10 Rhubarb Appetizer Recipes for a Summer BBQ

Rhubarb for the Win: Unexpected Appetizers That Sizzle

You know what’s a total BBQ flex? Showing up with rhubarb… as an appetizer. While everyone’s expecting strawberry-rhubarb pie, you’re over here laying out crostini, dips, and skewers that’ll have guests saying, “Wait, what’s in this?!” Rhubarb’s tangy, fruity bite pairs amazingly with savory, creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors—making it the ultimate sleeper hit of your summer spread.

This lineup of Rhubarb Appetizer Recipes for a Summer BBQ is equal parts fun and fancy, with make-ahead options and no-fuss crowd-pleasers that turn seasonal produce into total flavor bombs.

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1. Rhubarb BBQ Meatballs

Classic party meatballs get a summer makeover with a homemade rhubarb BBQ glaze that’s equal parts tangy, sweet, and spicy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Freezer-friendly
• Feeds a crowd easily
• A fresh twist on a retro favorite

Ingredients:

• 1 bag frozen cocktail meatballs
• 1 cup chopped rhubarb
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, simmer rhubarb, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes until soft.
2. Blend until smooth and return to heat to thicken.
3. Pour over meatballs and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
4. Serve warm or room temp with toothpicks.

Party Pro Tip:
Make the sauce a day ahead—it gets even better overnight!

Budget Breakdown:

• Total cost: ~$9
• Serves: 12
• Cost per serving: $0.75

Add-Ons & Variations:
Add a splash of bourbon or a smoky spice blend for extra depth.

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2. Rhubarb Chutney with Cheese Board

This make-ahead chutney is the secret weapon of summer entertaining. Sweet, tangy, and spicy, it’s the perfect companion to cheese, crackers, and cold drinks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Totally make-ahead
• Pairs with anything
• Doubles as a hostess gift

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped rhubarb
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• Pinch of cinnamon and clove

Directions:

1. Simmer all ingredients until thickened (about 20 mins).
2. Cool and refrigerate until serving.
3. Serve alongside cheeses, meats, crackers, and nuts.

Party Pro Tip:
Serve in a mini jar with a cute label for guests to take home!

Budget Breakdown:

• Total cost: ~$6
• Serves: 8–10 as part of a board
• Cost per serving: ~$0.60

Add-Ons & Variations:
Sub raisins for chopped dried apricots or add jalapeño for heat.

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3. Rhubarb Goat Cheese Crostini

Creamy, tangy, crunchy perfection. These elegant little bites look fancy but come together in minutes with a sweet-savory rhubarb topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Vegetarian-friendly
• Prep components ahead, assemble fast
• Great served warm or room temp

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 1/2 cup rhubarb compote (see below)

For the compote:

• 1 cup chopped rhubarb
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp water

Directions:

1. Simmer rhubarb, honey, and water until soft and jammy.
2. Cool completely.
3. Spread goat cheese on crostini, top with compote.

Party Pro Tip:
Garnish with fresh thyme or mint for a pop of green and flavor.

Budget Breakdown:

• Total cost: ~$7
• Serves: 10–12
• Cost per serving: ~$0.65

Add-Ons & Variations:
Try with ricotta or cream cheese for a milder flavor.

4. Rhubarb Salsa with Tortilla Chips

Fruity, spicy, and totally scoopable—this fresh rhubarb salsa is a colorful twist on your usual tomato blend, perfect with salty chips or grilled proteins.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No cooking required
• Bright and refreshing
• Vegan & gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 1 cup finely diced fresh rhubarb
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup red onion
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• Pinch of salt and sugar

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Let sit for 15–30 minutes to mellow and meld.
3. Serve with tortilla chips or spooned over grilled chicken or fish.

Party Pro Tip:
Make 2 hours ahead so the flavors really shine. Keeps well in the fridge overnight too.

Budget Breakdown:

• Total cost: ~$5
• Serves: 6–8
• Cost per serving: ~$0.70

Add-Ons & Variations:
Add mango, pineapple, or avocado for even more summer vibes.

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5. Grilled Chicken Skewers with Rhubarb Glaze

Tender chicken skewers brushed with a tangy rhubarb glaze—a perfect make-ahead marinade and grill-then-chill option for your BBQ table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, savory, and smoky
• Can be grilled in advance
• Served warm or room temp

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
• 1 cup chopped rhubarb
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

Directions:

1. Simmer rhubarb, honey, soy, and garlic until thickened.
2. Cool slightly, then toss with chicken to marinate (at least 1 hour or overnight).
3. Skewer and grill until cooked through.
4. Serve with extra glaze on the side.

Party Pro Tip:
Soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to avoid burning.

Budget Breakdown:

• Total cost: ~$9
• Serves: 8
• Cost per serving: $1.13

Add-Ons & Variations:
Add bell peppers or pineapple chunks to the skewers for color and contrast.

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6. Savory Rhubarb Hand Pies

These flaky, savory mini pastries are filled with caramelized onion, tangy rhubarb, and creamy feta. Bake ahead, serve at room temp—perfect picnic food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
• Sweet-savory flavor bomb
• Elegant yet rustic

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry or pie dough
• 1/2 cup caramelized onion
• 1/2 cup chopped rhubarb
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta
• Egg wash for sealing

Directions:

1. Mix onion, rhubarb, and feta.
2. Cut dough into circles or squares, fill with mixture.
3. Fold, seal, and crimp edges.
4. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden. Cool before serving.

Party Pro Tip:
Serve in a basket lined with parchment for easy outdoor hosting.

Budget Breakdown:

• Total cost: ~$8
• Serves: 10–12
• Cost per serving: ~$0.75

Add-Ons & Variations:
Sub goat cheese or add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds.

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7. Rhubarb Prosciutto Bites

Salty, sweet, and perfectly portioned, these little bites pair thin rhubarb ribbons with cured prosciutto and a touch of creamy cheese for fancy-but-easy finger food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No cooking needed
• Just 4 ingredients
• Elegant but totally crowd-friendly

Ingredients:

• 6 rhubarb stalks, peeled into thin ribbons
• 6 slices prosciutto, halved
• 1/4 cup cream cheese or goat cheese
• Honey for drizzling (optional)

Directions:

1. Blanch rhubarb ribbons briefly in boiling water, then chill.
2. Spread cheese on each rhubarb strip, roll with a piece of prosciutto.
3. Secure with toothpicks and drizzle with honey if desired.

Party Pro Tip:
Prep up to a day in advance and chill until serving time.

Budget Breakdown:

• Total cost: ~$7
• Serves: 12
• Cost per serving: ~$0.60

Add-Ons & Variations:
Swap cheese for a fig spread or blue cheese crumbles.

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8. Pickled Rhubarb & Cucumber Bites

Tangy pickled rhubarb layered with fresh cucumber makes for a crisp, cooling bite that’s a conversation starter every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super refreshing
• Vegan & gluten-free
• Make up to 3 days in advance

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup thinly sliced rhubarb
• 1/2 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds

Directions:

1. Pickle rhubarb in vinegar, sugar, and salt for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days).
2. Top cucumber rounds with a few pickled rhubarb slices.
3. Optional: add a dot of cream cheese or hummus underneath.

Party Pro Tip:
Serve these on a chilled platter to keep them fresh on a hot day.

Budget Breakdown:

• Total cost: ~$4
• Serves: 8–10
• Cost per serving: ~$0.45

Add-Ons & Variations:
Garnish with dill or microgreens for a pop of green.

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9. Rhubarb and Brie Puff Pastry Squares

These rich, buttery squares bring creamy brie and tangy rhubarb jam together for a decadent, bakery-style bite that guests will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Freezer-friendly
• Perfect warm or room temp
• Fancy without the fuss

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1/2 cup rhubarb compote or jam
• 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small pieces
• Optional: chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. Cut puff pastry into squares.
2. Top each with brie and a spoonful of jam.
3. Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes until golden.

Party Pro Tip:
Bake ahead and serve at room temp for easy hosting.

Budget Breakdown:

• Total cost: ~$9
• Serves: 12
• Cost per serving: ~$0.75

Add-Ons & Variations:
Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with thyme.

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10. Rhubarb Jalapeño Dip

Sweet, tangy rhubarb meets spicy jalapeño in a creamy dip that’s bold and scoopable—perfect with chips, veggies, or as a spread for sliders.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Served cold
• Unique flavor combo
• Quick to whip up and chill

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chopped rhubarb
• 1 small jalapeño, minced
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Salt & lime juice to taste

Directions:

1. Simmer rhubarb and jalapeño with 2 tbsp water until soft.
2. Cool and blend with cream cheese, sour cream, and seasoning.
3. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Party Pro Tip:
Serve in a chilled bowl with a basket of tortilla chips for scooping.

Budget Breakdown:

• Total cost: ~$5
• Serves: 8
• Cost per serving: ~$0.63

Add-Ons & Variations:
Use Greek yogurt or add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.

Rhubarb Reimagined: The Ultimate Summer BBQ Twist

Who knew rhubarb could crash a BBQ like this? These rhubarb appetizer recipes go way beyond dessert—bringing zesty, tangy flair to dips, crostini, skewers, and more. Whether you’re grilling, chilling, or setting up a breezy snack board, this collection proves that rhubarb is seriously versatile and seriously good at making you look like the most creative host on the block.

From savory hand pies to creamy dips with a kick, everything here is make-ahead friendly, crowd-tested, and ready to help your summer party shine. You’ve just unlocked a whole new way to love rhubarb—and your guests are going to want every recipe. 💥