Summer Entertaining: 5 Artisan Appetizers for Your Next Gathering
Summer entertaining is an art form. The best gatherings feel effortless — but behind that effortlessness is a host who knows exactly which ingredients do the heavy lifting. These five artisan appetizers are our go-to recommendations for summer parties, backyard dinners, and everything in between. Each one is impressive, delicious, and — most importantly — easy.
1. La Conviette Butter Rolls with Fleur de Sel
Sometimes the simplest things are the most memorable. La Conviette Mini French Butter Rolls are our bestselling product for a reason: they're perfect. Bite-sized, golden, and made with premium French butter, they need nothing more than a light sprinkle of fleur de sel to become the first thing guests reach for. Serve them warm from the oven alongside a small pot of Isigny Organic Butter for spreading.
Serve with: A glass of chilled Champagne or crisp white wine.
2. Marieke Truffle Gouda with Honeycomb
This combination is almost unfairly good. Marieke Raw Milk Truffle Gouda has an earthy, luxurious depth that pairs beautifully with the floral sweetness of honeycomb. Slice it thin, arrange on a small board, and add a few walnuts and dried figs. It looks like it took an hour. It takes five minutes.
Serve with: A light red wine or a dry rosé.
3. Lemarié Mini Pancakes with Smoked Salmon & Crème Fraîche
Lemarié Pâtissier Mini Pancakes are a revelation. These delicate French blini-style pancakes from a legendary Parisian pastry house are the perfect base for elegant canapés. Top each one with a small dollop of crème fraîche, a curl of smoked salmon, and a tiny sprig of dill. They disappear within minutes at every gathering.
Serve with: Sparkling water with cucumber, or a dry Champagne.
4. O'Doughs Flatbreads with Roasted Pepper Hummus
For guests with dietary restrictions, O'Doughs Garlic & Chive Naan Flatbreads are a lifesaver. Gluten-free and vegan, they toast beautifully and hold up to generous toppings. Pair with a good hummus, roasted red peppers, and a drizzle of olive oil for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone at the table can enjoy.
Serve with: Sparkling water, lemonade, or a light beer.
5. Boxcarr Rosie's Robiola with Fig Jam & Walnuts
This is the appetizer that makes people ask for the recipe. Boxcarr's Rosie's Robiola — a soft, bloomy-rind cheese from Cedar Grove, NC — is spreadable, tangy, and utterly addictive. Serve it whole on a small board with a jar of fig jam, toasted walnuts, and sliced baguette. The combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy is irresistible.
Serve with: A glass of Sauternes or a light Pinot Noir.
The Host's Secret: Shop Smart
The best summer entertaining starts with the best ingredients. Browse our Appetizers & Snacks collection and Cheese collection to stock your summer pantry with everything you need to entertain with confidence. When your ingredients are this good, the cooking takes care of itself.