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15+ Popular Easy Appetizer Recipes
Hosting a get-together and looking for some easy appetizer inspiration? We’ve got you covered with this collection of recipes. Not only are they beginner-friendly, but they’re some of the most popular among EatingWell readers. Save recipes like our High-Protein Caesar Dip or our Crispy Salmon Bites with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Dipping Sauce for a dish that will wow both you and your guests.
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High-Protein Caesar Dip
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
This versatile high-protein dip is the perfect companion for your favorite veggies. Made with Greek-style yogurt and sour cream and blended with Parmesan cheese and Worcestershire sauce, it’s reminiscent of the flavors in Caesar salad dressing. Whether served as an appetizer or a quick snack, this protein-packed Caesar dip makes eating more veggies effortless.
Crispy Salmon Bites with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Dipping Sauce
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist Tucker Vines
These salmon bites are paired with a creamy sun-dried tomato dipping sauce that adds a tangy-sweet flavor that complements the richness of the fish. It’s the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself to a flavorful bite. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate healthy omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon into your diet.
High-Protein Butter Chicken Bites
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong
Tender pieces of chicken thigh are seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and coated in a tomato-based sauce, delivering the classic taste of butter chicken in every bite. The bite-size portions make the perfect appetizer served with extra sauce on the side for dipping, or enjoy them on top of rice or tucked inside a wrap paired with fresh veggies.
Mediterranean Bean Dip
Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist: Joshua Hoggle
With a focus on fiber-rich beans, vegetables and healthy fats, this creamy bean dip is suitable for those following the Mediterranean diet. Tangy sun-dried tomatoes add a pop of acidity and make this dip reminiscent of Marry Me Chicken. We use carrots, peppers, radishes and snap peas for dunking, but you can use your favorite crunchy veggies.
Honey-Mustard Salmon Bites
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong
These honey-mustard salmon bites are a perfect balance of sweet, tangy and savory flavors. As an appetizer, these bite-size pieces of tender salmon, coated in a sweet honey-mustard glaze, are easy to serve on toothpicks or skewers. Or make them a main dish, served over brown rice to soak up the extra sauce.
Garlic Hummus
Photography: Carson Downing, Food: Holly Dreesman, Props: Gabe Greco
This garlic hummus recipe couldn’t be easier—just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away!
Smoked Tuna Spread Canapés
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Lydia Pursell
Try this easy canapé recipe for your next cocktail party. Made with canned tuna, cream cheese and cucumber slices on crunchy almond crackers, this is an appetizer that your guests will be reaching for first.
High-Protein Spinach Dip
Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek
This spinach dip recipe gives the classic appetizer a high-protein twist. In addition to contributing plenty of protein, using cottage cheese and feta instead of cream cheese and Cheddar cuts back on saturated fat and calories. Serve this easy dip as a side dish, appetizer or snack with whole-grain bread and veggies for dipping.
Whipped Feta with Beets, Pistachios & Honey
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Nicole Hopper, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong
This whipped feta is a delicious appetizer that comes together in only 15 minutes. Red beets and green pistachios provide some holiday flair, while a drizzle of honey contributes a sweet note to the savory whipped feta spread. A pinch of Aleppo pepper adds a touch of heat and mild fruitiness that enhances the dish. If you don’t have Aleppo pepper, you can use a mix of sweet paprika and a touch of cayenne or crushed red pepper for a similar flavor profile. Serve with your favorite crackers or veggies.
Lemon-Garlic Marinated Shrimp
Marinating precooked shrimp in garlic- and lemon-infused oil is a simple yet elegant appetizer.
Cucumber Cream Cheese Roll
Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek
Try this refreshing cucumber cream cheese roll as an easy appetizer. We wrap thin slices of cucumber around cream cheese mixed with fresh chives and dill. You can easily swap out the fresh herbs in exchange for your favorites or, for more of a shortcut, just use flavored cream cheese.
Whipped Feta Honey Toast
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling
This whipped feta toast gets a drizzle of honey and a sprinkling of your favorite fresh herbs. This easy appetizer takes only 10 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute guests. Using a food processor gives the feta mixture a light and airy texture. You can mix it by hand for the same great flavor with a coarser texture.
High-Protein Caesar-Salad Salmon Bites
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Hannah Greenwood
These salmon bites capture all the flavors of a classic Caesar salad. As an appetizer, these bite-size pieces of tender salmon, coated in a creamy dressing, are perfect served on toothpicks or skewers.
Sriracha-Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Diana Chistruga
This recipe for spicy Buffalo cauliflower bites is a great vegetarian alternative to Buffalo wings. Roasted cauliflower stands in for chicken and provides more fiber and fewer calories.
Easy Black Bean Dip
This creamy bean dip is great for a party or picnic. Smoked paprika and ground chipotles add a robust, earthy flavor, but you can also use regular paprika and cayenne if you don’t have the other spices on hand.
Fig & Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Roll
Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali
Buttery puff pastry is a tasty shortcut ingredient that can be used in many delicious ways. Here we roll out a pastry sheet and cover it with fig jam and crumbled goat cheese, then roll it up into a log and bake it. The end result is a sweet-and-savory appetizer that looks and tastes impressive, especially considering it has only three ingredients.
Lobster Roll Dip
This quick and easy summer appetizer turns all the simple flavors of a lobster roll into a warm and bubbling lobster dip.
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Crispy, cheesy and oh-so-delicious—what else could you ask for in this easy chicken appetizer? Serve these chicken bites with a dipping sauce like marinara or chipotle aioli, or switch it up and use them as a salad topper. Chicken breast works as a substitute, although it won’t be as tender and moist as thighs.
Smoked Whitefish Salad
Serve this chunky smoked whitefish salad from chef Judi Barsness on toasted crusty bread, on crackers or mounded over a bed of salad greens.
Jalapeño Popper Casserole
In this jalapeño popper casserole, tender, juicy bites of chicken are slathered in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce with a crunchy topping of panko breadcrumbs and crispy bacon. Enjoy this casserole over rice for dinner or serve it with chips as a game-day appetizer.
