17 Appetizer Recipes That Make the First Bite Unforgettable

The first bite can set the tone for the entire meal, and these 17 appetizers are guaranteed to start things off right. From crispy bites and creamy dips to fresh, vibrant plates, each recipe is designed to please a crowd. Whether you’re serving guests at a big celebration or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these starters will have everyone eagerly awaiting the main course.

Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ham and Cheese Sliders are delicious and easy appetizer that are great for holiday parties and pot lucks! Made with ham, mozzarella cheese, mustard, butter, poppy seeds, onions and of course Hawaiian rolls!
Get the Recipe: Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders

Keto Chicken Wings

These are the perfect keto chicken wings! Deliciously crispy and flavorful, this keto chicken wing recipe will leave your taste buds satisfied. These wings are bursting with flavor and will keep you wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Wings

Paneer Pakora

Bite into a crispy, hot Paneer Pakora and it’s not hard to see why this north Indian snack is so popular. Pieces of tender paneer are batter fried to a crispy, crunchy golden brown.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Pakora

Thai Curry Puffs

Easy homemade Thai curry puffs are filled with a mouthwatering mix of ground chicken and potatoes cooked with onions, garlic, and spices in flaky pastry.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curry Puffs

Thai Fish Cakes

Thai Fish Cakes or Tod Mun Pla are loaded with layers of intense flavors from Thai curry paste, cilantro, and fish sauce.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fish Cakes

Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps

Elevate your appetizer assortment with Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps, a charming and easy choice that's bound to leave an impression. This irresistible treat is set to awaken appetites, cementing its role as a must-have on your gathering menu that every guest should savor!
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps

Alabama Fire Crackers

A white bowl filled with seasoned square crackers is placed on a wooden surface, with a red and white checkered cloth in the background. — Alabama Fire Crackers. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Alabama Fire Crackers are easy to make! Toss some crackers in a ziplock bag with a spicy oil mixture and marinate overnight for a spicy snack.
Get the Recipe: Alabama Fire Crackers

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.

Dive into the ooey-gooey goodness of cheesy chicken enchilada dip, a crowd-pleasing appetizer that makes excellent use of leftover rotisserie chicken. This indulgent dip combines creamy cheese, flavorful chicken, and zesty enchilada sauce for a party-perfect treat. Serve it up with tortilla chips or as a topping for nachos, and watch it disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip

Chicken Liver Pate

Two slices of bread with chicken liver spread on a grey plate, with a wooden knife resting on one slice. — Chicken Liver Pate. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This easy chicken liver pate recipe with no alcohol is ultra-smooth and creamy. Every bite is packed with flavor and great nutrition! Make this as an appetizer when you really want to wow your guests!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Liver Pate

Pomegranate Cheese Balls

These bite-sized balls of cheesy goodness are the easy appetizer that you'll keep coming back to. Whether it’s a casual family get-together or a full-blown party, a festive cheese ball adds a touch of sophistication to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Cheese Balls

Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

Bacon beer cheese in a dark bowl surrounded by pretzel knots on a cutting board. — Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

This beer cheese dip adds bacon to take your classic pub-style beer cheese to the next level. With sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and your choice of beer, this bacon beer cheese dip is the perfect party app.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

Chunky Guacamole

Image shows a white bowl with guacamole and a chip sticking in it with more chips on a tray to the right of it. — Chunky Guacamole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into the creamy and flavorful world of a San Antonio tradition. This copycat Boudro's guacamole combines ripe avocados, zesty lime, roasted tomatoes and pepper, and a medley of seasonings for a fresh and delicious dip. Perfect for sharing and enjoying in the sun.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Indulge in the irresistible combination of sweet dates and savory bacon with these delightful bacon wrapped dates. These bite-sized treats are a crowd-pleasing summer appetizer that perfectly balances flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Dates

Bacon Deviled Eggs

These Bacon Deviled Eggs are a snap to make, but they have so much more flavor than traditional deviled eggs. They are smooth and creamy, and it's a perfect appetizer for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs

Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

Sweet potato bites topped with guacamole and bacon. — Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These smashed sweet potato guacamole bites have crispy sides with soft centers. Topped with a salty piece of bacon, they’re the perfect bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Zucchini chips without breading made in the air fryer in a bowl on a wooden plate. — Air Fryer Zucchini Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These garlic flavored air fryer zucchini chips are crispy and addicting! With no breading, this recipe comes together quickly and easily for a delicious healthier snack, appetizer or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

These blue cheese steak crostini are the perfect little appetizer bite. Garlicky toasted bread topped with salty blue cheese, rare steak and a balsamic reduction.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Steak Crostini