A great appetizer does two jobs: it gets people talking, and it keeps everyone happy until dinner is ready. The best ones are also easy on the host.
These are my favorite easy appetizer recipes: creamy dips, smoked salmon bites, deviled eggs, crostini, hummus and a few crunchy snacks. Many of them come together in 15 minutes or less, and most can be made a day ahead.
How to Build an Appetizer Spread
Aim for a mix of textures and flavors: something creamy (a dip), something crunchy (crackers, spiced nuts or chickpeas), something fresh (crudités or a crostini with tomatoes), and something with protein (smoked salmon or deviled eggs). One sweet-and-salty option, like goat cheese stuffed dates, rounds it out.
Hosting a whole night of small bites? My Appetizers for Dinner Ideas & Menus post walks through the Buy 2, Prep 2, Cook 2 rule and how much food to plan per person.
20 Easy Appetizer Recipes
Elegant Smoked Salmon Appetizer
This smoked salmon and cucumber appetizer is always a hit at any gathering. It’s light, so nobody is too stuffed for dinner, and it looks beautiful on the table.
The BEST Goat Cheese Dip (aka The Dip)
Whip up this 5-minute Creamy Goat Cheese Dip for a perfect party hit! Easy, healthy, and delicious, it’s ideal for any gathering or snack time.
Hot Honey Goat Cheese with Pistachios
This Hot Honey Goat Cheese with Pistachios is an effortless appetizer that layers creamy goat cheese with crunchy pistachios and a drizzle of sweet, spicy hot honey. Serve with crackers or baguette slices for a party-perfect dish everyone will love.
Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates Appetizer
These Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates are an easy party appetizer made with Medjool dates, creamy goat cheese and a crunchy almond, warmed in the oven and finished with a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar.
Easy Whipped Feta Dip
This whipped feta dip is creamy and tangy and can be made in less than 5 minutes. Pair with your favorite fresh veggies or toasted pita bread.
Spicy Feta Dip
This Spicy Feta Dip is a bold and creamy dip made with roasted garlic, jalapeño, and tangy feta. Serve it with pita chips, warm bread, or crunchy veggies.
How To Make Deviled Eggs (6 Ways!)
This easy recipe for deviled eggs is a staple in American cooking. Make the classic just as written, or get creative with add-ins and toppings.
Jalapeno Deviled Eggs with Chive & Parmesan Crisp
Jalapeño Deviled Eggs are an elevated take on a classic dish. This recipe makes the perfect appetizer or snack any time of the year.
Upside-Down Tarts with Shallots & Thyme
Sweet caramelized shallots and creamy goat cheese are tucked under flaky puff pastry in these elegant Upside-Down Onion Tarts. Perfect as an appetizer, brunch bite, or light lunch with a salad.
Bruschetta Cottage Cheese Toast
Start your day with Bruschetta Cottage Cheese Toast! It is packed with 20g of protein, fresh tomatoes, and aged balsamic for a nutritious, flavorful breakfast.
Fava Bean Crostini with Mint & Ricotta
This fava bean crostini recipe is a beautiful spring appetizer. Creamy fava bean puree with fresh mint, lemon, and olive oil on toasted bread with a layer of ricotta. Simple, elegant, and perfect for entertaining.
Slow-Roasted Tomatoes in the Oven
Roasted tomatoes look and taste gourmet, but it’s incredibly easy to make. The oven does all of the work for you. Grab all of your ripe end-of-summer tomatoes and make a big pot of this delicious roasted tomato recipe. Serve it with crusty bread to impress your friends, or spoon it on top of chicken or fish.
How to Make Hummus (Step-by-Step Tutorial)
Creamy, bright, and perfectly savory, this homemade hummus is easy to make with just a handful of pantry ingredients. Whipping the tahini with lemon first gives it a silky texture, while garlic, olive oil, and a splash of cold water bring everything together. It’s fresh, simple, and far better than store-bought.
Healthy Beet Hummus Recipe (Creamy & Bright)
This vibrant beet hummus is creamy, bright, and gently sweet with a savory finish. Roasting the beet and garlic brings out their natural flavor, while fresh lemon and tahini keep the texture silky and balanced. It’s simple to make, beautiful to serve, and works just as well as a snack, dip, or sandwich spread.
How to Make Guacamole (Traditional Recipe)
Learn how to make guacamole with this traditional guacamole recipe that’s always a hit. When I learned how to make this in Mexico we did not add the tomatoes, but I included them here as optional because they make a great addition. Enjoy!
The Best Healthy 7-Layer Dip Recipe (Dairy-Free & Vegan)
All the layers you love in a classic 7-layer dip, made dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan. We like it just as much as the original.
Spicy Garlic Edamame Recipe
Raw garlic is loaded with antioxidants and healing properties, adding extra nutrients to this Japanese restaurant staple. The key to this recipe is to let the pressed raw garlic marinate in the toasted sesame oil while cooking the edamame to let the flavors come together.
The Best Crunchy Spiced Chickpeas
Crunchy Spiced Chickpeas are the ultimate healthy snack or grain-free alternative to croutons. Enjoy them on their own or add them to your favorite salads and grain bowls for an extra dose of protein and fiber!
Anti-inflammatory Cardamom Vanilla Almonds
These Cardamom Vanilla Almonds make a perfect mid-afternoon snack, a healthy addition to your breakfast oatmeal, or a crunchy topping for a fresh salad. Their sweet and spicy flavor profile also makes them a fantastic gift for food-loving friends and family.
Almond Flour Crackers with Herbs (Gluten-Free Recipe)
These gluten-free almond flour crackers with rosemary and thyme are crisp, savory, and incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients. They’re perfect for snack boards, cheese plates, or a simple midday snack. I love making these for girls’ night or gatherings, and they’re always a hit with anyone who eats gluten-free.
FAQs About Easy Appetizer Recipes
What are the easiest appetizers to make?
Dips are the easiest: goat cheese dip, whipped feta and hummus each take about 5 to 10 minutes in a food processor. Smoked salmon on cucumber rounds and goat cheese stuffed dates are almost as quick.
Which appetizers can I make ahead?
Dips, hummus, deviled egg filling, spiced chickpeas, cardamom almonds and the almond flour crackers can all be made a day or two ahead. Assemble crostini and smoked salmon bites close to serving time so they stay fresh.
How many appetizers should I make for a party?
If you’re serving dinner afterward, plan on 4 to 6 bites per person and 3 or 4 different appetizers. For an appetizer-only party, plan on 10 to 14 bites per person and 5 or 6 options.
If you’re only making one, make the Goat Cheese Dip (aka The Dip). It takes 5 minutes, and it’s one of the most popular appetizers on my site. For the holidays, see my Healthy Holiday Appetizers.
Leave A Review + Read The Comments →