If you're hosting a luau, that practically gives you the green light to put pineapple on every food item, and I'm not complaining! If you need some inspiration for your backyard party or if you just need a little getaway to the islands on a Tuesday, I've got you covered with 20 tropical themed appetizers. Get your leis and let's dive in!
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1) Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
Sticky and sweet. Once you eat one it is impossible to stop. Recommended only to get one per person.
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Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan, whisk the teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Add the pineapple chunks with their juice and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the meatballs and simmer for 15 minutes until heated through and glazed.
- Sprinkle with green onions and serve with toothpicks.
Notes
2) Coconut Shrimp Skewers
Coconut shrimp disappear as soon as they are placed on the table.
Coconut Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet.
- Set up three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and a mix of coconut and panko.
- Dredge each shrimp in flour, then egg, then the coconut mixture.
- Arrange on the sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Serve with a sweet chili or mango dipping sauce.
Notes
3) Ahi Poke Bites
Fresh, cool, and incredibly elegant – a perfect 2-biter! This snack is bound to be a hit!
Ahi Poke Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Gently toss the cubed tuna with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha.
- Fold in the green onion and sesame seeds.
- Cover and chill for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Spoon a little poke onto each wonton chip just before serving.
Notes
4) Mango Salsa with Tortilla Chips
Bright and juicy! It's the kind of dip that people will hover around all night.
Mango Salsa with Tortilla Chips
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the mango, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro in a bowl.
- Squeeze in the lime juice and add a pinch of salt.
- Toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Serve with a big bowl of tortilla chips.
Notes
5) Spam Musubi
It's the classic Hawaiian treat that feels nostalgic, even if it's your very first time trying it!
Ingredients
Method
- Sear the Spam slices in oil over medium-high heat until browned on both sides.
- Stir together the soy sauce and sugar, pour over the Spam, and simmer until glazed.
- Press warm rice into a musubi mold or small rectangle.
- Top each rice block with a glazed Spam slice.
- Wrap a strip of nori around each one to hold it together.
Notes
6) Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Succulent chicken and sugary pineapple are grilled to delightful perfection.
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the chicken in teriyaki sauce and honey and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Thread the chicken, pineapple, pepper, and onion onto skewers.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Brush with extra sauce in the last few minutes until charred and cooked through.
- Let rest a couple of minutes before serving.
Notes
7) Tropical Fruit Skewers
A colorful variety of fresh fruit that can also be used as edible party decoration.
Tropical Fruit Skewers
Ingredients
Method
- Thread the fruit onto skewers in a colorful repeating pattern.
- Whisk together the honey and lime juice.
- Arrange the skewers on a platter and drizzle with the honey-lime mixture.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
8) Lomi Lomi Salmon
A traditional Hawaiian dish that tastes like salmon salsa and will have you wanting to eat it by the spoonful.
Lomi Lomi Salmon
Ingredients
Method
- Dice the salmon, tomatoes, and onions into small, even pieces.
- Combine everything in a bowl and toss gently.
- Add a few ice cubes and a pinch of salt, then chill for 10 minutes.
- Remove the ice and serve cold, scooped onto crackers or eaten on its own.
Notes
9) Sweet and Spicy Tofu Bites
These crispy little cubes have a stick glaze that even people who dislike tofu like!
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Sweet and Spicy Tofu Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube it.
- Toss the cubes with cornstarch and oil and spread on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 425 degrees F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- Toss the hot tofu in the sweet chili and soy sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with toothpicks.
Notes
10) Banana Leaf Wrapped Pork
Tender, smoky pork bundles evoke the sensations of a true island feast.
Banana Leaf Wrapped Pork
Ingredients
Method
- Rub the pork with sea salt, garlic, and liquid smoke.
- Place portions of pork onto banana leaf squares and wrap into tidy bundles.
- Tie each bundle with kitchen twine.
- Steam or bake at 300 degrees F for about 90 minutes until very tender.
- Unwrap, shred slightly, and serve warm.
Notes
11) Grilled Pineapple Rings
Caramelized, smoky and sweet enough to feel like dessert.
Grilled Pineapple Rings
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk together the honey, melted butter, and cinnamon.
- Brush both sides of each pineapple ring with the glaze.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until charred.
- Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of sea salt and serve warm.
Notes
12) Hawaiian Sliders with Kimchi
Soft sweet rolls mixed with tangy kimchi create a great flavor explosion.
Hawaiian Sliders with Kimchi
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the rolls in half and place the bottoms in a baking dish.
- Layer on the pulled pork, cheese, and chopped kimchi.
- Add the roll tops, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
Notes
13) Luau Pulled Pork Nachos
Basically the life of the party, it's a shareable loaded pile.
Luau Pulled Pork Nachos
Ingredients
Method
- Spread the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet.
- Top with pulled pork, cheese, and pineapple tidbits.
- Bake at 400 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Drizzle with barbecue sauce and scatter green onions over the top.
- Serve hot, right off the sheet.
Notes
14) Macadamia Nut Hummus
This is a buttery island inspired twist on hummus that is meant for dipping with veggies and pita!
Macadamia Nut Hummus
Ingredients
Method
- Add the chickpeas, macadamia nuts, garlic, and lemon juice to a food processor.
- Blend while drizzling in the olive oil until smooth.
- Add a splash of water if it's too thick and season with salt.
- Spoon into a bowl, drizzle with oil, and serve with pita and veggies.
Notes
15) Maui Onion Dip
Sweet, savory, and is sure to make your chips fly to the dip!
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the diced onions in butter over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes until caramelized.
- Let the onions cool slightly.
- Stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and garlic powder.
- Fold in the caramelized onions and season with salt and pepper.
- Chill for 15 minutes and serve with chips or veggies.
Notes
16) Coconut Curry Deviled Eggs
Classic deviled eggs have taken a vacation to a sunny tropical destination.
Coconut Curry Deviled Eggs
Ingredients
Method
- Hard-boil the eggs, then cool, peel, and halve them.
- Scoop the yolks into a bowl and mash with mayonnaise, coconut cream, curry powder, and lime juice.
- Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg whites.
- Top each with a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
17) Huli Huli Chicken Wings
These sticky, sweet-and-savory wings disappear quicker than you can refill the platter.
Huli Huli Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and ginger.
- Bake the wings at 425 degrees F for 25 minutes.
- Simmer the sauce in a saucepan until slightly thickened.
- Brush the wings generously with sauce and bake 10 more minutes until sticky.
- Toss in any remaining sauce and serve.
Notes
18) Pineapple Bacon Bites
These bite-sized snacks are dangerously addictive with their combination of salt, sweetness, and smokiness!
Pineapple Bacon Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet.
- Wrap each pineapple chunk in a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Mix the brown sugar and chili powder, then sprinkle over the wrapped bites.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the bacon is crisp and caramelized.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
19) Papaya with Lime and Tajin
This is the quickest bite that is delicious and refreshing! It takes literally two minutes.
Papaya with Lime and Tajin
Ingredients
Method
- Peel and slice the papaya into long spears.
- Arrange the spears on a platter.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.
- Dust with Tajin and a pinch of sea salt, then serve chilled.
Notes
20) Kalua Pork Spring Rolls
A crunchy takeout and island fusion mashup!
Kalua Pork Spring Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the kalua pork with cabbage, carrot, and soy sauce.
- Place a scoop of filling on each wrapper, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly.
- Seal the edges with a dab of water.
- Fry in hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and serve with dipping sauce.