20 appetizers so good, you’ll never get rid of your guests

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Appetizers have a way of keeping everyone around, and these recipes are no different. They’re so great, your guests won’t even think about leaving early. If you’re all about keeping the party going and making sure everyone’s having a good time, these appetizers are exactly what you need. Be prepared — your guests might stick around longer than you planned, but with food this good, that’s a win.

A hand holds a tortilla chip with melted cheese, garnished with diced tomatoes and herbs, being lifted from a cheese dip.
Queso Fundido. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

A bowl of whipped feta with honey with crackers and herbs.
Whipped Feta with Honey Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Whipped Feta with Honey Dip takes just about 10 minutes to make. Serve with veggies, crackers, or sliced apples. This dip can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, making it a convenient option for easy entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

Loaded Tater Tots

A close-up of loaded tater tots topped with melted cheese, bacon, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of creamy sauce being added from a white spoon.
Loaded Tater Tots. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Loaded Tater Tots are ready in 35 minutes, perfect for game day parties, casual gatherings, or a family dinner. Start by baking the tater tots until golden and crispy. Then, season with a spice mix, top with melted cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon, green onions, and chives. Serve hot. Leftovers store well for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots

Loaded Zucchini Boats

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

Loaded Zucchini Boats bring together bacon, cheese, and chives in a way that’s hard to resist. With just 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes in the oven, you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy the party. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor. These boats reheat well in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

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

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers are stuffed with cream cheese mixed with Salt-Free Everything Bagel seasoning, then wrapped in bacon. Ready in under an hour, they’re great for any occasion. Pair with Everything Bagel Dip or a spicy ranch. These peppers can be assembled ahead and baked right before serving.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Bacon wrapped skewers on a plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts are crunchy and juicy, ready in about 1 hour. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce like sweet chili or soy sauce. These are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept warm in a low oven if needed.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

A cracker being dipped into a dish of jalapeño cranberry dip.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Jalapeño Cranberry Dip combines jalapeños with cranberries for a simple, flavorful dish. Serve with crackers or crusty bread. This dip can be made ahead of time and chilled until ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

Beer Cheese Dip

A piece of pretzel being dipped into a bowl of cheese sauce garnished with chopped chives.
Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Beer Cheese Dip is a go-to for a quick, easy appetizer that’s ready in just 25 minutes. It’s creamy and packed with flavor, making it perfect for game days or casual get-togethers. The process is simple: melt some butter, whisk in flour to make a roux, then slowly add milk and beer. Season it up and melt in a mix of cheeses for a smooth, velvety finish. Serve it with soft pretzels, crusty bread, or even veggies.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip

Queso Fundido

A baked dish topped with melted cheese, chopped tomatoes, green peppers, and herbs, garnished with caramelized bits in a round casserole dish.
Queso Fundido. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Queso Fundido is a warm, cheesy one-pan favorite that your party guests will always go for. It’s ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients and customizable toppings, making it perfect for game nights, get-togethers, or even a laid-back evening with friends. You’ll start by browning chorizo with onion and garlic, creating that rich, flavorful base. Then, melt a blend of Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheeses until everything is bubbling and gooey. Top it off with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or any of your favorite garnishes, and serve with tortilla chips or warm tortillas. This one’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Queso Fundido

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A plate of parmesan crusted potatoes with a sauce on top.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a crowd-pleaser. Slice, toss with Parmesan, and bake for 35 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve with sour cream or a garlic dipping sauce. These potatoes can be reheated in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers mix chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning into bite-sized snacks. Bake quickly and serve with ranch dressing or BBQ sauce for dipping. These poppers can be prepped ahead and baked right before serving.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

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

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese are easy and satisfying. Mix sausage with cream cheese, roll into balls, and bake for 30 minutes. Serve with mustard or BBQ sauce for dipping. These freeze well, making them a great make-ahead option.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

A dish of jalapeño spinach artichoke dip with a spoon scooping out a serving.
Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip blends spicy jalapeños, creamy artichokes, and fresh spinach under a cheesy crust, ready in 50 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips or sliced baguette.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer

Guacamole and shrimp appetizers.
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer is quick to make — just 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s got crisp cucumbers, smooth avocados, and perfectly seasoned shrimp. Great for a laid-back get-together. Serve chilled with lemon wedges on the side. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a day.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

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

These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms combine Italian sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan in mushroom caps that bake quickly. They’re perfect for any gathering. Pair with a simple salad or serve alongside crusty bread. These mushrooms can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

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

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella are ready in 25 minutes, turning simple ingredients into a standout appetizer. Serve warm with fresh basil or a balsamic glaze. These tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Halloumi Fries

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

Halloumi Fries are ready in 25 minutes, perfect for dipping and sharing. Serve with a side of marinara, tzatziki, or your favorite dipping sauce. These fries are best eaten fresh, as they lose their crispness when stored.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

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.

Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders combine eggs, cheese, and bacon in mini buns. Ready in about 30 minutes, these sliders are perfect for parties. Serve with ketchup, hot sauce, or avocado slices. Leftovers make a great quick breakfast the next day.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

Cucumber Tomato Bites

Hand holding a cucumber slice topped with herbed cream cheese and half a cherry tomato, surrounded by similar appetizers on a platter.
Cucumber Tomato Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cucumber Tomato Bites are light and refreshing, made with cucumbers, herbed cream cheese, cherry tomatoes, and dill. Ready in 20 minutes, they’re perfect for any casual gathering. Pair with a chilled white wine or lemonade. Best served fresh, as cucumbers can get watery over time.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites

Chili Cheese Dip

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

Chili Cheese Dip features a hearty chili base topped with melted cheese, perfect for dipping with tortilla chips. Serve with sliced veggies or warm pretzels. This dip is best eaten warm, but leftovers can be reheated easily.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip

7-Layer Dip

A close-up of a layered taco dip topped with chopped tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and shredded cheese in a rectangular glass dish.
7-Layer Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

7-Layer Dip stacks refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese in a quick, crowd-friendly dish. Ready in 25 minutes, it pairs great with tortilla chips or veggie sticks. Keep it chilled until serving, and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions.
Get the Recipe: 7-Layer Dip

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