3 Quick and Easy Summer Appetizers With Video

Quick & Healthy Summer Bites: 3 Irresistible Gluten-Free Crispbread Appetizers

These 3 quick and easy summer appetizers are incredibly simple to prepare! They’re made with delicious spreadable toppings atop a gluten-free crispbread cracker base! The toppings add a variety that is sure to please any snack lover, offering both sweet and savory options for effortless entertaining.

Three crispbreads topped with colorful vegetables and fruits, arranged neatly on a white surface, ready to be served as appetizers.

This post has been sponsored by Wasa. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you so much for supporting brands that support Jessica in the Kitchen!

The modern pace of life often keeps us constantly on the move, whether it’s navigating flights, attending speaking engagements, or juggling a series of meetings. Amidst such a dynamic schedule, I’ve discovered the immense value of carving out moments of pure simplicity upon returning home. After extended periods on the road, the last thing anyone desires is to embark on cooking a complicated, multi-course meal. This understanding fuels my appreciation for those effortlessly satisfying moments where just a few minutes of preparation can truly make a significant difference, transforming a simple snack into a delightful experience.

Overhead view of various fresh ingredients laid out, including crispbread crackers, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, pesto, and balsamic glaze, ready for appetizer preparation.

With summer officially here, the season undoubtedly calls for more social gatherings, be it hosting a vibrant party or attending one as a guest. Like me, you’re likely seeking to serve dishes that are both deeply satisfying and refreshingly simple to prepare. Each summer, I love sharing new quick and easy appetizer ideas, but today’s recipes hold an extra special place thanks to a new product I’ve been eager to introduce: Wasa’s new Gluten Free crispbread crackers. These appetizers are crafted directly on top of these incredibly versatile crackers, which serve as the perfect yummy base. Their sturdy, crisp, and delightfully crunchy texture provides an ideal foundation for a variety of toppings. I especially appreciate how beautifully they complement both the sweet and savory combinations I’ve prepared, showcasing their exceptional adaptability.

Why Wasa Gluten Free Crispbreads Are Your New Pantry Staple

Before we dive into the delicious details of each appetizer, let’s talk more about these remarkable Wasa Gluten Free crispbread crackers. First and foremost, they are Non-GMO Verified and meticulously crafted with real food ingredients. This commitment to quality means I don’t have to compromise on anything when choosing a convenient and healthy cracker option. Their incredible diversity means you can use them for so much more than just appetizers. Snack time is officially revolutionized with Wasa crispbread crackers by your side; they’re perfect with anything from classic peanut butter and jelly to creamy avocado spreads. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite toppings – their neutral flavor profile allows your creative culinary ideas to truly shine.

A selection of three prepared crispbread appetizers next to packages of Wasa Gluten Free crispbread crackers, highlighting the ready-to-eat aspect.

For individuals adhering to a gluten-free diet, the thought of appetizers at summer parties can often bring a sense of uncertainty. Having several family members and close friends who manage Celiac disease, I understand this concern intimately. That’s why I’m particularly enthusiastic about these Wasa Gluten Free crispbread crackers. They are rigorously certified gluten-free by both AOECS and the Celiac Society of Sweden, offering complete reassurance that everyone can enjoy these delicious appetizers without any worry or hesitation. This dedication to dietary inclusivity translates into less stress for hosts and more fun for guests – a truly winning combination for any summer celebration. You can confidently serve these knowing you are providing a safe, delicious, and enjoyable option for all.

Three distinct crispbread appetizers, each with unique toppings, artfully arranged on a white serving plate.

Discovering the Flavors: 3 Irresistible Summer Appetizers

Let’s delve into the incredible flavors we’re about to bring to life. What makes these appetizers truly spectacular is that each one takes less than 15 minutes to prepare from start to finish. They are perfect for last-minute guests or when you need a quick, impressive bite without the fuss.

1. Pesto and Burst Tomato Crispbread: A Mediterranean Delight

First up is the Pesto and Burst Tomato Crispbread – a vibrant explosion of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. This appetizer features succulent cherry or grape tomatoes that are gently sautéed until they “burst,” releasing their sweet, concentrated juices and acquiring a delightful blistered texture. These warm, flavorful tomatoes are then generously spooned over a luscious base of rich, aromatic pesto, whether it’s your favorite homemade recipe or a high-quality store-bought variety. The entire creation is elevated with a decadent drizzle of a homemade balsamic glaze, reduced to a thick, syrupy perfection that adds a tangy-sweet counterpoint. This combination offers a delightful interplay of textures and tastes: the crisp crunch of the Wasa cracker, the soft burst of the tomatoes, and the creamy, herbaceous pesto, all harmonized by the glossy glaze. It’s an elegant yet incredibly simple appetizer that is sure to leave a lasting impression and is quite literally what dreams are made of!

Close-up overhead view of a crispbread topped with vibrant green pesto and perfectly burst red cherry tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic glaze.

2. Strawberry and Cream Crispbread: Sweet & Refreshing

Next, we move to my absolute favorite: the Strawberry and Cream Crispbread. I admit, I was initially curious about how a sweet combination would perform on a crispbread, but trust me, it truly exceeded all expectations. This delightful creation features juicy, freshly sliced strawberries generously spread over a creamy vegan cream cheese base. The sweetness of the fruit is perfectly balanced by the subtle tang of the cream cheese, while a sprinkle of fresh, chopped mint adds an invigorating, herbaceous note. To complete this refreshing bite, a light drizzle of sweet maple lime dressing provides a bright citrusy lift, tying all the flavors together beautifully. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of fruity sweetness, creamy texture, and refreshing zest that truly hits all the right notes. This appetizer is not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes, perfect for a sunny summer afternoon or a light, unique dessert.

Overhead view of a crispbread adorned with freshly chopped red strawberries, mint leaves, and a drizzle of sweet dressing.

3. Classic Bruschetta Crispbread: Timeless & Satisfying

Lastly, we present the Classic Bruschetta Crispbread. Let’s be real – sometimes, what we crave is a beloved, classic appetizer known for its rich, umami flavors and universal appeal. This version is beautiful in its simplicity and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It showcases a vibrant medley of finely diced cherry or grape tomatoes, tossed with fragrant olive oil, pungent garlic powder, and perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper. This fresh bruschetta mixture is lovingly piled onto the sturdy Wasa crispbread, creating a wonderful contrast to the crunchy base. A scattering of fresh, julienned basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous finish, and a final drizzle of a homemade balsamic glaze (prepared similarly to the one for the pesto crispbread) brings a beautiful depth of flavor. This classic combination, reimagined on a crispbread, offers all the traditional appeal with an added textural dimension, making it an ideal choice for any gathering where timeless flavors are appreciated.

Top-down view of a crispbread topped with classic bruschetta mixture: diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Effortless Entertaining: Tips for Perfect Summer Appetizers

These three recipes are more than just quick bites; they are an invitation to simplify your summer entertaining without ever compromising on flavor or elegance. The ability to prepare impressive, healthy appetizers in under 15 minutes each is an invaluable asset, especially when juggling a busy schedule or hosting impromptu gatherings. They cater to a diverse array of tastes, offering both delightful sweet and savory options, and crucially, they provide superb gluten-free choices, ensuring that every guest at your table can indulge without a single worry. The robust yet subtly neutral flavor of Wasa Gluten Free crispbread crackers makes them the ideal canvas, allowing the fresh, vibrant toppings to truly command attention.

To further streamline your hosting experience, consider preparing certain components ahead of time. The balsamic glaze, for instance, can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator; it will naturally thicken further as it cools, enhancing its rich consistency. The bruschetta mixture can be diced and seasoned a few hours prior to serving, allowing the individual flavors to meld and deepen beautifully. For the strawberry and cream crispbread, having the strawberries pre-sliced and the maple lime dressing whisked and ready will significantly reduce last-minute assembly time. Always aim to assemble the crispbreads just before serving to preserve their signature crisp crunch. Arrange your creations artfully on a platter, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish, to create an inviting visual display that is sure to captivate and impress your guests.

Now that you’re equipped with these fantastic, easy-to-follow recipes, it’s truly time to get into the kitchen and unleash your culinary creativity! Make sure to pick up some Wasa Gluten Free Crispbread crackers and give these delightful appetizers a try. I sincerely hope you and your friends and family absolutely love them and enjoy every single bite! Here’s to crafting memorable summer moments, filled with delicious food and unparalleled ease!

A beautifully styled image of the three quick and easy summer appetizers on crispbreads, highlighting their gluten-free and plant-based nature, perfect for social media sharing.
Three crispbread summer appetizers on a white plate, showcasing vibrant toppings.

3 Quick & Easy Summer Appetizers

Servings: 6 servings

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 15 mins

These 3 quick and easy summer appetizers are incredibly simple to prepare! They’re made with delicious spreadable toppings atop a gluten-free crispbread cracker base! The toppings add a variety that is sure to please any snack lover!

Ingredients

Pesto and Burst Tomato Crispbread

  • 2 Wasa Gluten Free Crispbread crackers
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, or grape tomatoes, sliced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

– Balsamic Glaze

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup, or coconut/brown/cane sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Strawberry and Cream Crispbread

  • 2 Wasa Gluten Free Crispbread crackers
  • 2 tablespoons vegan cream cheese
  • ½ cup sliced strawberries
  • Lime zest, for topping
  • Chopped mint, for topping

– Maple Lime Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • Juice of half a lime, about ½ tablespoon
  • Zest of half a lime, about 1 teaspoon

Bruschetta Crispbread

  • 2 Wasa Gluten Free Crispbread crackers
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, or grape tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons julienned basil

– Balsamic Glaze

  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, or coconut/cane sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Herbs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Pesto and Burst Tomato Crispbread

  1. In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients for the balsamic glaze. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes, or until the glaze begins to thicken. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely; it will thicken significantly as it cools.
  2. In another pan over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the sliced cherry or grape tomatoes and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomatoes have burst and are slightly blistered. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
  3. Spread one tablespoon of pesto evenly onto each Wasa Gluten Free Crispbread cracker. Arrange the sautéed tomatoes on top, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over each crispbread. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Strawberry and Cream Crispbread

  1. In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together all the ingredients for the maple lime dressing (maple syrup, lime juice, and lime zest).
  2. Spread one tablespoon of vegan cream cheese onto each Wasa Gluten Free Crispbread cracker. Top with the sliced strawberries, a sprinkle of fresh lime zest, and chopped mint. Drizzle some of the prepared maple lime dressing over the toppings. Serve immediately and savor!

Bruschetta Crispbread

  1. **Balsamic Glaze:** In a saucepan, combine all ingredients for the balsamic glaze (balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, fine sea salt, ground black pepper). Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat, stirring continuously for about 5 minutes until the glaze thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely; it will become much thicker.
  2. **Bruschetta Mixture:** Dice the cherry or grape tomatoes into small, uniform cubes. Place them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to ensure all tomatoes are well coated.
  3. Top each Wasa Gluten Free Crispbread cracker with half of the prepared bruschetta mixture and half of the julienned basil.
  4. Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the cracker. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired, then serve and delight in this classic!

Notes

Nutritional value provided below is an estimate, specifically based on the Pesto and Burst Tomato Crispbread recipe.

Nutritional Information (Estimate for Pesto and Burst Tomato Crispbread)

  • Calories: 53 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 1mg
  • Sodium: 197mg
  • Potassium: 49mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Vitamin A: 204 IU
  • Vitamin C: 2mg
  • Calcium: 15mg
  • Iron: 1mg

Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

Cuisine: American

Course: Appetizer

Author: Jessica Hylton