11 Appetizer Recipes

When you’re hosting, having a few go-to appetizers that impress without too much fuss makes all the difference.

These delicious appetizer recipes cover everything from creamy dips to bite-sized finger foods that disappear fast. Many can be prepped ahead, leaving you more time to enjoy the fun instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Each one’s a guaranteed hit that keeps everyone coming back for more at any party, holiday celebration, or gathering.

1. Blooming Quesadilla Ring

This one always gets attention because it looks fancy but comes together pretty easily once you get the hang of rolling the tortilla cones. Put out salsa and sour cream on the side so people can add what they want.

Get the Recipe: Blooming Quesadilla Ring

2. Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza

My recipe for crescent roll ranch veggie pizzas is always a crowd pleaser. You can make these hours ahead and keep them cold in the fridge until guests show up, which takes so much pressure off.

Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza

3. Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

Scooping out the seeds keeps these from being too spicy while still giving you that jalapeno flavor. The cheesy mixture inside gets bubbly and golden while the peppers soften up nicely in the oven.

Get the Recipe: Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

4. Bacon-Wrapped Dates

These always disappear first at any party I bring them to. The honey glaze caramelizes in the oven, creating this sticky-sweet coating that works so well with the bacon and the soft cheese-stuffed dates underneath.

Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Dates

5. Cowboy Corn Dip

This is my go-to when I need something quick because there’s no cooking involved at all. Mix everything together, chill it, and you’re done, and you can dial the heat up or down depending on how many jalapenos you add.

Get the Recipe: Cowboy Corn Dip

6. Antipasto Skewers

These look impressive, but are super easy to make. A little drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving makes them feel restaurant-quality without much effort.

Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

7. Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

Slicing the bread in a grid without cutting through the bottom creates all these pockets for cheese and garlic butter. It’s loaded with garlic, herbs, butter, and lots of melty cheese.

Get the Recipe: Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

8. French Onion Dip

No need to buy store-bought dip when you can whip this up with dried minced onions and seasonings you probably already have. It’s perfect to make ahead since it needs to chill in the fridge a bit so the flavors come together.

Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip

9. Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs

Standard deviled eggs get a major upgrade with Cajun-seasoned shrimp on top and a spicy kick in the yolk mixture. You control how much heat goes into them based on the hot sauce you add, so they work for different spice tolerances.

Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs

10. Feta Bruschetta

Feta bruschetta layers tomatoes, basil, and feta over a toasted baguette for a fresh appetizer. It’s an easy starter that always disappears fast at gatherings.

Get the Recipe: Feta Bruschetta

11. Roasted Artichokes

These artichokes come out tender after roasting with garlic and shallots, and the creamy dipping sauce uses those same roasted garlic cloves that cook alongside the artichokes.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Artichokes

12. Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

The slow cooker does all the work here, which means you can focus on other things while it cooks. Just toss everything in, let it melt together on low, then switch to warm when you’re ready to serve. It always gets rave reviews when I make it!

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip