The summer season tends to be a time when more cookouts take place. With the sun setting later in the day, you can prepare a meal and enjoy dessert a few hours later after playing in the yard or even enjoying a swim in a pool. Here are a few appetizers that are easy to make that can kick off your summer cookout in a tasty way.
Bruschetta
This small piece of bread can be topped with any ingredient that you like. During the summer season, you could use fresh tomatoes and herbs as well as slices of squash or cucumbers. A company that provides event catering in NJ can prepare the appetizer with a variety of ingredients so that everyone at your event has something to enjoy.
Melon Bites
Just about any kind of melon is refreshing in the summer and can usually be found with ease as many people tend to grow these fruits in their gardens. Provide a cool appetizer for your cookout by getting a variety of melons so that you can make small balls using the inside of each one. You can stack each separate ball on a skewer or add slices of ham and cheese between each ball for a different kind of appetizer. Fresh vegetable slices can also be used with the melons.
Chicken Wings
During the spring and summer, you might not want a heavy meal. Your cookout can begin with small chicken wings that are seasoned with a variety of sauces and spices followed by a fresh salad or pasta. A personal chef in NJ can prepare boneless and bone-in wings so that your guests have a variety of chicken available. Buffalo sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic can be used on the chicken along with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.
Poppers
Jalapeno poppers are a popular appetizer for any event. With fresh jalapenos available during the summer months, you can prepare a significant number of these with cheddar or mozzarella cheese stuffed inside them. Bread the peppers before frying or baking them so that they have a crunchy exterior and a gooey center.
Seafood Sampler
If you enjoy seafood or you’re having a beach-themed cookout, then consider making a sampler platter of everything from cocktail shrimp to fried oysters. Try to keep the seafood light instead of using a lot of heavier items as you don’t want guests to fill up on these items before eating the main meal. This is an appetizer to consider for weddings and graduations that are held in the summer as well.
Cheese Balls
You’ve probably served cheese balls at holiday gatherings, but with the right ingredients, you can make this delightful dish for a summer cookout as well. Pineapple, sliced almonds, and cream cheese can be used to make a cheese ball that can be enjoyed with slices of fresh fruit or vegetable sticks. Serve the cheese ball on a bed of lettuce and surrounded by the items that will be used with the cheese ball so that they are convenient.