20 Labor Day Appetizers To Wrap Up Summer
Make the most of those last weekends of summer with these Labor Day appetizers.
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
As summer winds down, we're sure you want to find the best recipes for those last few summer gatherings. Labor Day marks the end of summer when families and friends can take the day off to savor those last moments of the season. Whether you're hosting a Labor Day party or just celebrating with your family, these appetizers will leave a crowd satisfied as they wait for the main course.
Related: Our 63 Best-Ever Appetizers For A Crowd
Loaded Deviled Eggs
Your guests won't stop reaching for this mash-up of baked potatoes and deviled eggs. The secret behind the perfect deviled egg is to cook them gently with steam instead of boiling them.
Shrimp Salad
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
This light, fresh dish is perfect to serve on Labor Day as summer settles down. Lemon zest and lemon juice brighten up the Shrimp's delicate flavor.
Pepper Sauce Watermelon Wedges
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
If you've tried salt on watermelon and found yourself pleasantly surprised, try these pepper sauce watermelon wedges. A drizzle of pepper sauce adds a nice vinegary bite while a pinch of salt and pepper finishes it off.
Easy Grilled Shrimp
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Succulent grilled shrimp is an easy dish that your guests will enjoy while waiting for the main course. Serve with your favorite sauce to dip.
Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
If you need an appetizer that comes together in under 30 minutes but satisfies a crowd, check out these stuffed peppers. Ungarnished stuffed peppers can be stored for up to three days.
Watermelon Gazpacho
Hydrate and cool off with this summertime soup while waiting for lunch or dinner. Similar to tomato gazpacho, this soup is colorful and full of flavor.
Crispy Andouille Hush Puppies
These crunchy, savory hush puppies are a perfect summertime starter. Serve with your choice of dips.
Spicy Pineapple Slaw
This slaw is delicious on its own but can also be paired with tortilla chips. Pineapple, jalape?o, and chiles give this slaw a sweet and spicy flavor.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Everyone in the South knows that fried green tomatoes are a staple in the summertime. Crunchy and tangy, this appetizer is as easy to make as it is to eat.
Ham Salad
This classic Southern dish never gets old. Ham salad can be served on saltines, between cheese puffs, or on a bed of salad greens.
Tomato Tea Sandwiches
Tomato tea sandwiches aren't just meant for afternoon tea parties. These are just as appropriate as a mini appetizer at any gathering.
Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad
Enjoying this fresh, vibrant salad is a perfect way to cool off on those hot summer days. Be sure that all of the fruits and veggies are at their peak for maximum flavor.
Red Chipotle Pepper Jelly
Pepper jelly is one of the South's favorite summertime treats. Here, you'll find three different spins on this versatile spread.
Corn-And-Jalape?o Dip
All you need is a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker to make this rich, creamy corn dip. Double this recipe if you're expecting a large crowd.
Pimiento Pickle Poppers
These pickle poppers are inspired by the fan-favorite jalape?o poppers. Don't worry, your guests will love these just as much as the original.
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly
This dip includes everything you would want to eat in the summer. We recommend using fresh corn while it's still in season.
Peel 'N' Eat Shrimp
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Nothing says summer like shrimp and cocktail sauce. The homemade cocktail sauce is spiked with barbecue sauce to even out the spicy horseradish.
Creamy Jalape?o Dip
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Spicy and fresh, this dip is a delicious way to start the party. With a simple ingredient list and a few steps to pull it together, it's a great option for any warm weather bash. Serve with crudites, chips, or crackers.
Summer Vegetable Tart
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
One last call for summer's bounty before fall produce hits the markets and stands. Slice up this tart and let guests enjoy it before the main meal. While we used fresh zucchini, squash, and corn, you can also mix and match with some of your favorites.
Corn Fritters
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Surprise guests with bite-size fritters that star the season's sweetest produce. These crispy fried bits can be served any time of day but we love them as a pre-party bite and served with aioli, honey mustard, or ranch dips.
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