As the summer heat cranks up, we’re looking for snacks and bites that won’t leave us toiling in a hot kitchen all day. These recipes – some sweet, some savory – are just what you need when you want to whip up sensational summer tapas, appetizers, or refreshing bites for yourself, your family, or a party. With ingredients like limes, fresh tomatoes, peaches, shrimp, frozen yogurt, deep-fried pickles, and more, these delicious bites will fill you up and keep the fun summer vibes going. From zesty coconut lime sugar cookies and pina colada dip to smoked fish dip and jackfruit taquitos, summer snacking never tasted so good!
Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies
If a cookie can taste like a tropical vacation, this is it. These moist sugar cookies from Dessert Now, Dinner Later have a hint of lime and a creamy, coconut frosting on top. The coconut frosting is made with coconut oil and coconut coffee creamer (instead of milk) for an extra burst of coconut. The cookies have lime juice and zest … and two whole sticks of butter. Perfection!
Air Fryer Pickles
Making your own fried pickles in an air fryer right at home is an easy way to turn this beloved pub grub into a favorite summertime snack. You can simply go with fried pickle spears or cut those pickles into thick slices for fried pickle chips. These pickles from Spend with Pennies take less than 15 minutes of cook time!
Frozen Yogurt Bark with Berries
This recipe from Feel Good Foodie is a great way for both kids and adults to cool down on a hot summer day! The best part is that this recipe could not be easier. Simply line a quarter sheet pan with parchment paper, spread full-fat yogurt (any flavor you like) across it, top with granola and berries, then pop it in the freezer. Yum!
Smoked Fish Dip
Smoked fish dip is a popular menu item found at many coastal restaurants. Like most smoked fish dips, this dip from Biscuits & Burlap has so much flavor, you really won’t need (or want) anything other than regular ol’ saltines or butter crackers to dip into it. You can smoke the fish yourself, but you don’t need to. You can pick up some smoked fish in most supermarkets. Look for smoked mullet, smoked salmon, smoked trout, or smoked mackerel. All are excellent in this dip!
Peach Cobbler Cookies
Peach cobbler is an old tried-and-true classic favorite for any summertime get together. Give this beloved dessert a modern twist by turning peach cobbler into cookies! This concoction from Blue Bowl Recipes has four different recipes – for the cinnamon-spiced cookie, the stovetop peach filling, the brown sugar crumble, and the vanilla glaze. It’s a little bit of work, but it’s worth it.
Tomato Burrata Bites
There’s nothing better than fresh tomatoes right from the garden. Take advantage of the season and try this these tomato burrata bites from Martha Stewart. For the optimal bite, choose fresh Campari tomatoes. Pairing the sweet tomatoes with creamy, buttery burrata cheese is a match made in Heaven!
Pina Colada Dip
This is an adults-only dip, so reserve it for the right occasion or make sure it’s clearly labeled and out of reach of little hands. This creamy, delicious dip from TropRockin’ is made with pineapple, coconut milk, sweetened coconut, cream cheese, whipped cream and, of course, your favorite rum. Set it out with some of your favorite dippers: cookies, brownie bites, graham crackers, animal crackers, pretzels, and a variety of fruits.
Shrimp Cakes with Lemon Aioli
Shrimp and summer just go together, don’t they? These shrimp cakes from Natasha’s Kitchen are served with a zesty lemon aioli that will make them a standout on your summer table. These fritters are made with one pound of shrimp and a smattering of other ingredients that take appetizers to the next level. The mozzarella cheese in the recipe gives these shrimp cakes a beautiful golden crust. The lemon aioli is a must – lemon juice, lemon zest, mayo and garlic – and you won’t regret it!
Apricot Fluff
Most of us have had ambrosia salad with mandarin oranges, but have you ever tried a version with apricots? Peaches? This pretty “apricot fluff” from Taste of Home is a test-kitchen approved salad made with apricot or peach yogurt, apricot gelatin, mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and three whole cups of cubed, fresh apricots. Substitute peaches if you prefer.
Jackfruit Taquitos
Taquitos are a great snack on a summer day. These taquitos from Love & Lemons use jackfruit instead of meat for a lighter bite. You’ll mix shredded jackfruit with garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and diced green chilies and then roll it up in tortillas with refried beans, cheese, and scallions for a sensational summer bite!
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