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17 Appetizers That’ll Make Your Main Course Wonder If It’s Needed!

Published: Apr 22, 2025 by Lara Clevenger, Registered Dietitian This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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Feeling snacky? Sometimes the appetizers steal the show—and these 17 irresistible bites are no exception! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a bite before the main course, these starters will have everyone wondering if they’re the main event.

Keto Chicken Wings

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

Let’s talk wings. These aren’t just keto-friendly—they’re straight-up addictive. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor in every bite. Perfect for anyone trying to keep it low-carb without missing out on the good stuff.
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.

These sliders are dangerously good. Think warm ham, melted cheese, a punch of mustard and onion, all wrapped in buttery Hawaiian rolls. They’re super simple to throw together and somehow manage to vanish in seconds at every party. Make extra—you’ve been warned.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders

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.

When you're short on time but still want something that hits the spot, air fryer panko shrimp is a solid move. It’s crispy, flavorful, and way healthier than the deep-fried stuff. Serve it up as a starter or make a meal out of it—either way, it’s a win.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

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.

These bacon wrapped green beans are the kind of side dish that makes people think you put in way more effort than you actually did. Pop them in the air fryer, let the magic happen, and enjoy the crispy, savory, slightly sweet goodness—without the mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Green Beans

Smoky and Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Smoky and Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These air fryer potato wedges are the definition of easy comfort food. Just toss 'em with a few pantry staples, air fry, and you’ve got crispy perfection in no time—no soaking or overthinking required. Ideal for snack attacks or a quick side dish that actually hits.
Get the Recipe: Smoky and Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Jalapeño Poppers on a platter with a bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These air fryer jalapeño poppers are always a hit. Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and topped with crispy bacon—what more do you need? They’re super easy to make and perfect for game day, parties, or whenever you’re feeling snacky.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer

Stuffed Mushrooms on a plate.
Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Stuffed mushrooms just got a major upgrade. Filled with rich bolognese and topped with gooey cheese, they’re perfect for parties, grilling season, or just a cozy dinner at home. And yep—they’re low carb, gluten-free, and full of flavor. No compromise, just good food.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer

Burger Mini Bites

Mini burgers with parsley.
Burger Mini Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

These no-bun burger bites are small but mighty. Think juicy mini burgers with built-in veggies—great for kids, brunch spreads, or Super Bowl snacks. They're low carb, gluten-free, grain-free, and diabetic-friendly, so you can feel good about going back for seconds (or thirds).
Get the Recipe: Burger Mini Bites

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.

Want a party snack that’s warm, cheesy, and totally addictive? These chicken stuffed crescent rolls are it. Juicy chicken mixed with cream cheese, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough—easy to make, even easier to love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

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 the definition of crowd-pleasing. Made with leftover rotisserie chicken, rich cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce, it’s the perfect dip for game day or any party. Serve with tortilla chips or pile it on nachos—you won’t be able to stop at one bite.
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 with lemon and herbs is the kind of appetizer that feels fancy but is so easy to whip up. Creamy, zesty, and full of flavor, it pairs perfectly with bread, crackers, fruit, or even some olives for that salty bite. The best part? It’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

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.

Blue cheese steak crostini are a flavor-packed bite you’ll want to savor. The crispy garlicky bread is topped with sharp blue cheese, tender steak, and a sweet balsamic drizzle—an appetizer that’s bold, savory, and sure to steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

A plate of smoked pork belly burnt ends with tomatoes and pickles.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pork belly burnt ends? Yep, they’re basically meat candy. Crispy, tender, and packed with flavor, these little bites are a total game changer. Treat yourself to this indulgent fix today—you won’t regret it.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Mini Chicken Taco Cups

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

Mini chicken taco cups are the perfect bite-sized snack. Packed with seasoned beans, tender chicken, and melty Cotija cheese, all sitting pretty in a crispy tortilla shell. Top with your favorite salsa for that extra kick—perfect for game day or any party spread!
Get the Recipe: Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Spinach & Brie Dip

Spinach & Brie Dip in a casserole dish surrounded by pita wedges.
Spinach & Brie Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Move over, plain old cheese dips—this Spinach and Brie Dip is here to steal the show! With creamy brie blending perfectly with spinach, it’s cheesy goodness in every bite. Grab some dippers and dig in; you’ll be hooked in no time!
Get the Recipe: Spinach & Brie Dip

Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Meatballs with cheese on a plate.
Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Dinner just got a serious upgrade with these mozzarella-stuffed meatballs! Three simple ingredients, big flavor, and that cheesy surprise in the middle—your family won’t stop talking about them. Serve tonight, and prepare for the compliments to roll in!
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

A bacon wrapped shrimp being held up over the platter of shrimp.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Bacon-wrapped shrimp are the perfect combo of crispy, smoky, and downright delicious. The bacon adds a hearty, savory flavor that takes the shrimp to a whole new level. A bite of this and you'll never look at shrimp the same way again!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

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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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