50 Easy Appetizers ( + Quick Recipes) (2024)

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning a quiet book club, you’ll want to bookmark these easy appetizer recipes.

From gooey baked brie recipes to spicy buffalo dip, there’s something here for every occasion.

Easy Appetizers For Your Next Party

People love to graze. I know I’d rather have a plate full of yummy apps than one big meal.

And thanks to these easy appetizers, your next party will have so much to choose from that your guests will be spoiled for choice.

I’m talking hot dips, cold dips, chips, veggies, savory pastries, sweet treats, and more.

We have a lot to get through, so let’s just dive right in!

Finger Food Party Appetizers

Pigs in a Blanket (with Cheese!)

This recipe is a classic for a reason – everyone loves it!

You know you can put a tray of these out and have a happy crowd of kids and adults alike.

Use store-bought crescent rolls and sliced cheese to make the prep lightning fast. I also like to throw in some bacon for good measure.

Hawaiian Roll Ham and Cheese Sliders

Sliders are budget-friendly, easy appetizers for a crowd that you can whip up without too much trouble.

Take these ham and cheese ones, for example. They need only ten ingredients and come together in just 35 minutes.

Yet despite their convenience (and small size), they’re delicious and surprisingly filling.

The Best Veggie Tray

It might not be as sexy as apple bruschetta, but most people really love a good veggie tray.

The trick is to make it varied and colorful! You’ll want plenty of options and a dip to bring it all together.

Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon (Just 3 Ingredients!)

In the UK, pigs in a blanket are co*cktail sausages wrapped in bacon.

They don’t tend to use pastry or crescent rolls, but they’re salty, meaty, and the perfect little bites. These particular smokies also have a little brown sugar on them.

It adds a fantastic sweetness to the mix, ensuring this recipe will become one of your new favorites.

Whipped Ricotta Crostini

You’ve probably had savory crostini before, and it’s always a great, easy appetizer. This recipe, though, is a bit on the sweet side.

Drizzled in honey with chopped roasted pistachios, they always get plenty of smiles when I bring them out.

They’re delicious finger foods that’ll make you feel like a million bucks.

Baked Brie Bites with Cranberry

You really can’t beat the rich flavor or creamy Brie with some sharp and fresh cranberry sauce.

Not only is it delicious, but the colors are so tempting.

In truth, most jams would work beautifully in this, as the sweetness pairs so well with the savory cheese.

I like to use puff pastry to get some buttery flakes.

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a staple at pretty much every party.

That’s because they’re small, easy to eat, and great for bringing along to a gathering.

As much as I like to experiment, I’ve found buffalo chicken to be the winner. It’s sticky, spicy, and simply to die for.

Shrimp co*cktail

Looking for something that’ll make you feel like you and your guests are living the high life? Check out this simple, delicious shrimp co*cktail.

Fresh shrimp grilled to perfection and served with homemade co*cktail sauce. It doesn’t get much ritzier than that.

Also, bookmark this recipe just for the co*cktail sauce. Trust me; it’s divine.

Sausage Balls

Speaking of easy appetizers for a crowd, sausage balls are always a big hit. You can serve them for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or as an appetizer.

They’re extremely versatile, filling, and delicious. And if you don’t want to make them totally from scratch, Bisquick can help.

With this recipe, you’ll only need five simple ingredients.

Mini-Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Fillo Snack Tart Recipe

Fillo consists of multiple layers of super thin pastry. It’s usually brushed with butter before being layered, making it extra crisp and flaky.

Working with it at home can be a pain, which is why I like to use ready-made frozen shells.

Just fill them with your apple, cheese, and bacon mixture and bake until the cheese melts.

Warm and Cheesy Dips

Easy Pizza Dip

Anyone can open a jar of salsa, but how about going the extra mile with a hot, cheesy dip full of pizza flavors?

Serving pizza isn’t always ideal with a crowd, but this dip is the next best thing. You’ll have the tangy tomato sauce, melted cheese, and plenty of pepperonis.

Serve with breadsticks, crackers, or garlic toast.

Hormel Chili Dip

Three ingredients and 5 minutes? Talk about easy appetizers!

I don’t know anyone that can resist a rich, cheesy dip. It’s full of Hormel chili, so you know it’s bursting with flavor.

I love the cream cheese base, too, for added creaminess. If you want it spicy, throw in some chopped jalapeños, as well.

Velveeta Sausage Dip

Here’s another super simple, three-ingredient dip you can whip up in minutes. This one is loaded with crumbled sausage and tomatoes.

Velveeta is the key here, as it will melt beautifully and not turn lumpy.

However, if you use a slow cooker and hold the dip on “warm,” most cheeses will do the trick.

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Want a spicy, extra-cheesy dip not made with Velveeta? This jalapeno popper dip is perfect. It has just the right amount of heat and jalapeno flavor.

But it’s the rich blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese that really seals the deal.

Of course, the buttery parmesan and cracker crumb topping doesn’t hurt, either!

Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

If you’ve ever had Applebee’s spinach dip, you’ll know it’s extra creamy and full of garlicky goodness.

That’s because they add alfredo sauce rather than just using cream cheese! It adds much more flavor and makes for a smoother dip overall.

You can use store-bought alfredo, but I recommend making your own. Use myfettuccine alfredorecipe to learn how.

Crockpot Bean Dip

This bean dip is a smooth mix of refried beans, chiles, sour cream, salsa, lime juice, garlic, onion, chili powder, and cheese for something totally hands-off.

It sounds like a lot, but since it’s cooked in a Crockpot, all you’ll have to do is mix and walk away.

For an even faster mix, use a packet of taco seasoning instead.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Rotisserie chicken is probably the best thing you can buy at the store. It’s juicy and bursting with flavor.

There’s no way you can recreate it at home!

It’s also perfect for this spicy, cheesy dip. Just shred it and add it to the mix for a super hearty and popular starter everyone will love.

BLT Dip

If looking at this chunky dip doesn’t make your mouth water, there’s something wrong with your eyes. (Or maybe your salivary glands?)

Either way, you should see a doctor because SOMETHING isn’t right!

This delicious dip is a creamy combination of cheddar and cream cheeses, green onions, bacon, tomatoes, and so much more. It’s heavenly.

Cool Party Dips

Green Onion Dip

Move over, French onion dip! This homemade green onion dip is here, and it’s here to stay! This cool and creamy dip is brimming with flavor.

It comes together quickly with a handful of ingredients. But when I tell you it’s flavor overload, I’m not kidding!

It’s one appetizer you’ll be returning to all day.

Pimento Cheese

This Southern fave is a tasty mix of cheddar, Monterey jack, cream cheese, and pimento peppers. Plus, it’s another Paula Deen recipe, so you know it’s good.

Smear it onto crackers, serve it as a dip, or turn it into finger sandwiches. Either way, it’s an easy appetizer recipe your friends will love.

Chipotle Guacamole Recipe

Guacamole will always be the king of the dips, in my opinion. And as good as some store-bought options are, you can’t beat the homemade stuff.

This Chipotle copycat includes everything you need to make it perfect: cilantro, lime juice, red onions, and jalapeños.

You can also add diced tomatoes for added chunkiness.

French Onion Dip

Caramelized onions are the key to a good bowl of French onion soup. They should be deep, dark, and super intense. This dip is no different!

Since the onions are the star of the dish, be prepared to take your time.

They need a little love and a lot of slow cooking to get to the right flavor and consistency.

Pub-Style Beer Cheese Dip

Want to know what to serve with those soft pretzel bites above? Try this scrumdiddlyumptious beer cheese dip!

Pretzels, cheese, and beer are a match made in heaven, and you can serve this hot or cold. It’s fantastic either way.

I’m a big fan of beer, so I use something like a Sam Adams that has a more pronounced flavor.

Seven-Layer Taco Dip

Everyone loves tacos, but they’re not the easiest appetizer to put out. So, how about a big bowl of taco dip instead?

As the name suggests, this dip has seven layers, each better than the last.

I like it with just beans, but you can so easily make it an eight-layer dip with some spicy ground beef or shredded chicken.

Cowboy Caviar

This is such a colorful and fun appetizer. It gets its name because of its bold Tex-Mex flavor and because it looks a little like caviar.

Loaded with corn, beans, tomatoes, and peppers, you can serve this with chips, on crostini, or over some mini tostadas.

Quick and Easy Appetizers

Paula Deen Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs always make excellent finger foods for a party, and Paula Deen definitely knows how to make them.

Use her simple-to-follow recipe to ensure your guests devour your deviled eggs. One thing’s for sure — you won’t have to worry about leftovers!

Easy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Did you know you can make mozzarella sticks using those string cheese packs you have in the fridge? As if they weren’t already your favorite snack!

To get them super crunchy, dredge them twice, giving them a double coating of breadcrumbs for the best possible texture.

I like to serve mine withmarinara, andthis spicy versionis pretty incredible.

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

In terms of party recipes, you can’t beat a cheese ball.

I mean, it’s a delicious ball of cream cheese, cheddar, ranch seasoning, and bacon bits! What’s not to love?!

It’ll be messy as you shape it and add the bacon, but it’s worth it. Serve with buttery Ritz crackers for the ultimate taste explosion.

Jalapeño Cheese Crisps

These crisps should come with a warning – once you have one, you won’t be able to stop.

You’ll only need two ingredients – cheese and chilis – a baking tray and an oven. As the cheese cooks, it’ll melt and “grab” the jalapeño, encasing it in a crispy shell.

Make a triple batch! You’ll likely eat a dozen while you work.

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

I’m a huge proponent of air fryers. They’re probably one of the most amazing inventions of the 21st century. If you don’t have one, GET ONE!

Then, use it to make these scrumptious, bite-sized crab rangoons. They’re savory, umami-packed morsels everyone will love.

Just be sure to make enough. You don’t want to start a fight at your own party!

Rattlesnake Bites

If you haven’t had Texas Roadhouse’s Rattlesnake Bites, I’m about to be your new best friend.

This copycat recipe has everything you need to recreate these cheesy balls of YUM.

Basically, they’re gooey cheese balls with a hush puppy-like crust and plenty of spice from jalapenos and cayenne pepper. They’re phenomenal.

Easy Apple Bruschetta Recipe

Unlike jam, chutney is usually chunky and has a sweet-savory blend of ingredients.

You’ve probably had a mango chutney with your curry, but this apple chutney is something else.

It’s sweet and sour, using apples, red onion, vinegar, and brown sugar to give your taste buds a real kick.

Mix it with some tangy goat cheese for one tasty appetizer.

Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread)

Also known as “crack bread,” this recipe is a winner every time. Sourdough is my go-to, but any solid loaf with a decent crust will work.

Whip it up if you need an easy appetizer for a crowd that everyone will enjoy.

Grape Jelly Meatballs

Grape jelly meatballs aren’t some of the least messy finger foods you can serve. However, they ARE some of the tastiest.

They have that delightful balance of sweetness, savoriness, and spice. They’re also effortless to make. (Especially if you start with frozen meatballs!)

Give them a try if you need crowd-pleasing appetizers for a party.

Roasted Chickpeas

I’m embarrassed to admit this. But for the longest time, I thought chickpeas were only good for one thing: hummus.

Thankfully, someone’s roasted chickpea recipe set me straight. This specific recipe provides you with four roasted chickpea variations.

You can make them salty, spicy, sweet, or BBQ-flavored. Dealer’s choice! And they’re all winners.

Soft Pretzel Bites

Craving soft pretzel bites? Don’t head to the store! You can make them at home more easily than most realize.

I won’t lie. They take a little time (mostly because the dough needs to rise). But the process itself isn’t complicated.

Bake them and serve them with cheese or even melted chocolate for dipping. Yummy!

Scotch Eggs

Want an egg-based appetizer that isn’t deviled eggs? Try these traditional Scotch eggs instead.

They’re simple boiled eggs covered in sausage, flour, and breadcrumbs and deep-fried until they’re golden brown.

They have crunchy exteriors, savory middles, and smooth and silky centers. If you’ve never had them, you can’t even imagine how tasty they are.

Simple Party Snacks

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Not only do these look incredible, but they’re absolutely bursting with flavor. You won’t believe something so small could be so good.

You’ll have to split the dates to get the pits out anyway, so why not fill that space with tangy cheese?

For the bacon, try to get something thin, and use toothpicks to keep it in place.

Cheese Quesadillas (For a Party)

If you’ve ever had a homemade quesadilla and found it lacking, this recipe will change that.

You need decent cheese – something mature with lots of flavor – chilis, onion, and coarse salt. You’ll also want to use small, four-inch tortillas.

It’s a simple mix, but it makes all the difference.

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are such a treat, and they’re versatile, too!

I usually go for something garlicky with breadcrumbs, but these crab-stuffed ones are excellent, too!

They’re decadent, indulgent, and all those other words that mean something is high-quality, fancy, and overwhelmingly flavorful.

Quick and Easy Nachos

Nachos are one of the all-time greats when it comes to easy appetizers.

You can keep them super simple or go above and beyond with a plethora of crazy toppings. Which do you think I prefer?

I say go big or go home! You’ll want chili, beef, beans, pico, guacamole, onion, chilis, and plenty of cheese.

Garlic Cheese Flatbread

How often have you poured out a bag of chips only to find half crushed? They’re still tasty, but they’re not great for dipping!

Avoid that problem by making your own flatbread chips. That’ll ensure they’re big enough to handle all those dips you’ve made.

You can even get creative and cut out fun shapes for the kids!

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pinwheels

They might look like the ham and cheese roll-ups, but these are served cold. Making them is as easy as mixing your cream cheese with ranch dry mix.

Fold through some bacon, cheese, and chives, and spread onto flour tortillas. That’s all it takes, my friends. You’ll have them ready in no time.

Marinated Cheese

I know it’s not something you see every day. How do you marinate cheese? And in what?

It’s incredible how much flavor you can impart into a slice of cheese when you leave it to marinate for a few hours.

It’s a big step up from just regular cheese slices and crackers.

Alabama Fire Crackers

You don’t have to be from the South to enjoy these quick and easy Alabama fire crackers. These crunchy, spicy snacks are universally delicious.

They’re really just jazzed-up saltines, but the “jazzed up” part makes all the difference in the world. These things are 110% addictive. So be sure to make a huge batch.

Antipasto Charcuterie Board

I can think of nothing more stunning than a charcuterie platter full of meats, cheeses, fruits, crackers, and nuts.

You can use whatever ingredients you like, and it’s almost impossible to go wrong.

To make it look like a million bucks, use a nice wooden board, and don’t be afraid of adding extras! You won’t want empty gaps in there.

Italian Pizza Bites

These are like pizza muffins — soft and moist, just like a good muffin should be!

They’re full of pepperoni and salami for real pizza taste. They’re best served warm with marinara or garlic dipping sauce.

I highly recommend adding extra cheese to the top and letting it bubble and turn golden.

Texas Twinkies

If you’ve never tried (or heard of) Texas Twinkies, get ready to have your mind blown.

Let’s just say that if you’re a fan of BBQ and jalapeno poppers, you’ll go gaga for these bites!

Sweet Appetizers for a Crowd

5-Ingredient Apple Brickle Dip

This recipe gets its name from the use of almond brickle chips.

These are almost like almond brittle and can be made with caramel and almonds, letting them set and go hard.

It’s not super easy to find, and recipes vary. So, this mix uses toffee bits, which are more convenient and will give you the same tasty crunch.

Caramel Apple Dip

My friends know they’ll get something sweet if I’m in charge of chips and dips. It’s just a fact!

And as good as all those fantastic savory dishes are, no table is complete without a little caramel.

This sweet dip is like a caramel cheesecake, made with a layer of sweet cream cheese and then a thick layer of caramel.

50 Easy Appetizers for Your Next Party

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Calories

150

kcal

Total time

30

minutes

Try these easy appetizers for your next party or gathering! From dips and wings to these incredible antipasto skewers, these finger foods are guaranteed to keep your guests happy!

Ingredients

• 12 baby mozzarella balls (or bocconcini co*cktail-sized)

• 1/3 cup Italian dressing

• 12 wooden skewers (medium sized)

• 12 cherry or grape tomatoes

• 12 pitted Kalamata olives

• 12 green olives

• 12 pieces of marinated artichoke hearts (or preserved artichoke hearts)

• 24 thin slices of salami (Genoa or preferred type, can also mix with prosciutto di parma or mortadella if desired)

• 12 leaves of fresh basil, torn (or a mix of basil, mint, or flat-leaf parsley)

• extra virgin olive oil for drizzling (optional)

• balsamic reduction & fresh basil and parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• Toss the mozzarella balls with the Italian dressing in a large bowl. Set aside and allow the mozzarella to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
• Begin assembling the skewers in the following order: Start with a tomato. Then, add a piece of rolled or folded meat (salami, etc.), a black olive, and a piece of basil.
• Next, add a marinated mozzarella ball, a green olive, and an artichoke heart. Top the skewers with a second piece of meat.
• Drizzle the complete skewers with extra virgin olive oil if desired.
• Transfer the skewers to a serving platter. If desired, drizzle them with balsamic reduction. Garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley.
• Refrigerate the skewers until ready to serve, or serve them immediately.

Notes

• If refrigerating, consider drizzling with olive oil or dressing just before serving to freshen them up.