Everyone will want to try these 17 appetizers first

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Planning an event? Be prepared: serving these 17 starters might cause friendly elbow nudges among guests. They’re the kind of bites that make people forget there’s a main course coming. Even your friend who swears they’re “just here for the company” will be caught red-handed with a full plate. Consider making extra, because these snacks disappear fast.

Close-up of several Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese, and seasoned with herbs and spices, placed on crumpled parchment paper.
Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

A bread bowl filled with a creamy dip, garnished with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and bacon bits. Celery sticks are placed on the side.
Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re a fan of flavors that pack a punch, you’ll be all over this one. Imagine combining two all-time favorites, chicken and bacon, and then adding a ranch twist. Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip takes your usual dip expectation and flips it on its head. Perfect for those who love a creamy texture with a bit of a chew, this dip will have everyone reaching for more before the bowl’s even close to empty.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

Mozzarella Sticks

Someone pulling a mozzarella stick apart and showing the stretchy cheese.
Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When cheese is your go-to comfort food, you know there’s nothing better than melty, gooey sticks encased in a crispy outer layer. Mozzarella Sticks have a way of disappearing fast on any appetizer table, thanks to their universally loved cheesy goodness. Ideal for dipping or just enjoying on their own, they’re a fail-proof option for any social event. No need for complicated flavors here; simplicity wins every time.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A hand dips a tortilla chip into a cheesy baked dish topped with sliced green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spicy, creamy, and utterly addictive, this appetizer will be the centerpiece of your snack table. Buffalo Chicken Dip blends hot sauce with a creamy base, creating a spicy kick that’s hard to resist. It’s the kind of dip that heats things at any gathering, ensuring the snack table is never lonely. So, grab a chip and dive in; you won’t be disappointed with the bold flavors this dish brings.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Close-up of bacon-wrapped scallops secured with toothpicks, seasoned with spices, and cooked until golden and crispy.
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Have you ever thought bacon could be even more interesting? Wrap it around some smoky fillings, and you’ve got Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. This appetizer is a conversation starter, not just for its quirky name but also for its ingenious use of bacon as a wrap. A hit for those who believe everything is better with bacon, it’s smoky, savory, and altogether irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Close-up of four ham and cheese sliders on sesame seed buns, arranged in two stacks. The cheese is melting and oozing out of the sides, making these Ham and Cheese Sliders irresistible.
Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes, the best flavors are the simplest, combining comforting ingredients that everyone loves. Ham and Cheese Sliders take the classic ham and cheese duo and miniaturize it into a bite-sized treat. These little sandwiches are perfect for when you want something savory, cheesy, and easy to munch on. They’re a crowd-pleaser, ensuring no one misses out on the yummy goodness packed into every little bite.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Baked Brie

A baked brie with walnuts and thyme, with a jar of honey next to it.
Baked Brie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If cheese could star in its very own show, this appetizer would be the lead. Baked Brie is that crowd-favorite that brings a touch of elegance to any gathering. With its melty center and crispy exterior, it’s a sophisticated yet uncomplicated choice for cheese lovers. Paired with some crackers or fruit, it’s the kind of appetizer that makes any occasion feel a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie

Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a Blanket, small sausages wrapped in puff pastry, baked until golden brown, and sprinkled with coarse salt are displayed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Undoubtedly a classic, this appetizer brings nostalgia and warmth to every bite. Pigs in a Blanket are the mini versions of hot dogs wrapped in dough, baked to perfection. They’re the ultimate comfort food turned party snack, easy to eat with your hands, and loved by guests of all ages. For something so simple, they sure make a big impact on the appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket

Caprese Appetizer

Image shows an overhead shot of Caprese Bites on a wooden board.
Caprese Appetizer. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bringing a touch of Italian flair to the table, this appetizer is all about fresh flavors and simple ingredients. Our Caprese Appetizer stacks are a visual delight, layering vibrant tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves, drizzled with balsamic glaze. It’s a refreshing break from the heavier, more indulgent party foods. This dish proves that sometimes, the simplest combinations are the most memorable.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A close-up of Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies, held together with toothpicks and cooked to a crispy finish.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You won’t want to skip these for a smoky, savory bite that’s impossible to have just one of. Bacon Wrapped Smokies upgrade simple sausages by wrapping them in bacon and baking them to crispy perfection. They’re the kind of appetizer that appeals to both kids and adults, making them a versatile choice for any event. Once you start, it might be hard to stop; they’re that good.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Cranberry Brie Bites

A tray of cranberry brie bites with walnut topping.
Cranberry Brie Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Here’s to an appetizer that knows how to balance sweet and savory in one bite. Cranberry Brie Bites are a creative take on traditional cheese dishes, adding a pop of cranberry for a surprising twist. They’re as pretty as they are delicious, making them a festive and flavorful addition to your table. Perfect for those who appreciate a little sweetness with their cheese, these bites are a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

Garlic Bread

Slices of garlic bread topped with chopped parsley and sea salt sit enticingly on a wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of salt and fresh cloves of garlic.
Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

It’s hard to imagine any appetizer spread without this beloved classic. Garlic Bread is just right for those craving something with a garlicky kick and a crispy edge. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss side that complements just about any main dish, yet it shines bright on its own. Always a hit, it satisfies the craving for something warm, buttery, and utterly comforting.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Caprese Candy Cane

A plate with tomatoes, basil and bread on it.
Caprese Candy Cane. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bringing a festive shape to an Italian classic, this dish is as fun to look at as it is to eat. Our Caprese Candy Cane arranges tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a form that’s perfect for the holidays. It’s a creative twist that adds a bit of whimsy to your appetizer offerings. Not just a pretty sight, it’s fresh, tasty, and bound to get everyone talking.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Candy Cane

Crunchy Onion Rings

A close-up of crispy, golden-brown onion rings sprinkled with chopped parsley and black pepper on a white parchment-lined surface captures perfection in every bite.
Crunchy Onion Rings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For those who adore a good crunch, look no further. Crunchy Onion Rings are a staple for anyone who loves the filling sound of biting into something perfectly crisped. They’re a snack that doubles as an appetizer, beloved for their simple yet irresistible flavor and texture. Serve them up and watch them disappear; they’re always a hit, no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Cheese Ball

A cheese ball on a cutting board with crackers.
Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you want an appetizer that doubles as a centerpiece, this is your go-to. Cheese Ball combines flavors and textures into one sphere of deliciousness that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Rolled in nuts or herbs for that extra punch, it’s the perfect companion for crackers and veggies. It’s a party favorite, guaranteed to draw a crowd and spark conversation around the snack table.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball

Korean Corn Dogs

Several breaded and fried corn dogs on sticks, drizzled with mustard and ketchup, placed on white crumpled paper.
Korean Corn Dogs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Street food fans, here’s something with a twist that keeps everyone coming back for more. Korean Corn Dogs are a unique take on the American classic, adding ingredients that turn the familiar into something excitingly new. They’re crispy, slightly sweet, and completely addictive, making them a hit at gatherings. No one can resist the allure of these corn dogs, bringing a bit of international flair to your feast.
Get the Recipe: Korean Corn Dogs

Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Thai chicken skewers topped with a creamy sauce and garnished with chopped herbs and peanuts, served over a bed of white rice.
Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For an appetizer that brings a bit of international spice to the table, these skewers are a must. Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers offer a taste of Thailand with their perfect blend of spices and smokiness. They’re easy to pick up and nibble on, making them perfect for mingling and conversation. Each bite is a journey to a far-off place, without ever leaving the comfort of your backyard gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Close-up of several Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese, and seasoned with herbs and spices, placed on crumpled parchment paper.
Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re looking for an appetizer that brings the heat with a smoky twist, you’ve found it. Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls are the bold choice for those who crave a fiery kick mingled with smoky bacon in every bite. This dish is a game-changer, taking cheese balls to a whole new level of flavor. Perfect for adventurous eaters, it’s a guaranteed way to kick off any occasion with a bang.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

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