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19 Grilled Appetizers That’ll Outshine The Mains

Get ready to level up your appetizer game with this collection of mouthwatering recipes! Perfect for any gathering or casual snack session, these dishes are designed to impress with their unique flavors and creative twists. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply looking to spice up your weeknight dinners, this roundup has something for everyone.

From crispy, savory bites to creamy, smoky dips, each recipe offers a blend of delicious ingredients and easy preparation methods. You’ll find a variety of textures and tastes that cater to different palates, ensuring there’s a dish for every guest to enjoy. These appetizers are not only flavorful but also visually appealing, making them a perfect addition to your entertaining repertoire.

The recipes featured in this slideshow are ideal for those who love to experiment in the kitchen and try new flavor combinations.

Smash Dumplings

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Smash Dumplings. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Crispy on the outside and flavorful inside, these Smash Dumplings offer a unique twist on traditional dumplings. Perfect for entertaining, they combine a crunchy texture with a tasty filling, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Smash Dumplings

Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers

Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These poppers blend Philly cheesesteak flavors with jalapeno heat for a spicy, tasty appetizer. The mix of smoked cheese and steak inside the peppers makes for a creative snack perfect for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers

Traeger Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Traeger Ham and Cheese Pinwheels. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Easy and delicious, these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are ideal for any occasion. With savory ham, rich cheddar, and whole-grain mustard rolled in puff pastry and baked until golden, they’re a hit for snacks or appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Traeger Artichoke Dip Pinwheels

Traeger Artichoke Dip Pinwheels. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Combining rich, creamy artichoke dip with flaky puff pastry, these pinwheels are a delightful appetizer. Cooked on a Traeger grill for a wood-fired flavor, they’re perfect for parties and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Artichoke Dip Pinwheels

Traeger BBQ Pork Nachos

Traeger BBQ Pork Nachos. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Take nachos up a notch with BBQ pork cooked on a Traeger grill. The smoky pork paired with classic nacho toppings creates a snack or meal that’s sure to be a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Traeger BBQ Pork Nachos

Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos

Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Loaded with flavor, these nachos use smoked pulled pork for a hearty, smoky twist on a favorite snack. Perfect for sharing, they’re a hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos

Smoked Whipped Feta Dip

Smoked Whipped Feta Dip. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Creamy feta gets a smoky makeover in this unique appetizer. Perfect for pairing with crackers or veggies, this dip offers a tasty and interesting flavor combination.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Whipped Feta Dip

Smoked Pickled Jalapeños

Smoked Pickled Jalapeños. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Enjoy a smoky and tangy flavor combo with these smoked pickled jalapeños. Great as a condiment or addition to various dishes, they add a unique twist to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pickled Jalapeños

Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Spicy and smoky, these jalapeño poppers use smoked beef bacon for extra flavor. A meaty appetizer, they’re perfect for those who love a rich, spicy snack.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

Smoked Cowboy Candy

Smoked Cowboy Candy. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

For those who enjoy sweet and spicy flavors, these candied jalapeños offer a smoky twist. Great as a condiment or snack, they’re sure to intrigue your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cowboy Candy

Traeger Armadillo Eggs Recipe

Traeger Armadillo Eggs Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Stuffed with cheese and wrapped in sausage meat, these smoked jalapeños are a flavorful and spicy appetizer. They’re sure to be a conversation starter at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Armadillo Eggs Recipe

Smoked Wild Hog Summer Sausage

Smoked Wild Hog Summer Sausage. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This summer sausage made from wild hog is smoked for enhanced flavor. Perfect for adventurous meat lovers, it’s a unique choice for trying something different.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Wild Hog Summer Sausage

Smoked Cipollini Onions

Smoked Cipollini Onions. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Offering a sweet, caramelized flavor, these smoked cipollini onions are a great addition to various dishes or as a side on their own.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cipollini Onions

Smoked Olives

Smoked Olives. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Infused with smoky flavors, these olives are a great addition to antipasto platters or as a standalone snack. They’re sure to intrigue and delight.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Olives

Garlic Parmesan Smoked Wings

Garlic Parmesan Smoked Wings. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These wings offer a rich, smoky, and garlicky flavor. Perfect for those who enjoy a savory twist on classic smoked wings, they’re sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Smoked Wings

Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip

Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This creamy crab dip gets a smoky twist, making it a luxurious appetizer for seafood lovers. Rich and flavorful, it’s ideal for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip

Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Combining sweet grape jelly with smoky meatballs, this appetizer offers a delightful flavor combination that’s sure to surprise and please guests.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

Traeger Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Traeger Mini Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These mini Hasselback potatoes are cooked on a Traeger for a smoky twist. Fun and elegant, they make a great side dish.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Traeger Smoked Garlic Goat Cheese

Traeger Smoked Garlic Goat Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A creamy and flavorful appetizer, this smoked garlic goat cheese is a sophisticated addition to any gathering. Perfect for pairing with crackers or bread.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic Goat Cheese