17 appetizers that are so good you’ll want to skip dinner

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Ever been to a party where the appetizers were so good, you kinda hoped dinner would never come? Yeah, us too. That’s why we’ve put together a bunch of killer appetizer recipes that are not just easy to make but are seriously going to tempt you to skip the main dish altogether. Whether you’re throwing a bash or just chilling at home craving something snazzy, we’ve got your back.

Spinach cheddar quinoa cakes topped with buffalo yogurt sauce.
Spinach Cheddar Cakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Plantain Chips

Plantain chips on a platter with salsa.
Plantain Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy baked plantain chips serve as the perfect crunchy snack, making them an appetizer that could easily take center stage over dinner. They pair wonderfully with any salsa for a tropical twist. These chips are a fantastic alternative to traditional snacks, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile. Easy to make and irresistibly crunchy, they’re sure to be a favorite at any gathering. It’s a simple yet delicious way to kick off any meal or snack time.
Get the Recipe: Plantain Chips

Salt and Vinegar Popcorn Cauliflower

Salt and vinegar popcorn cauliflower in a newspaper covered bowl.
Salt and Vinegar Popcorn Cauliflower. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

If you’re a fan of popcorn shrimp, this salt and vinegar popcorn cauliflower will hit the spot, tempting enough to make you forget about the main dish. It’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on crunch or flavor. This appetizer is addictive, easy to make, and sure to be a hit with guests. It’s a fun, veggie-packed twist on a classic favorite, ideal for those looking for a lighter option. Serve it up at your next gathering and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Vinegar Popcorn Cauliflower

Crispy Salmon Bites

Crispy salmon bites made with canned salmon on a cutting board with dipping sauce.
Crispy Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Transform canned salmon into crispy bites, a clever appetizer that’ll have you rethinking dinner plans. They’re quick to fry up and serve alongside your favorite dip or atop a fresh salad. These bites offer a delightful texture contrast, crispy on the outside with tender salmon inside. They’re a smart way to elevate canned salmon for a dish that feels special yet is straightforward to prepare. Perfect for a light, flavorful start to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Salmon Bites

Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

Blue cheese steak crostini on a metal platter drizzled with balsamic reduction.
Blue Cheese Steak Crostini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Blue cheese steak crostini are little bites of heaven, offering a blend of garlicky bread, salty blue cheese, rare steak, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. They’re so flavorful, dinner might just have to wait. This appetizer is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a luxurious snack. The combination of flavors is sophisticated yet easy to achieve. It’s an ideal way to elevate your appetizer game with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

Air Fryer Gnocchi

Air fryer cauliflower gnocchi in a bowl.
Air Fryer Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pop cauliflower gnocchi in the air fryer and watch them crisp up into an appetizer so good, dinner might lose its spot. Quick and easy, this method works with any brand and delivers a crispy outside and tender inside. They’re perfect for a casual get-together, ready in minutes, and sure to impress. You’ll find these gnocchi a versatile pick, ideal for those evenings when simplicity and flavor are key. It’s an effortless way to kickstart a meal that might just end with these bites.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Gnocchi

Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Roasted garlic white bean dip in a metal dish with pita chips.
Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted garlic white bean dip, with its secret ingredient of cottage cheese, offers a creamy texture and a healthy protein boost in each bite. This appetizer is so good, you might skip straight to it and forget about the main dish. It’s simple to prepare and pairs well with any dipping options, from crackers to veggies. The roasted garlic brings a depth of flavor that makes this dip stand out. It’s a wholesome, flavorful start to any meal that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Spicy Seasoned Pretzels

Spicy seasoned pretzels in a black bowl with small bowl of guacamole on the side.
Spicy Seasoned Pretzels. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spicy seasoned pretzels are an easy homemade snack that brings a zing, potentially making them the star before dinner even starts. Great for dipping or enjoying on their own, they add a flavorful kick to your appetizer spread. These pretzels are perfect for those who love a little heat with their crunch. Making them is straightforward, and they’re excellent for sharing. Prepare to spice up your snack selection with this tantalizing treat.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Seasoned Pretzels

Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

Sweet potato bites topped with guacamole and bacon.
Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These sweet potato guacamole bacon bites offer a perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and salty flavors, making them an irresistible appetizer. They’re so good, you might skip dinner altogether. The combination of smashed sweet potato with guacamole and a piece of bacon creates a mouthwatering bite. Easy to assemble, they’re ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself to a flavorful snack. It’s a unique, tasty way to kick off any dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

BBQ Roasted Chickpeas

BBQ roasted chickpeas on a white plate.
BBQ Roasted Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into the world of BBQ roasted chickpeas for a snack that’s crispy, full of flavor, and might just make you skip dinner. These chickpeas are a healthier alternative to chips, easy to make, and packed with savory BBQ taste. They’re perfect for satisfying those crunchy snack cravings without the guilt. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or need a tasty snack, these chickpeas are sure to be a hit. It’s an effortless way to spice up your snack game.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Roasted Chickpeas

Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Fundido dip with chips.
Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into the cheesy goodness of this chipotle fundido dip, where spicy meets creamy in every bite. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes you question if you even need dinner. Great with chips or roasted veggies, this baked dip is a conversation starter. It’s simple to make and brings a kick with its chipotle hummus twist. Whether it’s a party or a chill night in, this dip promises to be the highlight.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Melon Mozzarella Prosciutto Skewers

Melon skewers with mozzarella balls and prosciutto.
Melon Mozzarella Prosciutto Skewers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Combine sweet cantaloupe, salty prosciutto, and fresh mozzarella for skewers that are the epitome of an easy yet elegant appetizer. They’re so delightful, you might consider skipping dinner. This trio offers a refreshing bite, perfect for summer gatherings or as a chic start to a meal. The preparation is as simple as it gets, yet the result is visually impressive and bursting with flavor. It’s a straightforward way to add a touch of sophistication to your appetizer lineup.
Get the Recipe: Melon Mozzarella Prosciutto Skewers

Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

Baked bang bang shrimp on a serving plate garnished with green onions and served with dipping sauce.
Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This healthier take on the famous bang bang shrimp maintains all the crunch and flavor, making it a top appetizer choice. Baked to perfection and served with a killer sauce, it’s so good, dinner might become an afterthought. This dish offers a lighter option without compromising on taste, perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delicious snack, these shrimp are sure to please. Get ready for a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach artichoke dip in a white baking dish.
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy spinach artichoke dip is a classic choice for an appetizer, so rich and flavorful it might make you reconsider the need for a main course. Serve it warm or at room temperature with crackers, chips, or veggies. Its creamy texture and blend of flavors make it a hit for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a comforting snack, this dip is a go-to option. It’s an easy, delicious way to start any meal on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bites

Buffalo chicken broccoli cheddar bites with avocado dipping sauce.
Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These buffalo chicken broccoli cheddar bites pack a flavorful punch that makes them a standout appetizer. Perfect for game day or a casual munch, they’re so satisfying, you might forget about the main course. Easy to prepare, they blend rich cheese, tender chicken, and a hint of broccoli for a snack that’s both nutritious and hard to resist. They’re the kind of treat that keeps everyone coming back for more, no game required. A surefire way to make any gathering a hit, these bites are a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bites

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Zucchini chips without breading made in the air fryer in a bowl on a wooden plate.
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Garlic-flavored air fryer zucchini chips are crispy, addictive, and ready in no time, posing a serious threat to your dinner plans. They’re made without breading, making them a simpler, healthier choice for snacking or as a side. These chips are so good, they might just become the highlight of your meal. The ease of preparation and delicious outcome make them a must-try for any occasion. It’s a straightforward, delightful way to enjoy zucchini.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Spinach Cheddar Cakes

Spinach cheddar quinoa cakes topped with buffalo yogurt sauce.
Spinach Cheddar Cakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spinach and cheddar cakes serve up a tasty and nutritious appetizer option that might just overshadow the main meal. Easy to prepare, they pair wonderfully with a creamy buffalo dip for an added flavor kick. These cakes are a great way to sneak some greens into your snack time in a delicious way. They’re perfect for serving at parties or before a casual dinner, combining healthiness with irresistible taste. Get ready for a dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Cheddar Cakes

Pizza Kale Chips

Pizza flavored kale chips in a wooden bowl.
Pizza Kale Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pizza kale chips bring the flavors of your favorite slice in a crunchy, leafy form, so delicious you might forget about dinner. Tossed with parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices, they mimic pizza taste in a healthy snack. Perfect for movie nights or as a quick appetizer, these chips are a crowd-pleaser. They offer a great way to enjoy the taste of pizza with a nutritious twist. Get ready to transform your kale into a snack that’s hard to put down.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Kale Chips

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