23 appetizers that’ll have you printing extra recipe cards

Photo of author

| Published:

Appetizers usually get things started, but these are so good they might end up being the reason people keep coming back for more. If you’ve never felt the need to stock up on recipe cards before, you might want to have some handy. These recipes are simple enough to make for any occasion but impressive enough to share with friends and family.

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

Loaded Zucchini Boats

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

Loaded Zucchini Boats are a great way to kick off any party. You’ll scoop out zucchini halves and fill them with bacon and cheese before baking them to perfection. The combination is perfect for anyone who wants a filling bite without much effort. These boats come together fast, and since the main ingredients are simple, you won’t be stressing about time or cost. They’re great for casual gatherings and can be prepped beforehand. Your guests will print extra recipe cards before the party’s over.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

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.

Whipped Feta with Honey Dip is as quick as possible, but it still feels like you put in serious effort. You’re blending feta with honey and lemon zest for a sweet, tangy combo that’ll have your guests reaching for another bite. The best part is it’s done in just a few minutes. Perfect for those moments when you’re rushing to get something on the table but still want it to impress. Plus, it’s light, so no one’s feeling weighed down before the main event. This one will have people asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi fries with dill dip on a plate.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Halloumi Fries are crispy, cheesy perfection in every bite. Halloumi cheese has a high melting point, so you can bake it without turning it into a gooey mess. Slice the cheese, coat it in flour and seasonings, and pop it in the oven. In 25 minutes, you get golden, crunchy fries that everyone will love. No need to deep fry, and they take minimal prep. It is perfect for keeping things simple but impressive. Expect these to be a hit with your crowd, and have that recipe ready to hand out.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese garnished with parsley.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese are a low-effort way to wow your guests. You only need to slice the tomatoes, top them with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake until the cheese gets that perfect golden finish. They take just a few minutes to prep and bake, making them a great last-minute addition to any spread. Combining melted cheese and roasted tomatoes makes for a simple but flavor-packed appetizer. Serve these up, and get ready for everyone to ask how you made them—they’re that good.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Cucumber and Dill Smoked Salmon Appetizer

Cucumber slices topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and dill, arranged on a white speckled surface.
Cucumber and Dill Smoked Salmon Appetizer. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cucumber and Dill Smoked Salmon Appetizers are great when you want something fresh and light that still feels special. Cream cheese mixed with dill is spread over cucumber slices, topped with smoked salmon, and finished with capers and cracked pepper. These come together fast — just 20 minutes — and are perfect for any party spread. The best part? They’re light so they won’t fill your guests up before the main course. Keep this recipe handy because people will ask how you made something this simple taste so great.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber and Dill Smoked Salmon Appetizer

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

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

These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are the kind of appetizer you make once, and then everyone’s begging for the recipe. They’re packed with juicy sausage and gooey cheese inside tender mushrooms, which makes them feel way fancier than they are. They’re rich and flavorful, so they’ll keep your guests returning for more. If you’re looking for a great starter that doesn’t take too much time or effort, this one’s perfect. You’ll probably need extra recipe cards because these mushrooms will be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

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.

Beer Cheese Dip is one of those crowd-pleasers that’s always a hit at gatherings. It’s made with butter, flour, milk, and a light beer base, then packed with three types of cheese for extra richness. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the kind of dip that’s great for last-minute guests. It’s something you’ll want to have on hand for any get-together. This recipe is perfect, especially when you don’t have much time to stress over food. Everyone will be asking for the recipe, so better print a few extras.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip

Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

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

Jalapeño Cranberry Dip is all about bold flavors that get people talking. The spicy kick from the jalapeños mixed with the tart cranberries creates a dish that’s hard to forget. Just 15 minutes of prep and off to the fridge it goes to chill, making it perfect for busy days when you still want to impress. Serve it with crackers, chips, or veggie slices, and you’ll have a lineup at the appetizer table. Bringing something a little different but still easy is a great option.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A baking sheet with garnished parmesan crusted potatoes on it.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are crispy, cheesy, and downright addictive. It’s coated with grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and some herbs, and they’re baked until golden and crunchy. It’s the appetizer perfect for starting any gathering on a great note. Prep them ahead of time, then bake them right when guests arrive. They’re simple but pack a punch with flavor, and people will keep reaching for more. You can count on guests asking how you made them, so go ahead and have some extra recipe cards ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer

A person holding a cucumber with shrimp and guacamole.
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer is perfect when you need something light and refreshing but still want it to look impressive. Crisp cucumber slices are topped with marinated shrimp and a touch of guacamole, making it a refreshing bite for cozy days. This recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect if you don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. These appetizers look fancy enough for any occasion but are easy enough for casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer

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.

Loaded Tater Tots bring the ultimate comfort in snack form. Crispy tots topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions are all the best parts of comfort food piled onto one dish. This appetizer is ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for casual hangouts, family dinners, or even game days. The only challenge you’ll face is keeping enough on the table because they disappear fast. Be ready to print some extra recipe cards since people will ask how to make these at home.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots

7-Layer Dip

A hand holds a chip topped with a layer of sour cream, tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and shredded cheese above a platter of loaded nachos.
7-Layer Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

7-Layer Dip is one of those recipes that’ll have guests asking for more than just seconds — they’ll want the recipe. Layers of refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cream cheese, shredded cheese, tomatoes, green onions, and black olives make this dip flavorful. It only takes 25 minutes, making it a great option when you need something easy. Plus, it’s the perfect centerpiece for a snack table, and people won’t stop until the bowl’s clean. Make sure you have enough because they’ll keep coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: 7-Layer Dip

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.

These Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sliders are perfect for any time of day. It swaps out traditional buns for egg whites, these sliders are filled with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and creamy avocado. They’re ready in 30 minutes for a simple yet impressive meal. These are great for when you want to serve something a little different but still familiar and comforting. Whether for breakfast or a casual snack, people will appreciate how flavorful they are. You’ll have people asking how to make them.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

Cucumber Tomato Bites

Sliced cucumbers topped with dollops of herb cream cheese, cherry tomato halves, and dill sprigs arranged on a beige surface.
Cucumber Tomato Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cucumber Tomato Bites are a fresh, light option for any gathering. Cucumber slices topped with herb cream cheese, cherry tomatoes, and dill are simple to make but bring a lot of flavor. These are ready in about 20 minutes, making them perfect for when you need something fast but still want to impress. They’re also easy for guests to pick up and enjoy without feeling too heavy, making them a great choice for various occasions. You’ll likely get a few recipe requests with these little bites.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

A hand holding a slice of cucumber topped with taco dip with cream cheese.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese is a great choice for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer. In 15 minutes, you can layer crisp lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, and shredded cheese over a creamy base. It’s a fun way to enjoy the flavors of tacos without needing a full meal, and it’s great for sharing. Perfect for gatherings where you need something quick but flavorful, this dip keeps everyone around the table, and you’ll likely be sharing the recipe with a few guests by the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

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

Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a simple but flavorful snack that’ll have guests asking for the recipe. Crispy bacon wrapped around crunchy water chestnuts, glazed with a sweet and flavorful sauce, makes for a delicious bite. They take about an hour to prepare but are well worth it when they leave the oven. These are great for gatherings where you want to serve something different without too much work. The combination of textures and flavors will make them a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

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

For an appetizer that’s easy to make but big on flavor, Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese are the perfect go-to. You mix sausage, cream cheese, and a few spices, roll them into balls and bake for about 30 minutes. The result is a hot, hearty snack for any crowd. These sausage balls are perfect for gatherings where you want something filling but easy to grab and eat. They’re simple to make, but guests will still ask how you did it. Perfect for casual get-togethers, this recipe is sure to be repeatedly requested.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Chili Cheese Dip

Chili cheese dip in a baking dish with toppings.
Chili Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re after an appetizer that’ll have everyone scrambling for the recipe card, Chili Cheese Dip is a great option. It’s packed with cheese, chili, salsa, and spices, all baked together until it’s bubbly and rich. The bold flavor comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for casual gatherings. This dip is one of those no-fail snacks that’ll improve any get-together by keeping things stress-free. You’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the company — and that’s a win for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

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

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats hit the mark when looking for a quick appetizer that’ll have people reaching for recipe cards. Hollowed-out cucumbers are filled with a creamy, spicy, light, and flavorful tuna mix. These little boats come together in just 10 minutes, which makes them perfect for last-minute gatherings. They’re also a great option if you want to keep things lighter but still need something that tastes great. You’ll love how easy they are to make, and your guests will love how good they look and taste.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

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.

Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip is one of those snacks that your guests will print extra recipe cards before the party’s over. It’s a creamy mix of sour cream, spinach, artichokes, and jalapeños for the right kick. Getting this on the table takes less than an hour, but the payoff is big. It’s perfect for gatherings when you want to keep everyone around the snack table and engaged. Plus, the flavors are balanced enough for almost any crowd. No more stressing about what to serve.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

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

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers are perfect if you’re after an appetizer with people reaching for more. These little bites pack a lot of flavor, with mini peppers stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon. They take about 45 minutes to prep and bake, but they’re worth every second. Perfect for parties where you want something that tastes great but doesn’t require much effort. They’re a crowd-pleaser, for sure. These mini peppers are the kind of appetizer that makes hosting a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are the perfect appetizer when you want something that’s easy to make but still gets people talking. They’ve got chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning all wrapped up in one bite-sized snack. These bake up golden and crispy and are ready to serve in an hour. They’re great for prepping ahead to save time on party day. Your guests won’t be able to resist grabbing one after another. No stress, no hassle, just great food that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats

A plate of bacon tomato avocado cucumber boats.
Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats are great for a quick appetizer that still looks impressive. Fresh cucumber is topped with mashed avocado, crispy bacon, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Everything Bagel Seasoning for a little extra flavor. These boats come together in 10 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen. Light, fresh, and super easy to make, they’re the appetizer that’ll have people reaching for more and asking you how to make them.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.