40 Simple and Easy Appetizer Recipes To Relish
Hosting a party and need a tasty but easy appetizers? These 40 easy recipes are sure to be the star of your party.
They don't require any fancy ingredients either. Each dish is crafted to ensure your guests leave satisfied and happy.
So get ready to dazzle with these crowd-pleasing appetizers.
Caprese Skewers
I love anything served on skewers.
Theres just something so charming about them that makes them impossible to resist.
Bite-sized mozzarella balls, basil, and cherry tomatoes are threaded onto skewers for this recipe.
Then, youll drizzle them with a sweet balsamic reduction.
Theyre sweet, salty, and oh-so refreshing.
Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese
Bite-sized sausages wrapped in cheese and flaky pastry and baked to perfection.
Doesnt that sound just heavenly?!
Theyre crispy, buttery, soft, chewy, and purely phenomenal. I love the textural contrast between the flaky pastry, melted cheese, and snappy sausage!
These pigs definitely get a 12/10.
Texas Trash
It may be called trash, but its definitely priceless.
The combination of Chex cereals, pretzels, and nuts is absolutely amazing.
It doesnt end there, though.
As delicious as they already are, theyre bathed with a blend of seasoned butter and Worcestershire sauce.
Delicious is an understatement.
Pumpkin Goat Cheese Crostini
Pumpkin goat cheese crostini another fancy appetizer thats surprisingly easy to make!
They look good and taste even better.
Theyre crispy, bite-sized baguettes topped with goat cheese and a mixture of pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and fall spices. Topped with walnuts, cranberries, and more, this elegant finger food makes the perfect party or potluck appetizer.
Cranberry Brie Bites
These tasty little morsels are unbelievably elegant.
Theyre perfect for holiday dinners and more formal events.
Of course, theyre also spectacularly easy to make.
So, theyre pretty perfect for those casual get-togethers, too.
Theyre sweetly tart, tangy, and savory.
Youll love every mouthful.
Alabama Fire Crackers
Saltine crackers as a party appetizer?
Sounds boring, right?
Not these Alabama Firecrackers!
In fact, theyre anything BUT boring!
Sure, they start as nothing more than plain old saltines.
But youll jazz them up with garlic powder, onion powder, ranch dressing mix, and more!
The result is an uber-flavorful cracker thats borderline addictive.
Everyone will want more.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
My grandmother makes these fun-sized slider sandwiches at every get-together my family has.
And no, I havent stopped loving them yet!
Theyre classic ham and cheese sandwiches only better.
The butter and herbs give them so much more flavor.
And their small size makes them perfect for snacking while talking, playing games, or wandering around.
Theyre always a hit!
Sausage Balls
Like cheese balls, sausage balls are another appetizer I can never turn down.
Especially when theyre made of juicy, succulent Jimmy Dean sausage.
Theyre the heartiest, meatiest, best-tasting sausage balls around.
For a bit of heat, use Jimmy Deans spicy sausage instead.
Hot Bean Dip
This hot bean dip may look similar to the French onion dip above, but the two are different.
True, theyre both loaded down with gooey cheese.
However, thats where their similarities end.
Besides being cheesy, bean dip is also warm, earthy, and full of South-of-the-Border flavor.
Between the refried beans and taco seasoning, its almost like nachos without the chips.
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.
Simply top crunchy chips with ground beef, refried beans, jalapeno poppers, and melted cheese.
Or whatever toppings you like best!
I enjoy sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
Yum!
Grape Jelly Meatballs
It doesnt matter what kind of party or gathering youre planning.
You can never go wrong with meatball appetizers. People love meatballs, especially sweet and savory ones like these grape jelly meatballs.
They have just the right amount of heat, sweetness, and sauce. Plus, you can make these in the Crockpot, so theyre very hands-off.
Corn Salsa
Typically, salsa is all about the tomatoes and cilantro.
In this case, though, this salsa is all about the corn!
Its a sweet-n-savory mix of corn, red onions, jalapenos, and cilantro.
Mix in a little lime juice and salt, and its ready to serve.
The whole recipe takes 10 minutes from start to finish.
Thats MY kind of appetizer.
Jalapeno Popper Dip
You cant have a list of holiday appetizer recipes without including lots and lots of dips.
This is the first of many to appear here.
Its cheesy and spicy with a crunchy Ritz cracker topping.
With bacon, jalapenos, green onions, and three kinds of cheese, it also has a ton of flavor.
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, its shockingly delicious.
All youll need are chili, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. It comes together in one bowl, and you dont even need to cook.
Just microwave the ingredients, and voila!
Queso
I have good news if youre obsessed with Qdobas queso dip.
This recipe makes a pretty perfect replica of the original.
In terms of copycat recipes, its one of the best.
Its ridiculously cheesy and will be gone in a snap.
Take it up a notch by adding jalapenos. Its easy to make and way cheaper than takeout, to boot.
What more can you ask for?
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Honestly, Ill always love recipes with the phrase bacon-wrapped in them.
I dont even have to try them to know.
You could say we were eating bacon-wrapped toadstool eggs, and I wouldnt care.
I wouldnt hear anything after bacon-wrapped.
Luckily, these tasty morsels of shrimp are much more appetizing than whatever toadstool eggs are.
The bacon just adds extra yumminess.
Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are crunchy outside, tender inside, and full of umami-packed flavor.
Theyre an elegant appetizer thats quick to make and easy to enjoy.
They work well for practically any occasion formal or otherwise.
And despite their seafood flavor, most people enjoy them, including kids!
This easy crab cake recipe is a must-have if youre a frequent entertainer.
Seven Layer Taco Dip
Seven whopping layers talk about over the top.
This dip may have several components, but they create a beautiful harmony of flavors.
So, heres how the layering goes. Start with refried beans.
Then, add sour cream, cream cheese, salsa, tomatoes, pepper, green onions, shredded cheese, and black olives. Its like combining all your favorite Mexican toppings into one majestic dip.
Its legendary.
Soft Pretzel Bites
I said Id only feature easy appetizers, and Im a woman of my word. Despite what people think, these soft pretzel bites arent difficult to make.
They just take time. But whats a little time for Auntie Annes level of greatness?!
These bite-sized treats are mildly crispy outside and outrageously soft, chewy, and pillowy inside.
They smell like Heaven, too.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are traditional Christmas appetizer recipes.
Thats why there are so many recipes for how to make them!
Paula Deens version is one of my favorites.
They have all the flavor and texture of classic deviled eggs.
However, the sweet gherkin pickles and pimentos add a little something extra.
They look great, taste great, and have a phenomenal texture.
Veggie Tray
Lets take a break from the sinful appetizers and focus on this more nutritious veggie tray. It may not be as decadent as the others on this list, but its still delicious.
Plus, how pretty is it?! The medley of veggies creates such a vibrant color combination.
Serve it with an array of dips, and youre all set.
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
I love stuffing things into vegetables.
They add personality and transform the veggies from so-so to spectacular.
In this recipe, youll fill earthy mushroom caps with mayo, crabmeat, green onions, and herbs. Finished off with parmesan and paprika, these appetizers will delight your party guests!
Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon
Sausages + Bacon = Pure Love. Believe me when I say that this appetizer will be the first to disappear at your party.
Its that good. Smoky, salty, savory: You cant go wrong with this epic flavor profile.
The textures are on point as well. Crisp and fatty bacon meets snappy smokies?
Thats what I call a winning combination.
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
I love a good cheese ball.
In fact, Id almost say that cheese balls are my all-time favorite party appetizers.
Theyre easy to make, versatile, and super delicious.
I love them all, whether theyre sweet, savory, herby, or spicy. This ultimate ranch cheese ball definitely fits into the savory category.
You can whip it up with just four ingredients, too.
French Onion Dip
Deans French onion dip is one of my all-time favorite store-bought dips. This French onion dip, though, has more in common with French onion soup than Deans dip.
Its warm and flavorful, full of ooey-gooey melted cheeses. Theres Gruyere, cream cheese, and parmesan.
Plus, chives, thyme, and other yummy ingredients.
Serve it with crusty toasted bread for dipping.
Crockpot Buffalo Wings
Game day has never tasted this good!
Even if your team loses, these Crockpot buffalo chicken wings will make you feel like a winner.
I mean, how mouthwatering is that glaze?
Made from butter and hot sauce, its as delicious as it looks.
The wings themselves are unbelievable, too!
Crispy outside, tender and juicy inside, and perfectly seasoned in every bite.
Antipasto Bake
Antipasto bake sounds more like dinner than a party appetizer.
In truth, it can work as both.
Serve it in a serving dish for dinner, or cut it into squares for your next party.
Either way, it tastes delicious, and everyone will love it.
Its everything you love about Italian-flavor-packed antipasto skewers.
Only this comes in a much heartier package.
Pimento Cheese
When most people think of pimento cheese, they imagine cool summer sandwiches.
And pimento cheese is certainly great for that.
However, you can also use it as a spread or a dip! Its creamy and rich but still refreshing and not too heavy.
Paired with salty chips or Ritz crackers, it also has a nice sweetness.
Cowboy Caviar
I cant get over how wonderfully colorful cowboy caviar is!
It may not be as elegant as actual caviar, but Id choose it any day.
Unlike the usual creamy, cheesy dips, this highlights vegetables, proving that healthy can also be delicious. Filled with tiny chunks of refreshing veggies, it can be a dip or a side dish!
Buffalo Chicken Wing 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 knock your socks off. Its technically a dip served with chips, crackers, and crudites.
But I dont mind eating it by itself with a spoon.
Guacamole
I cant think of a dish that doesnt pair well with guacamole.
You can add it to nachos, tacos, sandwiches, salads, fish, and more!
This rich and creamy sauce of mashed avocados is truly versatile.
And when it comes to guacamole, nothing beats Chipotles recipe!
Fortunately, you can make your own version at home with this easy copycat recipe.
Garlic Parmesan Wings
Wingstops garlic parmesan wings are my absolute favorite wings.
You can just imagine my glee when I came across this copycat recipe.
Ive made this several times already, and they taste perfect every time. Theyre crispy outside, juicy inside, and buttery and cheesy all the way through.
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!
Youll 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.
Crispy Potato Skins
Fully loaded potato skins are the ultimate Game Day snack, sure to satisfy all your guests.
Theyre crispy, crunchy mouthfuls of YUM.
Serve them by themselves or with various sauces for dipping.
Either way, theyll quickly disappear right off the serving platter.
Hot Crab Dip
Didnt I promise you plenty of dips on this roundup?
Well, heres one more!
This cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth dip is totally drool-worthy. Its packed with umami flavor and is good till the last bite.
Serve it with chips or Ritz crackers for dipping.
Cool, crisp veggies would work, too.
Pro tip: This one also makes an excellent stand-alone casserole for dinner.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ah, my favorite spinach artichoke dip.
Vegetables have never been this addictive.
Toss artichokes and spinach leaves with garlic alfredo sauce, cream cheese, parmesan, Romano, and mozzarella.
The result is divine.
Even kids wont be able to say no. So, if youre looking for a fun way to introduce these two veggies to your kids, this is the recipe for you.
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.
Theyre as much fun to make as they are to eat! The ingredients are threaded onto skewers, but dont worry.
Theres a super easy technique thatll make the seemingly tedious task almost effortless.
Velveeta Sausage Dip
Crumbled sausage, melted cheese, diced tomatoes, and chili combine in one magical dip. Ah, Velveeta sausage dip.
You may not be a looker, but you taste absolutely phenomenal. Savory, creamy, cheesy, and meaty.
When it comes to awesome dip qualities, it checks all the boxes. I highly suggest doubling or tripling the recipe, for this dip wont last long.
Italian Pizza Bites
These pizza bites are like savory muffins loaded with pepperoni, salami, and mozzarella. Drizzled or dipped in marinara, these morsels are definitely one for the books.
Theyre awesome as they are.
Still, you can switch things up by adding more pizza toppings.
Crumbled sausage, bacon, pineapple the skys the limit.
Texas Twinkies
Dont let your sweet tooth get excited just yet.
Texas Twinkies arent exactly like the Hostess snack cakes of the same name.
Instead, theyre more like jalapeno poppers wrapped in bacon and smothered in barbecue sauce. Actually, they arent LIKE that thats precisely what they ARE.
They wont satisfy your sweet tooth, but theyre still phenomenal.