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Home » Trending

23 Appetizers That Come to Slay, Not Play

Published: Aug 4, 2025 by Janelle This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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These bold bites don’t just warm up the crowd—they own the table. From fiery flavors to dramatic crunch, these appetizers are bringing main-character energy to your next spread.

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

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

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A bowl of buffalo chicken dip with celery and chips.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Try this slow cooker buffalo chicken dip recipe to spice up your snack game with minimal effort. It combines the fiery flavors of buffalo chicken wings with a creamy, cheesy dip.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Panko shrimp with dipping sauce.
Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy and delicious fried panko shrimp will satisfy any seafood lover. Enjoy this tasty dish with your favorite sides or dipping sauce!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

Bacon wrapped shrimp on a white plate with dipping sauce.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Upgrade your appetizer game with a bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe. The recipe is perfect for the air fryer or oven. You'll enjoy a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

Thai Curry Puffs

Thai curry puffs filled with ground chicken, potatoes, peas, onions, garlic and spices are a mouthwatering snack.
Thai Curry Puffs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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 on a black plate with prik nam pla.
Thai Fish Cakes. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Fundido dip with chips.
Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cheesy fundido with a spicy chipotle hummus kick to it. Use chips or even roasted vegetables to dive into this baked cheesy dip.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

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

Tuna Stuffed Avocados

A glass bowl of tuna salad with pickles and multiple avocados stuffed with the salad around it.
Tuna Stuffed Avocados. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Stay full longer with these tuna stuffed avocados! A flavorful combo, tuna and avocado make the perfect high-protein snack or tasty app!
Get the Recipe: Tuna Stuffed Avocados

Honey garlic chicken wings (gluten-free)

Gluten-free chicken wings in honey garlic sauce on a grill pan with cilantro and lime on them.
Honey garlic chicken wings (gluten-free). Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Tender, juicy chicken wings coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce and cooked on a grill pan. These gluten-free chicken wings are a perfect blend of sweet and sour flavors.
Get the Recipe: Honey garlic chicken wings (gluten-free)

Garden Fresh Salsa

A closeup side shot of garden fresh salsa in a white bowl.
Garden Fresh Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This delicious fresh garden salsa recipe with tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and lime juice is perfect as a dip for chips or a topping for your favorite Mexican dish!
Get the Recipe: Garden Fresh Salsa

Air Fryer Tostones (Plantains)

Plate of tostones and salsa.
Air Fryer Tostones (Plantains). Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These Air Fryer Tostones are great as a healthier subsitute for chips or buns, whether on the Whole30 diet or you just want to eat healthier!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tostones (Plantains)

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

BBQ Rib Potato Salad

BBQ Rib Potato Salad on a light blue plate with a salad and ribs.
BBQ Rib Potato Salad. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Bring something new to the BBQ! This BBQ Rib potato salad comes together well!
Get the Recipe: BBQ Rib Potato Salad

Jalapeno Artichoke Dip

A white bowl of dip with chips and cheese.
Jalapeno Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Jalapeno Artichoke Dip has a creamy base that's topped off with artichoke hearts and jalapenos. It's a crowd-pleasing dip!
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Artichoke Dip

Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps

Overhead view of cream cheese pickle wraps on white plate.
Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

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

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

Jalapeno Popper Dip With Bacon

A skillet filled with a baked jalapeno popper dip.
Jalapeno Popper Dip With Bacon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Get ready to elevate your party game with this creamy and cheesy homemade Jalapeno Popper Dip with Bacon. This quick and easy cheesy dip is a fiery fiesta for your taste buds, combining the irresistible heat of jalapenos with the savory goodness of crispy bacon.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Dip With Bacon

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

Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Smoked chicken wings with pickles on a black plate.
Smoked Dill Pickle Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked wings with a touch of dill-licious dill in every bite, these easy wings are perfect when dunked into ranch!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Baked Brie in a Bowl

A wooden platter with baked brie in a bowl, cheese, crackers, grapes and bread.
Baked Brie in a Bowl. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Super easy, impressive and delicious, this Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl is always the star of the party! As an appetizer before dinner or snack, pour a glass of wine and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie in a Bowl

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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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