The Easiest Appetizers and Snacks for One Last Taste of the Summer
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Like any good party, summer's unofficial last hurrah should be filled with food, family, and fun! (Oh, and a few summer cocktails couldn't hurt either.) That's why your end-of-season bash should be filled with grilling recipes, summer side dishes, and these easy Labor Day appetizers. From crowd-pleasing party dips to pull-apart sliders, you'll find everything you need for kicking off an epic Labor Day menu.
Since you've likely been hosting barbecues and backyard cookouts all season long, we're keeping things easy on planning appetizers. Just look at Ree Drummond's simple corn fritters or the whipped feta dip that only takes five minutes of prep. They'll all be crowd pleasers but you don't have to spend a ton of time in the kitchen, hovering over the stove.
Planning a feast of burgers and hot dogs for the main event? Try kicking things off with something light and fresh like grilled watermelon and avocado dip. Or opt for coconut shrimp and mango salsa. And since you're definitely going to miss those summer vegetables once the colder weather sets in, you'll want to put eggplant recipes, tomato recipes, and zucchini recipes to good use. Try Ree's pico de gallo or the crispy fried zucchini with ranch dressing for dipping. Everyone will ask for a second bite—that is, unless they're saving room for one of your show-stopping Labor Day desserts!
Chef's Salad on a Stick
Salad, but make it fun! This is a great way to serve salad at parties, because once assembled, you let the guests just grab and go. They get veggies, meat, and cheese all one one stick.
Get the Chef's Salad on a Stick recipe.
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Perfectly poppable pizza bites: Now that's something kids and adults of all ages can agree on! Better yet, these are a bit healthier thanks to the zucchini. Plus, at this time of year, you probably have a lot in your garden.
Get the Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe.
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip
Labor Day means football season is officially here. Why not kick it off with a crowd-pleasing dip that you can serve with chips or veggies. It only takes ten minutes to whip together!
Get Ree's Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip recipe.
Pickle Cheeseburger Bites
Skip the buns and serve mini burgers on skewers! They are perfect to snack on and then you can get so much more creative on the grill with the main course.
Get Ree's Pickle Cheeseburger Bites recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies
Um yes, "thingies" is a technical cooking term for "delicious appetizer." 😂 These couldn't be easier to make, too―three ingredients are all you need! They're like jalapeño poppers but less of a hassle.
Get Ree's Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies recipe.
Pepper Jack Queso
"Queso is not really optional in our house," Ree explains. "It's an essential part of every get-together." That should be your rule, too! This one can be made in a slow cooker, making it easy to make and keep warm throughout the party.
Get Ree's Pepper Jack Queso recipe.
Million Dollar Dip
Here's a million dollar idea: Make a dip that's good cold and at room temperature, so you don't have to fret about serving it. It's full of cheese, bacon, and a sprinkle of cayenne. Scoop it up with bagel chips, veggies, or any other salty snack!
Get the Million Dollar Dip recipe.
Burrata Salad
Once you've tried the creamy goodness of burrata, you'll never look back! It feels all the more special when paired with sweet cherry tomatoes tossed in garlic oil, balsamic, and basil.
Get the Burrata Salad recipe.
Pico de Gallo
You'll want to head to the garden or farmer's market to make this classic party dip. The fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeño peppers, and herby cilantro are all put to good use.
Get Ree's Pico de Gallo recipe.
Esquites
Serve up small cups of this classic Mexican dish and everyone at your party will be asking for the recipe! It's a creamy, cheesy, tangy way to make summer corn.
Get the Esquites recipe.
Deviled Eggs
Ree's idea of the perfect family get-together includes a plate of deviled eggs. It's both potluck-friendly and picnic-friendly, so it's great for Labor Day.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Best-Ever Guacamole
If you're looking for a few tips to make perfect guacamole, check out this recipe. You'll learn how to pick ripe avocados and how to prevent your guac from turning brown.
Get the Best-Ever Guacamole recipe.
Fried Eggplant
These breaded slices are supremely tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Serve them up with tomato sauce for dipping and watch your guests dig right in!
Get the Fried Eggplant recipe.
Corn Salsa
Talk about a colorful send off to summer! This salsa is loaded with some of our favorite seasonal produce: corn, peppers, and onions.
Get the Corn Salsa recipe.
Grilled Pizza
Fire up the grill for this fun twist on pizza! You can cut it up into small squares for snacking on before the main event.
Get the Grilled Pizza recipe.
Cheeseburger Sliders
This is a heartier appetizer that will keep everyone's hunger at bay! Plus, the mini sliders are easy to throw together without having to form individual patties.
Get the Cheeseburger Sliders recipe.
Avocado Dip
This buttery smooth dip will be your new favorite way to enjoy avocados! It's cool, refreshing, and perfect for serving with crunchy veggies or pita chips.
Get the Avocado Dip recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
You can't go wrong with these flavorful little bites! The dates are stuffed with blue cheese, wrapped in bacon, and topped with jalapeño and honey!
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe.
Coconut Shrimp
Whether you're hosting a pool party or just a backyard feast, these tropical coconut-crusted shrimp are a fun addition to any Labor Day menu. We especially love the sweet and spicy dipping sauce.
Get the Coconut Shrimp recipe.
Air Fryer Okra
Even those who are skeptical about okra will love this extra crispy variation. Plus, the creole seasoning and spicy dipping sauce make it all the more enticing!
Get the Air Fryer Okra recipe.
Corn Fritters
Ree called these crispy fritters "delightfully yummy" and that's exactly what they are! Studded with summer corn, they're delicious either sweet or savory.
Get Ree's Corn Fritters recipe.
Whipped Feta Dip
Keep your menu fuss-free with this party dip that only takes 5 minutes to make! You can even whip it up (get it?) if you have unexpected guests.
Get the Whipped Feta Dip recipe.
Pigs in a Blanket
You can't go wrong with mini hot dogs! This popular app gets three tasty dipping sauces to make them feel even more special. Try spicy mayo, maple dijon, or quick ranch for your Labor Day party.
Get the Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
Fried Zucchini
These quick and crispy zucchini sticks are a great way to use up extra summer squash. All they need is a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, but you can also serve them with ranch for dipping.
Get the Fried Zucchini recipe.
Grilled Watermelon
It wouldn't be a summer cookout without watermelon! Try grilling the juicy fruit and topping with fresh lime and cilantro for a uniquely refreshing twist.
Get the Grilled Watermelon recipe.
Mango Salsa
You'll love the sweet and spicy combination of juicy mango, jalapeño, red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro in this tropical salsa. After you scoop it up with chips, it can double as a BBQ condiment!
Get the Mango Salsa recipe.
Fried Pickles
Once you try the crispy, tangy flavor of these buttermilk fried pickles, you won't be able to resist reaching for another! They really are that good.
Get the Fried Pickles recipe.
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