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.

21 results in this collection. (Page 1 Of 2)
Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 21:29:57 GMT

Party Starters and Pre-Dinner Bites

Starters & Snacks

A delicious sandwich on soft bread stuffed with turkey, melted cheese, cranberry sauce, and topped with parsley.
Cranberry Turkey Bites

Warm and buttery rolls packed with roasted turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and creamy Swiss cheese, finished with a tasty herb-butter glaze baked to perfection.

A glass dish filled with cranberry sauce, garnished with whole cranberries, and a spoon resting on the rim.
Fresh Cranberry Relish

A simple cranberry relish with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes, sweetened naturally with honey and brightened with fresh orange juice.

A tray of freshly baked spiral pinwheel pastries filled with ham and cheese, garnished with herbs.
Italian Cheese Rolls

Buttery pastry wrapped around prosciutto, mozzarella and Italian herbs. The ultimate grab-and-go party snack.

Vibrant Mexican shrimp cocktail with crisp veggies in a tangy tomato dressing.
Zesty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Whip up a zesty Mexican shrimp cocktail with perfectly seasoned shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and a bright, tangy tomato-based dressing.

Golden-brown broccoli fritters with a crunchy crust and soft center.
Golden Broccoli Cheesy Fritters

Crunchy, veggie-packed broccoli fritters with cheesy goodness. Served alongside a tangy yogurt dip, they’re a fun way to add more greens to your table.

A bowl of sweet, football-themed puppy chow covered in powdered sugar and chocolate.
Festive Football Puppy Chow

Put together this vibrant Football Puppy Chow, featuring a mix of chocolate-covered Chex and cute almond footballs, perfect for adding excitement to game day.

A bowl of creamy fried pickle dip paired with crackers and fresh-cut veggies for dipping.
Delish Fried Pickle Dip

This creamy and tangy pickle dip, topped with crunchy panko crumbs, brings fried pickle flavors to your table. Try it at your next get-together!

Freshly made buffalo-spiced potato chips paired with a creamy dipping sauce.
Crispy Buffalo Potato Chips

Make potato chips at home with a simple method. A buffalo-seasoned variation adds extra flavor to these crunchy bites.

Golden curry croquettes with a crunchy coating and creamy, spiced filling.
Easy Japanese Curry Potato Croquettes

Soft potatoes seasoned with curry and wrapped in a golden, crunchy panko crust. Great for a snack, meal, or lunchbox treat.

A dish of warm, cheesy beef queso topped with fresh tomatoes and cilantro, with tortilla chips on the side.
Creamy Beef Queso Dip

A rich and cheesy dip with seasoned beef, melty Velveeta, sharp cheddar, and tangy diced tomatoes with chiles.

Golden sourdough croutons perfect for soups and salads, straight from the oven.
Crispy Homemade Sourdough Croutons

Make perfectly golden croutons from sourdough with simple garlic and herb flavors. Adds great texture to soups, salads, or works as a snack too!

Golden, crunchy sourdough cheese crackers with a bold cheddar flavor.
Homemade Cheese Crackers

Whip up these cheesy, crispy crackers using sourdough discard and cheese for a snack that blows store-bought treats out of the water.