Appetizers so great, you’ll be tempted to ditch dinner altogether and just camp out by the snack table. We’ve all been there: one bite leads to another, and before you know it, you’re making up excuses for why the main dish is taking so long. “Oh, the oven’s on strike,” or “The lasagna decided to take a personal day.” Let’s be honest, sometimes the opening act outshines the headliner, and in this case, nobody’s going to complain about an encore.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip
This dip combines jalapeños with cranberries, creating a spicy-sweet mix that’s irresistible and quick to make. It takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to make, but it’s well worth the wait for an appetizer that’s sure to make your dinner wait its turn. Serve with crackers and veggies for a colorful and versatile dish to go with your mains.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip
Loaded Zucchini Boats
These loaded zucchini boats are stuffed with a mix of bacon, cheese, and sour cream, then baked to perfection. A favorite among guests for its simplicity and impressive taste, these boats only need a quick 10-minute prep before cooking them for around 40 minutes. Arrange on a platter garnished with fresh herbs to enhance their visual appeal. They make for a superb appetizer that’ll have you forgetting all about the main dinner dishes.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts are easy to prepare in only one hour. All you have to do is wrap water chestnuts in bacon, bake, and serve with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup. The strong mix of flavors are sure to please everyone with a single biteful. These appetizers are also sure to make your guests pause and enjoy before getting to the main course.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
For a flavorful appetizer that’ll have you skipping the main course, try this Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Start this dip with a base of cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning, then layer on lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and cheese. It’s simple to assemble and ready in only 15 minutes, making it a great choice for gatherings. Serve with tortilla chips or veggie slices.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Ready in 25 minutes, these tomato-based starters are a quick dish to make for any event. Top sliced tomatoes with mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake until the cheese melts and bubbles. For extra flavor, try a drizzle of balsamic glaze or lemon zest, then serve them fresh. This dish is perfect for making dinner wait its turn with its simple yet enticing flavors.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
This starter is the perfect way to keep guests content while they await the main course. Slice potatoes, coat them in Parmesan cheese, and bake until golden and crisp. Enhance them with rosemary or garlic and serve hot on a rustic board for a stylish touch. Ready in under an hour, you can quicken the prep time by making the potatoes ahead of time and baking whenever you’re ready.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Whipped Feta with Honey Dip
This whipped feta dip is both quick to make and delicious to eat, perfect for when you need a flavorful appetizer in a hurry. Combining feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, and lemon zest, this dip is sure to make dinner wait. Serve it with a drizzle of honey and a variety of dippers like crackers, pita bread, and fresh veggies for a versatile starter.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta with Honey Dip
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
For a starter that’s worth delaying dinner for, make this Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer recipe. Combine cucumber slices with marinated and cooked shrimp and top them off with guacamole to create this refreshing dish. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the perfect choice for a quick yet impressive start to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Combine Italian sausage, cheeses, and flour to create these easy-to-make sausage balls. Bake and serve in just 30 minutes, with optional jalapeños or a dipping sauce to enhance the flavor. You can even make them one day in advance to lessen cooking time. These bites are the perfect quick appetizer that’ll have your guests stalling before moving on to the next course.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Halloumi Fries
Best enjoyed fresh, these Halloumi Fries are an appetizer that’ll make you full before you even reach dinner. Slice Halloumi cheese, coat in flour and spices, bake, then broil. Serve these crispy fries within 25 minutes, accompanied by a dipping sauce of your liking. You can even pair these with a protein dish, soup, or wrap for a heartier meal.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Fill mushrooms with a sausage mixture, bake, and serve as a standout appetizer to entertain guests before the main meal. These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are easy to prepare in 45 mintues and can be prepped 1-2 days in advance, so all you’ll have to do is stuff the mushrooms and bake them on the day of. For a variety in taste, swap in different cheeses of your preference.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Chili Cheese Dip
Chili Cheese Dip is an effortless way to keep your guests engaged while they await dinner. This dip combines cheeses, spices, salsa, and chili in a flavorful starter within 30 minutes. It’s perfect for adding a kick to your appetizer spread. Garnish with green onions or cilantro, and serve alongside chips, sliced veggies, or even in a bread bowl for a fuller meal.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip
Zucchini Bites
Mix zucchini with melted cheese and Italian seasoning, then bake to create these delicious bites. Simple and quick, they’re a perfect snack for any gathering. Serve with marinara or sour cream for dipping and add red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. These bites are so refreshing and crispy that you’ll be scarfing them down before the main course.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites
Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip
Combine sour cream, vegetables, and different cheeses for a dip that’s creamy with a kick. This appetizer is easy to prepare and sure to be a hit, taking the spotlight off the main course. With artichokes, spinach, and jalapeños in its ingredient list, the dish ensures a rich flavor profile. Serve with chips and sliced veggies to keep guests satisfied even before the main meal is served.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip
Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers
These Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers are a sure way to catch your guests’ attention and keep the anticipation for the main meal high. Stuff mini peppers with cream cheese and wrap them in bacon for an appetizer that’s as visually pleasing as it is flavorful. They only take 45 minutes to make, but they are also easy to prepare ahead of time and quick to reheat, ensuring you have a stunning appetizer ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats
Prepare these cucumber boats in just 10 minutes and make an appetizer that’ll put your main course to shame. This recipe only contains two simple steps: start by slicing and deseeding cucumber halves, then spread tuna and cream cheese on the cucumbers. Garnish the boats with seasonings, coconut aminos, and hot sauce to ensure a spicy and delicious flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are great for keeping your guests well fed while they anticipate the main course. Mix chicken, bacon, cheese, and spices to create these delicious bites. Top them off with a ranch dressing for added tanginess and flavor. You can have this appetizer ready in an hour but you can also prepare them ahead to shorten prep on the day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
Transform a breakfast staple into fun sliders in just 30 minutes. For this recipe, layer hard-boiled eggs, bacon, cheese, and avocado. Perfect for brunches or casual gatherings, serve these sliders with a variety of sauces, allowing guests to customize their treats. These sliders are a playful and delicious way to delay dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats
To make these 10-minute Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats, fill cucumber halves with bacon, avocado, and tomatoes. This fresh and quick appetizer is enhanced with Everything Bagel seasoning, a popular addition to flavorful dishes. Arrange on a platter with fresh greens for visual appeal, or consider adding shredded chicken for a protein boost. With so many ingredients and flavors in this starter, guests are sure to forget all about dinner!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats
Cucumber Tomato Bites
These Cucumber Tomato Bites are a light, fresh way to start a meal and keep dinner waiting just a little longer. Top cucumber slices with a cream cheese mixture and a cherry tomato for this refreshing starter. Ready in 15 minutes, these bites are best served chilled to maintain freshness. They should also be assembled just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites