Easy Appetizer Recipes
Find the perfect appetizer recipe for your next party or gathering! These include easy dips, scrumptious nibbles and bites, vegan and vegetarian appetizers, seafood appetizers, fun finger foods, seasonal bruschettas, and low-carb lettuce wraps. See all our appetizer ideas here.
As a chef and caterer, creating beautiful appetizers was my favorite way to surprise and delight our guests. To this day, I always love making them because you really can get quite creative!
Easy, Life-saving Dips!
One of the simplest appetizers you can make for a party is dip! Made with common pantry ingredients you most likely have on hand, they whip up in minutes and can be made ahead. Perfect for those who are short on time.
Whipped FetA Dip
This lusciously creamy whipped feta dip comes together in 10 minutes with just 4 ingredients! A crowd-pleasing appetizer everyone will love! Here we’ve topped it with roasted beets and Dukkah, served with pita chips.
Lemony Artichoke White Bean Dip
Lemony Artichoke White Bean Dip – a quick and easy Vegan Appetizer (a twist on “hummus“) that can be made in 10 minutes flat. Great for parties and gatherings and made with simple pantry ingredients!
Muhammara Dip
Muhammara Dip – a simple festive Roasted Pepper & Walnut Dip infused with Middle Eastern Spices that can be made ahead! A simple festive party appetizer! Serve with toasted pita bread or homemade crackers.
Perfect Hummus
Creamy PERFECT Hummus! This authentic hummus recipe is light and creamy and so easy to make! Use canned or dried chickpeas and serve it up with fresh garden veggies and herbs.
Heavenly Whipped Ricotta
This Whipped Ricotta recipe is the easiest appetizer you’ll ever make! It’s simple & fast while feeling elevated. A creamy, luscious dip, that can go either sweet or savory depending on your toppings.
Zucchini Dip
This luscious, flavorful Zucchini Dip is a delicious way to use up your garden zucchini! Serve it up with pita chips or crackers for a tasty, healthy appetizer everyone will love. Vegan, Gluten-Free. Video.
Labneh Dip
Labneh! A creamy Middle Eastern Yogurt Dip (similar to cream cheese) – to serve with crunchy veggies or toasted pita. A simple tasty appetizer, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Beet Tzatziki
Wow your party guests with Beet Tzatziki! Vibrant Beet Tzatziki is made with grated beets, cucumber, Greek yogurt and fresh herbs- a festive appetizer or complementary side dish to Mediterranean-inspired meals. Vegan-adaptable!
Tandoori Hummus
Tandoori Hummus – a delicious Indian twist on the hummus, seasoned with garam masala spice. This flavorful hummus is vegan, easy to make… and has the BEST flavor! Serve with naan or pita chips!
Harissa REd Pepper Dip
This Smoky Harissa Red Pepper Dip is made with white beans and topped with pistachios, cumin seeds and optional feta. A simple party appetizer that comes together in 10 minutes flat.
Guacamole (3 FUN ways!)
Guacamole- 3 Ways! ! Three different flavor profiles that will be the hit of your party! A flavorful vegan appetizer that is simple, gluten-free and healthy.
Smoky Baba Ganoush
Baba Ganoush! Luscious Roasted Eggplant Dip made with smoky eggplant, tahini, garlic and lemon. A healthy, delicious Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip that is full of complexity and depth. Gluten-free, low-carb, vegan.
Caramelized French Onion Dip
A delicious, healthy take on French Onion Dip made with caramelized onions, creamy Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs. A perfect make ahead appetizer for potlucks and parties. Serve with potato chips, pita chips or crackers.
FAVorite Bruschetta Recipes
There is nothing easier than whipping up a platter of bruschetta! Here are a few of our favorite crowd-pleasers!
Mushroom Bruschetta
Mushroom Bruschetta with Triple Cream Brie, Sage and Truffle Oil – a surprisingly easy appetizer that tastes amazing and looks elegant! Perfect for holiday gatherings and parties!
Beet and Basil Bruschetta
Beet Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Basil a festive appetizer recipe that highlights winter beets and is full of amazing flavor!
Fig Bruschetta
Fig Bruschetta with Cambozola and Sage Honey a tasty appetizer recipe that comes together in minutes, perfect for fall and holiday gatherings.
Tomato Bruschetta (elevated)
Are you looking for the perfect recipe for Tomato Bruschetta? Here are a few tips to elevate this classic summer appetizer!
Delicious Vegan Appetizers
We have a huge selection of vegan appetizers from dips, to finger foods and vegan appetizers to feed a crowd.
Olive Tapenade
Versatile and full of flavor, Olive Tapenade is a simple, elegant addition to your appetizer list. This tasty spread comes together fast and requires no cooking, making it a great choice for warm summer days.
Eggplant Caponata
This Sicilian recipe for Eggplant Caponata is simple, easy and full of flavor! Serve it as a healthy vegan appetizer over crostini, or as a delicious side dish, or turn it into an eggplant “salad” served over greens and grains! Low- Carb and Vegan!
Palouse Caviar
Palouse Caviar! A take on Texas Caviar, this Lentil Dip called Palouse Caviar is made w/ Northwest Palouse-grown lentils, pomegranate, avocado, lime. Served with corn chips for a festive healthy, vegan GF party appetizer.
Vegan Ceviche!
This vegan, plant-based Hearts of Palm Ceviche will transport you to Mexico. Made with hearts of palm and avocado, this easy recipe can be served on tostadas, with chips or in lettuce cups!
Fresh Spring Rolls
Fresh Spring Rolls with BEST EVER Peanut Sauce! These vegan spring rolls can be made ahead and are the perfect healthy vegan appetizer for gatherings and parties! Watch them disappear!
Cashew Cheese Quesadillas
A tasty recipe for Vegan Quesadillas with creamy cashew cheese and Poblano Pumpkin Seed Salsa. Vegan and delicious!
Warm olives with Lemon zest and almonds
Warm Olives with Rosemary, Garlic, and Almonds – a simple, delicious appetizer that is full of amazing flavor, that can be made very quickly and easily!
Blistered shishito Peppers
A simple recipe for Blistered Shishito Peppers- a fast and easy appetizer that comes together in under 15 minutes!
Party Appetizers for Seafood Lovers!
Love fish and seafood? We have you covered. Here are our top seafood appetizers!
Aguachile
Mexican Aguachile! Similar to ceviche, shrimp are cooked in a mixture of lime juice, chiles and cilantro. Flavorful, simple and sooooo delicious! Serve with Corn chips!
Jalapeno Lime Crab Cakes
These delicious Crab Cakes are made with Cilantro, lime and jalapeño with a punchy Red Pepper Vinaigrette. Make them mini- sized, topped with a wood fork, for a gathering! A personal favorite!
Ceviche
This Ceviche with fresh fish, chili, lime, cilantro, avocado, tomato and cucumber is a very easy appetizer perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and parties! You can also serve these as mini tacos or mini tostadas.
Air fryer salmon bites
Succulent and flavorful, Air Fryer Salmon Bites are served with a miso ginger dipping sauce and ready in about 15 minutes! Perfect for appetizers, bowls, salads, and snacks! Gluten-free.
Crudo
This recipe for Crudo is easy to make at home and one of those appetizers that will WOW your guests. Think of crudo like Italian-style sashimi- raw fish drizzled with olive oil, flakey sea salt, citrus, and herbs. We’ll show you the basic recipe to use as a jumping-off point for your own creations. There are many ways to prepare crudo!
Chimichurri Shrimp
Chimichurri Shrimp- A fast, flavorful and simple appetizer that comes together in under 20 minutes. Serve on mini forks!
Shrimp Ceviche
Shrimp Ceviche Verde a delicious twist on traditional Ceviche, this version is made with fresh tomatillos. A light and refreshing appetizer, perfect for parties and gatherings, serve it in a shot glass with a mini fork.
Fresh Oysters Mignonette
Fresh oysters mignonette with cucumber, shallot and dill. Make the Mignonette ahead and shuck the oysters at the party. These little guys are sure to please. Serve on a bed of ice.
Fresh & Light: LETTUCE Wraps and Lettuce Cups
Going low-carb or gluten free? Here are a selection of appetizers that are light and lean.
Teriyaki Mushroom wraps
These Vegan Lettuce Wraps are filled with Teriyaki Mushrooms and brown rice- a healthy delicious lunch or appetizer!
Mini Crab Louise
Mini Crab Louie! Fresh crab, served in butter lettuce cups with radish and avocado, drizzled with Crab Louie dressing. Fresh and light, these flavorful appetizers are always the hit of the party! Keto and low carb.
Vietnamese Chicken wraps
Vietnamese Chicken Lettuce Wraps made with healthy veggies and your choice of chicken or tofu! Serve these up as a light and healthy appetizer or a refreshing lunch!
Lamb Kofta Wraps
Grilled Lamb Kofta Wraps are light and delicious, and BURSTING with Middle Eastern Flavor! Served with Tzatziki, these are low carb and high in protein.
Vietnamese Shrimp Wraps
Vietnamese Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Nuoc Cham, a light and refreshing appetizer, perfect for hot summer days. Flavorful, healthy and low in carbs and calories.
Platters and Boards to fee a crowd
Winter Cheese Board
How to make a beautiful Winter Cheese Board with a good variety of soft and hard cheeses ( blue cheese, aged cheddar cheese, triple cream brie, camembert, parmesan, pecorino,etc. ) winter fruits, spiced nuts, dried fruits, olives, and this delicious recipe for Blood Orange Marmalade.
Holiday Cheese Board
How to make a beautiful Holiday Cheese Board with Roasted Quince, figs, and persimmon, a selection of cheese, honey and olives.
Charcuterie Board
This Charcuterie Board will wow your guests! Easy to make ahead- beautiful presentation!
Spectacular Brie Cake
A festive, holiday Brie Cake topped with fresh berries, figs and grapes, drizzled with honey and served with seeded crackers – a stunning but very easy holiday appetizer – perfect for parties, celebrations and gatherings!
Finger Foods for a party!
Besides making bruschetta ( see above), here are some fun finger foods for your party or gathering!
Smoked Salmon Lavash Rolls
These lavash wraps are filled with smoked salmon, fresh dill, capers, red onion, avocado, arugula, whipped cream cheese and lemon zest. An easy, 15-minute appetizer or quick healthy lunch!
Stuffed Dates
Stuffed Dates with Pistachios and wild rose petals (in summer) or pomegranate seeds (in winter). A simple easy appetizer that can be made ahead. Perfect for parties and gatherings!
Deviled Eggs
The Best EVER Deviled Eggs– made with crumbled bacon (or sub vegan bacon bits), cheddar and onion, simple and soooooo delicious!
Moroccan Meatballs with Pomegranate
Moroccan Meatballs! with Pomegranate Glaze – sumptuous and flavorful, these easy lamb meatballs can be made ahead, then reheated in the oven right before your guests arrive.
Maple Pecans
These delicious Maple Pecans are the perfect party snack! Made in just 15 minutes with only 3 ingredients! Oil free, Sugar Free, Vegan and totally foolproof! The BEST recipe that comes out perfect every time!
Homemade Crackers and Pita Chips
Scoop up your favorite dips, or serve alongside a cheeseboard. Here are a few ideas to complement your party appetizers.
Rustic SeeD Crackers
Light and crisp, these Rustic Seed Crackers are keto, gluten-free and vegan. This recipe is incredibly easy, flexible, adaptable and full of toasty rich flavor. They are the perfect snack by themselves and pair with most toppings.
Homemade Pita Chips
How to make beautiful homemade pita chips from scratch. Great for mezze platters, hummus, baba ganoush, or any of your favorite dips. Easy, vegan and fun to make!
Chef’s Tips for Appetizer Partys
- Serve appetizers with ample napkins or appetizer plates.
- Always label appetizers that have nuts or shellfish.
- Create ambiance with music and candlelight.
- If feeding a big crowd, spread the appetizers out in different areas, allowing an easier flow.
- Elevate some of the platters ( or use cake stands).
- Include a vegan option and a gluten-free option.
I hope you enjoy these party appetizers!
xoxo
Print
50+ Easy Appetizer Ideas
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8-12
- Category: appetizer
- Method: baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Find the perfect appetizer recipe for your next party or gathering! These easy Appetizer Recipes include simple delicious dips, nibbles and bites, vegan appetizers, seafood appetizers, fun finger foods, seasonal bruschetta, healthy lettuce wraps, party snacks, lavish platters and cheese boards, plus homemade crackers! A little something for everyone: Spiced Nuts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mix of nuts and seeds: pumpkin seeds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds or pistachios
- 1-2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional)
- 5 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (a toaster oven works here too)
- In a small bowl, toss the nuts/seeds with the maple syrup, enough to coat well, and mix in the salt and spices.
- Spread out on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake 13-15 minutes, stirring halfway through. You want to get them toasted and generously golden- so the maple syrup hardens after cooling.
- Remove from heat, and immediately “fluff” with a fork. Let them cool completely.
- Once cooled they should be brittle enough to break apart. If they are soft, tacky or sticky- they needed longer in the oven- feel free to put them back in the oven and bake a little longer.
Notes
These make a great easy snack or lovely hostess gift!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 223
- Sugar: 8.7 g
- Sodium: 74.7 mg
- Fat: 19.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 12.6 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Protein: 2.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Can’t wait to try the BBQ spaghetti squash sliders—they look amazing! Your recipes are so creative and the pictures make my mouth water!
My favorite appetizer is hummus with naan
My favorite recipe in this post is the Stuffed Dates with Pistachios! I love that it can be adaptable for both winter and summer flavor palettes. My family will be throwing a Christmas Party this year and this will definitely be on the menu. Thank you for always sharing your unique and delicious recipes. Your website is always my go-to when I am wondering what to cook during the week. Happy Holidays!
Your recipes and blog are inspiring AND easy to follow! I’m vegetarian (sometimes vegan ) and my family are carnivores. I can look up anything (and sometimes use your vegetarian recipes and trick the family ) and come up with a delicious meal that is easy to follow. You pictures and to die for as well!! Happy Holidays and happy New Year!!
I love the fig bruschetta. An even easier recipe is to top a log of goat cheese with fig spread, honey and chopped pistachios. Serve with seeded or fruit & nut crackers. Simple & delicious.
I loved the “lemony artichoke white bean dip”. Several others look very tasty too.
Definitely making the baba ganoush and maple pecans!
Thank you!
My favorite is the brie cake! I am making it for Christmas Eve Dinner. So beautiful! I can’t wait!
I love stuffed mushrooms!
We’ve made the Mexican Aguachile before and it is excellent. So light and fresh tasting. I can’t wait to try it with the Ceviche Tostadas for our next summer party.
I love my weekly emails from you! Everything is easy and tasty. The coconut ginger soup with peanut crunchier has become a staple. I can’t wait to try some of these appetizers-especially the mini louie’s next crabbing season!
Love the Moroccan meat balls, easy to make in advance and warm spices are perfect for the holidays! I seem to gravitate to making a crostinis topped with whatever’s in the fridge & cupboard…jarred artichokes, cartelized onions with herbs, sardines, asparagus , shredded meats. Keep it simple & use what you have on hand!
I know when I go to you for a recipe that it will always be terrific! My favorite appetizer right now is labneh, but I am going to try the lemony white bean artichoke dip today. They all look fabulous and will be on my list of menu items for a long time. Thank you and enjoy Santa Barbara.
One of my favorite recipes to make is caramel apple dip. I can’t wait to try your yummy looking recipes.
Delicious!
My favorite appetizer is your muhummara with crackers and veggies!
All these appetizers are so festive! The Moroccan Meatballs with Pomegranate glaze are amazing. Easy to make ahead, beautiful on the plate, full of warm flavors. We served them in front of the fire on an antique ceramic plate.
Love the bread, made the eggplant dip. Delicious. Thank you for these great ideas and tastes
Just in time for all my holiday gatherings! Thank you!
Sylvia, I love your platform and have always loved your food. Sometimes I think things that are vegan are going to taste boring but I’ve actually tried your food and it is truly delicious. I will definitely try something from here. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my darling.
They all look yummy!!! I can’t wait to try the spring rolls. Also, I love anything goat cheese!!
So many options! How can I choose? I’ll take one of everything thankyouverymuch. 🙂
I love stuffed mushrooms! One of my go to appetizers!
Baba Ganoush is my favorite (although one of many). I love it’s smokey creaminess spread on a crisp vegetable or piece of sour dough bread. It’s a wonderful “change up” from hummus’ ubiquitous influence, but with the same applications.
What a lovely collection—I have been on the look for new and different from the usual app options and voilà, Sylvia to the rescue. Thanks, and happy holidays!