Appetizer attacks! 17 crowd-pleasing starters perfect for any gathering

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Planning a party or a casual get-together? These 17 starters are exactly what you need to keep everyone happy. They’re easy to prepare and guaranteed to be crowd-pleasing starters perfect for any gathering. From light bites to more substantial options, these appetizers will keep your guests coming back for more. Add these to your menu and watch your event become a hit.

Tomato bruschetta board on a table.
Tomato Bruschetta Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Smoked jalapeno poppers on a platter.
Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hosting a party? Kick things off with a smoky twist as guests experience the joy of spice and smoked flavors. With Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers, you won’t just bring the heat, you’ll also bring that cozy smoky flavor everyone craves. Watch as your friends reach for more of these bite-sized treats, making it clear they’re a definite crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Artichoke Jalapeno Dip in a black bowl with crackers nearby.
Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for something that’s both creamy and has a little kick, why not put Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip on your table? It’s the kind of spread that makes raw veggies and crackers way more exciting. It’s not just another dip; it has a unique warmth that comes from the blend of artichoke and jalapeno. Your guests will be scooping up till the bowl’s clean, making it the perfect appetizer to bring everyone together.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Baked Scotch Eggs

Scotch Eggs on a black plate.
Baked Scotch Eggs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Have you tried taking a classic and giving it an oven twist? Baked Scotch Eggs offer that satisfying crunch outside with a soft, flavorful center. It’s a hearty starter that will have your friends and family chatting about how clever and different it is. They’re perfect for those who love a bit of British flair in their appetizer arsenal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Scotch Eggs

Pico de Gallo

A shot of Pico de Gallo on a board with chips nearby.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Freshness is key when you lay out a spread for friends, so why not include some Pico de Gallo? This dish combines fresh, robust flavors with a splash of zing. It’s a refreshing addition to any party that promises to awaken the palate. Spoon it up with chips or use it as a bright topping to spark up another appetizer on the table.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Reuben Egg Rolls

A black plate with Reuben Egg Rolls and dipping sauce.
Reuben Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For an innovative twist on a deli classic, Reuben Egg Rolls are where it’s at. Imagine all the favorite flavors of the traditional sandwich, but in a crispy, dippable form. They’re quirky, they’re unexpected, and they’re a great conversation starter. Watch them disappear as everyone gets wrapped up in the novelty of it all.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Egg Rolls

Beef Wellington Bites

Beef Wellington Bites on a white plate with sauce in the middle.
Beef Wellington Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Picture bite-sized elegance on a tray with Beef Wellington Bites. They bring the luxury of a gourmet meal to your casual grazing platters. These little morsels pack a flavor punch and have a certain finesse that your guests will appreciate. They’re a swanky way to start off an evening, lifting the mood and setting the bar for what’s to come.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites

Baked Brie in a Bowl

A wooden platter with baked brie in a bowl, cheese, crackers, grapes and bread.
Baked Brie in a Bowl. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Melted cheese is a sure bet, and Baked Brie in a Bowl makes it even better. It’s cheesy goodness that you can dip into, creating an interactive experience for your guests. Whether they’re spreading it on a cracker or dipping a slice of fruit, it’s going to get people talking and dipping together. Plus, it’s an absolute breeze to serve up.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie in a Bowl

Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

A wooden cutting board with sliced meat and sauce on it.
Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Every party needs that one standout that everyone remembers, and Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema could be just that. It marries the tenderness of pork with the tanginess of lime in a single, satisfying bite. Elegant yet effortless, it’s the sort of starter that gets nods of approval as guests mingle. And with each bite-sized piece so full of flavor, they’ll be reaching for seconds without a second thought.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites

A platter of Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a little smokiness to your gathering with Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites. It’s a fun, casual way to offer up something that feels a bit like barbecue but with a twist. With just the right amount of smoke, these bites will have people circling back for more. They’re perfect for a laid-back afternoon with friends or family.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites

Cold Corn Dip

A bowl of Chilled Corn Dip with chips on a black plate.
Cold Corn Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it’s warm outside, or you just want a no-fuss appetizer, Cold Corn Dip steps up. It’s chilled, refreshing, and has that sweet-savory combo that can’t be beaten. It’s the cool counterpoint to the hot items on your appetizer table. People love to dig into something crunchy and creamy, and this dip delivers just that.
Get the Recipe: Cold Corn Dip

Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets

Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets with lemon wedges on a black plate.
Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it’s time to impress with something light and flaky, Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets won’t disappoint. They’re delicate, they’re flavorful, and they just scream sophistication. With these on your table, you’ll be giving your guests a little parcel of joy. Plus, they’re just the right size for nibbling as everyone mingles.
Get the Recipe: Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets

Tomato Bruschetta Board

Tomato bruschetta board on a table.
Tomato Bruschetta Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Can’t decide what appetizer to make? Go for versatility with a Tomato Bruschetta Board. You give your guests the freedom to build their own bruschetta creations. Fresh, vibrant, and full of variety, it’s a hands-on way for people to enjoy the starters just as they like them.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board

Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

A plate of Prosciutto & Parmesan Puff Pastry pinwheels.
Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a twist of flair to your spread with Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels. It’s pastry, it’s savory cured meat, and it’s all rolled up into one fancy-looking appetizer. They’re as fun to eat as they are to look at and will have guests reaching for one after another. It’s an elegant addition that’s sure to charm your company.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

A plate of smoked pork belly burnt ends with tomatoes and pickles.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take your appetizer game up a notch with smoky and savory morsels of Pork Belly Burnt Ends. These are the bites for those who love to indulge in a bit of barbecue. They’re sticky, they’re sweet, and they’re definitely going to get people talking. Plus, they go great with just about any dipping sauce you can think of.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Sausage Rolls

Sausage Rolls on a white plate.
Sausage Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you want to serve up something hearty and comforting, Sausage Rolls are the way to go. They fill the room with a mouthwatering aroma that promises something satisfying inside that flaky crust. These are the perfect picks for a casual get-together, especially on a cooler day. Watch as hands eagerly go for these warm, inviting appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls

Guacamole Snack Board

A top-down shot of a guacamole snack board.
Guacamole Snack Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you lay out a Guacamole Snack Board, you invite everyone to dip into fun. It’s customizable, it’s communal, and yes, it’s absolutely packed with flavor. You’ll see your guests grinning as they scoop up the rich, creamy guacamole with their favorite dippables. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy good food and good company together.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board

Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney

A chunk of oozing brie with apple chutney on a board.
Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When sweet meets savory in an appetizer, it’s a special kind of magic. Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney brings that magic to life. The subtle spice and sweetness of the chutney complement the brie in a way that’s sure to catch your guests off guard—in the best way. It’s a classy dish that’s a surefire conversation starter, especially for those who love trying something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney

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