10 Easy Outdoor Appetizers (Give or Take)
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Apparently, at some point I decided ten appetizers was a reasonable number. But does guacamole and chips really count? So, there are nine official appetizers—and one very obvious bonus.
Choose two or three, pour something cold, and get back outside.
1. Charcuterie Board
Pick one up at the store, add a few extra nuts or pieces of fruit, and drizzle a little hot honey over the cheese so it looks like you know what you’re doing. The little honey drizzle thing is the clincher.
Shop the look:
2. Caprese Skewers
Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto small skewers, then drizzle with balsamic glaze. Ten minutes, no cooking, done.
Shop the look:
3. Bruschetta
Crisp bread, juicy tomatoes, basil, and plenty of garlic. It looks impressive, but it is one of the easiest appetizers to put together.
Easy Shortcut (My Go-To)
Make it easy on yourself and grab the bruschetta mix and mozzarella balls from Trader Joe’s — they’re fresh, flavorful, and save time when you’re entertaining. Here's the link→.
This is simply a personal favorite — I’m not affiliated with or sponsored by Trader Joe’s. Kinda wish I were though.
View the Recipe →
4. Shrimp Sambuca
A little dramatic, a little boozy, and much easier than it looks. The garlic, tomatoes, and Sambuca make this one feel dinner-party worthy without turning it into a project.
View the Shrimp Sambuca Recipe →
5. Whipped Boursin with Honey and Toasted Pecans
Delicious, slightly indulgent, and always a hit. We like using hot honey for a little kick.
View the Recipe →
6. Chicken Skewers
Perfect for adding a warm option without a full meal. Chicken skewers are easy to prepare ahead and can be served warm or at room temperature —serve with a couple of dipping options like peanut sauce and barbecue sauce.
7. Grumpy Sicilian Pizza
A saucy, cheesy appetizer inspired by our Prescott getaway—and proof that pizza absolutely counts as an outdoor appetizer.
View the Recipe →
Read about the Prescott trip that inspired it →
8. Meatballs (Warm or Room Temp)
Grab a bag of frozen meatballs, add a little barbecue sauce, and call it done. Keep them warm in a slow cooker and let everyone help themselves.
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9. Marinated Olives
Briny, citrusy, garlicy. So good.
View the Recipe →
10. Guacamole & Chips
I know, it hardly counts as a recipe. But if you serve it in this beautiful bowl…
Fluted White Bowl→
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