18 Appetizer Recipes So Good, You'll Have A Party Just To Serve Them!

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Looking to kick off your meal in style or serve up the ultimate crowd pleasers for your next gathering? This roundup of 19 appetizer and starter recipes is packed with flavor, fun, and endless variety! From crispy loaded tater tots and cheesy quesadillas to elegant burrata crostini and savory spinach galettes, there’s something for every taste and occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests, snacking with friends, or just want a flavorful start to your dinner, these recipes will truly set the tone for a memorable meal. Grab your favorite platters—appetizer magic awaits!

Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos)

loaded tater tots on a baking sheet with dollops of sour cream. — Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Loaded tater tots are the ultimate game day snack—crispy, crunchy, gooey, and packed with cheesy, beefy goodness! These totchos are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and your new favorite appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos)

Coconut Shrimp

These coconut shrimp are downright irresistible! Light, crispy, and packed with the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or the star of the meal, they’ll be the hit of the table!
Get the Recipe: Coconut Shrimp

Hot Eggplant Spinach Dip

A piece of bread coming out of the dip with a string of cheese stretching from the dish — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Hot Eggplant Spinach Dip is a creamy, cheesy crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s the ultimate appetizer for party fans, perfect for game day or any gathering.

Get The Recipe: Hot Eggplant Spinach Dip

Homemade Sausage Rolls

A plate of golden-brown sausage rolls, perfect for Christmas gatherings, some with bites taken out. The flaky pastry is crisp and the filling visibly savory, arranged in a slightly overlapping pile on a white plate—a tempting delight straight from cherished family recipes. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These sausage rolls are a delicious treat, featuring juicy pork sausage wrapped in a buttery, flaky puff pastry shell. Serve them up as a snack, appetizer, or even the main dish, and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures. Perfect for any occasion!

Get The Recipe: Homemade Sausage Rolls

Oven Baked Nachos and Cheese

Hot nachos fresh from the oven topped with guacamole and sour cream. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These oven-baked nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for both game days and after-school cravings. Melty cheese, crispy chips, and endless topping possibilities make this a fun and easy recipe the whole family can enjoy.

Get The Recipe: Oven Baked Nachos and Cheese

Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas

A stack of sliced quesadillas filled with melted cheese, chicken, and colorful bell peppers, garnished with cilantro. Accompanied by dollops of guacamole and diced tomatoes on a white surface. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These easy chicken and cheese quesadillas are loaded with juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and veggies. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or as a snack that everyone will love!

Get The Recipe: Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas

Homemade Soft Pretzels

overhead view of homemade pretzels next to a cup of cheese sauce. — Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Homemade Soft Pretzels are pure comfort food! Soft and fluffy on the inside, golden and salty on the outside, they’re impossible to resist. Pair them with a creamy cheese sauce, and you’ve got the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any party or gathering!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Soft Pretzels

Easy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

a close up image of Crab Stuffed Mushrooms on a plate with herbs in the background — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Who needs a reservation? These Easy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms bring the restaurant experience home, ready in just 30 minutes.

Get The Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Taquitos with Cheese, Beans, and Green Chiles

Mini taquitos with dipping sauces — Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These Homemade Taquitos with Cheese, Beans, and Green Chiles are a game-day must-have! Packed with flavor and perfect for tailgating, these cheesy, bean-filled taquitos with a kick of green chiles are absolutely irresistible. You’ll be coming back for seconds (or thirds)!
Get the Recipe: Taquitos with Cheese, Beans, and Green Chiles

Best EVER Potato Wedges

a metal basket filled with crispy, golden Potato Wedges — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Transform ordinary potatoes into crispy, golden wedges with this simple recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, these homemade potato wedges are guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.

Get The Recipe: Best EVER Potato Wedges

Chorizo Queso Dip with Beer and Chiles

This bold and flavorful queso dip ditches the fake cheese for the real deal, packed with melty goodness, smoky chorizo, zesty chiles, and the ultimate game-day MVP: beer!
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Queso Dip with Beer and Chiles

Burrata Crostini With Tomato Jam

close up of Crostini with burrata cheese, tomato jam and basil — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in this delightful appetizer that’s a breeze to make! Picture perfectly toasted Italian bread topped with creamy burrata cheese and drizzled with a tangy, savory tomato jam—every bite is a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more!

Get The Recipe: Burrata Crostini With Tomato Jam

Savory Galette with Spinach and Feta

Embrace the charm of homemade goodness with this Savory Galette. Featuring a flaky crust filled with creamy spinach and tangy feta, it’s a simple recipe that delivers a rustic and delightful centerpiece for your table.

Get The Recipe: Savory Galette with Spinach and Feta

Roasted Strawberry, Basil, and Goat Cheese Crostini

Irresistible roasted strawberry goat cheese crostini topped with fresh basil—your ultimate summer appetizer! Bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Strawberry, Basil, and Goat Cheese Crostini

Baked Chicken Tenders

hand holding a baked lemon chicken tender dipped in homemade ranch dip — Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This baked chicken tenders recipe comes together in no time and is guaranteed to be a hit! Coated in a sticky, savory-sweet honey glaze and paired with an irresistible ranch dipping sauce, it’s the perfect combo of flavor and ease. You’ll want to make this again and again!
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Tenders

Cajun Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Metal pitcher filled with homemade Cajun Sweet Potato Fries — Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

Crispy, golden-baked sweet potato fries with a bold Cajun kick! Simple, healthy, and bursting with spicy-sweet goodness—all in just 9 easy ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Cajun Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Buffalo Chicken Cups

Get ready to wow your taste buds with these Buffalo Chicken Cups! They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a special celebration or game day, these bite-sized appetizers will steal the show!
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Cups

Italian Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms topped with breadcrumbs and herbs are garnished with parsley and a slice of lemon on the side, making them an ideal party food. Perfect for New Year's festivities, this baked dish boasts a crispy golden-brown crust that pairs wonderfully with various dips. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Discover how to create irresistible stuffed mushrooms with simple tips and tricks. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night at home, these savory bites are sure to impress!

Get The Recipe: Italian Stuffed Mushrooms

Browse More Appetizer Recipes

A close-up of a silver tray filled with puff pastry tarts. The tarts are topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a red fruit preserve. The pastries are golden brown and slightly flaky, highlighting their freshly baked texture. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Discover an array of amazing appetizer recipes, from flavorful dips and bite-sized snacks to elegant finger foods and crowd-pleasing platters. Serve up starters your guests will love while keeping prep simple and delicious!

Browse More Amazing Appetizer Recipes