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Home » Trending

17 Appetizer Recipes That Bring Flavor, Fun, and a Little Sass

Published: Jan 6, 2026 by Janelle This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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Who said appetizers have to play it safe? These 17 recipes turn small bites into bold, crowd pleasing hits with crunch, creaminess, and a little cheeky personality. From quick and easy snacks to show stopping starters, each dish proves the appetizer can set the tone, impress guests, and make dinner feel just a little more fabulous.

Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Air Fryer Twisted Bacon on a plate.
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon. Photo credit: From Ice Cream To Steak.

Bored of basic bacon? Give it a twist—literally. These air fryer bacon twists come out crispy with caramelized edges and just the right amount of crunch. They’re snackable, crowd-pleasing, and take barely any time to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Air Fryer Shrimp

Close-up of seasoned, cooked shrimp garnished with fresh herbs from our collection of delectable seafood recipes.
Air Fryer Shrimp. Photo credit: From Ice Cream To Steak.

Air fryer shrimp is one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” kind of recipes. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and gets that perfect outside crisp without drowning in oil. Use it however you want—salads, pastas, tacos, you name it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders

Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders with poppy seeds.
Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Ham and Cheese Sliders are the MVPs of any get-together. Think gooey mozzarella, savory ham, and a buttery, mustardy glaze with poppy seeds and onions—all tucked into sweet Hawaiian rolls. They’re easy to throw together and disappear in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Green Beans

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Green Beans on a platter.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Whether you’re hosting or just spicing up dinner, Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans are a solid pick. They’re quick to make in the air fryer, big on flavor, and way easier to clean up than you’d expect.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Green Beans

Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

Air Fryer Panko Shrimp with cilantro lime dressing and parsley on a white plate.
Air Fryer Panko Shrimp. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

For a fast, feel-good meal or snack, air fryer panko shrimp is where it’s at. You get all the crispy goodness without the grease—and it’s ready before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

Blue cheese steak crostini on a metal platter drizzled with balsamic reduction.
Blue Cheese Steak Crostini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These blue cheese steak crostini are packed with bold flavor in every bite. Think crispy, garlicky bread topped with tangy blue cheese, tender steak, and a sweet balsamic finish. Perfect for impressing guests!
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

Oven Baked Potato Wedges

A plate of crispy Oven Baked Potato Wedges.
Oven Baked Potato Wedges. Photo credit: The Honour System.

These super crispy Oven Baked Potato Wedges are perfect for any occasion. Whether as a hearty side at dinner or a crunchy snack on game day, they’re a crowd favorite. Plus, the homemade gluten-free seasoning mix takes them to the next level!
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Potato Wedges

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip

Image shows a corn chip with Chicken enchilada dip on it and the full container behind it.
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This cheesy chicken enchilada dip is all kinds of indulgent. With creamy cheese, savory rotisserie chicken, and bold enchilada sauce, it’s perfect for any party. Grab some tortilla chips or nachos, and get ready for it to disappear in seconds!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip

Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Baked ricotta cheese in a blue casserole dish with sliced bread.
Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon and Herbs is the creamy, zesty appetizer you didn’t know you needed. Whether you pair it with crackers, bread, fruit, or olives, it’s quick to make and even quicker to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Mini chicken taco cups on a silver tray.
Mini Chicken Taco Cups. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Mini Chicken Taco Cups are a fiesta in every bite! Packed with seasoned beans, tender chicken, and melty Cotija cheese inside a crispy tortilla shell, they’re topped with your favorite salsa for an extra kick. Perfect for game day or any party!
Get the Recipe: Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

A plate of Prosciutto & Parmesan Puff Pastry pinwheels.
Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These Prosciutto & Parmesan Pinwheels are the kind of appetizer that impresses with minimal effort. A quick trip in the oven gives them a light, flaky texture and buttery flavor that’s sure to wow your guests.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Front view of 2 stuffed chicken Crescent rolls on a white plate garnished with parsley.
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Treat your guests to these chicken stuffed Crescent rolls—flaky, golden, and stuffed with tender chicken and creamy cheese. They’re a total crowd-pleaser and an appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

A white plate with vegan stuffed portobello mushrooms garnished with cherry tomatoes and parsley.
Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These vegan stuffed portobello mushrooms are an easy, healthy appetizer that’s full of flavor! With or without cheese, they’re the perfect Italian-inspired dish that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms

Four stuffed mushrooms on a white plate.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

These Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms are everything you love about a Philly cheesesteak, minus the bread. Beefy, cheesy, and full of flavor, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. The only problem? You might not want to share!
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms

Tomato Burrata Salad

An assembled tomato burrata salad with sliced basil and burrata on a cutting board and a bowl of chopped heirloom tomatoes.
Tomato Burrata Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

This Tomato Burrata Salad is a classy twist on the classic caprese. With juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and a tangy balsamic reduction, it’s the perfect summer dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Spicy Cauliflower Bites

A plate of baked spicy cauliflower bites with red sauce next to it.
Spicy Cauliflower Bites. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These baked crispy cauliflower bites are the perfect balance of crunch and spice. Packed with flavor in every bite, they’re an irresistible appetizer that’ll liven up any party or pre-dinner gathering. Get ready for them to disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cauliflower Bites

Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer

A person holding a cucumber with shrimp and guacamole.
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer is an easy option that comes together in 30 minutes. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t need a lot of prep or cooking time, so it’s perfect for making for last-minute guests and casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer

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Hi, I’m Lara, a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer with a passion for food and travel.

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