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Here are all the best easy appetizer recipes everyone will love! These time-tested party appetizer favorites always get rave reviews.
Need easy appetizers? Here’s a collection of the top appetizer recipes that everyone goes mad for! We’ve been testing these party appetizers for years on our friends and family, and have collected loads of reader feedback over the past decade. Time and time again, we hear raves like that spinach artichoke dip! That baked goat cheese!
So here are all the best easy appetizer recipes that we know everyone will love. These time-tested party favorites are organized into categories: you’ll see the top recipe and then other ideas within that category. Want to search by type? Go to Finger Foods, Dips, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Healthy Appetizers.
And now…the top easy appetizer recipes for your next party!
The top crowd pleasing easy appetizer recipe? In our experience, it's the pure perfection of this spinach artichoke dip! Our spin takes this classic to a new level! This tangy, creamy dip is such a crowd pleaser that it might interfere with the conversation when you serve it (sorry!). Whenever we make it, everyone parks around the bowl exclaiming how good it is.
Spinach dip recipes
Best-Ever Spinach Artichoke Dip
Cold Spinach Dip
Smoked Salmon Dip
Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
Vying for the top in our easy appetizer recipes: this 5-minute cheesy bean dip! In just 5 minutes, beans, salsa, and cheese come together into the creamiest, gooiest piping hot mess! Dunk in crunchy homemade tortilla chips and it tastes remarkably like the queso from your favorite Mexican joint. With just 3 ingredients, the flavor is more irresistibly complex than you’d imagine. But to really understand the magic here: you’ve got to taste it.
Bean and cheese dip recipes
5-Minute Bean Dip
Taco Dip
Mexican Cheese Dip
Easy Refried Bean Dip
Vegan Nacho Cheese (Queso)
One of the best appetizer recipes there is? A good pinwheels recipe! This one is full of Italian-style flavors: mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of spices. They look totally stunning on a platter. And better yet: we’ve figured out all the tricks to making a beautiful roll up: ours used to turn out misshapen and sad looking. Here’s how to make the most perfect pinwheels for your appetizer trays!
Pinwheel and roll-up recipes
Easy Pinwheel Recipe
Black Bean Tortilla Roll Ups
Hummus and Veggie Roll Ups
Here’s a tasty easy appetizer that always goes over well: Texas caviar! Cowboy caviar, as it’s also known, was invented in Texas and has now spread all over the US. This combo of black eyed peas, veggies and a vinaigrette dressing is equal parts zesty and comforting as an impressive chip dip. This recipe has loads of colorful veggies, cilantro and jalapenos, and a simple zingy dressing with the perfect flavor.
Chip dips and salsa recipes
Texas Caviar (Cowboy Caviar)
Mexican Inspired Corn Dip
Green Pea Dip
People cannot handle themselves around this baked goat cheese! It's one of our top easy appetizer recipes because it's just that good. It features a tangy homemade marinara sauce, simmered until perfectly flavored, then baked with creamy, tangy goat cheese. Dip in crostini or crusty bread, and it's to die for. It's one of the most popular healthy appetizers on our website.
Baked cheese appetizer recipes
Baked Goat Cheese
Baked Brie
Baked Feta with Tomatoes
People go crazy over this appetizer recipe: roasted chickpeas! Here's a healthy-ish snack that's that ultimate satisfier of a salty snack craving. They’re crispy, crunchy, perfectly spiced, and they stay crunchy in the pantry for days. And they’re a naturally plant based and gluten free snack! Score.
Crunchy snack recipes
Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
Crispy Roasted Black Beans
Baked Kale Chips
Another big crowd pleaser appetizer on the sweet side: peanut butter dip! It's got just 4 ingredients and tastes like frosting. Really! How is this so good, yet so simple? You've gotta try it. It works for any occasion: a quick snack for kids, a family party, or a big snacks table. Or if you’re me, use it for a sweets craving after a meal! This our a go-to healthy fruit dip.
Fruit dip recipes
Peanut Butter Dip
Cinnamon Yogurt Fruit Dip
Easy Pumpkin Dip
When it comes to simple and satisfying appetizers, this one’s at the top of our list. This Olive Tapenade recipe takes just 5 minutes and explodes with pure Mediterranean flavor! This traditional French spread is made with olives and capers, and the salty, briny flavor is otherworldly. Spread a smear on bread or a crunchy crostini.
Need a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack? Make classic bruschetta! This Italian appetizer has become ubiquitous all over the world because of its easy-to-love flavors. Who can say no to crunchy, toasted bread piled with tasty toppings? The most popular way to serve bruschetta in America is with chopped tomatoes, garlic and basil.
Here’s a simple easy appetizer recipe: the Ultimate Cheese Board! Cheese boards are our go-to for entertaining: they’re simple to put together, easy to customize for various diets, and look simply brilliant. Here’s an easy way to make a cheese board, with loads of cheese board ideas so you can build the spread of your dreams.
Here's one of the easiest appetizer recipes imaginable: goat cheese crostini! This appetizer idea could not be easier: honestly, it’s more an idea than a recipe. Bake up some homemade crostini, top with goat cheese and honey, and you’ve got the most delicious sweet and savory taste treat. The flavor of soft goat cheese is so perfect in itself that you don’t need any other seasoning. Once you make this once, it will become part of your repertoire for years!
Crostini recipes
Goat Cheese Crostini
Easy Crostini
Cherry Crostini
Looking for a great healthy appetizer recipe for entertaining? Try this simple stuffed mushrooms recipe! These little bites have everything going on: they’re savory, meaty, and herby, with a tender exterior and a crunch in each bite. The method is incredibly easy: no need to sauté filling ingredients. Chop them up, fill, and bake!
Here's another crowd favorite appetizer recipe: ranch dip! This creamy ranch dip recipe is made with all natural, whole food ingredients: no seasoning packets here! Just a few simple spices and you've got a perfectly creamy dip for veggies and chips. Made with Greek yogurt, it's a healthy spin on the traditional sour cream.
Vegetable dip recipes
Easy Ranch Dip
Cottage Cheese Dip
Buffalo Ranch
Ultimate Veggie Tray
Dill Dip
Here’s a go-to recipe will immediately go in your back pocket for entertaining and healthy snacks: this easy Fruit Dip! Get this: it’s 3 ingredients, takes 2 minutes, and tastes like a dream. That’s right: no need to buy store-bought dip, which is often overly sweet or artificial tasting. This one tastes beautifully natural, simply sweet, and a base of Greek yogurt keeps it healthy and natural.
Here’s a recipe that’s ideal for parties and entertaining in any season: Hummus Dip! Spread hummus on a platter or in a bowl, then top with cool cucumber, tomatoes, olives, artichokes and feta cheese. Each bite is a burst of tangy, bright and creamy flavor.
Entertaining and not sure where to start? Try an Antipasto Platter! This board of Italian appetizers is an explosion of colors and flavors, and it’s almost guaranteed to be the centerpiece of any party. Add traditional antipasti like cheese, meats, marinated vegetables, olives, crackers, breads, and more to a platter and serve with small plates to let your guests get to snacking.
Need an easy appetizer to impress? Try this Pineapple Salsa! It’s one of the best ways to use a fresh pineapple (other than eating it in chunks off the cutting board, of course). The zing of the lime and heat of the jalapeno are the ideal pairing for this sweet fruit. Or, try another impressive homemade salsa recipe!
Homemade Salsa Recipes
Best Salsa Recipe
Corn Salsa
Mango Salsa
Peach Salsa
Cranberry Salsa
Watermelon Salsa
Cucumber Salsa
Black Bean Salsa
Pico de Gallo
This simple combination of sweetened yogurt, almonds and apple slices is so refreshing and delicious, it’s hard to stop sneaking bites. These apple slices can take any type of topping you like, from chocolate chips and caramel syrup to granola crumbles and cinnamon!
There really could not be an easier appetizer recipe than baked brie! Here’s what you need to know about making a melty, delicious pile of brie. The great part? The toppings are versatile depending on your preferences, and you can make a beautiful platter with little effort.
Each crunchy, coconut-scented, juicy bite is so supremely satisfying, we want to devour the entire plate. This appetizer is popular at seafood restaurants and has a bit of that nostalgic 1990’s chain restaurant vibe. Here we’ve decoded the secrets behind the flavor: and for a lighter twist we’ve made it baked, not fried! Serve it with sweet chili sauce for a tasty appetizer.
Shrimp appetizer recipes
Easy Coconut Shrimp
Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp Ceviche
Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
20 Tasty Shrimp Appetizers
Love dill pickles? Love dip? Good. Because we’ve got the perfect easy appetizer recipe for you: dill pickle dip! Creamy and tangy, the flavor is like biting into a dill pickle spear. It’s absolutely perfect with potato chips or cucumber slices.
Potato chip dip recipes
Dill Pickle Dip
French Onion Dip
Caramelized Onion Dip
Nachos are always a hit as an appetizer recipe! These nachos feature all the best nachos toppings: charred veggies, fried beans, guacamole and cheese. Make them on the grill, in the oven or on a sheet pan. There are lots of topping ideas no matter your diet.
Nacho recipes
Ultimate Nachos Recipe
Shrimp Nachos
Vegan Nachos
Tater Tot Nachos
Here’s a favorite party trick that makes a tasty and versatile appetizer recipe in just 5 minutes of hands on time! This dish will make an olive lover out of anyone. Using the right olives here results in smooth, rich flavor: not briny or overly salty. The garlic, lemon and herbs make a symphony of flavor! Every time we make these and set them out on the table, people go crazy for them! Add to a cheese platter or charcuterie board.
Marinated recipes
Marinated Olives
Marinated Mushrooms
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Marinated Tomatoes
Here’s a classic party appetizer everyone will crowd around: this easy Cheese Ball! Some foods never go out of style, and this one still pops for parties. This recipe freshens up the classic with cheddar, green onion, Worcestershire, garlic powder and smoked paprika for a creamy, savory punch.
Looking for a fun party snack everyone will love? Try this Spiced Nuts recipe! This simple idea gives a crunchy, candy-like coating to the exterior of nuts. They’re spiced with cinnamon, chili powder and bit of cayenne for an intriguing mix of sweet, savory and spicy.
A great trick entertaining? Goat cheese stuffed dates! Yes, this appetizer recipe is incredibly easy to make, and the flavor of this simple pairing is outrageous. There’s the sweet caramel chewiness of Medjool dates. Pair that with tangy, fluffy goat cheese, and the sweet-savory combo is out of this world. Top them with a dusting of pistachios and a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and wowza!
Here's an easy appetizer people can't stop talking about: chocolate hummus! This surprisingly delicious hummus tastes like chocolate, but is made with chickpeas. Use it as you would a fruit dip: it's full of chocolaty flavor but tastes light and fresh! Of course, you can also go for the standard savory hummus recipes as well.
Hummus recipes
Chocolate Hummus Recipe
Homemade Hummus
Black Bean Hummus
Hummus Without Tahini
Glowing Green Hummus
Easy Pumpkin Hummus
Creamy Beet Hummus
Here’s an easy appetizer that looks stunning and relies on simple, spot-on flavors: Smoked Salmon Appetizer Bites! The classic combination of smoked salmon, dill, cucumber and cream cheese is a hit every time. Mix the cream cheese with fresh dill, green onion and Dijon for a rich, zingy pop. Make up this platter for a party, and people won’t be able to tear themselves away!
Looking for a fun appetizer idea? Try Fruit Skewers! Everything tastes better on a stick, right? This is a simple concept that’s more like an idea than a recipe: but it makes everyone go crazy for pure, fresh fruit. Use whatever fruits you like and if desired, serve with our favorite 3 ingredient fruit dip!
Let’s make tuna tartare! Pairing the bold flavors of soy sauce, lime and toasted sesame oil makes magic with sushi-grade ahi tuna. It’s the ideal spread for crackers or toasts. This classic recipe came on the scene in the 1980s as a spin-off on the French beef-based version, but today it has various incarnations. Here’s how to make it into an easy appetizer recipe that will wow everyone!
Who doesn’t love potato skins? Those crispy, savory vessels for creamy, cheesy deliciousness could melt even the most stone cold heart. So when you’re looking to impress, why not try them at home? This method offers some innovations so you can complete it in less time than most potato skin recipes.
Are you a fan of taquitos? Here’s a homemade baked flautas recipe that’s an easy spin on that tasty Mexican rolled tortilla treat! This version is not so much authentic as an easy way for a tasty snack. The filling is vegetarian, a mix of refried beans, cheese, salsa, and spices. It makes for a snack that’s seriously tasty (and kids love them). They’re also great for parties. Serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Baked appetizer recipes
Baked Taquitos
Healthy Loaded Sweet Potato Rounds
Guacamole is like potato salad and coleslaw: everyone has their family favorite recipe. And this simple guacamole is ours. It’s a home run every time! When we serve it, a chorus of “Wow’s” fill the room. (Really. Not hyperbole!) What makes it so great? It’s classic and has the perfect balanced flavor: perfectly savory, creamy, and tangy. Serve it up with tortilla chips and your guests — and you — won’t be able to stop eating it.
Avocado appetizer recipes
Simple Guacamole
Baked Avocado Fries
Avocado Tuna Salad with crackers or crostini
Here’s a fun appetizer recipe that pleases nearly everyone: Caprese Skewers! This easy recipe is visually stunning and irresistibly tasty, spearing all the components of a Caprese salad onto a skewer. There’s nothing better than basil and tomatoes in summer, and combined with seasoned mozzarella and a balsamic glaze: you won’t be able to eat just one!
Skewer recipes
Caprese Skewers
Antipasto Skewers
Here's another fan favorite appetizer recipe: buffalo cauliflower wings! These tasty morsels are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and tossed with spicy, tangy buffalo sauce. You’ll see these in restaurants here in the US these days…and this recipe? It tastes just as good as restaurant-style. Better, in fact!
Cauliflower appetizer recipes
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Dip
Ready to meet your new favorite easy appetizer? Meet this whipped feta dip recipe, the quickest and easiest appetizer that seems fancy but only takes 5 minutes to make. Another spin? Whipped ricotta! Serve it drizzled with honey and dip in warm flatbread. WHOA! We were instantly hooked, and we think you might be too.
Mediterranean style dip recipes
Whipped Feta Dip
Whipped Ricotta
Best Homemade Labneh
Labneh Dip with Pomegranate
Homemade Hummus
Authentic Tzatziki
More easy appetizers
Didn’t find what you need? Here are a few more ways to search for party appetizers based on category:
- 40 Fun Party Food Ideas The best foods that everyone will love.
- 20 Easy Dip Recipes All the dips: sweet, savory, chips, bread, and more!
- 15 Easy Cold Appetizers These ideas are easy to make ahead and store until the time is right.
- 10 Best Dips for Chips Got a bag of chips? Here’s how to dip it.
- 15 Finger Food Ideas for Parties More ideas for eating with your fingers.
- 10 Healthy Appetizer Recipes Want fresh and wholesome ideas? We’ve got you.
- 25 Tasty Vegan Appetizers The top ideas for plant-based eaters.
- 15 Vegetarian Appetizers Our best ideas starring vegetables…and lots of cheese.
- 35 Gluten Free Appetizers Go for all our favorite appetizer ideas sans gluten.
50 Easy Appetizer Recipes Everyone Will Love
This hot spinach artichoke dip is irresistibly creamy and tangy! Everyone will park in front of the dish, then ask you for the recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 10 ounces frozen spinach
- ¼ cup minced shallot
- 2 green onions
- 14 ounce can (8.5 ounce dry weight) quartered artichokes
- 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Paprika, for sprinkling
- For serving: pita chips or bread
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Thaw the spinach. Then use a strainer to squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Mince the shallot. Thinly slice the green onions. Roughly chop the artichokes.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the spinach, shallot, green onions, and artichokes with the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, dried dill, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Taste and add a few pinches kosher salt if desired.
- Spread the dip in an even layer in a small baking dish. Top with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan (and if desired, a sprinkle of paprika). Bake for 20 minutes.
- Serve warm with pita chips.
These recipes look amazing! I’m always looking for new and easy appetizer ideas for my next gathering. Thanks for sharing these delicious and simple recipes. Can’t wait to try them out!
Love these appetizer recipes! They’re so easy and everyone will love them!