A great BBQ isn’t just about what’s on the grill. Quick, flavorful bites give guests something to munch on while the main event sizzles, and they add variety to the table without keeping you stuck in the kitchen.
Here you’ll find easy-to-make recipes that pair perfectly with smoky grilled flavors and summer fun. From fresh and light to bold and savory, these starters are guaranteed to kick off your cookout the right way.
Grilled Steakhouse Onions with Copycat Bloomin Onions Sauce
These Grilled Steakhouse Onions has onions filled with a savory mix of steak, bacon, and barbecue sauce, then slowly grilled until soft and rich, with a creamy dipping sauce on the side that ties it all together.
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Grilled Onion Steaks with Alabama White Sauce
Thick slices of sweet onion hit the grill, pick up a little char, and turn tender and slightly sweet. Add a drizzle of Alabama white sauce and suddenly you’ve got a side that feels a lot more interesting than the usual lineup.
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Pad Thai Chicken Skewers
Pad Thai Chicken Skewers are a fun way to bring the bold flavors of Pad Thai to the grill. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in a sweet, tangy, slightly nutty sauce, then grilled until lightly charred and juicy.
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Chipotle Chicken & Bacon Skewers
Chipotle Chicken & Bacon Skewers are the kind of recipe that makes you want to fire up the grill with juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and a sweet-spicy chipotle BBQ glaze.
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Firecracker Dogs
Firecracker Dogs are one of those fun recipes with golden pizza dough and served on a skewer, they’re perfect for holidays, game days, or anytime you want something playful on the table.
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Grilled Balsamic Marinated Mushrooms
The mushrooms soak up a tangy, slightly sweet balsamic marinade, then hit the grill where they become tender, juicy, and lightly charred.
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Smoked Cream Cheese
If you haven't tried Smoked Cream Cheese yet, you must give this tasty appetizer a try. With just two ingredients – cream cheese and dry rub – it's a serious flavor bomb when smoked.
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Smoked Pig Shots
These Smoked Pig Shots make an excellent appetizer when you're outside smoking some meat for a BBQ. They are sausages, wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cream cheese and green chilis.
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Pork Belly Burnt Ends
These Pork Belly Burnt Ends are delectable bites of pork are slow-cooked to perfection, giving you tender meat with a crispy, caramelized exterior.
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Smoked Deviled Eggs
These Smoked Deviled Eggs are a flavor revelation and a really fun twist on a classic appetizer that you can make while you're out smoking things on the pellet grill.
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Smoked Queso Dip
This Smoked Queso Dip is an appetizer everyone will love. It combines the richness of cheese with the zesty kick of chorizo, jalapeños, and the smokiness of the grill.
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Easy Grilled Artichokes Recipe
Grilled Artichokes are a fantastic side dish or appetizer made with large artichokes, olive oil, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon wedges.
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Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends
These savory Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends is made with rich and succulent salmon that is expertly fused with a bold smokiness and the captivating sweetness of maple bourbon glaze.
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Grilled Shrimp on a Skewer
Grilled Shrimp on a Skewer is a great dish for any outside gathering. The shrimp is marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil and lime juice, infused with aromatic spices, and then grilled to perfection.
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Smoked Armadillo Eggs
These Smoked Armadillo Eggs are jalapeno poppers with a creamy, cheesy center, encased in sausage meat, then rolled in bacon and smoked to soak up all that classic wood flavor.
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Grilled Bourbon Pineapple
Grilled Bourbon Pineapple combines the sweetness of fresh pineapple with the smoky flavors of bourbon to create a delicious grilled side dish for your meal.
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Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Combining the smoky essence of the grill with a creamy, cheesy filling and a touch of heat from the jalapeños, these Smoked Jalapeno Poppers will leave you craving more.
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Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings
These delicious Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings are cooked to perfection, then coated in sweet and spicy sauce that will have you licking your fingers.
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Grilled Chili Crunch Zucchini
Grilled Chili Crunch Zucchini are sliced and grilled to perfection, giving them a smoky char, and then topped with a spicy chili crunch that adds a satisfying kick.
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Laura is a passionate home cook and grill enthusiast who has spent years perfecting her culinary skills, with a particular focus on grilling techniques and flavor combinations. Her fascination with the grill, smoke, and the mouthwatering results they produce has led her on an exciting journey to discover the best methods for grilling delicious and unforgettable meals.