Food is the best way to entertain. Personally, it’s how I show my love to the people I care about.
30+ Easy Appetizers
These appetizers may just be the start of the meal, but they do set a good tone for parties. They’re easy to make and a lot of fun to eat. There’s no need for utensils for these finger foods, so clean-up is also a breeze. Whether you’re in the mood for chips and dip, Buffalo wings, or soft pretzels, there’s something for every craving, season, and occasion in this roundup. Throwing a party any time soon? I have just the appetizer recipes for you.
1. Swedish Meatballs
IKEA meatballs are just as beloved as the company’s affordable furniture. In 2020, they did us all a solid and shared the recipe! If you didn’t love IKEA then, I bet you do now. These meatballs are incredibly tender, juicy, and scrumptious. The balls themselves are already a winner, but they taste even better when bathed with creamy gravy. So, if you’re not planning on getting a piece of new furniture anytime soon, but craving for these delectable meatballs, you’ll know what to do.
2. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Bites
If you love sun-dried tomatoes, I guarantee you these appetizers will be your new favorite. Flakey bite-sized phyllo shells are topped with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese. It sounds fancy, and it is, but it’s also a snap to make. There’s isn’t even any cooking required! Just assemble the bites and your work is done.
3. Crockpot Buffalo Wings
Game day hasn’t tasted this good! Even if your team loses, these Crockpot buffalo chicken wings will still make you feel like a winner. I mean, how mouthwatering is that glaze? Made from a blend of butter and hot sauce, it’s as delicious as it looks. The wings themselves are unbelievably crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned in every bite.
4. Cucumber Canapés with Whipped Feta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Basil
How about something fancy for your next party? These canapes are topped with cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and for the piece de resistance: whipped feta. Have you ever tried whipped feta before? If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat. It has just the same light and airy consistency as whipped cream, but with a mild, salty, cheesy flavor. It gives any hors d’oeuvre a touch of elegance.
5. Hormel Chili Dip
Having your friends over for an impromptu get-together? This recipe has you covered. Creamy, cheesy, and addictive: no other words can better describe this Hormel chili dip. With only three ingredients, it’s shockingly delicious. All you’ll need are chili, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. It comes together in one bowl, and you don’t even need to cook. Just microwave the ingredients and voila.
6. Veggie Tray
Let’s take a break from the sinful appetizers and focus our attention on this veggie tray. It may not be as decadent as the others on this list, but it’s definitely delicious. Plus, how pretty is this tray? The medley of veggies, from the carrots to the tomatoes to the asparagus, creates such a vibrant color combination. Serve it with an array of dips, and you’re all set.
7. Velveeta Sausage Dip
Crumbled sausage, melted cheese, diced tomatoes, and chili – all of these come together in one magical dip. Ah, Velveeta sausage dip. You may not be a looker, but you taste absolutely phenomenal. Savory, creamy, cheesy, meaty – when it comes to awesome dip qualities, it checks all the boxes. I highly suggest you double or triple the recipe, for this dip won’t last long.
8. Bacon Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Flaky pastry, bacon, and cream cheese are rolled together to make these mind-blowing pinwheels. They’re Insta-worthy, but more importantly, they taste amazing. After all, how can you go wrong with pastry, bacon, and cream cheese? It’s a formula for success. While these pinwheels make for a wonderful appetizer, feel free to serve it for breakfast as well.
9. Queso
If you’re obsessed with Qdoba’s queso dip, good news: this recipe makes a pretty mean replica of the original. This queso copycat is ridiculously cheesy! Trust me, this dip will be gone in a snap. It’s faultless as it is, but you can make it more extra by adding some jalapenos. It’s easy to make, and way cheaper than takeout, to boot. What more can you ask for?
10. Cowboy Caviar
I can’t get over how wonderfully colorful cowboy caviar is! It may not be as elegant as actual caviar, but I’d choose it any day. Unlike the usual creamy and cheesy dips, this puts the spotlight on vegetables, proving that healthy can also be delicious. Filled with beans, veggies, avocado, and a zesty sauce, this dish can be served as a chip dip or a side dish to meaty entrees.
11. Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon
Sausages plus bacon equals pure love. Believe me when I say that this appetizer will be the first to disappear at your party. It’s that good. Smoky, salty, savory: you really can’t go wrong with this epic flavor profile. The textures are on points as well. Crisp and fatty bacon meets snappy smokies? That’s what I call a winning combination.
12. Cheese Quesadillas
If you’re a sucker for all things cheesy, these quesadillas will be love at first bite. Soft flour tortillas are filled with cheese and grilled until hot and melted. It’s a simple recipe, but it sure hits the spot. Even with just the cheese, the quesadillas are already phenomenal. Still, feel free to add as many fillings as you like.
13. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Enjoy your favorite buffalo wings without the mess! This dip is loaded with shredded chicken, cream cheese, blue cheese, cheddar cheese, and hot sauce. The combination of the chicken, hot sauce, and cheese will definitely knock your socks off. It’s technically a dip that’s served with chips, crackers, and crudites, but I don’t mind eating it by itself with a spoon.
14. Bacon Ranch Stuffed Mushrooms
I love stuffing things in vegetables. They add personality and transform the veggies from so-so to spectacular. In this recipe, earthy mushroom caps are filled with cream cheese, bacon, and ranch dressing. Finished off with butter or Worcestershire sauce, these appetizers are bursting with various levels of umami greatness.
15. Seven Layer Taco Dip
Seven whopping layers – talk about over the top. This dip may have several components to it, but they all work to create a beautiful harmony of flavors. So, here’s how it goes: refried beans, sour cream, cream cheese, salsa, tomatoes, pepper, green onions, shredded cheese, black olives. It’s like combining all your favorite Mexican toppings and turning them into one majestic dip. It’s legendary, to say the least.
16. Garlic Cheese Flatbreads
I know what you’re thinking: how can a flatbread recipe be in a roundup of easy appetizers? Well, the answer is refrigerated pizza dough. It may not be authentic flatbread, but it’ll be a guaranteed hit, nonetheless. Topped with melted butter, garlic, shredded cheddar, parmesan, and basil, it’s undoubtedly delicious. The fact that it only takes 10 minutes to make is just a bonus.
17. Nachos
For a guaranteed crowd-pleasing appetizer, go for nachos. Seriously, I have yet to meet a person who can say no to this addictive Mexican treat. Crunchy nacho chips are topped with ground beef, refried beans, jalapeno poppers, and melted cheese. They’re great as is, but even greater with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. Yum!
18. Caprese Skewers
I love anything served in skewers. There’s just something so charming about them that makes them impossible to resist. In this recipe, bite-sized mozzarella balls, basil, and cherry tomatoes are threaded into skewers and drizzled with a sweet balsamic reduction. They’re sweet, salty, and so refreshing.
19. Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese
Bite-sized sausages are wrapped in cheese and flaky pastry and baked to perfection. They’re crispy and buttery, soft and chewy, and just purely phenomenal. I love the textural contrast between the flaky pastry, melted cheese, and snappy sausage! These pigs definitely get a 12/10.
20. Texas Trash
It may be called trash, but it’s definitely priceless. The combination of Chex cereals, pretzels, and nuts is absolutely amazing. It doesn’t end there, though. As delicious as they already are, they’re bathed with a blend of seasoned butter and Worcestershire sauce, and baked to perfection. Delicious is an understatement.
21. Bacon Brie Apple Crostini
Bacon brie apple crostini – here’s another fancy appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to make! They look good and taste even better. Crispy bite-sized baguettes are topped with a slice of apple, brie cheese, and crumbled bacon. Drizzled with sweet maple syrup, this appetizer will tickle your tastebuds for sure!
22. Caprese Canapes
If you’re looking to impress your guests, have them try these Caprese canapes. It sounds complicated, but it’s actually a pretty basic recipe. Just top baguette slices with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, and pop them in the oven. Drizzle them with balsamic vinaigrette, and that’s it! So simple.
23. Salami and Cream Cheese Bites
How adorable are these salami and cream cheese bites? Soft and creamy cream cheese is wrapped in salami and topped with olives. They’re as much fun to make as they are to eat! The ingredients are threaded into skewers but don’t worry, there’s a super easy technique that’ll make the seemingly tedious task almost effortless.
24. Almond Flour Crackers
You’re probably thinking, why make almond flour crackers from scratch when you can just buy them at the nearest grocery store? Well, if nutrition is what you’re after, then you’ll definitely want to give this recipe a try. These homemade almond flour crackers are undeniably delicious, but they’re also super healthy. Made with almond flour, flaxseed, water, and salt, these snacks are gluten-free, low-carb, yet surprisingly addictive.
25. Garlic Parmesan Wings
Wingstop’s garlic parmesan wings are my absolute favorite wings. You can just imagine my glee when I came across this copycat recipe. I’ve made this several times already, and they taste perfect every time. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and buttery and cheesy in every bite.
26. Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Ripe red tomatoes, earthy basil, and piquant garlic rest on top of crisp, toasted French bread. This is bruschetta for the win! You’ll love how despite its simplicity, this bruschetta is so full of flavor. Take it one step further and drizzle the toasts with balsamic vinegar. It really gives the appetizer that extra oomph.
27. Mushroom Canapes
Slices of pumpernickel are topped with an umami-rich blend of mayo, mushrooms, parmesan, and onion rings, and baked until bubbly and golden. If you love rich and umami flavors, these canapes are definitely a must-try. I love how despite the absence of meat, they’re still full of savory goodness!
28. Guacamole
Nachos, tacos, sandwiches, salads, fried or grilled meats, fish – I can’t think of a dish that doesn’t pair well with guacamole. This rich and creamy sauce of mashed avocados is truly versatile. And when it comes to guacamole, nothing beats the one from Chipotle! Fortunately, you can make your own version at home with this easy copycat recipe.
29. Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce
I know I said I’ll only feature easy appetizers for this round-up, but I can’t help it. Trust me, as challenging as they are to make, these pretzel bites are so worth it. I’m talking Auntie Anne’s level of greatness! These bite-sized treats are mildly crispy on the outside and outrageously soft, chewy, and pillowy on the inside. They smell like heaven, too. Dip them in cheese sauce, caramel, or hot chocolate, or enjoy them on their own. They’re phenomenal, regardless.
30. Italian Pizza Bites
These pizza bites are like savory muffins loaded with pepperoni, salami, and mozzarella. Drizzle with or dipped in marinara, these morsels are definitely one for the books. They’re awesome as they are, but you can surely switch things up by adding more pizza toppings. Crumbled sausage, bacon, more cheese, pineapple (if you’re that kind of person) – the sky’s the limit.
31. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Last but not least is this insanely addictive spinach artichoke dip. Vegetables have never been this addictive. When artichokes and spinach leaves get thrown in with garlic alfredo sauce, cream cheese, parmesan, romano, and mozzarella, of course, they’ll become ridiculously addictive. Even kids won’t be able to say no. So if you’re looking for a fun way to introduce these two veggies to your kids, this is exactly the recipe for you. Click on a star to rate it!
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