19 party starters that will get the celebration rolling

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When you’re kicking off a party, it’s all about setting the right mood. Fun games can break the ice, getting everyone laughing and mingling from the start. You could also mix in some themed music to match the vibe of the event or set up craft stations for guests to make their own party favors. With these 19 party starters, your celebration is sure to start on a high note and keep the fun rolling!

Someone pulling a mozzarella stick apart and showing the stretchy cheese.
Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Garden Fresh Salsa

A closeup side shot of garden fresh salsa in a white bowl.
Garden Fresh Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Garden Fresh Salsa is like a splash of vibrant colors and freshness on you. Made with ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, and just the right amount of lime and cilantro, it’s a refreshing start to any festive event. Scoop up this homemade salsa with your favorite chips and watch as everyone crowds around for more. It’s a simple yet essential kick-off for a night of fun.
Get the Recipe: Garden Fresh Salsa

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

You’ve got to try these crunchy bites of joy; they’re onions wrapped snugly in smoky bacon that delivers a savory crunch with every bite. When you serve up Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings, you won’t believe how quickly they disappear from your platter. These treats are simple to grab and even harder to put down, ensuring your guests will be talking about them well after the party’s over. It’s the kind of appetizer that sets the bar high for what’s to come.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip

A picture of easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip with vegetable sticks.
Easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

If you’re after something uncomplicated yet addictively good, try this Easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s the hassle-free choice when you’ve got a house full of guests. Expect the bowl to be scraped clean, as it pairs perfectly with everything from potato chips to veggies. It’s straightforward, utterly tasty, and proves that sometimes, less is more.
Get the Recipe: Easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip

Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Air Fryer BBQ Wings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Dig into these Air Fryer BBQ Wings and be amazed by how unbelievably crispy they are. The inside stays juicy and tender, making it hard to stop at just one. They come out of the air fryer with less oil, yet all the punchy BBQ flavor you love is locked in. Perfect for a chill vibe but full of flavor, your guests will be hovering around these wings all night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Wings

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.

You’ve got to try these oven-Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese, as they turn an ordinary tomato into something extraordinary. Gooey and warm, they’re a comforting choice for all your guests. Served right out of the oven, they bring a sense of home to the table. Expect the simplest of ingredients to be the star of the evening.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

Cheese Puffs in a bowl with fresh parsley.
Cheese Puffs Air Fryer. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

These Cheese Puffs Air Fryer styles offer an irresistible cheesy bite that’s both airy and crispy. You can munch on these light, golden treats without feeling weighed down. Watch as these puffs become the topic of conversation among friends, making everyone wonder how something so simple can taste so good. Serve them up, and they’ll be the easy-going snack of the night.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

A plate of chicken wings on a white plate with a slice of mango.
Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Bring something different to the table with Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings that offer a sweet glaze with a smoky twist. The grilling makes them just right, with a hint of exotic flavor paired with a comforting favorite. These wings are conversation starters, as the play between sweet and smoky gets everyone talking. Your guests won’t be able to resist coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

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

Combine sweet potatoes and bacon with a dollop of fresh guacamole and what do you get? Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites are a perfect blend of flavors. These little mouthfuls strike a wonderful balance of savory bacon and the natural sweetness of the sweet potato, rounded off with creamy guacamole. They’re the kind of appetizer that offers a taste trip with each bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Smoked jalapeno poppers on a platter.
Smoked Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Our Smoked Jalapeno Poppers are loaded with creaminess and that perfect kick of heat. Smoke and spice meet in these poppers to crank up the heat and the atmosphere of your gathering. They’re a bold way to get things started and are sure to get people talking. So pop one in your mouth and let the mingling commence!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus puts a spin on your dip game with its subtly sweet pumpkin flavor. Health-conscious and full of taste, it’s a guilt-free option that’s still packed with flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that ensures everyone has something to enjoy, no matter their dietary preferences. So go ahead, spread it, dip it, love it – it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas on a white tray with a bowl of guacamole to the left of them.
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

With just one bite of these Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas, you’ll be hooked by the flaky crust and the warm, spiced beef filling. Every empanada is a mini taste escape that adds an international flair to your get-together. They’re easy to handle, even as guests mingle and chat, making them the perfect party starter. Plus, they’re a conversation piece, giving a sense of travel right from your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

Baked Muffuletta Sliders

Ham and cheese sandwiches in a pan with a napkin.
Baked Muffuletta Sliders. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

These Baked Muffuletta Sliders will transport your guests straight to the heart of New Orleans with just one bite. Packed with an assortment of meats, cheese, and olive salad, they’re the ultimate in casual gourmet sandwiches. Expect hands to get a little messy, but that’s all part of the fun! They’re sure to fill the room with laughter and good times as guests indulge.
Get the Recipe: Baked Muffuletta Sliders

Bacon Cheddar Dip

Bacon cheddar dip with shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chive garnish.
Bacon Cheddar Dip. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This Bacon Cheddar Dip blends two favorites into one irresistible appetizer. Rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of dip that makes you want to find more things to dunk into it. The combination of cheesy goodness and bacon is a classic that never fails. Watch as it quickly becomes the center of attention, with everyone gathered around for a taste.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Dip

Argentinian Empanadas

Empanadas on a plate.
Argentinian Empanadas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Take yourself on a trip with these Argentinian Empanadas, packed with savoury beef and spices. Each one is a little pocket of flavor that’s hard to resist. They’re sure to add a worldly touch to your spread, offering guests an experience that’s out of the ordinary. Share these, and you’ll share stories of culinary travels without leaving your backyard.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas

Crispy Baked Salmon Bites

A white plate with salmon bites next to small bowl of creamy honey mustard yogurt dipping sauce.
Crispy Baked Salmon Bites. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

For a touch of elegance without the effort, these Crispy Baked Salmon Bites are your go-to. Just the right amount of crunch on the outside, and the inside is perfectly tender. It’s a luxurious experience tucked into a small package, ready to impress. They’re a refined yet unfussy way to cater to your friends’ finer tastes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Salmon Bites

Mozzarella Sticks

Someone pulling a mozzarella stick apart and showing the stretchy cheese.
Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you’re craving that classic cheese pull, look no further than these golden Mozzarella Sticks. The crispy outside meets the gooey, melted mozzarella inside for a truly satisfying snack. As a tried and true favorite, they win over the room every time. It’s the snack everyone’s bound to enjoy, perfect for those looking to indulge a little.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks

Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Mini chicken taco cups on a silver tray.
Mini Chicken Taco Cups. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Mini Chicken Taco Cups are like fun-sized tacos packed with all your favorite flavors. They’re convenient to eat and don’t make a mess, which makes mingling and snacking a breeze. Each little cup is a burst of flavor that will keep your guests coming back for more. They’re the playful pick to add a bit of quirk to your party snacks.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Cheesy Breadsticks

Cheesy bread sticks with marinara sauce and parsley on a plate.
Cheesy Breadsticks. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Who can turn down warm Cheesy Breadsticks straight from the oven? Greeting your friends with a soft, warm, cheesy breadstick is like giving them a hug – everyone will feel right at home. They go with any dip or even by themselves, but however they’re eaten, they’re a big hit. They’re the universal sign of a welcoming host, so have plenty on hand.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Breadsticks

Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

A bite sized piece of crisp bread piled high with prosciutto and peach slices and ricotta cheese.
Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto hit all the right notes with their perfect mix of textures and flavors. Sweet peaches layered with creamy ricotta and salty prosciutto create a symphony on a toasty crostini. It’s an elegant yet easy-to-make offering that shows off your flair in the kitchen. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind each carefully crafted bite.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

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