Tasty Appetizers

The right appetizer sets the tone for everything that follows, whether you're hosting a casual game night, elegant dinner party, or holiday gathering. This collection offers options for every occasion, skill level, and time constraint. You'll find quick-assembly platters that let beautiful ingredients speak for themselves, make-ahead dips and spreads that actually improve with time in the refrigerator, and hot appetizers worth turning on the oven for. I've included both vegetarian options and meat-based classics, with plenty of room for customization based on what looks good at the market. Many recipes include serving suggestions and scaling information, making it easy to adapt them for different group sizes. I'm particularly fond of appetizers that can be prepped in stages, allowing you to enjoy your own party instead of being stuck in the kitchen, so you'll find plenty of those here. Whether you need something to tide guests over before dinner or want to create an entire spread of small bites for grazing, these recipes deliver big flavor in small packages, often with simpler preparation than their impressive appearance suggests.

166 results in this collection. (Page 1 Of 14)
Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 21:29:57 GMT

Starters & Snacks

A plate of food with tomatoes and cheese.
Burrata Bruschetta Fresh Flavorful

Creamy Burrata pairs with fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic for a bright, crowd-pleasing Italian-style appetizer.

A plate of strawberries with whipped cream.
Balsamic Strawberry Goat Cheese Toast

Crispy baguette slices topped with goat cheese, strawberries, and balsamic glaze finished with fresh basil.

A bowl of food with green and red toppings.
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas Snack

Crispy air fried chickpeas with paprika, garlic, and cumin for a flavorful, satisfying snack.

A plate of shrimp with lemon and herbs.
Crispy Coconut Shrimp Delightful

Plump shrimp in coconut-panko coating, fried to golden crispness. Zesty, bold, and perfect with fresh lime.

A plate of food with onions and cheese.
Cheesy Tennessee Onions Hot Delight

Vidalia onions baked with creamy cheese and breadcrumbs for a spicy Southern-inspired side.

A plate of food with a sauce on it.
Sriracha Honey Cauliflower Bites

Baked cauliflower bites coated in spicy Sriracha honey sauce for a crunchy, bold-flavored snack.

A plate of food with broccoli and cheese.
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Cheesy broccoli bites baked until golden, offering a savory option for snacks, appetizers, or sides.

A plate of grilled sausages with a bowl of sauce.
Smoky Sweet Spicy Little Smokies

Little Smokies covered in smoky-sweet barbecue, sriracha, and brown sugar glaze for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

A plate of food with red peppers.
Vietnamese Cabbage Vermicelli Rolls

Tender cabbage rolled around pork, herbs, and noodles, served with a tangy chilli-lime dipping sauce.

A plate of food with a nut on it.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Creamy cheddar cheese ball with cranberries, pecans, and chives. Serve with crackers or veggies for gatherings.

A plate of food with a pastry and a green herb.
Crab Cheese Crescent Rolls

Flaky crescent rolls packed with creamy crab, cheddar, and herbs. Perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings.

A sandwich with cheese and bacon on a plate.
Sun Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto

Buttery bread, melty cheese, bacon, pesto, and tangy tomatoes create a craveable, golden sandwich.