Get ready to amaze your friends and family at your next gathering with these delicious grilled appetizers. From savory skewers to mouthwatering sliders, these grilled creations will leave your guests begging for more. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, you’ll be able to whip up these crowd-pleasing appetizers in no time. So fire up the grill and get ready to impress your guests with these tantalizing treats. Are you planning a summer gathering or hosting a backyard BBQ? If so, then you’ll want to impress your guests with some delicious grilled appetizers. Grilling adds a smoky and charred flavor to any dish, elevating it to the next level. From marinated vegetables to stuffed mushrooms and grilled shrimp, there are so many options to choose from. Let’s dive into some mouthwatering options that will leave your guests begging for the recipes!
Marinated Vegetables
Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Start off your appetizer spread with these colorful and flavorful grilled vegetable skewers. Marinate your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms in a simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a splash of lemon juice. Then thread them onto skewers and grill until they are tender and slightly charred. The combination of smoky grilled veggies and tangy marinade is sure to be a hit!
Grilled Zucchini Rolls: Zucchini rolls are not only delicious but also a visually appealing appetizer that will wow your guests. Start by thinly slicing zucchini lengthwise and marinating them in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic. Then grill the zucchini slices until they are tender and have distinct grill marks. Once cooled, spread some herbed cream cheese on each slice and roll them up. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve these flavorful bites to your eager guests.
Grilled Eggplant Bruschetta: Elevate the classic bruschetta by grilling eggplant slices as the base. Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, and grill until they are nicely charred and tender. Remove them from the grill and top them with a flavorful tomato and basil topping. The combination of smoky eggplant, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms are a fantastic option for grilling, especially when they are stuffed with a delicious filling. Scoop out the gills from the mushroom caps, brush them with olive oil, and grill them until they are tender. Meanwhile, prepare a flavorful filling with ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and feta cheese. Fill each mushroom cap with the filling and return them to the grill to let the flavors mingle and the cheese melt. These stuffed portobello mushrooms make for a hearty and satisfying appetizer.
Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms: Looking for a vegetarian option for stuffed mushrooms? Spinach and cheese stuffed mushrooms are just what you need. Start by grilling the mushroom caps until they are tender and slightly charred. Then prepare a delicious filling with sautéed spinach, garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Fill each mushroom cap with the stuffing and grill them for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These bite-sized appetizers are packed with flavor and will surely impress your guests.
Sausage-Stuffed Button Mushrooms: If you’re a fan of meaty appetizers, then sausage-stuffed button mushrooms are the way to go. Remove the stems from the button mushrooms and grill them until they are tender. Meanwhile, cook some Italian sausage until it’s browned and crumbled. Mix the cooked sausage with breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Fill each mushroom cap with the sausage mixture and return them to the grill to heat through. These savory bites are a crowd-pleaser and will disappear in no time.
Grilled Shrimp
Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp: Grilled shrimp is always a crowd favorite, and when you add garlic butter to the mix, you have a winner. Marinate the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill them until they turn pink and slightly charred. While grilling, brush the shrimp with melted garlic butter to add an extra layer of flavor. These succulent and juicy grilled shrimp are perfect for dipping in a tangy sauce or enjoying on their own.
Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers: If you’re looking for a refreshing and tangy twist to your grilled shrimp, try marinating them in a citrus-based marinade. Whisk together lemon or lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of honey or brown sugar. Marinate the shrimp for a few minutes and then thread them onto skewers. Grill the shrimp until they are cooked through and have beautiful grill marks. The combination of citrus flavors and smoky grilled shrimp is a match made in heaven.
Spicy Grilled Shrimp with Chipotle Sauce: For those who enjoy a little heat, spicy grilled shrimp with chipotle sauce will hit the spot. Create a marinade with olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Let the shrimp soak in the marinade for about 30 minutes and then grill them until they are cooked and slightly charred. Serve these spicy and smoky shrimp skewers with a creamy chipotle sauce for dipping. Your guests won’t be able to resist these flavorful and fiery appetizers.
Grilled Bruschetta
Tomato and Basil Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that can be easily elevated by grilling the bread. Slice a baguette into thick slices, brush them with olive oil, and grill until they are crispy on the outside and slightly charred. While the bread is grilling, prepare a simple topping with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Spoon the tomato and basil mixture onto the grilled bread slices and serve these vibrant and tangy bruschettas to your guests.
Grilled Fig and Prosciutto Bruschetta: Add a touch of sweetness and elegance to your bruschetta by combining grilled figs and prosciutto. Halve fresh figs and lightly grill them until they are softened and caramelized. Grill the bread slices until they are crispy and golden. Spread some creamy goat cheese onto each slice, top it with a slice of prosciutto, and finish it off with a grilled fig half. Drizzle a touch of balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor. These bruschettas are a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy.
Grilled Mushroom and Goat Cheese Bruschetta: Mushroom lovers, rejoice! Grilled mushroom and goat cheese bruschetta is a must-try appetizer. Sauté a variety of mushrooms until they are tender and fragrant. Brush the bread slices with olive oil and grill until they are crispy. Spread a generous amount of creamy goat cheese onto each slice and top it with the sautéed mushrooms. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary. The earthy mushrooms and tangy goat cheese create a harmonious flavor combination.
Grilled Cheese
Grilled Caprese Skewers: Give the classic Caprese salad a delightful twist by grilling the cheese. Thread fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves onto skewers. Brush the skewers with olive oil and grill them until the cheese begins to melt and has beautiful grill marks. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and drizzle with balsamic glaze. These grilled Caprese skewers are the perfect bite-sized appetizers that showcase the flavors of summer.
Grilled Camembert with Cranberry Chutney: Looking for a more indulgent grilled cheese option? Try grilling a wheel of Camembert cheese and serving it with cranberry chutney. Place the whole wheel of Camembert on the grill and cook until it’s gooey and slightly charred on the outside. While the cheese is grilling, prepare a tangy cranberry chutney by simmering cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and a touch of cinnamon. Serve the grilled Camembert with the cranberry chutney and some crusty bread. This appetizer is sure to impress your guests with its creamy, melty, and sweet flavors.
Grilled Halloumi with Honey and Thyme: Halloumi cheese is known for its unique texture and ability to hold up well on the grill. Slice the halloumi into thick pieces and grill them until they are crispy and have nice grill marks. Drizzle the grilled halloumi with honey, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, and add a pinch of sea salt. The combination of salty cheese, sweet honey, and aromatic thyme creates a delightful flavor explosion. Serve these grilled halloumi slices with a fresh green salad for a complete appetizer.
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Appetizers
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: For those who enjoy a little heat and a lot of flavor, grilled bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a crowd-pleaser. Slice jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and membranes (if you prefer less heat), and fill each half with a mixture of cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Wrap each stuffed jalapeno half with a strip of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Grill the poppers until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted. These spicy and cheesy bites will disappear from the platter in no time.
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Asparagus lovers, rejoice! Grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus is a delightful combination of smoky bacon and tender asparagus. Wrap a slice of bacon around a few asparagus spears and secure it with a toothpick. Grill the asparagus bundles until the bacon is crisp and the asparagus is cooked to your liking. The saltiness of the bacon complements the earthy flavor of the asparagus perfectly. These savory bundles are a great addition to any appetizer spread.
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Dates: The sweet and savory combination of grilled bacon-wrapped dates is a match made in heaven. Stuff pitted dates with a small piece of blue cheese or goat cheese, wrap them with bacon, and secure with a toothpick. Grill the bacon-wrapped dates until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted. The contrasting flavors and textures of sweet dates, salty bacon, and creamy cheese create a delightful explosion in your mouth. These bite-sized appetizers are sure to be a hit among your guests.
Grilled Stuffed Peppers
Cheese-Stuffed Grilled Peppers: Grilling peppers takes their flavor to a whole new level, and when you stuff them with cheese, you have a winning combination. Choose your favorite peppers, like bell peppers or poblano peppers, and grill them until the skin is slightly charred and blistered. Meanwhile, prepare a cheesy filling with ingredients like cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic, and herbs. Fill each grilled pepper with the cheese mixture and return them to the grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These stuffed peppers are not only flavorful but also visually appealing.
Quinoa-Stuffed Grilled Peppers: For a healthier option, try stuffing grilled peppers with a savory quinoa filling. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool. Sauté onions, garlic, and your favorite vegetables like zucchini, corn, and carrots. Mix the sautéed vegetables with the cooked quinoa, herbs, and spices. Stuff each grilled pepper with the quinoa mixture and grill them for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. These quinoa-stuffed grilled peppers are packed with nutrients and make for a satisfying appetizer.
Sausage and Rice-Stuffed Grilled Peppers: Looking for a heartier option? Stuff grilled peppers with a flavorful mixture of sausage and rice. Remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers and grill them until they are tender. Meanwhile, cook a mixture of sausage, rice, onions, garlic, and herbs. Fill each grilled pepper with the sausage and rice stuffing and return them to the grill to heat through. These stuffed peppers are a complete meal in themselves and will keep your guests coming back for more.
Grilled Halloumi Skewers
Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers: Halloumi cheese is a great option for grilling as it holds its shape and develops a delicious char. Cut the halloumi cheese into bite-sized cubes and thread them onto skewers with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions. Brush the skewers with olive oil and grill them until the cheese is golden and the vegetables are tender. The combination of grilled halloumi and vegetables is a winning combination that will please both vegetarians and meat-lovers.
Grilled Halloumi and Pineapple Skewers: For a tropical twist on grilled halloumi skewers, add some juicy pineapple chunks to the mix. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the salty halloumi cheese perfectly. Thread the halloumi cubes and pineapple chunks onto skewers and brush them with a mixture of olive oil, honey, and lime juice. Grill the skewers until the cheese is crispy and the pineapple is slightly caramelized. These skewers make for a delightful appetizer that will transport your guests to a tropical paradise.
Grilled Halloumi and Cherry Tomato Skewers: Simple yet delicious, grilled halloumi and cherry tomato skewers are a crowd favorite. The juicy cherry tomatoes burst with flavor alongside the salty halloumi cheese. Thread halloumi cubes and cherry tomatoes onto skewers, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with your favorite herbs like oregano or basil. Grill the skewers until the halloumi is crispy and the tomatoes are blistered. These skewers are the perfect appetizer for a summer gathering or BBQ.
Grilled Fruit
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon: Grilling fruit brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that is hard to resist. Grilled pineapple with cinnamon is a simple yet delicious dessert-like appetizer. Slice a fresh pineapple into rings and brush each slice with a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Grill the pineapple slices until they are caramelized and have beautiful grill marks. Serve this warm and fragrant grilled pineapple as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful summer treat.
Grilled Watermelon Salad: Yes, you read that right – grilled watermelon salad. Grilling watermelon intensifies its sweetness and adds a touch of smokiness to this refreshing salad. Cut watermelon into thick slices or wedges and grill them until they have nice grill marks. Cube the grilled watermelon and toss it with fresh mint, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of juicy watermelon, tangy feta, and aromatic mint creates a unique and delicious salad that is perfect for a summer appetizer.
Honey-Glazed Grilled Peaches: Peaches are a quintessential summer fruit, and grilling them takes their flavor to a whole new level. Cut peaches into halves or wedges and grill them until they are slightly charred and have beautiful grill marks. Drizzle the grilled peaches with honey and sprinkle them with a touch of cinnamon. Serve these honey-glazed grilled peaches as is or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful summer dessert. Your guests will be amazed by the smoky-sweet flavors of these grilled peaches.
Grilled Stuffed Potato Skins
Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Grilled Potato Skins: Potato skins are a classic appetizer, and when you grill them instead of baking, they become even more irresistible. Start by pre-cooking the potatoes until they are fork-tender. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer inside the skin. Brush the potato skins with melted butter and grill them until they are crispy. While the potato skins are grilling, prepare a delicious filling with cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Fill each grilled potato skin with the filling and return them to the grill to melt the cheese and heat through. These loaded potato skins are a comforting and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Grilled Potato Skins: Fans of buffalo chicken will love these grilled potato skins stuffed with spicy buffalo chicken. Grill the potato skins until they are crispy and golden. Meanwhile, prepare a shredded buffalo chicken filling with cooked chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing. Fill each grilled potato skin with the buffalo chicken mixture and sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. Return the potato skins to the grill to melt the cheese and let the flavors meld together. These spicy and cheesy treats are perfect for game day or any gathering where you want to impress your guests.
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Grilled Potato Skins: For a vegetarian option, try stuffing grilled potato skins with a creamy spinach and artichoke filling. Grill the potato skins until they are crispy and golden. While they are grilling, prepare a delicious filling with sautéed spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Fill each grilled potato skin with the spinach and artichoke mixture and return them to the grill to melt the cheese. These cheesy and flavorful potato skins are a great addition to any appetizer spread.
Grilled Appetizers to Wow Your Guests: From marinated vegetables to stuffed mushrooms, grilled shrimp, bruschetta, grilled cheese, bacon-wrapped appetizers, stuffed peppers, halloumi skewers, grilled fruit, and stuffed potato skins – this comprehensive list of grilled appetizers is sure to wow your guests. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply looking to impress your family and friends, these flavorful and creative appetizers are perfect for any occasion. So fire up the grill, get your ingredients ready, and prepare to make your guests’ taste buds dance with joy. Happy grilling!