Every gathering, big or small, calls for a few irresistible bites to kick things off. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, throwing a casual game-night party, or just having friends over for a quick get-together, appetizers are the key to setting the tone. The best part? They don’t have to be complicated. These 10 easy appetizer recipes prove that you can create impressive, crowd-pleasing starters without spending hours in the kitchen.
From savory dips to finger foods, appetizers are all about flavor and convenience. Think creamy spinach-artichoke dip served with crispy crackers, or baked brie topped with honey and nuts for a touch of elegance. If you’re after something hearty, mini meatballs glazed with BBQ or teriyaki sauce will keep guests coming back for seconds. For lighter options, fresh bruschetta with juicy tomatoes and basil or skewers stacked with mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes make for refreshing bites that look as good as they taste.
Appetizers are also a great way to showcase variety. You can go classic with deviled eggs or pigs in a blanket, or take a global spin with dishes like hummus, spring rolls, or quesadillas cut into bite-sized wedges. No matter your crowd, there’s always an appetizer that fits the mood.
Another perk of these easy appetizers is flexibility. Many can be made ahead of time so you’re not scrambling before guests arrive, and most use simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Pair them with your favorite drinks, and you’ve got a spread that feels both effortless and impressive.
These 10 easy appetizer recipes are perfect for any occasion—casual or fancy, big or small. With a mix of comforting classics and creative bites, they’ll keep everyone happily munching while the main event is still on the way.
Deviled Cucumbers
Move over, deviled eggs! These light and elegant smoked salmon appetizers are perfect for a spring get together — and only take 15 minutes to make! With a refreshing crunch from cucumbers and a creamy filling with a hint of tang, they offer a twist on classic flavors. Plus, they’re a budget-friendly way to enjoy the rich taste of smoked salmon — just 1 ounce goes a long way here.
French Onion Dip Cups
These tasty little cups are packed with warm, creamy and cheesy onion dip. Simply spoon a savory mixture of caramelized onions, herbs and three cheeses into crispy store-bought phyllo shells and air-fry them until they’re golden brown and bubbling.
Roasted Red Pepper White Bean Dip
You only need 20 minutes and a handful of pantry staples to make this delicious dip. It’s great with everything from fresh cut veggies to crackers, too.
Clam Dip
Clam dip is one of those old-timey New England dishes that is popular up and down the coast, often made for family gatherings like barbecues or holidays. Every New Englander who knows the dip probably has an opinion on whether it should be made with cream cheese or sour cream (or both), and which mix-ins should be added. This version is classic and simple, made from cream cheese, canned clams (which you can use straight from the can, no cooking necessary), scallions, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Feel free to serve it with your favorite dippers, whether those are potato chips, sliced vegetables or even Fritos.
Sausage Balls
Sausage balls are a classic party appetizer for a crowd and they couldn’t be simpler — just mix, shape and bake. We’ve included thinly sliced scallions in our version for subtle onion flavor and a touch of color.
Crab Cakes with Old Bay Donkey Sauce
Guy Fieri’s signature Donkey Sauce does double duty in this app: It’s used as a binder for the crab cakes and as a dipping sauce.
Labneh Dip with Scallion Oil
This beautifully green labneh dip is topped with a flavorful hot oil made from sizzled scallions, shallots and garlic for a fresh take on an onion dip. If you don’t have shallots, feel free to substitute with finely chopped onion. Serve with cold crunchy vegetables, such as cucumbers and radishes.
Salmon Croquettes with Remoulade Sauce
Most likely you have most, if not all, of the ingredients to make this surprisingly easy, budget-friendly and deliciously crispy dish sitting in your pantry right now. We tested the recipe using both cornmeal and panko for the breading and found panko produced a much better crunch and that golden crust croquettes are known for.
Cheesy Broccoli Puffs
These impressive appetizers are easy to prep thanks to frozen broccoli and store-bought puff pastry. Tucked inside each golden packet is a delicious mixture of vegetables, melty mozzarella, creamy ricotta and fragrant dill. A sprinkle of sesame seeds is the perfect finishing touch.
Crispy Pepperoni Dip
Crispy mini pepperoni cups star in this creamy, zesty dip that’s perfect for snacking. The dip can be made in a flash and a bit of honey and crushed red pepper flakes add sweet and spicy notes. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy the familiar flavors of pepperoni pizza in an easy-to-eat and shared format. Serve with plenty of warm focaccia for scooping.
