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 11 Of 14)
Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 21:29:57 GMT

Starters & Snacks

Garlic Butter Spread
Fresh Garlic Butter

An easy spread made with fresh garlic and herbs. Perfect to use on bread or melt over steamed vegetables.

Crispy Jalapeño Egg Rolls
Cheesy Jalapeño Rolls

Golden rolls packed with spiced beef, gooey cream cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh jalapeños. Pair with sweet and tangy sauces for dipping.

A fork lifting melty cheese from golden, crunchy Parmesan-coated bites with parsley garnish.
Cheesy Mozzarella Snacks

Crispy mozzarella snacks with a gooey center, wrapped in Parmesan breadcrumbs. Perfect for casual parties or as a fun game day treat.

Zoomed-in image of cheesy bites with bacon and green herbs on a dark plate.
Bacon Ranch Cheese Balls

Creamy cheese balls wrapped in crispy bacon and ranch flavor, served with pretzel sticks for a quick grab-and-go party snack.

Wooden tray holding crisp pastry shells with creamy spinach-artichoke stuffing.
Wonton Spinach Cups

Crispy baked wonton cups filled with cheesy spinach and artichoke mix. A quick and mouthwatering appetizer for any gathering.

Golden brown rolls stuffed with gooey cheese and ham, fresh out of the oven.
Cheesy Ham Rolls

Crispy rolls of ham and melted cheese wrapped in golden pastry and finished with a buttery glaze for the ultimate savory bite.

A tray filled with baked golden pastries stuffed with melted filling, garnished with herbs.
Iowa Snack Bites

Flaky crescent rolls filled with beef and cream cheese make these an easy, crowd-pleasing snack for any occasion.

Crunchy, golden Ritz snacks with melted cheese and spices.
Garlic Bread Bits

Transform cheese Ritz Bits into golden, garlicky treats with melted butter, parmesan, and tasty seasonings. Done in just 15 minutes.

Golden-brown cheese sticks with a side of ketchup and fresh basil garnish on a plate.
Cheese Sticks Mozzarella

Get these crunchy mozzarella sticks done in no time. Perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside, and ooey-gooey on the inside.

A close-up shot of fried chicken topped with bacon bits, cheese, and crunchy cereal pieces, decorated with green garnishes.
Bacon Cheese Doritos

Crispy Doritos loaded with smooth cream cheese, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar – the ultimate crowd-pleasing finger food.

Golden toasts with shrimp, gooey cheese, and fresh parsley, surrounded by chopped herbs.
Shrimp Toast Bites

Toasty baguette slices topped with Cajun-spiced shrimp and a creamy cheese trio. A crowd-pleasing bite-sized snack.

A hand dipping a chip into a creamy white and red dip in a black bowl. Chips and gleaming cilantro sit in the background.
Quick Party Dip

A bold, creamy dip made with ranch seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and whipped cream cheese. Perfect for pairing with crunchy veggies or savory chips.