59 Summery Labor Day Appetizers and Snacks

Soft Beer Pretzel Nuggets

What goes together better than beer and pretzels? Not much that I can think of. That’s why I put them together into one recipe. I’m always looking for new ways to combine fun flavors. I love the way this recipe turned out! —Alyssa Wilhite, Whitehouse, Texas

Patriotic Pepper Platter

Cream cheese stuffed peppers are easy to make, easy to travel with and wonderful to eat at room temperature. This Labor Day appetizer platter can be made all summer long for each red, white and blue holiday! The dish also accommodates those who eat meat and those who don’t. With or without the bacon, these peppers are delish! —Tina Martino, Hewitt, New Jersey

Cowboy Queso

It's hard to go wrong when you combine cheese, meat and beer! This cowboy queso recipe will quickly become a party staple.

Spicy Peanuts

Liven up plain peanuts with a sweet-and-spicy blend of flavors from sugar, cumin and cayenne pepper. You’ll want to double…or triple…this spicy Labor Day appetizer! —Holly Kunkle, Walton, Kentucky

Pico de Gallo

This easy and versatile pico de gallo recipe is a classic for a reason. The jalapeño peppers add just the right amount of kick. Let it chill for an hour or two before serving to help the flavors blend. —Jeannie Trudell, Del Norte, Colorado

Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots

Indulge in just one of these bacon-wrapped Tater Tots and you’ll taste why they’re a hit with kids of all ages. They’ll go fast, so you may want double the recipe! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

Homemade Guacamole

I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Grilled Elote Flatbread

Here’s a fun twist on a classic Mexican dish! Keep your kitchen cooled down during the summer by grilling this fresh Labor Day appetizer outdoors. —Amanda Phillips, Portland, Oregon

Dill Pickle Dip

You might want to make a double batch of this dill pickle dip. The bowl will be empty before you know it!

Smoked Bluefish Spread

While I was growing up, we spent summers on Block Island, Rhode Island, where we would surf-cast off the shores for bluefish. Its strong flavor makes the fish a perfect candidate for smoking. This is a snack that brings back memories of warm summer afternoons and cool ocean breezes. —Pamela Gelsomini, Wrentham, Massachusetts

Barbecue Popcorn

With this quick-fix barbecue popcorn, you can experience a summer barbecue any time of the year! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Chocolate Chip Dip

Is there a kid around (or a kid at heart) who wouldn’t gobble up this cookie dough dip with graham crackers? It beats dunking them in milk, hands down! You can also try this Labor Day appetizer with apple wedges. —Heather Koenig, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

Savory Stuffed Cherry Peppers

Our family’s holiday dinners always include a giant antipasto, and the showpiece when we were growing up was Mom’s stuffed hot peppers on top of the display. Regardless of how spicy the peppers were, every year we would sneak into the refrigerator and steal one of those thrilling little flavor bombs! There isn’t a holiday that we don’t make them in her honor. These stuffed peppers are remarkable hot or cold. Serve with a nice loaf of Italian bread and a glass of wine. —Donna Scarano, East Hanover, New Jersey

Simmered Smoked Links

No one can resist the sweet and spicy glaze on these bite-sized sausages. They are so effortless to prepare, and they make a perfect Labor Day appetizer. Serve them on frilled toothpicks to make them extra fancy. —Maxine Cenker, Weirton, WV

Savory Cucumber Sandwiches

Italian salad dressing easily flavors this simple snack. You can also omit the bread and serve the spread as a dip with cucumbers or other veggies. —Carol Henderson, Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Cheesy Meatball Sliders

These meatball sliders are a fun way to serve meatballs at your party without using a slow cooker. Made on mini Hawaiian rolls, this Labor Day appetizer have a hint of sweetness to balance out all the wonderful Italian seasonings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Colorful Fruit Kabobs

These luscious fruit kabobs are perfect as a summer appetizer, snack or side dish. The citrus glaze clings well and keeps the fruit looking fresh. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta

Quick Watermelon Salsa

On hot days, this sweet combo of watermelon, pineapple and fresh cilantro has everything you want. The flavors blend beautifully, it’s pretty, and it comes together in no time. —Betsy Hanson, Tiverton, Rhode Island

Pina Colada Dip

If you like pina coladas, you’ve gotta try this fluffy fruit dip. Scooped up with a slice of fresh pineapple, this Labor Day appetizer tastes just like the beloved beachside drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee Wisconsin

Sweet Pea Pesto

I made a healthier spin on pea pesto by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

Vegetarian Buffalo Dip

A friend made Buffalo chicken dip and that got me thinking about creating a vegetarian dip with the same flavors. This addictive Labor Day appetizer is so amazing, no one will miss the meat. —Amanda Silvers, Old Fort, Tennessee

Watermelon Cups

This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Layered Mediterranean Dip with Pita Chips

Not your ordinary layer dip, the bold combination of hummus and Greek yogurt will be a new most-requested recipe at your next Labor Day gathering. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado

Zippy Curry Dip

Everyone eats their vegetables when this creamy dip is served alongside them. The curry flavor gets stronger the longer the dip stands, so I like to make this Labor Day appetizer in advance. —Priscilla Steffke, Wausau, Wisconsin. Enjoy the dip along with these crock pot cookout recipes.

Mini Corn Dogs

Fun-sized corn dogs add a little "wow" factor to any cookout or get-together. Kids and adults equally love them, so expect them to disappear fast. —Deb Perry, Bluffton, Indiana

Nacho Popcorn

My husband and I like to munch on this while watching TV. The nacho flavoring is a zesty alternative to butter and salt. —Linda Boehme, Fairmont, Minnesota

Hot Spinach Spread with Pita Chips

Warm and cheesy, this spread is absolutely scrumptious served on toasted pita wedges. Its colorful appearance makes a stunning addition to any Labor Day appetizer buffet. —Teresa Emanuel, Smithville, Missouri

Sweet 'n' Tangy Chicken Wings

I love the convenience of slow-cooker recipes for get-togethers. Start these sweet and sour chicken wings a few hours ahead of time and you'll have fantastic appetizers ready when your guests arrive. —Ida Tuey, South Lyon, Michigan

Pork Taquitos

These taquitos freeze very well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them anytime. Microwave the tortillas before filling for easier rolling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Grilled Guacamole

If you’re a guacamole lover, try this fun grilled version that has a smoky flavor. The veggies tend to darken a bit when heated, so stir it gently to prevent further discoloration. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana

Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries

These luscious cheesecake-stuffed strawberries are the perfect bite-sized Labor Day appetizer. —Stephen Munro, Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia

Mustard Pretzel Nuggets

This quick and fun Labor Day appetizer is similar to the mustard pretzels you can buy at the store, but you can make it for a fraction of the price. It’s a killer recipe for all kinds of parties and football gatherings. —Sarah Mathews, Ava Missouri

Grilled Potato Skins

It's easy to love these delicious appetizers. They're nice to serve outside when you invite friends over for a grilled meal. They remind me of the potato skins I have had in restaurants—only better! —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland

Fontina Asparagus Tart

This lemony tart is loaded with fontina cheese and fresh asparagus. It's a snap to make but looks really impressive. Be advised your guests will be vying for the last piece. —Heidi Meek, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Pinwheels

Tortilla pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing, classic party food. Plus, the recipe is endlessly versatile!

Oven-Fried Pickles

Like deep-fried pickles? You’ll love this unfried version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then baked until crispy. Dip them with ranch dressing for a Labor Day appetizer you won’t soon forget.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Slow-cooker Buffalo chicken dip will be the hit of the party. The combo of shredded chicken, cheese and wing sauce is melty, gooey and delicious.

Refrigerator Garden Pickles

Canning isn’t necessary for these crisp-tender, tangy pickles. Keep them in the fridge and eat them up as a Labor Day appetizer. —Linda Chapman, Meriden, Iowa

Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce

Twisting these wonton wrappers like little candies makes them a fuss-free Labor Day appetizer, and the dipping sauce is packed with sweet heat. —Taylor Marsh, Algona, Iowa

Three Cheese Artichoke & Spinach Dip

Grated Parm, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, mayo and butter make this Labor Day appetizer as decadent as it gets. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt Dip

Artichokes are at their best when you prepare them simply, without a lot of fuss or seasonings to overdress them. Many people dip the petals in melted butter or mayonnaise, but I think you'll love my tangy lemon-yogurt dip. —Jill Haapaniemi, Brooklyn, New York

Mini Rosemary-Roast Beef Sandwiches

Roast beef sandwiches never last long at a party, especially if you dollop them with mayo, mustard, horseradish and pickled giardiniera relish. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

Hot Crab Pinwheels

I got the recipe for this Labor Day appetizer from a friend. What amazed me most is that my husband, who hates seafood, couldn’t stop eating them. —Kitti Boesel, Woodbridge, Virginia

Savory Party Bread

It's impossible to stop nibbling on warm pieces of this cheesy, oniony bread. The sliced loaf fans out for a fun presentation. It's one of the best savory appetizers I've found. —Kay Daly, Raleigh, North Carolina

Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

These cute little bacon-wrapped smokies are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that’s fun as a Labor Day appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana

Five-Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience—I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and cleanup are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Mandarin Turkey Pinwheels

Curry, smoked turkey and mandarin oranges give these pinwheels their unique flavor. My cousin and I made them as a Labor Day appetizer and people came back for seconds…and then thirds! —Lorie Miner, Kamas, Utah

Sausage Mushroom Appetizers

These stuffed mushrooms are can't-stop-eating-them good. For variations, I sometimes substitute venison or crabmeat for the pork sausage in the stuffing. —Sheryl Siemonsma, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Loaded Baked Potato Dip

I never thought of using waffle-cut fries as a scoop for dip until a friend of mine did at a baby shower. They’re ideal for my cheesy bacon and chive dip, which tastes just like a baked potato topper. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

Party Franks

These tiny, tangy appetizers have broad appeal. I prepare them often for holiday gatherings, weddings and family reunions. They're convenient to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead and then reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon

Swiss Mushroom Loaf

I'm always prepared for recipe requests when I serve this outstanding stuffed loaf. It's excellent not only as an appetizer but also as a side for pasta or chili. —Heidi Mellon, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Texas Taco Dip Platter

When I’m entertaining, this colorful dish is my top Labor Day menu choice. My friends can’t resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas

Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade

When entertaining, I often rely on my pepper tapenade recipe because it takes only 15 minutes to whip up and pop in the fridge. Sometimes I swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans. —Donna Magliaro, Denville, New Jersey

Smoky Jalapenos

When I make these bacon-wrapped appetizers, there are no leftovers. They can also be made with mild banana peppers or yellow chili peppers. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa

Baked Chicken Nachos

This chicken nachos recipe is delicious and so simple. Rotisserie (or leftover) chicken keeps it quick, and the seasonings and splash of lime juice lend fantastic flavor. My husband enjoys this snack so much that he often requests it for dinner! —Gail Cawsey, Geneseo, Illinois

Caprese Skewers

Light, satisfying and healthful in one impossibly easy-to-make dish? Yes, please! Enjoy these Caprese skewers as an app, side dish—truly perfect paired with grilled meat or poultry—or a convenient snack. Every bite is a little taste of summer.

Zesty Marinated Shrimp

These easy shrimp look impressive on a buffet table and taste even better! The zesty sauce has a wonderful spicy citrus flavor. I especially like this recipe because I can prepare it ahead of time. —Mary Jane Guest, Alamosa, Colorado

Italian Cheese Loaf

Here's a deliciously different sandwich. It's yummy warm from the oven or off the grill at a cookout. The cheesy filling is complemented by a mix of garden-fresh ingredients and crusty bread. I usually serve it with a salad and onion rings. —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania