These snacks will keep your guests occupied while the meats are on the grill.

These recipes are so good, your guests may even forget about the rest of the meal.

(That is, until they smell thebarbecueon the grill.

party cheese ball

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

One whiff of that, and they’re sure to be hungry again.)

Texas Caviar

We love a good dip, especially a no-cook one like Texas Caviar.

It requires a little bit of chopping, but it’s well worth it.

Southern Living Cucumber-And-Onion Dip in a bowl to serve with chips beside

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Here, we use sweet and spicy peppers as the star of the show instead.

Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

Think of these mini sandwiches as baby BLTs.

Just see to it to use the ripest of tomatoes.

Southern Living Pepper Sauce Watermelon Wedges on a blue platter to serve

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Creamy Corn Jalapeno Poppers

These are not your traditional jalapeno poppers.

Filled with fresh corn, miso, and lots of scallions, these poppers are bursting with fresh flavor.

It’s made with sour cream, cilantro, and an entire jalapeno.

Southern Living Pimento Cheese Flatbread on a board to serve with extra pimento cheese

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Your guests won’t be able to get enough of this dijon dipping sauce.

Think of it as a bite of spicy sweet goodness with a crunch!

Creamy Crab Dip

Nothing says the beach like a creamy crab dip.

Bake Brie With Jezebel Peaches

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Pair this favorite dish with celery and crackers.

Spinach-Artichoke Dip

When in doubt, go with a tried-and-true spinach and artichoke dip.

It’s a classic for a reason.

Texas Caviar Recipe

Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Add shrimp and seasoned crackers for a summer appetizer that is easy to serve.

Plus, this creamy garlic sauce has all the flavor you need.

Party Cheese Ball

What is a party without a cheese ball?

Caesar Salad Bites

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Copy this crowd-favorite and display alongside fresh veggies and your favorite crackers.

Cucumber Salsa

For a light take on traditional salsa, consider this cucumber variation.

It is perfect for snacking in warm weather!

Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe

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Pizza Pepper Poppers

Think of this as a pizza without the dough.

The pepper base makes these extra flavorfulplus, they come together in just 30 minutes.

Chunky Guacamole

Its the ultimate summertime dip.

Southern Living Charred-Vegetable Guacamole in a bowl to serve with tortilla chips

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Serve alongside salsa and chips for a no-fail app.

Southern Living Sweet and Fiery Pepper Bruschetta on a platter to serve with a glass of beer

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Southern Living Deviled Crab Dip in serving bowl

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veggie tray

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Southern Living Fancy Pigs in Blankets on a plate to serve with sauce

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Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

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Southern Living Pepper Jelly-Glazed Chicken Wings

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Southern Living Taco Dip adding the lettuce and pico de gallo layers

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jalapeno popper dip

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Southern Living Cold Buffalo Chicken Dip in a bowl to serve with carrot and celery sticks, chips, crackers, and glasses of beer

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Southern Living Mango Black Bean Salsa in a bowl to serve with tortilla chips on the side

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Southern Living Creamy Corn Jalapeño Poppers on a blue platter to serve

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Creamy Avocado Dip

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Grilled Okra-and-Pepper Skewers with Dijon Dipping Sauce

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Spicy Strawberry-Goat Cheese Crostini

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Creamy Crab Dip Recipe

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Spinach-Artichoke Dips

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese

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Classic Deviled Eggs

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Southern Living Roasted Artichokes with Creamy Garlic Dipping Sauce

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Southern Living Tomato-Sandwich Toasts

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cucumber salsa

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Five-Alarm Firecracker Saltines

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Pizza Pepper Poppers

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Cheese Straws

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Party Poppers

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Chunky Guacamole

Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox