if you want more choice.
herb-topped deviled eggs
These deviled eggs are so pretty with their tall swirls of yellow filling. I especially love the chopped herbs and reddish seasoning scattered over the tops.
Read also: 20 New Years Appetizers for a Pretty Party Spread
Keep the garnish small if you’re borrowing this idea. There’s no need to hide those swirls.
grilled cheese and vegetable skewers
The colors on this platter are gorgeous. White cheese pieces with browned grill marks sit between red tomatoes, zucchini and purple onion.
If you want to try this combination, choose a cheese intended for grilling. Finish your platter with a chopped herb sauce for a look like the one here.
bacon-wrapped mini sausages
Here’s another way to bring bacon-wrapped bites to the table. These little sausages have browned bacon bands around their middles and a glossy coating all over.
You could transfer yours to a shallow serving dish and put a cup of picks beside it. That keeps the serving setup simple.
creamy dip and colorful dippers
I love this dip platter with its round crackers, cucumber spears and bright carrot sticks. The pale dip has chopped herbs throughout and browned flakes piled in the center.
Read also: 20 Party Appetizers to Inspire Your Next Get-Together
Borrow the mix of crackers and vegetables for your own spread. You don’t have to stick to just one kind of dipper.
bacon-wrapped pineapple
How cute are these pineapple bites? The yellow fruit peeks out of each bacon wrap, with browned edges around the top.
This is another pretty way to add fruit to your appetizer table. I’d follow the simple white-board presentation and leave the pineapple centers uncovered.
bacon-wrapped baby potatoes
If you love little potatoes, save this one. Red and golden potatoes sit on the grill rack with bacon wrapped around their middles.
I especially like the mix of colors here. For serving, you could move the finished potatoes to a platter with a small bowl of dip alongside.
stuffed mini pepper halves
Last but definitely not least, we have these colorful stuffed peppers. I love the red, orange and yellow halves together!
The pale filling has a golden crumb topping and little bacon pieces scattered over it.
Line yours up on a long platter like this so each pepper gets its own little spot.