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.

108 results in this collection. (Page 3 Of 9)
Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 21:29:57 GMT

Starters & Snacks

A bowl of creamy beef queso dip garnished with diced tomatoes and cilantro, served with tortilla chips.
Beef Queso Dip

A speedy, smooth queso packed with taco-flavored ground beef, dual cheeses, and spicy tomatoes with green chiles.

A plate of delicious pastries, including croissants and quiches, is displayed on a table.
Chicken Filled Pastry Pockets

Buttery pastry pockets filled with juicy shredded chicken, ideal for any gathering. Prep them early and freeze for hassle-free entertaining.

Crunchy Chex cereal pieces covered in chocolatey goodness and powdered sugar with football-shaped treats.
Game Day Chex Mix

Enjoy this playful two-color Chex mixture featuring melted chocolate coating and hand-decorated almond footballs for your sports viewing parties.

Creamy fried pickle dip served with crackers and fresh veggies for dipping.
Pickle Cream Party Dip

Get the taste of pickles in a smooth, tangy dip with crunchy breadcrumbs on top - just right for your next get-together.

Homemade crunchy buffalo potato chips served with creamy ranch dipping sauce.
Buffalo Potato Crisps

Whip up crunchy, crisp potato chips in your kitchen with this simple method, including a spicy buffalo and cheese option for extra zing.

Crispy salmon croquettes with a golden crust and tender, flavorful center.
Crispy Salmon Patties

Discover how to cook amazingly crunchy salmon patties using either fresh or tinned salmon, perfectly seasoned and cooked until golden-brown.

Golden, crispy tuna patties with a tender, flavorful center.
Flaky Tuna Patties

Turn ordinary canned tuna into mouthwatering golden patties with this quick method using herbs, fresh lemon, and grated Parmesan.

Crispy curry croquettes with a golden crust and spicy, creamy filling.
Curry Potato Fried Bites

These tasty Japanese bites mix smooth curry-flavored potato insides with a crunchy panko shell, making them great for quick bites or full meals.

Crispy sesame-crusted salmon patties with a tender, flavorful inside.
Thai Sesame Salmon Cakes

Homemade salmon cakes packed with Thai hints of lime, ginger, and fresh herbs, wrapped in a crunchy layer of sesame seeds and panko crumbs.

Crispy Japanese okonomiyaki with cabbage, batter, and savory toppings.
Japanese Savory Cabbage Pancakes

Master homemade Japanese cabbage pancakes loaded with bacon and topped with classic condiments and bonito flakes - ready in half an hour.

Cool Mexican shrimp cocktail with bold tomato sauce and crunchy veggies.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Mix up a cooling Mexican shrimp cocktail with tender poached shrimp, crisp veggies, and a tangy tomato sauce blend.

Crispy vegetarian shami kababs made with lentils, spices, and herbs.
Crunchy Black Chickpea Kababs

Crunchy veggie shami kababs crafted from black chickpeas with flavorful spices, ideal for snacking or serving as starters with mint sauce.