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Home » Trending

17 Appetizers That Will Wow Guests and Family Alike

Published: Dec 2, 2025 by Janelle This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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The right appetizer can make a meal unforgettable. This collection of 17 recipes offers something for every occasion, from casual snacks to elegant starters. Each dish balances flavor, texture, and presentation, giving you options that are approachable and impressive. Whether you love savory bites, fresh vegetables, or bold, cheesy creations, these recipes make it easy to begin every meal with style and excitement.

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.

If you're looking for a tasty and healthy appetizer or main course that can be prepared in a matter of minutes, air fryer panko shrimp is a great option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

Keto Chicken Wings

Keto Chicken Wings on a black plate with parsley and a white sauce.
Keto Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

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

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 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

Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

A plate of whipped feta with honey dip and crackers on it.
Whipped Feta with Honey Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Whipped Feta with Honey Dip is the kind of appetizer that makes a big impression with hardly any effort. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a simple yet standout choice for your holiday spread—tasty, quick, and sure to be remembered.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Three stuffed mushrooms on a white plate, topped with a mixture of cheese, herbs, and vegetables. .
Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Impress your guests with these tasty spinach artichoke stuffed mushrooms. They're perfect for all kinds of gatherings and so easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Air Fryer Short Ribs

Several pieces of seasoned and cooked ribs on a wooden cutting board, garnished with herbs. Small bowls with spices are placed on the board.
Air Fryer Short Ribs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Experience the most mouthwatering air fryer short ribs you ever had. Seriously, they're so juicy and they're just fall off the bone tender.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Short Ribs

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are the kind of appetizer that makes everyone go "wow!" Full of flavor and made with simple ingredients, they’re perfect for prepping ahead, so you can relax and enjoy the party.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A baking sheet with garnished parmesan crusted potatoes on it.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Who doesn’t love crispy, cheesy potatoes? These Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are ready in under an hour and are made with easy ingredients you likely have at home. They’re the perfect side dish for anything from a weeknight dinner to a festive holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Air Fryer Lumpia

Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Craving authentic Filipino Lumpiang Shanghai? Our air fryer lumpia recipe will give you that satisfying crunch you love, with less grease and fewer calories.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Try these sweet and savory bacon-wrapped onion rings for a unique game day appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Crockpot Little Smokies

Crock pot little smokies on a spoon over the slow cooker.
Crockpot Little Smokies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This easy 3 ingredient recipe is perfect for your next party! Crockpot Little Smokies have been popular for years, and this is about the simplest appetizer recipe you can find.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Little Smokies

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 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

Spicy Deviled Eggs

Kimchi spicy deviled eggs lined up with green onions on top and a bowl of kimchi behind them with more eggs on a cutting board.
Spicy Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

These spicy deviled eggs are made with kimchi and cayenne pepper to make a fiery, creamy, gut-boosting appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Deviled Eggs

Arancini with Marinara and Broccolini

Plate of arancini with marinara and broccolini blurred in background.
Arancini with Marinara and Broccolini. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Make this delicious dish as an appetizer or main meal! Arancini with Marinara and Broccolini is perfection!
Get the Recipe: Arancini with Marinara and Broccolini

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 creamy Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon and Herbs is a perfect appetizer that you can pair with bread or crackers, some fruit, or salty olives. The best part of this cheese dip is that it is so quick to make.
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 loaded with tasty seasoned beans and chicken, topped with melty Cotija cheese nestled in a crispy tortilla shell. Add a flavorful kick with your favorite salsa. Set these taco cups out on a tray for a spicy appetizer for game day or a party.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Mini Swiss Cheese Quiches

Mini Swiss cheese quiches on a white platter.
Mini Swiss Cheese Quiches. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These mini Swiss cheese quiches combine the rich creaminess of Swiss cheese with the delicate custard and savory fillings, perfect for a brunch or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Mini Swiss Cheese Quiches

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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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