Tasty summer wedding appetizers your guests will love, coming right up!
Summer is such a great time of year, isn’t it? The weather is warm, the days are long, people are motivated to get out in the world. And, of course, weddings are abundant. While getting married in the summer is popular, it does come with some challenges and opportunities. When it comes to the food served at your wedding, summer means that you get to mix up the menu a little, and have some fun.
Because summer has such an abundance of food that is in season, you may feel a little overwhelmed when choosing what to serve at your wedding, particularly at cocktail hour. While most dinner and dessert menus can be a bit standard, appetizers have more freedom. Summer is the perfect time to serve food that can be cold, hot, on a stick, in a cup, or anything in between. Looking at options and narrowing down choices, while gathering inspiration for tasty summer wedding appetizers is likely what you need.
17 Tasty Summer Wedding Appetizers That Your Guests Will Love
This post is going to share with you seventeen tasty summer wedding appetizers that your guests will love. If you have control over your wedding menu, try a few of them out. They are easy to make, mostly inexpensive, summer wedding friendly, and crowd pleasers. These appetizers would also work for engagement parties or bridal showers; they are not limited to just weddings. Bon appetite!
Let’s get into it!
1. COLD SOUP SHOTS
Not everyone enjoys cold soup, but I have to admit, there’s something about it on a hot day that just hits right.
Soups like gazpacho, a cold, blended soup from Spain, are perfect for this summer wedding appetizer. A big batch can be made and then chilled. It’s then poured into clear plastic shot glasses and served as a passed or stationary appetizer. Guests can consume it in one drink, or sip it if they prefer. These soups can be vegan or vegetarian, and are filled with nutrients. Try it before you knock it!
2. SOFT PRETZELS
Bread is always a crowd pleasure. And yes, you can serve just bread at your wedding. But why not mix up your summer wedding appetizers with some soft pretzels?
Pretzels can be a fun and easy appetizer. You can have a batch of small pretzels made, or they can be picked up at a local bakery. Serve them with mustards, butters, or cheese sauces. You can even set up a pretzel bar if you’re feeling fancy.
3. CAPRESE SALAD ON A BAGUETTE
Do you know what the components of a caprese salad are? Typically, they are just ripe tomato, fresh mozzarella cheese, and some basil. There are variations with olive oils or pesto, but the three main elements remain the same.
It’s so easy and pretty to set up a simple caprese salad on a slice of baguette. This is an easy summer wedding appetizer to serve chilled or room temperature, and guests will gobble it up.
4. FETA ON A WATERMELON CUBE
There’s just something about a small bit of salty feta cheese on sweet and crisp watermelon that screams summer.
Though this may sound a bit fancy, it’s really not. The set up is simple. Cube watermelon slices, about an inch thick on each side. Top with a small bit of feta and maybe some mint. Place the cubes on a serving plate and stick a little toothpick in each one. Serve and enjoy!
5. TACOS
Everyone loves tacos, right? Meat tacos, cheese tacos, vegetarian tacos. They are all crowd pleasing. And they are perfect and tasty summer wedding appetizers.
Some people may prefer to serve tacos as a late night snack, but I think a taco bar could be a fun appetizer before dinner. Or, have your caterer make mini tacos that can be passed around. Either way, guests will consume them and love the fun treat.
6. FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
Have you ever had fried green tomatoes? They are delightful.
The concept is simple. Green tomatoes, which aren’t quite ripe, are battered and fried. They are often served with a little dipping sauce. Though more of a southern thing, fried green tomatoes can be delicious anywhere. And, summer is the perfect time to serve them due to the seasonality of tomatoes.
7. MINI HAMBURGERS OR SLIDERS
I don’t know what it is about mini things, but they are among the most tasty summer wedding appetizers.
I mean, mini hamburgers are so cute, right? And sliders, or small burgers that can feature chicken, cheese, pulled pork, or vegetarian patties, are no exception. Put some simple toppings on these fun treats and serve on a platter or with a toothpick.
8. SHRIMP SKEWERS
You knew at some point I would talk about skewers, right?
These long sticks can have just about anything on them. When it comes to shrimp, the options are endless. The shrimp can be barbequed and placed on a skewer, or it can be served chilled. Make sure the tail is removed so it’s easy for guests to consume without touching. Serve with a little bit of cocktail or aioli sauce.
9. MELON AND PROSCIUTTO
It may seem like a strange combination, but melon and prosciutto can be incredible together. Something about the sweet and salty is so tasty.
To make these pretty and tasty summer wedding appetizers, use a baller for the melon, and mix it up. Cantaloupe or honeydew melons are sturdy and so good in the summer. Plus, the various colors will make this appetizer pop even more. Layer the prosciutto in between the melon balls, and put on a skewer or toothpick.
10. GOAT CHEESE STUFFED DATES
Goat cheese stuffed dates are perfect for a summer wedding. These can be made ahead, served chilled or room temperature, consumed easily, and seem fancy though they are quite simple.
Dates can be found at any grocery store. Be sure to buy the pitted ones so they are easier to work with. Add in a little goat cheese, and perhaps top with some crispy bacon bits. Yum!
11. MINI SALADS
The salad options are endless at a summer wedding.
On small plates or in clear mini cups you can put in just about anything you wish. Finely chopped Caesar salad, macaroni salad, pasta salad, there are tons of options. Serve with a small fork and let guest consume away.
12. AVOCADO TOAST
Yes, I am a millennial. And yes, I love avocado toast.
I’m not saying you need to serve a big honking piece of sourdough topped with tons of avocado and toppings. Not at all. But smaller crostini’s, with some avocado, perhaps some seasoning, and a little bit of fresh herbs, could be amazing at a summer wedding. It’s nutritious, popular, and totally in season.
13. MEXICAN STREET CORN
Have you ever had Mexican street corn? It’s so good.
Corn is one of the most perfect ingredients at a summer wedding. It’s just so sweet. While it can be served plain on the cob with a little butter and salt, consider mixing it up a little. Some mayonnaise, seasonings, lime juice and basil can be so good. Yes, it may be a little messy, but some guests will be into it. Try it before you knock it!
14. FROZEN GRAPES
I grew up on frozen grapes. If you’ve never had them, you should try them.
Frozen grapes are a treat. And they are so easy to serve at a summer wedding. To do so, you can put the grapes on toothpicks and then freeze. From there, put the grapes on a serving tray and let guests grab and enjoy. You can also skip the toothpicks and simply freeze the grapes without disruption, putting them in little cups for easy grabbing later on. They are a simple, refreshing, and yummy treat.
15. ANY SORT OF FLATBREAD
Flatbread is a kind of fancy way to say pizza, right?
Well, kind of.
Flatbread can be like pizza dough, but it doesn’t have to be. Many cultures have flatbread, so to serve it as a summer wedding appetizer, pick the kind of flatbread you most like. Then have it topped with some fun combinations. Roasted vegetables and goat cheese, pesto and mozzarella, sliced meat and a drizzled sauce . . . the ideas are endless. Bake the bread, top with toppings, and slice small for easy grab and go.
16. FRIED ASPARAGUS, CARROTS, OR GREEN BEANS
I know, we are talking about summer wedding appetizers here, and fried food isn’t exactly the most light and seasonal option out there.
Or is it?
If you’re serving seasonal vegetables, such as asparagus, carrots, or green beans, and lightly frying them, they can be really “on brand” with summer. The veggies will taste fresh and sweet, and the batter on them will be satisfying. Serve with an aioli dipping sauce and let guests enjoy.
17. FRUIT ON A STICK
Last one!
Is there anything more summer-y or fun than fruit on a stick? This is something that will be loved by both kids and adults. It’s so easy to arrange, too. Simply get some skewers (may I suggest bamboo ones?), and put fruit on them. Strawberries, grapes, raspberries, tangerine slices, and large blueberries may be the best options. However, you can mix it up as you want.
THOUGHTS ON TASTY SUMMER WEDDING APPETIZERS
Friends, there are so many tasty summer wedding appetizers out there. It’s hard to narrow down the choices. The key with summer wedding appetizers is that they are on the lighter side, play up seasonal ingredients, are versatile in hot or cool weather, and are very satisfying to guests. Pick and choose what works for you, and add your own spin to them! Happy wedding planning!
More On Wedding Food & Drink From Hummingbird Wedding Advice
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