The 20 appetizers that will set your party apart

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Appetizers set the stage for any party, and the 20 recipes we’ve chosen are guaranteed to make yours unforgettable. These starters are not just good; they are game-changers designed to impress your guests from the very first bite. Perfect for any casual gathering, they promise to kick off the festivities with a bang, ensuring your party is the one everyone talks about.

A hand holding a cucumber and a cracker with cream cheese and cranberry sauce.
Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Halloumi Fries

A person pulling apart a halloumi fry.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Wow your guests with this simple yet impressive appetizer. Halloumi cheese originates from Cyprus and is known for its high melting point, allowing it to be baked, grilled, or fried without melting or losing its shape. This delicious and easy-to-make appetizer comes together in just 25 minutes. These halloumi fries are a game-changer — perfectly flavorful and delicious on their own or with a dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Chili Cheese Dip

A white baking dish with a dip and tortilla chips.
Chili Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chili Cheese Dip is the perfect crowd-pleaser for any party. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a rich and flavorful appetizer that’s sure to be a hit. It’s very easy to make — just mix, bake, and enjoy. Serve this at your next party and watch it disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip

Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

A plate of whipped feta with honey dip and crackers on it.
Whipped Feta with Honey Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Whipped Feta with Honey Dip is extra easy to make and a perfect holiday appetizer option. It comes together with minimal effort in just 10 minutes and is delicious, impressive, and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These zucchini boats are a fun take on the classic loaded potato skins. Ready in less than an hour, this delicious appetizer combines bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and more. They’re great for casual gatherings as they’re effortless to make, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your friends. Serve these loaded zucchini boats on a serving platter or enjoy straight from the baking sheet.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For those special yet easy-to-manage occasions, these stuffed mushrooms are the answer. Filled with a mix of sausage and mushrooms, they are perfect for any occasion and can be prepped beforehand. Easy to prepare but so impressive to serve, they’re great for stress-free entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Sausage balls on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These sausage balls couldn’t be easier to make. Just add the ingredients to a bowl, mix, roll, then bake. Perfect as a party appetizer for game day or casual gatherings, these are ready in 30 minutes and packed with flavors everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

A plate with cranberry cream cheese and crackers.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dip is the perfect party appetizer for beginner cooks who want to bring an extra easy dish-to-pass to parties and events. With only 15 minutes of prep time, all you’ll do is measure the ingredients, blend the jalapeño cranberry mixture, mix the creamy base mixture, and then arrange everything in a serving dish. You’ll love how it adds a pop of color and taste to your appetizer table.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

A pan of taco dip with cream cheese, vegetables, and shredded cheese.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’ve got 15 minutes to spare, you can create this flavorful taco dip that’s sure to be the star at any party. Mix the base layer, add the ingredients, top it with a generous serving of cheese, and you’re ready to go. Serve it with your favorite chips or veggies for an appetizer that’s both easy and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

Bacon Wrapped Peppers ready to enjoy.
Bacon Wrapped Peppers. Photo Credit: Real Balanced.

Wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cream cheese, these mini peppers will add an impressive touch to your spread. Prepped and baked in under an hour, this easy appetizer features the perfect combination of flavor and texture. Serve the peppers with your favorite dip in a bowl, or add a spoon to the serving tray for parties so guests can add some dip to their plates.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Mini Peppers

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini spicy canned salmon patties in a serving bowl.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 30 minutes, you can create these mini patties made with canned salmon spiced up with jalapeños and cayenne pepper. They’re so easy to make and very versatile. You can use any type of canned protein, customize the spice level to your liking, and serve them with whatever dipping sauce you prefer. They’re a fun choice for any party and will surely be loved by your guests.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with cheese and basil on a baking sheet.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Made with ingredients like Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and Italian seasoning, these baked tomatoes with cheese are juicy, soft, and flavorful. It only takes 25 minutes to prepare and serve, making it a great go-to for days when you need to whip up something impressive and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For an appetizer that doesn’t skimp on flavor, try these easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Featuring a delicious blend of chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spices, these poppers are easy to make and can be served in an hour. This appetizer also stores well in the freezer, so you can make them beforehand, perfect for those times when you want to impress without the all-day kitchen commitment.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Jalapeño spinach artichoke dip in a white dish with a spoon.
Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Ready in under an hour, this appetizer is a stress-free choice for any host. Featuring a mixture of parmesan cheese, sour cream, spinach, artichoke hearts, jalapeños, and a few other ingredients, all you need to do is mix everything and just bake. It’s an easy way to impress and make your menu stand out with minimal effort. Serve it at your next event and watch it become the highlight of the evening.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Garnished shrimp cucumber bites on a plate.
Shrimp Cucumber Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 25 minutes, you can serve up a platter of bites featuring shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices atop crisp cucumber slices and finished with a dollop of guacamole. Perfect as a light snack or as a fancy party appetizer, these shrimp cucumber bites will always save the day.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats

A cucumber boat with tomatoes and bacon on it.
Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 10 minutes, these appetizers feature fresh cucumbers filled with a mix of cream cheese and avocado, topped with crispy bacon and tomato. You only need simple ingredients, and the instructions are straightforward — perfect for those days when you’re hosting friends and want to spend more time socializing than cooking.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats

Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

A hand holding a toothpick with a bacon egg and cheese breakfast slider.
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This is the breakfast “sandwich” you didn’t know you were missing. Hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and creamy avocado are assembled as a sandwich for a new take on the classic breakfast favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes, these egg sandwiches are very easy to assemble and are perfect for early gatherings or as a fun evening appetizer. 
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

Cucumber Tomato Bites

A hand holding a cucumber tomato bite.
Cucumber Tomato Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in less than 30 minutes, these bites are great for those occasions when you want something quick yet refreshing. They’re a straightforward mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, and a refreshing cream cheese filling, which makes this a great choice if you need to whip up something at the last minute.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites

Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats

Four cucumber boats on a white serving platter.
Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make this easy and refreshing appetizer in just five minutes! Featuring cucumbers topped with cream cheese, avocado, and a sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning, these boats create a crunchy, creamy treat that all your guests will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats

Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites

A hand holding a bacon-wrapped pickle bite skewered with a toothpick.
Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Made with just five ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes, these Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites are a lifesaver for any last-minute gatherings. They’re a fun and easy choice for your next party, blending the salty and sour flavors of pickles with the smokiness of bacon. They’re fun, flavorful, and a smart way to serve something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

Spicy tuna cucumber boats on a plate.
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spice up your appetizer selection in just 10 minutes with these Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats. Featuring fresh, crisp cucumbers that are cut and de-seeded, each cucumber half is stuffed with softened cream cheese and spoonfuls of tuna before being topped off with a sprinkle of Everything Bagel Seasoning, coconut aminos, and a drizzle of hot sauce. This recipe is an excellent choice for a simple, flavorful, and light appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

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