Our 20 most popular appetizers so far this year

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If you’re on the hunt for popular appetizers that have been a hit so far this year, you’re in the right spot. We’ve rounded up our 20 most sought-after starters that have been flying off the kitchen counters. These recipes are not just great; they’re the ones that people can’t seem to get enough of. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or looking for the perfect way to kick off a meal, these appetizers have proven to be favorites for good reason.

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

Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

A plate of whipped feta with honey dip and crackers on it.
Whipped Feta with Honey Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This appetizer is a hit in our list of appetizers because it’s super easy and fast to make, taking only 10 minutes. You’ll need feta cheese, honey, and a bit of olive oil. Simply blend the feta until it’s creamy, then drizzle honey over it before serving. Great for when you need to quickly throw something together for guests.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

Halloumi Fries

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

Halloumi Fries are a big favorite for their simple and fast prep, ready in 25 minutes. You can cook them in different ways: baked, grilled, or fried. They’re a fantastic way to add something new to your snack table. For this, you’ll need halloumi cheese, flour, and your choice of spices. Cut the halloumi into fries, toss them with flour and spices, then cook them your preferred way.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

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

Making the list of our most popular appetizers, is the Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. You’ll need bacon strips and water chestnuts. Wrap each chestnut in bacon, secure it with a toothpick, and bake until the bacon is crispy. They take about an hour to prepare. This recipe is perfect for adding a special touch to your gathering with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer

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

This dish is one of our most popular appetizers of 2024 so far because it’s refreshing and simple — ready in 30 minutes. It pairs crisp cucumbers with delicate shrimp, making it an excellent choice for quick gatherings. Slice cucumbers, top with cooked shrimp, and add a light dressing for easy assembly.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer

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.

This flavorful appetizer can be ready in 15 minutes. Layer cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning, then top with veggies and cheese. It’s a quick, flavorful treat that’s as simple to make as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

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

Featured among the top appetizers of the year, these potatoes are ready in under an hour. You’ll need potatoes, Parmesan, and a bit of oil. Slice the potatoes, coat them in grated Parmesan, and bake until they’re crispy. It’s a straightforward recipe that turns out great every time.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Loaded Zucchini Boats

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

These zucchini boats make our popular list for their combination of flavors and easy prep. Hollow out zucchini and fill them with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream, then bake until golden. They serve up a vibrant, creamy option that comes together quickly for any event.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

A plate with cranberry cream cheese and crackers.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With just 15 minutes of prep, you can whip up this dip, a standout for its bold flavors. Combine jalapeños with cranberries for a sweet and spicy kick. It’s an easy, innovative addition to your menu, making it a quick way to bring excitement to the table.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

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.

Ready in 30 minutes, these sausage balls mixed with cream cheese are a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make and serve and leftovers store really well.
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: Real Balanced.

A creamy, spicy dip that’s a hit at any event, ready quickly. Mix Parmesan, sour cream, and jalapeños for a flavor-packed dip. This recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

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

A must-try appetizer for its mix of simplicity and rich flavors. Fill mushrooms with a savory sausage mixture and bake. They’re great for making ahead, ensuring a stress-free way to impress your guests without needing much prep time.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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

These poppers bundle the savory flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch, ready in an hour or made ahead for convenience. They’re a hassle-free appetizer choice that adds a light and tangy spin to your lineup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Chili Cheese Dip

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

Ready in 30 minutes, this dip combines chili with creamy cheese for a hearty centerpiece at any appetizer. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake. It’s a simple yet rich flavor mix that will likely steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

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

Mini peppers wrapped in bacon make for a simple, tangy appetizer. They’re easy to make and bring a colorful, flavorful addition to your snack selection. This dish is a hit for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

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 cheesy tomatoes are quick to make, under 30 minutes. Fresh tomatoes topped with melting mozzarella and Parmesan create a comforting, easy dish. Add an impressive touch to your appetizer spread at any time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats

In FDL library.
Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 10 minutes, you can prepare these fantastic cucumber boats, combining crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and ripe tomatoes, all nestled in crisp cucumber shells. Start by halving cucumbers lengthwise and hollowing them out to create boats. Then, fill them with a mix of diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, and cooked bacon pieces.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats

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.

Transform breakfast favorites into a fun party snack with these sliders, ready in 30 minutes. Stack bacon, eggs, cheese, and avocado for a playful, delicious bite. These bites are sure to keep guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

Cucumber Tomato Bites

A hand holding a cucumber tomato bite.
Cucumber Tomato Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in under 30 minutes, these cucumber tomato bites are a refreshing addition to any appetizer table. To make them, start with thick slices of cucumber as the base. Top each slice with a mixture of mashed avocado and cream cheese for smoothness, then add a cherry tomato half on top for a burst of freshness. These bites are loved for their simplicity and the burst of freshness they bring,
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites

Zucchini Bites

A zucchini bite being dipped into a dipping sauce.
Zucchini Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Zucchini Bites are a veggie-packed snack that can be prepared quickly for any event. Combine shredded zucchini with a mixture of melted cheeses and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for depth of flavor. Bake them for a simple, savory bite that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

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

These boats are a breeze to make, ready in 10 minutes. Mix spicy tuna, scoop into cucumber slices, and sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning. They’re a quick, flavorful snack that’s perfect for any last-minute event.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

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