Dinner’s Overrated — Eat These 21 Appetizers Instead

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Skip the main course and enjoy these flavorful appetizers for dinner. With cheesy dips, savory pinwheels, and spicy bites, these appetizers are perfect whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or just want a light meal.

Jalapeno popper pinwheels on a silver trays.
Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Baked ricotta cheese in a blue casserole dish with sliced bread.
Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon and Herbs. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This creamy Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon and Herbs is an impressive appetizer that you can pair with bread or crackers, some fruit, or salty olives. The best part of this cheese dip is how quick it is to make; perfect to serve for a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Jalapeno Popper Dip With Bacon

A skillet filled with a baked jalapeno popper dip.
Jalapeno Popper Dip With Bacon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

You can enjoy this creamy and cheesy homemade Jalapeno Popper Dip with Bacon for dinner with your favorite dippable. This quick and easy cheesy dip is a fiery fiesta for your taste buds, combining the irresistible heat of jalapenos with the savory goodness of crispy bacon.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Dip With Bacon

Homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers

A stack of homemade cheddar cheese crackers.
Homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

You will love noshing on these homemade cheddar cheese crackers, which are totally crave-worthy. Prepare these crackers. They are easy to make with six cheesy, crunchy, salty ingredients and are perfect for a snack, added to a cheese tray, or enjoy at supper with a soup or salad.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers

Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels

Jalapeno popper pinwheels on a silver trays.
Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Do you love spicy appetizers that tantalize your tastebuds? These Baked Jalapeno Popper Roll-Ups are a favorite bite-size tortilla pinwheel filled with everything we love in a classic popper: cream cheese, fresh jalapenos, and crispy bacon.
Get the Recipe: Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels

Caprese Garlic Bread

Slices of bread topped with melted cheese, tomato slices, basil leaves, and balsamic glaze, arranged on a wooden board.
Caprese Garlic Bread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

There is no flavor more fresh and more classic than caprese! With this Caprese Garlic Bread, you’ll have the amazing flavors of fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic, and beautiful red Roma tomatoes all together on delicious French bread.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Garlic Bread

Apricot Parmesan Pinwheels

Apricot puff pastry pinwheels on a white trays with a wedge of cheese.
Apricot Pinwheels. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Bake these Apricot Pinwheels, which are both sweet and savory. Stuff them with apricot jam, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of fresh rosemary. They’re the perfect bite to enjoy before dinner, during dinner or after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Parmesan Pinwheels

Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Mini chicken taco cups on a silver tray.
Mini Chicken Taco Cups. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Mini Chicken Taco Cups have perfectly seasoned beans and chicken, melty Cotija cheese, and a bold kick of flavor from your favorite salsa on top. These taco cups make a great dinner to serve on Taco Tuesdays and tease your taste buds with a bold kick of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Puff pastry appetizer pinwheels on a white board with fresh pears, cranberries and cheese.
Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Pears in Puff Pastry Appetizers are deliciously fruity and savory bite-sized nibbles wrapped in flaky golden brown pastry. Enjoy this bite-sized pinwheels for dinner with a salad.
Get the Recipe: Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs

A white platter with cheese stuffed meatballs, limes, radishes and onions.
Stuffed Mexican Meatballs. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Get ready to feast on some amazing homemade Tex-Mex Mexican Meatballs! These little gems are perfect whether you’re looking for a tasty main course or a scrumptious appetizer. And you know what makes them extra special? The gooey cheddar cheese filling that melts in your mouth with every bite. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist!
Get the Recipe: Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs

Rosemary Asiago Cheese Popcorn

Popcorn with rosemary and Asiago cheese in a blue bowl.
Rosemary And Asiago Cheese Popcorn. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Popcorn for dinner, yes! Enjoy the savory flavors with our tantalizing recipe for Rosemary and Asiago Cheese Popcorn. Tease your tastebuds with a blend of rosemary and Asiago cheese that creates a delicious combination that satisfies cravings and impresses as an appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Asiago Cheese Popcorn

Queso Fundido

Queso fundido in a cast iron skillet.
Queso Fundido. Photo credit: Feast + West.

For your next taco night or dinner party, serve up a skillet of hot queso fundido for a spicy appetizer. This flavorful cheese dip is totally crave-worthy and best served warm on crunchy tortilla chips or soft, warm tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Queso Fundido

Crock Pot Little Smokies

Crock pot little smokies on a spoon over the slow cooker.
Crock Pot Little Smokies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These bite-sized sausages, smothered in a delectable tangy-sweet sauce, are a crowd-favorite for appetizers. The use of a crock pot makes the preparation incredibly easy. These mini delights are satisfyingly indulgent and pack a punch of flavor—the crock pot method guarantees they are infused with a rich and irresistible taste.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Little Smokies

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both tasty and wholesome? Our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes recipe is a must-try. These bite-sized delights are packed with vitamins and fiber, and their natural sweetness is enhanced by a touch of seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

A plate of bacon wrapped mini peppers.
Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These bacon-wrapped mini peppers are stuffed with cream cheese mixed with Everything Bagel seasoning. If you like jalapeño poppers, you’ll love these! Prepped and baked in under 1 hour, this easy appetizer will tease your taste buds with the perfect combination of flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

Caprese Salad Skewers

caprese skewers on a silver tray.
Caprese Salad Skewers. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Prepare your taste buds for this Caprese salad on skewers, an excellent option for serving this classic dish at gatherings. This delightful blend of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic vinegar can be an impressive appetizer or a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad Skewers

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Hand scooping taco dip with a chip.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Taco Dip with Cream Cheese is an easy, meatless, crowd-pleaser appetizer! It can be whipped together in only 15 minutes and is a perfect dish for serving for supper, parties, holiday events, or game-day gatherings!
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

4-Ingredient Guacamole

two bowls of guacamole on tray with chips and various ingredients
4-Ingredient Guacamole. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Indulge in the luscious and vibrant flavors of this 4-ingredient guacamole, and don’t forget to pair it with some crisp chips! This quick and easy appetizer is always welcome for a quick party appetizer.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Guacamole

Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

A dish of jalapeño spinach artichoke dip with a spoon scooping out a serving.
Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

You will crave this flavorful Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip for your next party. Jalapeño peppers, fresh spinach, and creamy artichoke hearts come together to create a deliciously cheesy dip that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Cheesy Cheddar Bacon Dip

Keto Crack Dip with veggies.
Keto Crack Dip. Photo Credit: Primal Edge health.

Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

Bacon Deviled Eggs

Indulge in the irresistible combination of gooey cheddar cheese and crispy bacon in this crowd-pleasing appetizer to serve with dinner. Perfect for any gathering, this dip will have your taste buds dancing with every cheesy, savory bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cheddar Bacon Dip

Bacon deviled eggs in a red platter.
Bacon deviled eggs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Impress your guests with the smoky and savory flavors of bacon-deviled eggs. These creamy and delicious appetizers are a party must-have, adding a touch of indulgence to your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs

Image shows an overhead shot of Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas on a white tray with a bowl of guacamole to the left of them.
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in these mouthwatering puff pastry beef empanadas for a delicious appetizer that combines succulent beef and crispy pastry for a truly satisfying experience. These portable delicacies are an tasty choice for any social gathering or celebration.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

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