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15 Backyard Party Foods You Can Eat with One Hand

From sliders to skewers, these snacks are made for mingling.

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backyard party foods eat with one hand
David Malosh

Summer entertaining is a whole lot easier when the menu is made for mingling! Yes, burgers and hot dogs are always welcome, but the best party foods are the ones that guests can enjoy without ever having to sit down.

That's where these one-handed party foods come in. Similar to finger foods, there are pull-apart sliders and grilled skewers, bite-size appetizers and handheld desserts. Every dish on this list is easy to grab and even easier to eat! There's no need to worry about juggling a plate while catching up with friends or joining a game of cornhole—just pick up a bite and keep the good times rolling.

You'll find plenty of cookout favorites from smoky grilled chicken skewers and bacon-wrapped hot dogs to cheesy jalapeño poppers, fresh melon skewers, and sweet treats you can enjoy right off the stick. There’s also a few fresh twists that are guaranteed to impress your guests. So fill up the cooler and get ready to serve a menu that skips the utensils and makes more time for summer memories.

1

BLT Burger Sliders

blt burger sliders
Ryan Dausch

Burgers are practically a backyard party requirement, but these mini BLT versions are even more party-friendly! Secure them with toothpicks and they’re easy to grab.

Get Ree’s BLT Burger Sliders recipe.

2

Zucchini Ribbon Skewers

zucchini ribbon skewers
C.W. Newell

The veggie ribbons are lightly charred on the grill, then finished with a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of parmesan, and fresh basil. Served on skewers, they're easy to grab and eat!

Get Ree’s Zucchini Ribbon Skewers recipe.

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3

Fried Fruit Pies

fried fruit pies
C.W. Newell

Ree Drummond served these to her husband and the ranch crew—and they were a hit! The old-fashioned treat is filled with your go-to pie filling, wrapped in a flaky homemade crust, fried until golden, and dusted with powdered sugar.

Get Ree’s Fried Fruit Pies recipe.

4

Jalapeño Poppers

jalapeño poppers
Caitlin Bensel

Take the classic appetizer up a notch with a cream cheese filling, crispy bacon, and a crunchy panko topping. They're spicy, cheesy, and perfectly poppable.

Get the Jalapeño Poppers recipe.

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5

Sonoran Hot Dogs

4th of july hot dog recipes
ryan liebe

They may be loaded, but these hot dogs are still easy to hold in one hand! Each one is wrapped in crispy bacon, tucked into a soft bun, and piled high with toppings.

Get Ree’s Sonoran Hot Dogs recipe.

6

Corn Muffins

corn muffins
Will Dickey

These slightly sweet muffins are baked until golden and served with homemade honey butter, making them easy to grab with one hand alongside your favorite cookout fare.

Get the Corn Muffins recipe.

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7

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

grilled shrimp skewers
Will Dickey

Brush the shrimp with a flavorful garlic-herb marinade, then grill until lightly charred and perfectly tender. They're quick to cook for a crowd and pair well with grilled veggies and fresh salads.

Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe.

8

Fried Green Tomatoes

fried green tomatoes
Caitlin Bensel

Crispy, golden, and made for snacking, these are a Southern classic. Each tomato slice is coated in a seasoned cornmeal crust and fried until perfectly crunchy. Don’t forget the ranch dressing for dipping!

Get the Fried Green Tomatoes recipe.

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9

Deviled Eggs

deviled eggs
Caitlin Bensel

Ah yes, the classic appetizer! These deviled eggs keep it simple with a creamy filling and a splash of dill pickle juice for a tangy kick, then finished with a sprinkle of paprika.

Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.

10

Pickle Cheeseburger Bites

pickle cheeseburger bites
David Malosh

These clever little skewers have everything you love about a cheeseburger all in a party-ready package. The best part? Dill pickle chips stand in for the buns.

Get Ree’s Pickle Cheeseburger Bites recipe.

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11

Grill-Fried Chicken

grill fried chicken
C. W. Newell

If you love fried chicken but don't want to deal with hot oil, try this recipe! The chicken is coated then cooked over indirect heat on the grill until golden, crunchy, and infused with smoky flavor.

Get the Grill-Fried Chicken recipe.

12

Melon Feta Skewers

melon and feta skewers
C.W. Newell

Combine juicy melon with creamy feta, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for the perfect sweet-and-salty bite. Since each stack is secured with a toothpick, guests can easily grab one with a single hand.

Get Ree’s Melon Feta Skewers recipe.

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13

Red, White, and Blue Popsicles

red white and blue popsicles
Gordon Sawyer

Cool off the crowd with a frozen treat! These popsicles layer strawberries, creamy vanilla Greek yogurt, and blueberries. Make them ahead and keep them stashed in the freezer until the party starts.

Get Ree’s Red, White, and Blue Popsicles recipe.

14

Grilled Chicken Skewers

grilled chicken skewers
Gordon Sawyer

Marinated and grilled to juicy perfection, this chicken is served on skewers for easy, one-handed eating. Pair them with creamy peanut sauce or smoky barbecue sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Get Ree’s Grilled Chicken Skewers recipe.

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15

Cherry Pie Cookies

cherry pie cookies
Kate Sears

It’s a cookie and a hand pie: Flaky pie crust is filled with a sweet-tart cherry filling, topped with a charming lattice crust, and baked until golden for a dessert that's easy to pick up and enjoy.

Get Ree’s Cherry Pie Cookies recipe.

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