35+ Easy Appetizer Recipes

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These Easy Appetizer recipes are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re looking for the perfect starter to an elegant dinner or the best dips to serve on game day, these easy appetizer recipes have you covered!

long collage for easy appetizer recipes with nine images and title

We love doing a meal of appetizers for different holidays, game days or just for a gathering with friends.

These are some of our favorites, with a few extra from friends that I’m excited to try!

The Best Appetizer Ideas

Appetizers are almost always my favorite part of a party because it’s a chance to try a handful of different foods and flavors.

I have to admit – there are some nights when dinner in my home consists of appetizers. Those nights are my kids’ favorite dinner nights and I think I love them just as much!

My favorite appetizer recipes are those that are quick and easy to pull together, often requiring only a few minutes of prep and/or a handful of ingredients.

After trying out many different appetizers, I’ve rounded up the best ones here.

These range from classics like buffalo chicken dip and little smokies to charcuterie cups and bacon-wrapped shrimp. So whether you’re going for creamy and cheesy or something a little lighter, you’re sure to find a great recipe here!

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How Many Different Appetizers Should I Serve?

This is a question I am constantly trying to answer myself. You definitely don’t want anyone to leave hungry but neither do you want there to be a ton of food leftover.

(And, being honest – I don’t want to spend more time in the kitchen preparing the food than necessary either!)

It also depends on the occasion. An elegant dinner party where the appetizers are just the starters to a nicer meal is a lot different than a holiday cocktail party or game day tailgating where little bites are the main event.

A rule of thumb is to make 2 or 3 appetizers for a dinner party and 5 or 6 for a cocktail party. I like to vary the dishes- maybe one savory, one slightly spicy, a lighter, healthier option, and a dip or two. And don’t forget the meat and cheese board!

metal spoon scooping lil smokies from the crockpot
Crockpot Little Smokies
A classic holiday appetizer, these throw-and-go little smokies are cooked in a tangy but sweet brown sugar BBQ sauce.
Get the recipe here
pigs in a blanket on a plate with bowl of ketchup in the middle
Pigs in a Blanket
Featuring little smokies wrapped in homemade crescent dough, these pigs in a blanket are ready in 40 minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the recipe here
boneless chicken wings with buffalo sauce on white plate
Boneless Chicken Wings
Made with lean meat that's baked instead of fried, then tossed in your favorite sauce, these boneless wings are a healthier, less messy alternative to your favorite chicken wing recipe.
Get the recipe here
plate of sliced stromboli with pizza sauce
Easy Stromboli
Ready in less than 30 minutes, slices of this homemade stromboli loaded with meat and cheese are always a hit. Serve with a side of marinara for dipping.
Get the recipe here
overhead image of buffalo chicken dip in white casserole dish with veggies around
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Is a party actually a party without buffalo chicken dip?! This cheesy, addictive dip is a must for game-day and can be prepared in the crockpot for ease.
Get the recipe here
mozzarella sticks in air fryer with bowl of pizza sauce
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
These Mozzarella Sticks are made in the air fryer for an extra crispy coating!
Get the recipe here
nacho fries close up
Nacho Fries
Load these fries up with as many nacho toppings as desired (including lots and lots of cheese!), pop them in the oven, and then watch them disappear.
Get the recipe here
close up image of cooked chicken wings in air fryer basket with no sauce
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These air fryer wings are extra CRISPY but still juicy on the inside. Made in under 30 minutes with just a tiny amount of oil. Toss with buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or no sauce at all.
Get the recipe here
close up overhead image of baked pizza rolls on pan
Pizza Rolls
Keep it simple with pepperoni and cheese or add your other favorite toppings – either way, these pizza rolls will be a party hit!
Get the recipe here
ground beef nachos on a sheet pan
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Nachos + VIDEO
These nachos are topped with burger, BBQ sauce, and BACON! Plus lots of cheese, green onions, and any other topping you desire.
Get the recipe here
These Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Sliders are an easy appetizer, lunch or dinner with just a few ingredients. Perfect for a potluck barbecue, game day or a fun weeknight meal! Includes step by step recipe video | easy recipe | game day | superbowl | football | party food | party ideas
Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Sliders + RECIPE VIDEO
Honey ham and pineapple slices are topped with cheese to make these easy and irresistible sliders.
Get the recipe here
Pepperoni, cheese, and pizza sauce baked inside of crisp wonton wrappers: the ultimate handheld pizza! Only 4 main ingredients and 20 minutes! Perfect as an appetizer or a quick lunch.
Pepperoni Pizza Cupcakes
All the flavors of pepperoni pizza in grab-and-go wonton cupcake form! Ready in just 20 minutes.
Get the recipe here
Creamy, spicy Jalapeno Poppers loaded with bacon, chicken and barbecue sauce, stuffed into a crispy wonton cup!
BBQ Chicken Jalapeno Popper Cupcakes
These wonton cupcakes are filled with all the traditional jalapeno popper ingredients plus BBQ sauce and shredded chicken
Get the recipe here
Mini Mexican Wonton Quiche
Filled with ground beef, Mexican spices, and eggs these mini wonton quiches make a great brunch appetizer!
Get the recipe here
These Pineapple Brown Sugar Meatballs are smothered in a homemade BBQ sauce and cook in the slow cooker, making them an easy game day appetizer, weeknight meal, or holiday potluck offering!
Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Meatballs
These sweet and savory meatballs are coated with a homemade brown sugar sauce, then heated in the slow cooker. A hit on game day as well as at holiday parties!
Get the recipe here
Easy, make ahead Cranberry Bacon Jam and cheese on top of a crusty baguette, topped with chopped walnuts for extra crunch -- these crostini are the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, salty and cheesy!
Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini
This bite-sized appetizer is sweet, salty, smoky, and cheesy! With cranberry jam, these are perfect for the holidays.
Get the recipe here
Bacon, beef, barbecue sauce and cheese stuffed into a wonton wrapper and baked until crispy -- the perfect finger food for game day or any party!
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Cupcakes
The best bacon cheeseburger ingredients stuffed into wontons for a bite-sized, grab-and-go appetizer!
Get the recipe here
This Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dip is perfect for game day, movie night, an appetizer or a casual dinner! It’s creamy, cheesy, and made from scratch! Perfect with crusty bread or vegetables.
Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dip
Creamy and extra cheesy, this chicken alfredo dip is a must-make for any party. Serve with slices of crusty bread or veggies for dipping.
Get the recipe here
close up of a cucumber shrimp appetizer bite
Avocado Cucumber Shrimp Appetizers
With spicy cajun shrimp over a dollop of creamy avocado, these cucumber shrimp bites are the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Get the recipe here
Close-up of a creamy parmesan mushroom cup
Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Cup Appetizers
This easy, savory appetizer features puff pastry dough cups filled with fresh mushrooms, cream cheese, parmesan, and lots of garlic.
Get the recipe here
Close-up of garlic butter steak bites
Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
If you're looking for an appetizer to impress, you can't go wrong with these tender, juicy steak bites topped with an easy garlic butter.
Get the recipe here
A bacon ranch cheese ball with crackers on a serving tray
Easy Classic Cheese Ball Recipe
With bits of bacon and ranch seasoning throughout, this cheese ball is a huge party favorite. Serve with veggies, pretzels, or your favorite crackers.
Get the recipe here
Crab Dip
Made with fresh lump crab meat, this easy party dip can be served hot or cold. Serve with bread, crackers, or veggie slices.
Get the recipe here
Overhead view of hot corn dip with a few tortilla chips
Hot Corn Dip
With just the right amount of heat and a hint of sweetness from the corn, this hot corn dip will disappear quickly.
Get the recipe here
Overhead view of cranberry dip on a platter with crackers and apple slices
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip – Holiday Appetizer
This savory and sweet holiday dip is a little tart, a little sweet, and absolutely perfect served with apple slices and crackers.
Get the recipe here
Overhead view of a smoked salmon cucumber roll-ups
Smoked Salmon Roll Ups
For a healthier and more elegant appetizer, try these simple smoked salmon roll-ups! Made with salmon, cucumbers, and cream cheese, these can be assembled in seconds.
Get the recipe here
Overhead view of stuffed mini peppers on a tray
Cheesy Bacon Stuffed Mini Peppers
Made with sweet peppers instead of jalapenos, these stuffed peppers are filled with cream cheese and bacon. Serve them roasted in the oven or grilled!
Get the recipe here
A basket of sausage balls with a cup of marinara
3 Ingredient Sausage Balls
This traditional holiday appetizer is made with just 3 ingredients! Quick, easy, and addictive!
Check out this recipe
Crispy Baked Potato Skins Recipe
After making these potato skins at home, you'll never need to order them in a restaurant again. Enjoy topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
Get the recipe here
Angled view of charcuterie cups
Individual Charcuterie Cups
All of your favorite charcuterie board ingredients in easy-to-assemble, portable cups. Customize with your favorite dried meats, cheese, fruits, veggies, and more.
Get the recipe here
Cheese, Ham and Olive Bites – Easy Appetizer
Keep it simple with these appetizer bites made of manchego cheese, ham, and green olives. Easy to assemble and quick to disappear!
Get the recipe here
Close-up of bacon wrapped shrimp
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Baked and wrapped with bacon and topped with a sweet and spicy sriracha sauce, these shrimp are a guaranteed crowd pleaser!
Get the recipe here
A plate of everything bagel cucumber bites
Everything Bagel Cucumber Bites
For a lighter appetizer, try these cucumber bites topped with cream cheese and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.
Get the recipe here
Easy antipasto skewers on a white plate
Easy Antipasto Skewers
Another fun charcuterie board alternative, these antipasto skewers can be customized with your favorite meat and cheese. Drizzle with balsamic just before serving for an extra special touch.
Get the recipe here
BLT Dip
With all the flavors of the classic sandwich, this creamy, cheesy bacon dip can be served with tortilla chips or crackers.
Get the recipe here
Cranberry brie puff pastry bites on a white plate
Cranberry Brie Bites
Ready in 15 minutes, these easy puff pastry bites are made with tart cranberry sauce and melty brie cheese.
Get the recipe here
Overhead view of BLT bruschetta on a baking sheet
BLT Bruschetta
Classic bruschetta ingredients combined with bacon, lettuce and tomato, this appetizer is light, fresh and extra garlicky!
Get the recipe here
A jar of jalapeno pimento cheese
Jalape�o Pimento Cheese
With just the right amount of spice, this spreadable cheese is perfect for serving with bread, crackers, sliced veggies and more.
Get the recipe here
Devils on Horseback is a classic hot appetizer recipe
A classic UK appetizer, Devils on Horseback are made with just 3 ingredients – dates, almonds, and bacon.
Get the recipe here

Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

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  1. Harriet Deeds says

    On Wow!!! They all look so good! And most seem easy to make. I will have to decide which ones to save to try! Wish you had them all together in a little pamphlet to keep. I just tried something quick and easy….1pkg of muffin mix(from the dollar tree…Martha White muffin mix) which calls for 1/2 Cup milk…mix….any flavor…makes easy, quick, and good pancakes!!😊. Love your recipes…easy and not time consuming. Thank you!!!

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