15 Best Snacks for Surfside Feasting

Make your favorite Boardwalk-inspired bites at home with this collection of salty, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying summertime eats!

Photo By: Tara Donne

Photo By: Tara Donne ©Tara Donne

Photo By: Tara Donne

Photo By: VideoFocus

Old Bay Steamed Blue Crabs

Nothing says seaside eats like steamed blue crabs, dusted with a generous helping of savory Old Bay seasoning. Best of all, you don't have to wait long to get crackin' — this recipe is ready in just 35 minutes!

Get the Recipe: Old Bay Steamed Blue Crabs

Vinegar French Fries

There's no spud more synonymous with the boardwalk than one that's doused in tangy vinegar. Cook yours to golden-brown perfection by frying them twice: once to soften the potato and a second time to crisp its exterior.

Get the Recipe: Vinegar French Fries

Shrimp and Oyster Po’ Boys

Cornmeal-fried shrimp and oysters make the perfect filling for this sandwich; crisp iceburg lettuce, a creamy mayonnaise-based sauce and soft po' boy-style rolls give it all the character of the famous New Orleans specialty.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Oyster Po' Boys

The Ultimate Crab Cakes

Served over greens or tucked into a soft, toasted roll, jumbo lump crab cakes are a staple at beach-front bistros and boardwalk eateries up and down the coast.

Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Crab Cakes

Creamy Corn Hushpuppies

These sweet-and-salty, golden-fried corn fritters have a secret ingredient: beer. Pilsner adds lightness to the rich, creamy batter, giving these hushpuppies the tender texture they're known for.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Corn Hush Puppies

Popcorn Rock Shrimp with Spicy Honey

Rock shrimp's size makes it the perfect bite-size snack — the reason you'll often find it deep-fried and served by the basketful when you visit the shore.

Get the Recipe: Popcorn Rock Shrimp with Spicy Honey

Baja Style Fish Tacos

Crack open an ice-cold beer and enjoy these homemade fish tacos al fresco for a laid-back meal that will satisfy your taste buds — and your desire to spend an afternoon relaxing by the ocean!

Get the Recipe: Baja Style Fish Tacos

Sea Salt Caramel Corn

Light and crunchy, sweet and salty: no trip to the Jersey Shore is complete without a big bucket of old-fashioned caramel popcorn. Craving some right now? You can make this 'pop'-ular boardwalk snack with just a handful of ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Sea Salt Caramel Corn

Iggy’s Clam Cakes

The perfect marriage of fresh seafood and the golden-fried goodness that's become synonymous with casual, coastal fare: these balls of deep-fried dough are studded with salty, chopped clams.

Get the Recipe: Iggy's Clam Cakes

Raw Oysters with Mignonette and Soy-Ginger Sauce

As fresh and briny as the breeze blowing in from the water, raw oysters are a must-have when you're surfside. And, with a little bit of practice (and a good oyster knife) you can enjoy them at home, shucked just moments before you eat them!

Get the Recipe: Raw Oysters with Mignonette and Soy-Ginger Sauce

New Haven-Style White Clam Pizza

This pie may have its roots in New Haven, Connecticut, but its fresh clam topping will transport you to your favorite surfside restaurant with every bite. No time to make your own pizza dough? Buy a ball from your neighborhood pizzeria.

Get the Recipe: New Haven-Style White Clam Pizza

Funnel Cake

Bring a little piece of the boardwalk into your kitchen with an iconic, summertime treat; you only need 20 minutes to make a batch of fresh, sugar-dusted funnel cake!

Get the Recipe: Funnel Cake

“Cleveland Style” Clambake

An easy, no-fuss family meal reminiscent of the ultra-fresh seafood served up at humble seaside shacks, this clambake is loaded with flavor. And, it's fun to eat — dump it out onto a newspaper-lined picnic table and let everyone dig in!

Get the Recipe: "Cleveland Style" Clambake

Churros

There's a good chance that you have all of the ingredients that you need to make this cinnamon-sugar-dusted treat in your pantry right now! Mix up a batch and enjoy them just like you would surfside — fried fresh and served warm.

Get the Recipe: Churros

Fried Clams

Simplicity is key with this crave-worthy recipe. Use the freshest shellfish you can get your hands on and trim carefully (so that you're cooking only the belly) for fried clams that are perfectly tender and delicious.

Get the Recipe: Fried Clams