Are you looking for just the right appetizers to get your dinner party off to a great start?
Appetizers can start conversations, whet everyone’s appetite, and give guests something delicious to nibble on while they wait.
This collection of the 40 BEST Appetizers includes dips, finger foods, salads and more. There’s something to satisfy every craving!
Let’s explore some of the tastiest appetizer recipes that will be sure to delight your friends and family!
Best Appetizers:
1. Falafel
Here a the BIG shout out to the most iconic food out of the Middle East… The small little fried morsels many countries claim as their own, Falafel.
Surprisingly easy to make, they’re the perfect appetizer served with an array of dipping sauces.
Bring out a big platter, and watch them disappear fast!
2. Caesar Salad
Let’s start with the classic appetizer from every restaurant menu… Classic Caesar salad!! Perhaps the most famous and popular salad on the planet, Caesar is so simple, yet so tasty.
All you need is lettuce, croutons, parm cheese, and an awesome dressing. We have it for you!
3. Cowboy Caviar
Looking for a dip that packs a flavor punch and is perfect for parties? Look no further than Cowboy Caviar!
This tasty and fun dish is made with fresh veggies and hearty beans, and served as a dip or salad, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Give it a try, and see it become one of your favorite appetizers!
4. Easy Baked Brie with Nuts and Honey
Who doesn’t love some nice creamy brie? There are few things more indulgent than a wedge of oozy, gooey cheese.
Take your favorite soft cheese to a new level with this fancy yet easy appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
Just top your cheese with a handful of fresh figs and a generous drizzle of honey, then bake it until the cheese is soft and gooey, and the honey has caramelized into a luscious golden brown.
You are in for a cheesy spectacle!
5. Olive Tapenade
If you’re an olive lover like me, you’ll definitely enjoy this savory tapenade recipe!
Made with fresh, quality ingredients straight from the South of France, this simple yet delicious appetizer is the perfect addition to any gathering or meal.
Whether you’re serving it with crackers, bread, or vegetables, the saltiness of the olives combined with the tanginess of the other ingredients creates a flavor explosion that you won’t be able to resist.
6. Surf and Turf Nachos
Up your appetizer game with these Surf and Turf Nachos. These Surf and Turf Nachos will be a huge hit at your next get together.
Perfectly marinated steak, succulent shrimp and all your favorite fixings atop a bed of crispy tortilla chips.
It’s too good!
7. Greek Cucumber Yogurt Sauce (Tzatziki)
This refreshing Mediterranean sauce, known as tzatziki, is most famous for its role in the classic Greek gyro. However, its versatile nature extends well beyond just this.
Use it as a dip for chopped veggies to add a tangy and herbaceous flavor, slather it on grilled meats to elevate their taste, or spread it on your favorite sandwich for an extra level of depth.
With this sauce, there’s no limit to the culinary creativity you can unleash!
8. Pan con Jamón
Get ready to meet my new favorite appetizer, all the way from Spain… Pan con Jamón!
This one is as easy as it gets, but it’s so, so addictive. You only need three ingredients. But please don’t cut corners here, Pan con Jamón is all about the quality. We’ll teach you all…
9. Quick and Easy Pico de Gallo
Looking a snack or a quick topping for your Mexican dish? Pico de Gallo is the perfect choice for you!
This zesty salsa and chip dip is made with fresh ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds.
You can also use it as a condiment to complement your tacos, nachos or any other Mexican style dish!
10. Homemade Hummus
Have any upcoming get-togethers? Look no further! This smooth and creamy homemade hummus will steal the show as the star of your appetizer spread.
Its rich texture and bold Mediterranean flavor come from a carefully crafted blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and olive oil.
Served with a platter of freshly cut vegetables and pita bread, it’s sure to delight your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.
Give it a try and see for yourself!
11. Loaded Layered Hummus Dip
If you’re searching for an easy and impressive appetizer, this Loaded Layered Hummus Dip is just the ticket.
The bright and colorful layers of rich and creamy hummus, perfectly seasoned meat, and fresh herbs make for a gorgeous presentation that will have your guests’ mouths watering.
Serve it up alongside some crunchy pita chips or sliced veggies, and watch it disappear in seconds!
12. Mango Salsa
Looking for a summer appetizer that’s both light and flavorful? Say hello to this delicious and easy-to-make salsa that’s sure to be a hit at your next potluck or party!
With fresh ingredients like sweet mangos, ripe tomatoes, juicy red onions, and zesty jalapeños, it’s the perfect complement to a pile of crispy tortilla chips.
So go ahead, grab a chip and take a dip. Your taste buds will thank you!
13. Rainbow Pasta Salad
Quick, easy, and very colorful. This Rainbow Pasta Salad will take your next pot-luck to a new level!
Full of fresh veggies, briny olives and salty feta cheese, it’s a sure winner. Plus, the homemade dressing takes it over the top!
Check out our collection of favorite Pasta Salad Recipes!
14. Moutabal
Moutabal is a beloved Middle Eastern dip that has spread to many parts of the world.
The dish is made by roasting eggplants which are then mashed and blended with creamy yogurt, tangy lemon juice, nutty tahini and a generous amount of olive oil to create a silky and delicious dip perfect for an appetizer.
Served with crackers or pita bread, it’s a crowd pleaser that everyone will love!
15. Spanish Meatballs
Want to make restaurant-quality meatballs at home? Then, we have found the best Spanish Meatball recipe for you!
These melt-in-your-mouth meatballs are all about the flavors that are just irresistible, and it’s made using simple pantry ingredients.
16. Antipasto Salad
Antipasto Salad is the epitome of a hassle-free appetizer. It is abundant in flavor and effortless to prepare, rendering it an ideal food item for potlucks.
Its colorful composition alone is likely to evoke appetite in the most discerning of eaters and is guaranteed to win hearts.
It’s one of our all time favorite appetizers!
17. Turkey Nachos
These loaded turkey nachos are the perfect way to spice up your leftover turkey. The zesty flavors of the nachos and Mexican staple toppings make for a satisfying snack, or even a meal.
Plus, they’re quick and easy to make – ready in just 20 minutes! Impress your friends and family with this fun and delicious twist on a classic dish.
18. Shrimp Remoulade
Treat yourself to a taste of Louisiana with some spicy Shrimp Remoulade! It’s an easy recipe that delivers big with its creamy, tangy sauce.
Mix it with some cooked shrimp and serve it delicately on a bed of crisp butter lettuce leaves.
Whether you’re looking for a main dish salad or an appetizer, this recipe will make your taste buds dance!
19. Pinchos de Pollo
Pinchos are just your simple meat-on-a-stick snack, but these tender bites are super delicious. Get ready to grill one of the most popular street foods out of Puerto Rico… Pinchos De Pollo!!
The snuggly threaded chicken cubes are marinated in amazing island flavors and grilled to perfection, then slathered with BBQ sauce.
Yes, very unique chicken kebabs!
20. Tyrokafteri (Spicy Greek Feta Dip)
Tyrokafteri is a creamy, tangy, and spicy dip that is a must-try for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine.
Made from a base of feta cheese and peppers, it has a unique flavor that is difficult to find in other dips.
It’s perfect as an appetizer with pita bread or veggies, or as part of a meze platter, and it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
21. Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
This cranberry pecan baked brie is not only scrumptious but also a feast for the eyes with its stunning presentation.
The combination of sweet and nutty flavors makes it a delectable treat that’s perfect for the holiday season, be it your Christmas spread or to munch along with some New Year’s eve bubbly.
Plus, with its simplicity and ease of preparation, this appetizer is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
22. Spanish Summer Salad (Pipirrana)
Here to celebrate tomato season this summer is a tribute to all those luscious summer tomatoes, ripening on the vines in warm sunshine.
Mixed with just a few more cool crunchies, and you have yet another colorful popular traditional dish, pipirrana, all the way from the south of Spain.
23. Zaalouk (Moroccan Eggplant Dip)
Zaalouk is not just any other dip or salad!
This mouth-watering eggplant delicacy from Morocco is a flavor explosion in your mouth, a perfect harmony of smoky eggplants, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic spices.
Enjoy it as a dip with crusty bread or pita chips, it’s one of the best appetizers ever!
24. Tortellini Pasta Salad with Prosciutto
This gorgeous Tortellini Pasta Salad is one dish that looks as great as it tastes. It’s so quick and easy, yet such a crowd pleaser.
Whether you’re hosting a pot luck or hunkered down with family, everyone will love this one!
Check out our collection of favorite Finger Food Recipes!
25. Balela Salad (Middle Eastern Bean Salad)
Let me introduce you to the world of Balela deliciousness!
This hearty and colorful salad has become increasingly popular in several Middle Eastern countries and beyond, thanks to its refreshing flavors and diverse textures.
Made with a blend of chickpeas, tomatoes, parsley, and other herbs and spices, it packs a savory punch that’s hard to forget.
26. Smoked Salmon Flatbread
Make a BOLD statement and impress your guest with this beautiful flatbread. This smoked salmon flatbread is going to be one of the fastest appetizers you’ve ever made.
Quickly bake your flatbread for about five minutes, then assemble. That’s it!
Check out our collection of favorite Charcuterie Board Ideas!
27. Garlic Parmesan Wings
These Parmesan Wings are truly something special! Unlike any other restaurant wings out there, they are incredibly easy to prepare.
You can use either the oven or an air fryer, and both methods result in a delicious appetizer that’s sure to leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
So gather up your ingredients and get ready to experience the ultimate wing sensation!
28. Cherry Tomato Confit (Under 30 Minutes)
Celebrate summer’s bounty with this amazing Cherry Tomato Confit. It’s so easy to make and is amazingly versatile.
Make a quick Crostini with these beautiful tomatoes and see them vanish fast.
29. Melitzanosalata
Our Melitzanosalata recipe is going to be the new star of your dip spread. Creamy, smoky roasted eggplant along with a good dousing of good old EVOO and a few other flavor enhancers.
This Greek Eggplant Dip is so super simple, yet the end result is too good. All you need is a big pile of pitas to scoop it up.
30. Mexican Street Corn Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Salad is going to be the new star at all of your cookouts and potlucks.
When everyone else shows up with yet another pasta or potato salad, the crowd will gather around these amazing flavors that come from just a few simple ingredients.
31. Peach Salsa
Salsa is one of those appetizers that you can never get tired of any time. And if you’re a fan of fruity flavors, you’ll absolutely love this Peach Salsa!
With its fresh taste and addictively delicious sweetness, it’s the perfect summer appetizer. You can enjoy it as a dip for veggies or tortilla chips.
32. Sticky Asian Wings
What a great appetizer idea!! These Sticky Asian Chicken Wings are going to be your new favorite food to bring to parties and potlucks.
They’re baked, not fried, but still come out beautifully crispy and delicious!
Check out our collection of favorite Chicken Wing Recipes!
33. Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
Now here’s an appetizer fit for your holiday table. These golden yellow Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash are a beauty to the eyes.
These gorgeous veggie bowls with their scalloped, caramelized edges are stuffed with the most delicious sausage stuffing. So good!
34. Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread
Flatbreads are Fantastic… Fancy… and Fun meals!! And this Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread is absolutely gorgeous, and would be a WOW-worthy center piece for get togethers and parties.
Plus, is its super quick and easy too. Make this sweet and savory gourmet flatbread today, and get amazed with the simple, yet elegant flavors.
35. Chicken Souvlaki
Chicken Souvlaki is one of the popular street foods in Greece. Deliciously marinated chicken skewers are grilled to perfection.
They’re great on their own, and absolutely divine dipped in tzatziki sauce!
36. Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
This Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce recipe is light, fresh tasting, juicy and brimming with so many great textures.
From the crisp lettuce to the flavorful chicken and the zingy peanut sauce, they’re a delicious appetizer which will definitely be a crowd pleaser.
37. Steak Gorgonzola Flatbread
This Steak Gorgonzola Flatbread not only looks gorgeous, it’s super fast.
It’s a fun take on pizza and is loaded with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and arugula. The combination is just perfect!
38. Guasacaca
Guasacaca, the tangy and herbaceous avocado-based condiment, is a delicious take on guacamole.
With roots in Venezuela, it’s perfect as a dip or spread, and it’s sure to awaken your taste buds with its unique flavor profile.
39. Gambas al Ajillo
We’re wrapping up this list of the best appetizers with one of our favorites, Gambas al Ajillo.
If you love scampi, you just have to try this classic Spanish tapas. Plump shrimp drowning in a garlicky olive oil with loads of fresh parsley.
Make sure you have some nice bread to sop this one up!
40. Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
This traditional Greek Salad recipe, known to the locals as Horiatiki, is one of our summertime favorites!
Crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, red onions, briny olives and capers, creamy feta, and a simple herb dressing. That’s all it takes. And the results are top notch.
41. Mediterranean Charcuterie Board (Mezze Platter)
Mediterranean Charcuterie Board or Mezze Platter – a lavish spread that is not just a treat for your taste buds, but a feast for your eyes as well! From tasty colorful dips like Moroccan Zaalouk, Greek Tzatziki and everyone’s favorite hummus, to hearty keftedes meatballs to wrap with pitas, to fresh fruits, veggies, cheese and olives… every nibble elevates your senses and you won’t be able to resist coming back for seconds, or thirds!
We hope you enjoyed this list of the best appetizers. There’s so many yummy recipes to choose from, every palate will be satisfied!
Check out these other great recipe collections!
Chicken Appetizers
Meatball Appetizers
Shrimp Appetizers
Crockpot Appetizers
Vegetarian Appetizers
Greek Appetizers
Asian Appetizers
Mexican Appetizers
40 BEST Appetizers
This collection of the 40 BEST Appetizers includes dips, finger foods, salads and more. There's something to satisfy every craving!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas or 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 1 .5 to 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 medium cloves garlic
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 3-4 Tbsp cold water
- ½ tsp cumin
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp toasted pine nuts - divided
- Pinch of paprika
Instructions
- Soak and cook chickpeas according to package directions, if using dried. If using canned, boil for additional 20 minutes to soften. Remove skins.
- Mix tahini, cold water, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, half of pine nuts, cumin and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Add chickpeas and puree for 3-4 minutes, stopping a few times to scrape the hummus down off the sides of the blender. Blend until ultrasmooth. If needed, add additional cold water to get that creamy smoothhummus.
- Taste and adjust the lemon juice, cumin and salt according to your taste.
- Scoop the hummus into a bowl. Make a well, or some design into the hummus with a spoon. Drizzle in additional olive oil. Garnish with paprika and remaining pine nuts.
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