You’ll want people to have plenty of choices, but that doesn’t mean you should spend all day in the kitchen! People like to graze, and I know that I would rather have a plate full of yummy apps than one big meal. The more, the merrier!
Easy Appetizers For Your Next Party
Your appetizer table can be versatile, too. Hot dips, cold dips, chips, veggies, savory options, sweet treats, and more – the possibilities are endless. You’ll notice this list is pretty long – 50 recipes! – and that’s because I just couldn’t narrow it down. How could I not include everything from kid-friendly pigs in a blanket and classic spinach dip to some salty-sweet bacon, brie, and apple crostini? We have a lot to get through, so let’s just dive right in!
1. Pigs in a Blanket (with Cheese!)
This recipe is a classic for a reason – everyone loves it! You know you can put a tray of these out and have a happy crowd of kids and adults alike. Use store-bought crescent rolls and sliced cheese to make the prep lightning fast. I also like to throw in some bacon for good measure.
2. Easy Cranberry Brie Bites
You really can’t beat the rich flavor or creamy Brie with some sharp and fresh cranberry sauce. Not only is it delicious, but the colors are so tempting. In truth, most jams would work beautifully in this, as the sweetness pairs so well with the savory cheese. I like to use puff pastry to get some buttery flakes.
3. Easy Pizza Dip
Anyone can open a jar of salsa, but how about going the extra mile with a hot, cheesy dip that full of pizza flavors? Serving pizza isn’t always ideal with a crowd, but this dip is the next best thing. You’ll have the tangy tomato sauce, melted cheese, and plenty of pepperonis. Serve with breadsticks, crackers, or garlic toast.
4. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a staple at pretty much every party, right? That’s because they’re small, easy to eat, and great for bringing along to a gathering. As much as I like to experiment, I’ve found buffalo chicken to be the winner. It’s sticky, spicy, and just to die for.
5. Spinach Artichoke Zucchini Bites
Spinach and artichoke dip is full of cream cheese, shredded cheese, and sour cream. It’s delicious but not the healthiest. This is a great alternative to dip and chips, throwing in some veg with every bite. Plus, it’s a wonderful option for people looking to cut back on their carbs.
6. Easy Roasted Sweet Potato Bites
Roasted sweet potatoes are something I have at least twice per week. They go great with most main dishes, and I like them in tacos for meatless Mondays! Being roasted, they’re perfect finger food. They won’t turn to mush, and people can eat them like they would popcorn chicken. Just be sure to make enough – they’re addictive!
7. Hormel Chili Dip
Three ingredients and five minutes? Talk about easy appetizers! I don’t know anyone that can resist a creamy, cheesy dip. It’s full of Hormel chili, so you know it’s bursting with flavor. I love the cream cheese base, too, for added creaminess. If you want it spicy, go ahead and throw in some chopped jalapeños.
8. Easy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Did you know you can make mozzarella sticks using those string cheese packs you have in the fridge? As if they weren’t already your favorite snack! To get them super crunchy, be sure to dredge them twice, giving them a double coating of breadcrumbs for the best possible texture. I like to serve mine with marinara, and this spicy version is pretty incredible.
9. Velveeta Sausage Dip
Another super simple, three-ingredient dip you can whip up in minutes, this one is loaded with crumbled sausage and tomatoes. Velveeta is the key here, as it will melt beautifully and not turn lumpy. However, if you use a slow cooker and hold the dip on “warm,” most cheeses will do the trick.
10. Classic Cheese Ball
There’s something really 70s about this, and I’m a big lover of all things retro! I mean, it’s a delicious ball of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onions, and spices – what could be better? It will be a little messy as you form the ball and add the pecans, but it’s so worth it. Serve with buttery Ritz crackers for the ultimate taste explosion.
11. Qdoba Queso (Copycat Recipe)
This recipe uses Monterey Jack, cheddar, and American cheeses for a more balanced cheese flavor, and it has no meat inside. If you don’t love Velveeta, this one’s for you. Being lighter and creamier, this recipe is a little more subtle, and I love the addition of the poblano peppers.
12. Garlic Dipping Oil
Do you add double the amount of garlic called for in a recipe? Then you’ll love this dipping oil. All you need to do is grate your garlic and mix it in with some herbs and a little oil. It’s perfect served with sourdough bread, which you just dip right in and eat. Alternatively, why not use it to fry off some juicy shrimp for a heavenly tapas-style easy appetizer?
13. Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
If you’ve ever had Applebee’s spinach dip, you’ll know it’s extra creamy and full of garlicky goodness. That’s because, rather than just using cream cheese, they throw in Alfredo sauce to boot! It brings with it so much more flavor and makes for a smoother dip overall. You can use a jar sauce, or I highly recommend making your own. It’s dangerously easy!
14. Jalapeño Cheese Crisps
These crisps should come with a warning – once you have one, you won’t be able to stop. I’m serious! You’ll only need two ingredients – cheese and chilis – and it’s just a matter of making little piles on a baking tray. As the cheese cooks, it will melt and grab hold of the jalapeño, encasing it in a crispy shell. Make triple because you’re bound to eat a whole batch while you work.
15. Cowboy Crack Dip
Taking the cheese dips a step further, this recipe includes corn for a bright and crisp addition you’re going to love. As much as I think the spicy sausage works here, I do recommend adding some bacon for a crunchier texture.
16. The Best Veggie Tray
It might not be as sexy as apple bruschetta, but most people really love a good veggie tray. The trick is to make it varied and colorful! You’ll want plenty of options and a dip to bring it all together.
17. Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon (Just 3 Ingredients!)
In the UK, pigs in a blanket are cocktail sausages wrapped in bacon. They don’t tend to use pastry or crescent rolls (since they don’t have them over there), but they’re salty, meaty, and the perfect little bites. This recipe is going to become your new favorite; I just know it! These are a little different as they’re sprinkled with brown sugar before baking. It adds a fantastic sweetness to the mix! Or try brushing with a bit of BBQ sauce.
18. Bacon Brie Apple Crostini
You’ve probably had savory crostini before, and it’s always a great easy appetizer. But I just adore this version so much, and it always gets plenty of smiles when I bring them out. As good as it looks with the bacon on top, I like to add it to the cheese, so you know it’ll stick. The last thing you’ll want is for it to fall off and be left without!
19. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Rotisserie chicken is probably the best thing you can buy at the store. It’s juicy and bursting with flavor. There’s no way you can recreate it at home! It’s also perfect for this spicy, cheesy dip. Just shred it and add to the mix for a super hearty and popular app everyone will love.
20. Baked Brie with Apples and Salted Caramel
Caramel and Brie… did I lose you? When you think about it, tangy Brie is practically calling out for something sweet, and salted caramel is the ideal option. The best option is to get that Brie lovely and soft, and I like to bake it with the apples right on top.
21. Chipotle Guacamole Recipe
Do you have a mantra? Here’s mine: I just want to earn enough money to know I can always add guac. Is that too much to ask? Guacamole will always be the King of the dips, in my opinion, and as good as some store-bought options are, you can’t beat the homemade stuff. This Chipotle recipe includes everything you need to make it perfect: cilantro, lime juice, red onions, and jalapeños. Of course, you can leave out the cilantro if you want, and I sometimes like to add diced tomatoes for added chunkiness.
22. Antipasti Bites
If you’re not using salami as little cups for artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, basil, and mozzarella balls, well, you don’t know what you’re missing! It’s such a genius little hack, and I’ve used it so many times over the years. All you’ll have to do is bake your salami inside muffin tins, so they crisp up and form a tiny bowl. Then just fill them with your extras for an easy bite-sized appetizer.
23. Easy Apple Bruschetta Recipe
Unlike jam, chutney is usually chunky and has a sweet-savory blend of ingredients. You’ve probably had a mango chutney with your curry, but this apple chutney is something else. It’s sweet and sour, using apples, red onion, vinegar, and brown sugar to give your taste buds a real kick. Mix that with some tangy goat cheese, and you’ll have one tasty appetizer.
24. Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread)
Also known as “crack bread,” this recipe is a winner every time. Remember that garlic dipping oil? It would be so good drizzled into the pull-apart bread! Sourdough is my go-to, but any solid loaf with a decent crust will work.
25. Pimento Cheese
This southern fave is a tasty mixture of cheddar cheese and pimento peppers. It’s usually made to be smeared onto crackers or served with crunchy veg. Pimento peppers are small and mild in flavor, so you won’t have to worry about any spice here (unless you want it!). Roasted red peppers are a great substitution if you can’t find the others.
26. Spinach-Artichoke Dip Wonton Cups
Given the year we’ve all had, I get it if you’re not looking to put out a big bowl of dip for people to share. Safety first! These wonton cups are the perfect way to serve your favorite spinach dip without having to worry about double-dipping. They’re just the right size and give you that creamy filling and crunchy exterior all in one bite.
27. Cheesy Pita Crisps
Can you go to the pizza place and not order garlic knots? They’re just so salty and buttery, and I don’t think you can have pizza without them. These pita chips are like crunchy little garlic bread bites. Just spread your garlic butter mixture over the ready-made pita and bake. Of course, if you want them less crisp, cut the bake time in half. They’ll be soft, warm, and dripping with flavor.
28. Mini-Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Fillo Snack Tart Recipe
Fillo (or filo, or phyllo) consists of multiple layers of super thin pastry. It’s usually brushed with butter before being layered, making it extra crisp and flaky. Working with it at home can be a pain – you have to keep it under a damp towel to ensure it doesn’t dry out. That’s why I like to use ready-made frozen shells. Just fill them with your apple, cheese, and bacon mixture and bake until the cheese melts.
29. Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Hot dips are fabulous, but they don’t always travel well. It’s easy to bring them out at home, but what if you’re going to the in-laws? Cold dips are just as tasty, and they just need to be covered to take along with you. The sauce here is extra special, as it includes both cranberries and jalapeños for a sweet and spicy marriage of flavors.
30. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
If you use ready-made pizza dough for this, you’ll save so much time. Especially if you use the kind that’s already rolled out! Between the ham and cheese, and the insanely good sauce over the top, these are going to fly off the plate. You’ll need butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard and poppy seeds, which need to be combined and melted so you can pour it right over.
31. Bacon Wrapped Dates
Not only do these look incredible, but they’re absolutely bursting with flavor. You won’t believe how good they are for something so small. You’ll have to split the dates to get the pits out anyway, so why not fill that space with some tangy cheese? A small piping bag will be your best friend for this! For the bacon, try to get something thin, and be sure to use toothpicks to keep it in place.
32. 5-Ingredient Apple Brickle Dip
This recipe gets the name from the use of almond brickle chips. These are almost like almond brittle and can be made with caramel and almonds, letting them set and go hard. It’s not super easy to find, and recipes really vary, so this mix just uses toffee bits, which will give you the same tasty crunch. The base for this is dreamy sweetened cream cheese with brown sugar, vanilla, and chopped apples.
33. Cowboy Caviar
This is such a colorful and fun appetizer. It gets the name from the fact that everything is mostly the same size, and it looks a little like caviar. Loaded with corn, beans, tomatoes, and avocado, you can serve this with chips, on crostini, or over some mini-tostadas.
34. French Onion Dip
The key to a good bowl of French onion soup is the caramelized onions. They should be deep, dark, and super intense. This dip is no different! Since they’re the star of the dish, be prepared to take your time. They need a little love and a lot of slow cooking to get to the right flavor and consistency. Anything less will ruin the dip.
35. Pub-Style Beer Cheese Dip
So, you got one of those giant tubs of pretzels on sale, and now you don’t know what to do with them. I know – make beer cheese dip! Pretzels, cheese, and beer are a match made in heaven, and you can serve this hot or cold – it’s fantastic either way. I’m a big fan of beer, so I use something like a Sam Adams that has a more pronounced flavor.
36. Seven-Layer Taco Dip
Everyone loves tacos, but they’re not the easiest appetizer to put out. So, how about a big bowl of taco dip instead? As the name might suggest, this dip has seven layers, each better than the last. I like it with just beans, but you can so easily make it an eight-layer dip with some spicy ground beef or shredded chicken.
37. Cheese Quesadillas (For a Party)
You’ll need small tortillas for this – 4 inches is the best best. That way, you can fill them and fold them over to make lovely little cheese pockets. If you’ve ever had a homemade quesadilla and found it lacking, this recipe will change all that. You need decent cheese, such as something mature with lots of flavor, along with chilis, onion, and coarse salt. It’s a simple mix, but it makes all the difference.
38. Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
When it comes to easy appetizers, these sliders are one of the easiest and most filling! Sliders are, after all, mini-sandwiches, right? So you know they’re hearty and flavorsome. What makes them so easy? You can make a whole tray of these in seconds! Just don’t pull anything apart and cut the entire batch like one big loaf. Fill it. Bake it. Enjoy!
39. Crockpot Bean Dip
This bean dip is a smooth mix of refried beans, chiles, sour cream, salsa, lime juice, garlic, onion, chili powder, and cheese for something totally hands-off. It sounds like a lot, but since it’s cooked in a Crockpot, all you’ll have to do is mix and walk away. For an even faster mix, just throw in a packet of taco seasoning!
40. Bacon Ranch Crock Pot Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are such a treat, and they are versatile, too! I usually go for something garlicky with breadcrumbs, but this bacon-ranch combo is to die for. Be sure to get your cream cheese out to soften; that way, you can make the mix perfectly smooth. Using a slow cooker will leave you with extra time to get other things ready. But I much prefer the texture you’ll get when you roast them in the oven.
41. Quick and Easy Nachos
Nachos are one of the all-time greats when it comes to easy appetizers. You can keep them super simple with just cheese and chips or really go above and beyond with some crazy toppings. Which do you think I prefer? If you’re worried about soggy chips, try pre-baking them for a few minutes before adding your toppings. As for the extras? I say go big or go home! You’ll want chili, beef, beans, pico, guacamole, onion, chilis, and plenty of cheese.
42. Caramel Apple Dip
My friends are well aware that if I’m in charge of chips and dips, they’ll get something sweet. It’s just a fact! And as good as all those fantastic savory dishes are, no table is complete without a little caramel. This sweet dip is like a caramel cheesecake, made with a layer of sweet cream cheese and then a thick layer of caramel over the top. Dulce De Leche is the best option, in my opinion. Serve with lots of apple slices.
43. Garlic Cheese Flatbread
How many times have you poured out a bag of chips only to find half of them crushed? They’re still tasty, but they’re not great for dipping! If you’re feeling up to it, making your own flatbread chips will ensure they’re big enough to handle all those dips you’ve made. You can even get creative and cut out fun shapes for the kids!
44. Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pinwheels
They might look like the ham and cheese roll-ups, but these are served cold – although, the mixture would be amazing in that same recipe, if you ask me! It’s as easy as mixing your cream cheese with ranch dry mix. Fold through some bacon, cheese, and chives, and spread onto flour tortillas.
45. Tuscan Truffles
Don’t reach for these and expect a mouthful of sweet chocolate! They might look like candy, but the garlic and white balsamic vinegar will tell you otherwise! There is a touch of sweetness in this recipe from the creamy mascarpone, lemon zest, and dried figs. The savory notes from the prosciutto and goat cheese keep it off the dessert table.
46. Marinated Cheese
I know, it’s not something you see every day. How do you marinate cheese? And in what? It’s incredible how much flavor you can impart into a slice of cheese when you leave it to marinate for a few hours. It’s a big step up from just regular cheese slices and crackers.
47. 3-Ingredient Homemade Almond Crackers
Most crackers are not vegan friendly, and it’s not always easy to find homemade crackers that will hold up to some toppings, and taste good. This recipe seems to have cracked it! You’ll need almond flour, ground flaxseed and sea salt. Just add enough water until the dough comes together.
48. Antipasto Appetizer Cheese Board
I can think of nothing more stunning than a charcuterie platter full of meats, cheeses, fruits, crackers, and nuts. You can use pretty much any kind of each you like, and it’s almost impossible to go wrong. To make it look like a million bucks, be sure to use a nice wooden board, and don’t be afraid of adding extra! You won’t want empty gaps in there.
49. Italian Pizza Bites
These are like pizza muffins, and they’re soft and moist, just like a good muffin should be! They’re full of pepperoni and salami for a real pizza taste and are best served warm with marinara sauce or some of that garlic dipping sauce. I highly recommend adding extra cheese to the top and letting it bubble and turn golden.
50. Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle
Healthy, vibrant, fresh, and perfectly balanced, these little skewers are such an easy and effective appetizer. You can use mozzarella balls to make the prep faster, but if you want to stand them up, you’ll need to cut your tomatoes to give them a flat base. Click on a star to rate it!
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