Home Recipes Meal Types Appetizers
ByKelsey Dimberg
Taste of Home's Editorial Process
Updated: Apr. 23, 2024
Need a platter of easy appetizers for an upcoming party? These crowd-pleasing appetizer ideas are quick to fix in 15 minutes or less!
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just serving family dinner, starting with appetizers is extra fun. It’s a great way to sneak in a special in-season vegetable or whet appetites with an out-of-the-ordinary treat. Our best easy appetizers offer tons of variety: Think sweet and savory dips, fancy skewers, crunchy snacks, fresh veggies and cheese plates. You’ll find choices for vegetarians and carnivores, and ideas for every season of the year.
1/31
Hot Pizza Dip
Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce
Level: Beginner
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Serve an array of crackers or breadsticks with this crowd-pleasing party appetizer. The pizza dip is as customizable as real pizza—add your favorite chopped veggies or pepperoni to the bowl if you like.
You can assemble this easy appetizer in a jiffy. The pizza dip goes very fast, so you may want to make two batches. —Recipe contributor Stacie Morse, South Otselic, New York
2/31
Quick Tortilla Pinwheels
Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Flour tortillas, sour cream, cheddar cheese
Level: Beginner
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This easy appetizer recipe is a double-whammy: It takes just 15 minutes to make, and you can prepare it ahead of time. While the roll-ups look fancy, they’re made simply by layering cheesy ingredients onto a flat tortilla, rolling it up, and slicing. Serve with a good store-bought salsa.
Prepare these easy, cheesy pinwheels several days in advance if desired. Serve them with your choice of mild or hot salsa or picante sauce. —Recipe contributor Barbara Keith, Faucett, Missouri
3/31
Beer Dip
Total Time: 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Beer, cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, cheddar cheese
Level: Beginner
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One of our top-rated appetizers of all time, this cheesy, creamy beer dip is irresistible! Best of all, it’s adaptable. Make it with a classic beer, a nonalcoholic beer or a gluten-free beer. Serve with pretzels, sliced vegetables or crackers.
Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It’s perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it’s hard to stop eating once you’ve started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I’ve taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Recipe contributor Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
4/31
Pastrami Roll-Ups
Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, pastrami, dill pickle spears
Level: Beginner
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Dill pickle fans, these are for you. Like an Italian sandwich in a bite, these roll-ups are savory, tangy and creamy.
For a book club event, I created pastrami roll-ups with cream cheese and a pickle. Those tasty bites quickly pulled a disappearing act. —Recipe contributor Merritt Heinrich, Oswego, Illinois
5/31
Homemade Guacamole
Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Avocados, tomatoes, onion, lime juice
Level: Beginner
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Guacamole is a natural appetizer to serve before a Mexican-inspired feast, but it’s so delicious as a snack, it doesn’t really matter what you’re serving for dinner. Make your own tortilla chips a day in advance if you want a fully from-scratch app.
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it’s simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I’ve spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it’s better than most restaurants. —Recipe contributor Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
6/31
Dreamy Fruit Dip
Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, marshmallow creme, frozen whipped topping
Level: Beginner
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Who said that appetizers have to be savory? This sweet dipping sauce is delightful with fresh fruit. Depending on what’s in season, serve with strawberries, pineapple, grapes, apples or pears.
Everyone will love this thick cream cheese fruit dip. Serve it alongside apple wedges, pineapple chunks, strawberries and grapes. —Recipe contributor Anna Beiler, Strasburg, Pennsylvania
7/31
Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread
Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh goat cheese
Level: Beginner
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Soft, creamy goat cheese makes an ideal base for spreads since it’s so easy to blend with flavorings. Here, both sun-dried tomatoes and their juices are used to flavor the cheese. Serve with mild-tasting crackers to let the full-flavored dip shine.
A good friend shared this recipe with me. It is super easy and so delicious. Guests will love it! It’s best served with crackers that aren’t strongly seasoned. —Recipe contributor Linda Alexander, Madison, Wisconsin
8/31
Caprese Salad Kabobs
Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Grape tomatoes, mozzarella cheese balls
Level: Beginner
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A platter of Caprese salad is hard to beat, but when serving in appetizer form, try these kabobs. They’re an easy handheld treat; no silverware or individual plates needed.
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Recipe contributor Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
9/31
Strawberry Salsa
Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Fresh strawberries, plum tomatoes, jalapeño peppers
Level: Beginner
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Did you know that strawberries and tomatoes have similar flavor profiles? It’s strange but true! Adding sliced strawberries to classic tomato salsa ingredients brings extra sweetness and makes the salsa more versatile. It’s still great with corn chips, and especially tasty paired with cheese and crackers.
This deliciously different salsa is versatile, fresh-tasting and colorful. People are surprised to see a salsa made with strawberries, but it’s excellent over grilled chicken and pork or as a dip with corn chips. —Recipe contributor Jean Giroux, Belchertown, Massachusetts
10/31
Peanut Butter Granola Pinwheels
Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Creamy peanut butter, flour tortillas
Level: Beginner
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This homey peanut butter roll-up is a fun appetizer for a kid’s party or a family dinner. It’s also super simple. Spread peanut butter and honey (or jam or jelly) on a tortilla, sprinkle with granola, and roll.
I came across this easy and tasty snack while searching online for healthy munchies for kids. Great for after school, it’s really quick to make and filling enough to hold the kids until dinner. To satisfy heftier appetites or to serve as a power lunch, cut each tortilla into fewer pieces or provide one per child. The recipe is easy to increase as needed. —Recipe contributor Mary Haluch, Ludlow, Massachusetts
11/31
Peachy Jalapeno Guacamole
Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Avocados, peaches, jalapeño peppers
Level: Beginner
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Tired of the same ol’ guacamole? Try this spicy-sweet variation of guacamole. Stirring juicy chunks of peach and minced jalapeño into the dipping bowl adds morsels of exciting flavor that perks up the palate.
Fresh jalapeños and summer-ripe peaches give this creamy guacamole so much flavor. It’s got a little kick, but I love that it’s not so spicy it burns off my taste buds! —Recipe contributor Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
12/31
Artichoke Caprese Platter
Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Marinated artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese, plum tomatoes
Level: Beginner
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This simple-to-assemble salad combines the flavors of two favorite restaurant appetizers: artichoke dip and Caprese salad. The result is a fresh, but hearty, appetizer perfect for eating al fresco.
I dressed up the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with marinated artichokes. It looks so yummy on a pretty platter set out on a buffet. Using fresh mozzarella is the key to its great taste. —Recipe contributor Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California
13/31
Brownie Batter Dip
Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, baking cocoa
Level: Beginner
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Who hasn’t snuck a taste of brownie batter off the mixing spoon? This chocolately dip recreates that special treat, without the raw eggs. Serve with sliced apples, Animal Crackers or pretzels.
I’m all about the sweeter side of dips, and this brownie-batter variety fits in with my life’s philosophy: Chocolate makes anything better. Grab some fruit, cookies or salty snacks and start dunking. —Recipe contributor Mel Gunnell, Boise, Idaho
14/31
Parmesan Ranch Popcorn
Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Popcorn, ranch salad dressing mix
Level: Beginner
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Chips and crackers dominate appetizer tables, but we’re here to nominate an alternative: popcorn. It’s a crowd-pleaser, quick to make, and easy to scale up as big a batch as you need.
Whether you need a quick gift idea or yummy munchies for movie night, we’ve got you covered with this cheesy twist on regular popped popcorn. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen
15/31
German Beer Cheese Spread
Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sharp cheddar cheese, German beer
Level: Beginner
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If you’ve only ever had store-bought cheese spread, you’ve got to make this recipe. By blending cubed cheese, Worcestershire sauce, spices and your favorite beer, you can control the texture and flavor. Super creamy? Grab a softer cheese, or add a splash more beer. Super spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne or green chile.
We love recipes inspired by our German heritage. This tangy spread is fantastic served alongside everything, including pretzels and pumpernickel or crackers and sausage. Choose your favorite beer—the flavor really comes through. —Recipe contributor Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
16/31
Spicy Shrimp Salsa
Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cooked shrimp, tomatoes, radishes
Level: Beginner
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A great trick for serving shrimp on a budget is to mix shrimp into a fresh salsa. As a bonus, the acidic flavors of tomato and lime jazz up the slightly sweet shrimp.
Radishes add a wonderful crunch to this colorful salsa that is also superb over grilled fish. There’s just enough jalapeno to give flavor without much of the heat. —Recipe contributor Mary Beth Relyea, Canastota, New York
17/31
Pina Colada Fruit Dip
Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, marshmallow creme, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut
Level: Beginner
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Smooth whipped marshmallow creme, tangy cream cheese and shredded coconut make a sweet, surprising dip. Serve with a big plate of fruit and watch your guests swarm like moths to a light.
A taste of the tropics will be welcomed by your holiday guests. The cool and creamy dip can be served as an appetizer or a dessert. —Recipe contributor Shelly Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon
18/31
Garlic Garbanzo Bean Spread
Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Garbanzo beans, fresh parsley, garlic cloves
Level: Beginner
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Similar to classic hummus, but with a brighter flavor thanks to green onions and parsley, this bean spread is a sure hit. Serve as a dip with cruditésor as a spread over crackers.
My friends and family always ask me to make it. I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe. —Recipe contributor Lisa Moore, North Syracuse, New York
19/31
Super Quick Shrimp and Green Chile Quesadillas
Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, cheddar cheese, green chiles, flour tortillas, avocado
Level: Beginner
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Cheesy quesadillas get a sophisticated upgrade in this spicy recipe. Chopped shrimp are a real treat, but you can omit them or swap for shredded chicken if you prefer.
If I am really short on time, I head to the grocery store for prepared guacamole. Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of shrimp for another fun option. —Recipe contributor Angie Ressa, Cheney, Washington
20/31
Chunky Mango Guacamole
Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mango, tomato, avocados
Level: Beginner
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Some of our favorite guacamole recipes have a secret ingredient. Here, diced mango adds bursts of sweet juiciness to creamy avocados.
When serving a crowd, double or quadruple this guacamole. The onion, tomato and mango can be chopped in advance. Add avocado just before serving. —Recipe contributor Diana Nienberg, McComb, Ohio
21/31
Dill Vegetable Dip
Total Time: 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sour cream, dill, mayonnaise
Level: Beginner
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This may be the most formal recipe in this roundup, but it requires only five minutes of prep time. Assembling sliced crudités vertically in individual cups makes for a striking presentation that’s also practical, packaging both dip and veggies in a single-serving dish.
A friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Recipe contributor Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama
22/31
Spicy Crab Dip
Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Imitation crabmeat, cream cheese, lemon juice
Level: Beginner
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Everyone loves crab dip, but not many people realize how easy it is to make! Using canned crab (or even imitation crab meat) means zero hammers are required to enjoy the rich crustacean flavor.
With cayenne pepper and hot sauce (both optional), this delicious dip doubles up on the heat. Chock-full of crabmeat, this appetizer feels special, yet it only takes minutes to prepare. —Recipe contributor Carol Forcum, Marion, Illinois
23/31
Caramel Apple and Brie Skewers
Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Apples, brie cheese, hot caramel ice cream topping
Level: Beginner
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Threading bite-sized fruits, veggies or cheese on a skewer is a simple trick for handheld appetizers. While savory combinations are easy to dream up, this sweet caramel-laced confection will surprise and delight your guests.
I’m a caterer, and this is one of my best-selling appetizers. The shortcut of using prepared caramel makes these little apple skewers a snap to assemble. —Recipe contributor Camille Ellis, Tampa, Florida
24/31
Loaded Baked Potato Dip
Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Reduced-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, bacon, chives
Level: Beginner
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If you serve this creamy dip with waffle fries, it’s like a deconstructed loaded baked potato! It’s the perfect casual appetizer before an easy cookout dinner.
I never thought of using waffle-cut fries as a scoop for dip until a friend of mine did at a baby shower. They’re ideal for my cheesy bacon and chive dip, which tastes just like a baked potato topper. —Recipe contributor Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
25/31
Cannellini Bean Hummus
Total Time: 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cannellini beans, tahini, garlic
Level: Beginner
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Hummus is a go-to appetizer for a good reason: It pairs with just about anything you can dip in it, from pretzels to veggies and beyond. This classic recipe combines tahini, garlic and lemon with cannellini beans rather than the traditional chickpeas—they blend more smoothly since they don’t have skins—but you can use whichever you prefer.
My version of hummus features a delightful nuttiness from tahini, a peanut butter-like paste made from ground sesame seeds. The beans pack a lot of protein so it’s a healthy snack for kids. —Recipe contributor Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
26/31
Cheesy Snack Mix
Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Rice Chex, cheddar miniature pretzels, white cheddar popcorn
Level: Beginner
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Snack mix might seem like a throwback to high school parties in the basem*nt rec room, but give it another look! With their appealing mix of savory and sweet flavors and crunchy and crispytextures, snack mixes are customizable and fun.
Our love for Mexican food inspired me to make party mix with taco seasoning. The flavor is so mild that it’s even kid friendly. —Recipe contributor Elizabeth Wynne, Aztec, New Mexico
27/31
Jalapeno Ranch Dip
Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Green chiles, jalapeño peppers, ranch dressing mix
Level: Beginner
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Serve this delectable ranch dip alongside a vegetable platter. Use up the leftovers as a dip for your favorite tacos.
Ranch dressing got its start on a real dude ranch in California. Punch up the western original with green salsa, green chiles, jalapeños and cilantro for more color and spice. Serve the dip along with your favorite wings to feed a crowd. —Recipe contributor Lindsay Duke, Goodrich, Texas
28/31
Blue Cheese Potato Chips
Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Kettle-cooked potato chips, blue cheese
Level: Beginner
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Nachos are great, but have you ever given potato chips the same treatment? This savory pan of tomatoes, bacon and tangy blue cheese will get gobbled up fast.
Game day calls for something bold. I top potato chips with tomatoes, bacon and tangy blue cheese. I make two big pans, and they always disappear. —Recipe contributor Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
29/31
Cheesy Quesadillas
Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Shredded Mexican cheese blend, flour tortillas, salsa
Level: Beginner
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It’s easy to make a big batch of quesadillas. Get out your longest sheet pan, layer as many tortillas as will fit, and sprinkle on some cheese and salsa. Serve with sour cream and guac or just more salsa.
We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Recipe contributor Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
30/31
Spinach Dip in a Bread Bowl
Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sour cream, frozen chopped spinach, loaf of bread
Level: Beginner
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The special ingredient in this chunky spinach dip? A packet of ranch seasoning! Serving the dip in a bread bowl adds a wow factor, but it will taste just as good in a plain bowl.
When we get together with friends, I like to prepare this creamy spinach dip. It’s a real crowd pleaser. —Recipe contributor Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
31/31
Chunky Blue Cheese Dip
Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sour cream, blue cheese, cream cheese
Level: Beginner
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Funky blue cheese has a strong flavor, so it’s ideal to enjoy as an appetizer. It tastes great with both savory and sweet dippers, like fresh apple slices or potato chips.
Every time I make this quick blue cheese dip, someone asks for the recipe. It only requires a few items, so its a snap to put together. I often prepare the thick spread with Gorgonzola cheese and serve it with toasted pecans. —Recipe contributor Sandy Schneider Naperville, Illinois
Next: Check out these copycat recipes for restaurant appetizers.
Originally Published: February 08, 2019
Author
Kelsey Dimberg
A former in-house editor at Taste of Home, Kelsey now writes articles and novels from her home in Chicago. After going gluten-free more than a decade ago, Kelsey turned to home cooking and baking as a way to re-create her favorite foods. Her specialties include gluten-free sourdough bread, pizza and pastry.
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