Are you looking for party appetizer ideas such as bruschetta, deviled eggs, and cocktail meatballs to gather with family and friends? Or maybe you need ideas for festive finger foods or holiday platters that you can make ahead of time. Regardless, we’ve got all the inspiration you’ll need in this special collection of our best party appetizer recipes. Each recipe is guaranteed to make for a memorable party that will have guests excited for your next gathering!
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Balsamic Bruschetta
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Balsamic vinegar enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes in this easy bruschetta recipe. “I prepared the tomato mix the night before and toasted the bread about 15 minutes before the party started,” says home cook libs. “I also appreciated that this could be prepared the day before!”
Cheese Fondue
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“It’s so funny that fondue has made a come back, however, in our house, it never left. I’ve tryed many fondue recipes, but this is my favorite…We used to use day old french bread, but found that the bread is a lot crispier and lighter if warmed in the oven.” —LINDA MCLEAN
Spinach Rolls with Puff Pastry
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I have made these so many times I can’t count! I do add 4 oz of grated marble cheese as well. I sometimes sub poppy seeds instead of sesame seeds,” says reviewer Monica. “Always a hit.”
Sriracha Deviled Eggs
Yolanda Gutierrez
Deviled eggs get a subtle kick of heat from sriracha chile-garlic sauce, but don’t worry — they’ll go just as quickly as the classic version! “Love love love these eggs!” says home cook SSANTANA. “They’re such a big hit with all my friends that I’m constantly asked to bring these to parties.”
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“These are absolutely wonderful! My family likes much more flavor, so I do add garlic and onion powder to the filling, and I do keep the jalapeños halved while wrapping, but past that, these are delightful!” —Alana Voeks
Festive Olive and Cheese Appetizer
Jones
An edible mozzarella cheese, cherry tomato, and olive wreath that’s easy to make ahead. All the festive colors of Christmastime are on display, making this a gorgeous centerpiece for your party appetizer table. “What a beautiful, simple, and tasty appetizer,” says recipe reviewer bswholey. “Everyone was impressed by it!”
Italian Party Bread
Chef John
Pesto, provolone cheese, prosciutto, and peppers are braided into pre-made pizza dough to make this popular party bread that’s perfect for tearing and sharing. “Feel free to turn this Italian party into a Spanish one using serrano ham and manchego cheese — or even a French one with Gruyère and Dijon!” suggests Chef John.
Antipasto on a Stick
Lindsey
These colorful appetizer skewers can be made ahead of time and then arranged on a platter for easy but impressive finger food. It’s easy to vary the ingredients — try feta, cucumber, and tomatoes for a Greek-inspired skewer, or melon and prosciutto for a summer party.
Mouth-Watering Stuffed Mushrooms
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
These five-star cheesy mushrooms, with just a subtle hint of garlic and cayenne pepper, will prove to be as popular as ever when served warm as an appetizer at your next party. “I’d say these are just perfect!” says recipe reviewer Jul Fraher. “I like the small amount of effort to reap big rewards!”
Pork Gyoza
Filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, cabbage, ginger, and sake, serve these perfectly portioned Japanese dumplings with a rice vinegar and soy sauce dipping sauce. They might take a bit of effort on your part, but your party guests will love this appetizer.
Fig and Prosciutto Appetizer Bites
Sunnydaysnora
Thin slices of prosciutto, honeyed goat cheese, fresh figs, and fragrant basil served on top of crackers create an absolute winning flavor combination of sweet, salty, and smoky in this easy party appetizer. Fig preserves work well if fresh figs are not available.
Salmon Spread
Allrecipes / Ramona Cruz-Peters
“I just made this for a party and several people really raved about it and wanted the recipe. Easy to make, too!” —RUTHIE923
Spicy Turkey and Cranberry Pinwheels
Allrecipes member
Thin slices of turkey, cheese, and a spicy homemade cranberry sauce are rolled up in soft spinach tortillas in this simple holiday appetizer. “I made this for a Christmas Eve party and everyone liked it,” says recipe reviewer kloreenween. “I wanted people to have a more healthy option besides all the goodies. A pretty presentation and easy to put together!”
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
Allrecipes/Abbey Littlejohn
“This has been my go to favorite app. Its so much fun to make because you can add anything you like between the slices. I regularly add honey, other nuts like pecans, and jams! You will be the star of the party when you make these! 5 stars for sure!” —Andrea Harkin
Crab Dip
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Yummy!! Made it for new year’s eve and it got gone fast!” —Windy S
Easy Lemon-Pepper Chicken Wings
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Once I learned how to make these, Wing Stop and any other chain restaurant’s lemon pepper wings just weren’t right!” —quantum life
Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
France C
“I love this recipe! The rosemary in the goat cheese really makes it. And the hot honey, which I make myself by adding minced garlic and red pepper flakes to whatever honey I have lying around. My fiance says these are the best snack I’ve ever made!” —Camille
Baked Stuffed Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts
Photographer: Brie Goldman / Food Styling: Annie Probst / Prop Styling: Kristin Schooley
“This recipe is both easy and delicious, plus it looks impressive when served!” —Jennifer Anne Kipple
Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
These fresh Vietnamese spring rolls offer a burst of flavor in every bite, and are the perfect recipe for making ahead if you are serving a crowd. Serve on a large platter with bowls of sauce for dipping. “Excellent taste and they make a pleasing presentation with the colorful filling,” says recipe reviewer florida gail.
Dip for the Stars
Kelsey Hansen / Food Styling: Holly Dreesman / Prop Styling: Addelyn Evans
This popular feta, cream cheese, pesto, pine nut, and sun-dried tomato layered dip is a great sharing appetizer for any kind of special occasion. “This recipe is divine!” says recipe reviewer LTKCooks. “I’ve made it many times and it’s always been a beautiful addition to my table and a favorite of my guests and family.”
Baked Ham and Cheese Party Sandwiches
Dotdash Meredith Food Stuidos
These baked ham and Swiss cheese mini-rolls have a hidden mustard and poppy seed sauce that guests will love when they bite into them. “Wish I could give this 10 stars!” says recipe reviewer Macy. “These are off-the-charts good. Wonderful eaten hot or cold!”
Savory Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Diana Moutsopoulos
Whether you shape this into a Christmas tree or not, this is one appetizer that is sure to disappear before it even has the chance to cool down! It’s much easier to make than it looks: Puff pastry is filled with pesto and goat cheese, then twisted and baked. The Christmas tree shape is easy to achieve, but you could just as easily cut the pastry rectangle into strips, twist, and then bake individually.
Crock Pot Party Meatballs
These cocktail meatballs have a spicy cranberry and tomato-chili sauce. They are a super simple appetizer to prepare and let your slow cooker do all the work, so you can get ready for your party. “This is my most requested party recipe,” says creator fabeveryday. “People go crazy for these meatballs, and there is never a single one leftover!”
Traditional Filipino Lumpia
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Everyone will be helping themselves to seconds (thirds?) of these crispy lumpia, filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, onion, carrot, and cabbage. Why not try making them ahead of time and then frying just before the party? “This is very close to the recipe my mom used as I was growing up. She would make 50-100 at a time and freeze whatever wasn’t used. You don’t need to defrost them when you’re ready to cook,” says reviewer ALELI.
Best Cheese Slaw
Photographer: Brie Goldman / Food Styling: Annie Probst / Prop Styling: Kristin Schooley
“Makes for a great appetizer my family loved it. I made one tweak I didn’t have any Worcestershire sauce so I used teriyaki instead and it turned out great. Made 4 good sized cheese balls even took one to work for my coworkers to snack on.” —Jennifer Yoakam
More Inspiration
Allrecipes Magazine
Our entire collection of Appetizers and Snacks has everything you need for a party to remember. Also check out:
Dining and Cooking