Whether you’re having a holiday get-together, hosting a party, or headed to one, these easy appetizer recipes are your answer.
They’re snack-able finger foods that are simple to cook, and make you look like an entertaining genius. Yes you could make and assemble apps with 10 different steps. But why do that when you could have easy to serve appetizers that look like a lot of work but really weren’t?
And below, my list of fun and delicious appetizer ideas range from bite-sized foods, pretty platters, baked treats, crave-worthy dips, and simple party snacks.
So go ahead and grab a few quick and easy appetizers for your gathering and enjoy with your friends and family!
1. Ultimate Pulled Pork Stuffed Potato Skins
If you’re looking for a recipe that looks like a next-level snack and you’re also craving potato skin appetizers, then this is the move.
It’s a great appetizer if you’re wanting something tangy, rich, and creamy. Also, if you do serve it at a party, I’m pretty sure it’ll all be gone in under 3 minutes.
GET THE RECIPE2. Stuffed Shrimp
Whether it’s a summer get-together or you just really like seafood (I get it), then these stuffed shrimp should definitely be one of the party appetizers you make.
The ingredients make it creamy, tangy, and satisfying. Also, there’s crab meat to add some extra tasty flavor.
The cook says that it goes well with garlic butter which makes this recipe sound even better!
GET THE RECIPE3. Loaded Tater Tot Appetizer Cups
Loaded tater tot cups sound ridiculously delicious. Like this is one of those simple appetizers you don’t realize you ate too much of until it’s too late.
Also, with ingredients like potato, bacon, cheese, and sour cream, these are clearly going to be a crowd-pleaser. And it’s done in 30 minutes, so I’d say give it a try!
GET THE RECIPE4. Bacon Wrapped Dates
I love dates and I love bacon, and if you’re a date and bacon lover too, then this party appetizer is perfect for you.
It’s simple to make, stuffed with cheese, and it’s only 10 minutes of prep time. So whether you’re having people over or you’re headed to a party, this is one of those easy appetizer ideas that looks impressive, but doesn’t take too much work.
GET THE RECIPE5. Lobster Mac and Cheese Bites
Lobster mac and cheese bites look like one of those appetizer recipes you’d make and there just wouldn’t be enough of it.
It doesn’t take long to prep, it’s filled with cheese, and topped with a bit of panko bread crumbs for a bit of crispy goodness. So if you want to add some seafood to your party spread, then this is the one to make.
GET THE RECIPE6. Smoked Jalapeño Pepper Dip
This honestly looks like one of the best appetizer recipes I’ve ever seen, but maybe that’s because I basically love jalapeño anything.
It’s just 10 minutes of prep time (which is so fast) and topped with panko, parmesan, and butter which sounds so rich and good.
Also, you can bring an assortment of different dip vehicles and everyone’s gonna be satisfied.
GET THE RECIPE7. Bang Bang Shrimp
If you’re craving crispy, crunchy appetizers for your get-together, then this creamy, tangy, and spicy party food is what you need to make.
It’s ready in just 30 minutes, but it’ll probably be eaten and gone in under one.
GET THE RECIPE8. Pan-fried Garlic Butter Prawns
If you know that the people at your party love seafood, then I think you need to make these pan-fried garlic butter prawns. Even the name sounds good!
It’s done in only 20 minutes which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying good company and this savory garlicky appetizer.
GET THE RECIPE9. Rotel Dip
If you’re on the hunt for warm and cheesy dips, then you can probably stop here. It’s only 5 minutes of prep time and just 4 ingredients, but it looks like it’s packed with a ton of flavor.
So if you need a recipe that’s quick to make and super savory and creamy, then this is the one to try!
GET THE RECIPE10. Taco Pinwheels
This is probably one of the best appetizer ideas I’ve ever seen.
They look so cheesy and flavorful and like the perfect thing to bring to a gathering! Also, you can make these baked treats that serve up to 12 people, and use whatever sauce or salsa you’re craving.
GET THE RECIPE11. Lemon Pepper Wings
I love wings and if you’re a wing lover too, then I think you should definitely try these lemon pepper wings out! They look like one of the best appetizer ideas for bakers on this list and they’re so quick to make.
It serves 8, but you can of course double or triple the amount depending on the size of the crowd.
GET THE RECIPE12. Baked Balsamic Bruschetta
It’s so simple, and this bruschetta recipe looks perfectly delicious (and kind of fancy) for any celebration. Also, I think that bruschetta is one of the best party appetizers to make.
They’re the perfect finger food, super tasty, and easy to make!
GET THE RECIPE13. Fried Jalapeños
Fried jalapeños sound so tasty, but also very simple. So if you don’t have a lot of time, then this should definitely be on your list of appetizers for your party.
Also, it’s a great recipe to make for anyone at your get-together who loves spicy food!
GET THE RECIPE14. Layered Pesto Dip
If you’re looking for some creamy and delicious appetizer examples, then this is a good one to try!
Also, I read over some of the ingredients and this dip sounds so flavorful. With cheese, pesto, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts, I think this will be an instant hit at any get-together.
GET THE RECIPE15. Korean Gochujang Meatballs
If you’ve never had gochujang before, then I definitely recommend it! It’s a Korean condiment, and it’s so satisfyingly spicy and delicious.
Also, if you want a meatball appetizer that’s a bit different, then this can be a fun one to try for your party! It’s ready in 30 minutes which makes this a quick recipe that keeps you out of the kitchen and entertaining guests.
GET THE RECIPE16. Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
I know I already shared a lemon pepper wings recipe, but this one has honey and that combination honestly sounded so good!
Also, it’s a great appetizer if you just want to throw something in the oven while also working on other recipes for your party.
GET THE RECIPE17. Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini With Prosciutto
If you wanna be kind of fancy, then these crostinis look like they’ll do the trick. Also, this easy appetizer looks like it would be great for a holiday party!
It’s ready in just 20 minutes and serves 8 people. And if you have a bigger gathering, then I don’t think it’d take much longer to double the recipe!
GET THE RECIPE18. Goat Cheese Croquettes
I love goat cheese, it’s so rich and creamy! And these deep-fried panko encrusted goat cheese balls look so elegant and perfect for a party.
Also, if you’re having (or attending) a holiday gathering, then these might be the perfect option!
GET THE RECIPE19. Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini
If you love sun-dried tomatoes, basil, cheese, and crusty bread, then these will definitely hit the spot! It’s an easy crostini appetizer recipe that only take 13 minutes to make. So if you’re in a rush or just don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen (or you’re working on a multiplicity of appetizers), then this is a great one to try!
GET THE RECIPE20. Flautas de Pollo (Chicken Flautas)
These chicken flautas look satisfyingly crunch and incredibly flavorful. I feel like this is what you bring when you wanna be extra impressive.
Also, they are a bit more of a process, but the assembly isn’t complex. So if you’re ok with spending a bit more time in the kitchen, then I’d say try this appetizer recipe!
GET THE RECIPERelated: Want more tasty Mexican recipes? Here are some authentic platos fuertes (or Mexican main dishes).
21. Venison Crostini With Whipped Goat Cheese & Pickled Shallots
Venison crostini’s with whipped goat cheese and pickled shallots sounds both fancy and delicious.
I think these would be good as a holiday party food, but maybe if it’s a more elegant gathering. And while they do look a bit upscale, they only take 15 minutes to prep and 12 minutes to cook. So think easy but elevated.
GET THE RECIPE22. Hot Crab Dip
This is the kind of appetizer dip you make and eat way too much of with no regrets.
It’s packed with rich and creamy ingredients like mayo, sour cream, cream cheese, and cheese. And of course it has plenty of other tasty spices and ingredients. So if you’re one to not care about party calories, then this is the recipe for your get-together.
GET THE RECIPE23. Mini Lobster Rolls
This is the perfect appetizer idea for when you want something that’s equal parts easy and elevated.
It only takes 10 minutes to prep and 5 minutes in the oven. So you could make the lobster mixture ahead of time (in fact the recipe creator encourages this), and pop them in the oven a few minutes before guests arrive.
GET THE RECIPE24. Arancini
Arancini are these delicious Italian bread crusted rice and cheese balls that make for the perfect starter.
And with white wine, parmesan, garlic, heavy cream, and lemon zest, this might just be the perfect appetizer for your party.
GET THE RECIPERelated: Want more bite-sized options? Here are some authentic Italian antipasto ideas you can try!
25. Elote Dip
I loved having elote when I’d grab street food for dinner in Mexico. It was so perfectly creamy, cheesy, and a bit spicy.
And if you want a simple dip that makes you feel a bit like you’re in Mexico City, then this is a great recipe to make!
GET THE RECIPE26. House Favorite Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is such a classic when it comes to appetizers. And it doesn’t matter if you’re having Italian or not, it will always be satisfyingly buttery, crunchy, and garlicky. And if your guests feel the same way too, then this easy 15-minute recipe might be a good option.
GET THE RECIPE27. Easy Meatball Appetizer
If you’re not craving something Asian-inspired like the gochujang meatballs above, then here’s a classic and easy meatball appetizer recipe you can try. It’s only 5 minutes of prep time, and this perfect bite-sized food is filled with plenty of tasty spices!
GET THE RECIPE28. Zaalouk Toasts With Burrata
Zaalouk is a Moroccan cooked salad with ingredients like eggplant, tomatoes, and spices. And if that sounds good to you (like how it does to me), then this toast appetizer might be perfect for your dinner party.
Also, that burrata on top looks divine, and I don’t use that word very often.
GET THE RECIPE29. Chinese Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are the perfect finger food for any gathering. They’re ridiculously flavorful, crunchy, garlicky, and easy to make.
And while the prep and cook time takes longer than other recipes on this list, the process isn’t complicated. So if you’re fine with that, then make this for the next get-together you’re invite to.
GET THE RECIPE30. Caviar Appetizer Platter
I am in love with this caviar platter situation!
I feel like this is perfect for a New Year’s celebration or a summer gathering by the sea. And if you want an elevated starter idea, then this is perfect for impressing your guests.
Also, it’s just 10 minutes of your time which makes this the perfect easy appetizer recipe.
GET THE RECIPE31. Pickled Strawberries
These are probably more for a summer party, but I think I’d honestly make this recipe no matter what time of year it was.
Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it sounds so good with the sourdough bread, goat cheese, honey, and thyme.
Actually, these might be perfect for a picnic gathering!
GET THE RECIPE32. Maryland Crab Fries
I love loaded fries, and this recipe with crab, aioli sauce, spices, and jalapeño sounds so rich and delicious.
It’s perfect for when you’re grilling fish on a warm evening with friends! And if you’re craving something carby and satisfying, then this should probably go on your party meal plan.
GET THE RECIPE33. Warm Marinated Olives
Olives are kind of the ultimate easy appetizer. But if you want to level them up, then I think this recipe is a great idea.
It has plenty of herbs, lemon, peppers, and other tasty ingredients that’d probably pair well with some warm crusty bread and cheese.
GET THE RECIPE34. Easy Baked Brie
If you want something more than just a baked brie recipe, then this cheese appetizer that’s paired with marinated olives, honey, and thyme might be your answer.
It’ll look great on the table, and be perfectly flavorful! And with just 5 minutes of prep, you’ll have something for your guests in no time.
GET THE RECIPE35. Whipped Ricotta Dip
With just 4 ingredients, it’s simple but sounds so rich and delicious. So if you’re running low on time (and energy), then this might be one of the easy appetizer recipes you make for your party.
Just make sure to grab some artisanal crust bread and maybe some cheeses as well!
GET THE RECIPE
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.