17 appetizer recipes everyone will fight over

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With these 17 appetizers, you’re guaranteed to serve up something so irresistible, people will fight over every last one. They’ll be gone before you know it, with guests grabbing seconds (and thirds) like their lives depend on it. Expect lots of “who took the last one?!” moments. Word of advice: make more than you think you’ll need, or prepare for some hilarious food scuffles!

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.

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 ever wanted something that combines cheese, a bit spicy heat, and bacon into one appetizer, Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls are your go-to. They are rolled in crispy bacon pieces, offering a mix of soft, creamy inside with a bit of crunch. Perfect for gatherings where you want something a bit indulgent. This one tends to disappear quickly from the table, so you might want to make an extra batch.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

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.

Buffalo Chicken Dip brings together shredded chicken, hot sauce, and creamy cheese in a way that’s hard to resist. It’s baked until bubbly and served hot, making it a favorite during game nights or movie marathons. The dip pairs well with a variety of dippers from celery sticks to tortilla chips. It often becomes the centerpiece of any party spread.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

Close-up of meatballs covered in a rich, creamy yellow sauce, garnished with chopped green onions.
Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For those who love a little Mexican flair with their appetizers, Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs are a dream. These meatballs simmer in a slow cooker with nacho-inspired sauce, becoming tender and juicy. They can be skewered for easy serving or placed alongside tortilla chips for scooping. Making them is fuss-free, which is perfect for when you have a million other things to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

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.

Everyone loves a good crunchy snack, and Crunchy Onion Rings hit just the right spot. They are battered and fried to golden perfection, making them an ideal companion for burgers and sandwiches. Onion rings also stand strong on their own, especially when dipped in a variety of sauces. It’s hard to stop at just one, so make sure you have enough for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Loaded Tater Tots

Loaded Tater Tots close-up topped with crumbled bacon, drizzled with ranch dressing, and garnished with sliced green onions on a white plate.
Loaded Tater Tots. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Loaded Tater Tots bring together crispy potatoes, melted cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream in one delicious bite. They are like mini loaded baked potatoes but without the hassle. These are perfect for occasions where you want comfort food that’s easy to eat with your hands. Plus, who doesn’t love the combination of cheese and potatoes?
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots

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.

When you need an appetizer that feels a bit more like a mini meal, Ham and Cheese Sliders are the answer. They are easy to assemble, bake until the cheese melts perfectly, and the ham gets a bit of a glaze. Each slider is a bite of heaven that’s not only filling but also incredibly flavorful. They are ideal for feeding a crowd without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

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.

Bacon Wrapped Smokies are a simple yet irresistible mix of salty bacon wrapped around little smoky sausages. They’re glazed with a sweet mixture, making them a perfect blend of sweet and savory. These bites always end up being a conversation starter at any gathering. And let’s be honest, bacon makes everything better.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Spinach Artichoke Dip

A bowl of creamy spinach dip garnished with herbs, surrounded by slices of crusty bread on a blue patterned cloth.
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re looking for a warm, hearty dip, look no further than Spinach Artichoke Dip. This dip combines creamy cheeses with spinach and artichokes, offering a rich flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s a classic choice for a reason, universally loved and always welcome at the party table. Served with bread, chips, or veggies, it rarely lasts long.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

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.

Pigs in a Blanket are a timeless appetizer that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Small sausages or hot dogs are wrapped in dough and baked until golden, making them puff up and become irresistible. They are often the first dish to disappear at gatherings, proving that simple can be spectacular. Serve them with mustard or your preferred dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket

Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Mexican taco salad cups on a plate.
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When looking for something on the lighter side, Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!) come into play. They are small, edible cups filled with all the taco fixings you love, from seasoned beef to fresh veggies. They’re a hit at parties because they’re easy to eat while mingling. Plus, who can resist a miniature taco?
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs served in crispy puff pastry cups on a wooden surface.
Caprese Pesto Tarts. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Anything with tomatoes, mozzarella, and pesto screams summer, and Caprese Pesto Tarts are no exception. These tarts are a fancy yet easy appetizer, combining classic Caprese salad flavors in a bite-sized pastry shell. They bring a touch of elegance to any gathering. Not to mention, they’re ridiculously easy to make but look like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Homemade Corn Dogs

Close-up of a bitten corn dog showing its interior with a layer of crispy fried batter and a hot dog inside.
Homemade Corn Dogs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a fun twist on a fair favorite, Homemade Corn Dogs bring the carnival to your kitchen. They are hot dogs dipped in a cornmeal batter and fried until they’re crispy on the outside. Making them at home allows for experimenting with different sausages and batters. They’re a nostalgic treat that’s always a hit, especially with kids.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Dogs

Cobb Salad

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If salads usually sound boring, Cobb Salad will change your mind. It’s a colorful and hearty dish that combines lettuce, chicken, eggs, bacon, avocado, and blue cheese. Unlike other salads, it’s packed with protein and can be considered a meal on its own. It’s a crowd-pleaser because there’s something in it for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Close-up of chicken bacon ranch sliders with grilled chicken, bacon, and melted cheese inside a golden bun, garnished with herbs.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders offer a mouthwatering combo. These sliders layer chicken, crisp bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, topped with melted cheese on soft buns. They’re small enough to eat in a few bites but packed with so much goodness that they’ll leave you craving more. Perfect for any gathering, they’ll be gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

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.

Joining the worldwide craze, Korean Corn Dogs are a fun, quirky snack. They are coated in a thick batter, rolled in toppings like french fries or ramen, then deep-fried. What you get is a crunchy, unusual, and utterly delicious version of a corn dog. They’re perfect for when you want to try something different but still crave that deep-fried comfort.
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.

These skewers offer a unique taste with a marinade that’s both sweet and slightly spicy. The chicken is threaded onto skewers, making them easy to cook and serve. Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are an exotic twist to the regular grilled dishes and perfect for outdoor gatherings. The aroma alone will draw people to the grill, eager to try them.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

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.

Garlic Bread might seem too simple, but never underestimate its power as an appetizer. Soft inside with a crunchy exterior, it’s brushed with a buttery garlic mixture that’s hard to resist. It complements any Italian meal or can be enjoyed on its own. It’s a universal favorite, and for good reason—everything is better with garlic and bread.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

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