50 Appetizers for a Crowd That Are Easy, Tasty and Unexpected
Whether you’re hosting an over-the-top dinner party or sipping cocktails with a friend, you’re going to need something simple, satisfying and impressive to nosh on. But beyond the usual crudités and store-bought dips (yawn), what’s a hostess to serve? Easy: avocado deviled eggs, Buffalo chicken meatballs, rainbow heirloom tomato bruschetta and any one of these 50 appetizers for a crowd, which are all a breeze to prepare—and even easier to eat.
65 Easy Finger Food Appetizers Everyone Will Love
1. Mini Chicken and Waffles
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
Whether it’s a barbecue, movie night or brunch, these adorable bites will undoubtedly be a hit. Serve them with maple syrup and hot sauce for dipping and watch them disappear in a flash.
2. Avocado Deviled Eggs
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
Deviled eggs are always a crowd-pleaser, but the addition of buttery avocado makes the filling extra smooth and rich. In order to dress them up for the party, finish them with chives to add a little something that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
3. Roasted Mixed Nuts
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, vegan, beginner-friendly
These aren’t just any old bar nuts. They’re tossed in a mix of spices and herbs before roasting, making them completely irresistible. Even better, you can use whatever nuts suit your fancy, like walnuts, pecans, almonds or cashews. Feel like adding pistachios? Go for it.
4. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Name a better combination than Buffalo and ranch dressing (OK, fine, or blue cheese.) Any vinegary, lip-smackingly tangy hot sauce works, but we're partial to Frank's and Crystal.
5. Italian Pinwheels
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
These handhelds are like bite-sized charcuterie boards, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make a full batch. What’s not to love? Plus, you can sub pesto for tomato sauce and veggies for soppressata if you'd prefer.
6. The Classiest Cheese Balls in the Universe
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
If your idea of a cheese ball is straight out of 1975, this recipe will convert you. The secret to modernizing this old-school app? A trio of unexpected toppings, including everything bagel seasoning, lemon zest and dill and pomegranate arils.
7. Mozzarella Bites
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
They’re just like mozzarella sticks, but smaller, meaning you can eat more of them in a sitting than the O.G. Serve them with marinara sauce, pesto, Alfredo sauce or even ketchup for the picky eaters.
8. Spinach Artichoke Squares
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
We’re artichoke dip fans through and through. Add puff pastry and we’re positively swooning. They’ve got the same cheesy goodness as the retro dip, minus the need for crackers or chips. Spring for freshly grated Parm to finish them.
9. Cranberry-Brie Pie Crust Bites
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
In a room full of store-bought crackers and cheese, be a homemade cranberry-sauce-and-Brie-topped gem of pie crust. The rosemary garnish is decidedly seasonal, if we do say so ourselves.
10. Goat Cheese and Honey Bites
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
Once again, cheese proves itself to be a no-brainer dinner party snack. These bites are creamy, salty, crispy and a little bit sweet (and the ultimate pairing for a glass of white wine). Bake them until they're molten and golden brown.
11. Brussels Sprouts Sliders
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
Behold, the cutest crudités you’ve ever seen. Aside from roasting the Brussels sprouts, they take about five minutes to put together (they're stuffed with prosciutto, pearl mozz and tomato, BTW) and even less time to be gobbled up.
12. Mini Peach Tarts with Goat Cheese and Honey
Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
No one will even suspect that you used store-bought puff pastry for these sweet-and-savory beauties. (You might want to make a second batch—the first won't last long.)
13. 7-Layer Dip
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, make ahead, vegetarian, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
Sour cream, guacamole and salsa in every bite? Pass the tortillas chips, please. Make it vegan by using plant-based sour cream and non-dairy shredded cheese...nobody will mind, promise.
14. Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Straws
Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
How many appetizer recipes can you name that require only three ingredients? Add this one to the short list. Serve them warm or at room temperature; they'll be a hit either way.
15. Spicy Ricotta-Stuffed Phyllo Rolls
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly, vegetarian
If you want something fancier than cheese dip but equally low-effort, reach for these unexpected dippers instead. They’re practically foolproof. And the hot jelly pepper dip? That's plain genius.
16. Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly, gluten free
Finally, we have definitive proof that the ultimate party app is one part green vegetable, one part crispy pork. Roasting the sprouts on a baking sheet guarantees a crispy texture, minus the smoke of pan-frying bacon.
17. Pull-Apart Bread with Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 3 hours and 10 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly, vegetarian
Each bite has layers of buttery dough and creamy filling. Brush the baked masterpiece with butter the moment it comes out of the oven (salted butter is best) and serve it immediately. Then, let the oohs and ahhs roll in.
18. All-Green Crudités Platter
The Mom 100
Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, vegan, gluten free, Whole30-approved
If you’re going to serve crudités, up the ante with this stunning monochromatic board. This spread will take any dip from blah to brilliant. P.S.: The only parts that actually require cooking are the broccoli and green beans.
19. Fruit and Cheese Board
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, gluten free
A traditional cheese plate is always a good idea, but why not switch it up with this drop-dead gorgeous fruicuterie display that's totally meat-free? Not only is it tasty and visually stunning, but it’s also a classy way to mind the vegetarians in the room.
20. Delicata Squash Rings with Garlic-Lemon Sauce
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
Onion rings better watch out: These easy, elegant squash bites are certain to steal the show. And about that dipping sauce: It’s just three ingredients, plus salt and pepper.
21. Mozzarella-Stuffed Pizza Bread
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, vegetarian, <10 ingredients
Say hello to the snazziest way to serve pizza at your next get-together. The cheese is stuffed inside and the sauce is swirled around the exterior for an impressive presentation.
22. Roasted Poblano and Corn Guacamole
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, kid-friendly, vegan, <10 ingredients
Fans of chunky guac, this one goes out to you. Spicy, zesty and sweet, it's just the update your tortilla chips are looking for. Just make sure you roast everything until it's all evenly charred for the delicious smoky taste you seek.
23. Rainbow Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta
Photo: Jon Cospito/Styling: Heath Goldman
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, kid-friendly, vegetarian, make ahead
You’re 15 minutes away from an Instagrammable appetizer. Heirloom tomatoes not in season? Not a problem—swap them out for cherry tomatoes or a hardier roasted winter vegetable, like sweet potato or carrot. Just make sure that ricotta is fresh AF.
24. Cheesy Polenta Bites with Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
The beauty of these guys—which taste like the deliciously crispy parts of cornbread—is that the toppings can be customized to your heart’s desire. Don't like Brussels sprouts? Swap 'em for spinach, marinated artichokes or tomatoes.
25. Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Shishito Peppers
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, <30 minutes
These are like the jalapeño pepper’s hip and trendy younger sibling. They also take less than 30 minutes and only four ingredients to make, hint hint.
26. Ultimate Cheese Plate with Roasted Grapes
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, gluten free (optional), beginner-friendly
If you’ve never had roasted grapes before, you’re in for a treat. They’re tossed with salt, pepper and fresh herbs and come out of the oven like no salty-sweet snack you’ve had before. Add cheese and bread and you've got a game-changing app.
27. Mexican Street Corn Deviled Eggs
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, gluten free (optional), kid-friendly
If elote and deviled eggs had a very delicious baby, it would be this party-ready take on the original. To make them gluten free, just leave out the Worcestershire sauce.
28. Carrot Pigs in a Blanket
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
Introducing the vegetarian version of everyone’s nostalgic childhood favorite. Serve these with green goddess dressing and you may never go back to the original. (Even your kid won't miss the hot dogs.)
29. 15-Minute Mezze Plate with Toasted Za’atar Pita Bread
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, kid-friendly
Herb-kissed pita? Check. All your favorite Mediterranean small bites? Check. Not one, but two dips? Yep, all seems in order. Swap ingredients out (or in) if you aren't a fan of anything; this spread is endlessly riffable.
30. Baked Mac-and-Cheese Bites
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, vegetarian
Some appetizers just never get old. Serve these poppables hot or at room temperature—and definitely leave out hot sauce, barbecue sauce and ketchup for the dippers in your crew. Either way, they’ll be gone in 30 seconds flat.
31. Crispy Baked Cauliflower ‘Wings’
Oz Telem/Cauliflower
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, vegan (optional), <10 ingredients
We love a sneaky vegetable snack, especially when it’s doused in hot sauce and paired with a dipping sauce. (We’re partial to ranch.) You can also shake things up by subbing the hot sauce for garlic-Parmesan, lemon-pepper seasoning or Thai chili sauce.
32. Sweet Potato Crostini
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, Paleo, vegetarian (optional)
Swap the usual toasted bread for thinly sliced roasted sweet spuds, then go wild with toppings. Choose between the vegetarian cranberries and almonds and smoked salmon, or have both. (We suggest the latter.)
33. Bacon, Fig and Ricotta Tartines
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
They’re irresistibly sweet and salty, not to mention a breeze to whip up. After cooking the bacon you'll want to leave some bacon fat in the pan for when you cook up the figs. Save yourself the dilemma and make a second batch, trust.
34. Crudités with Romesco Sauce
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Sarah Copeland
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
This platter is so pretty, we might just have a crush on it. Our advice? If you use store-bought roasted peppers for the sauce, you’ll cut the cook time down significantly.
35. Vegan Arancini
Vegan In the House
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
The only thing tastier than cheesy, creamy risotto is cheesy, creamy risotto that’s been fried until crispy. Even the non-vegans in the room will devour them, thanks to plant-based mozzarella. Serve with fresh tomato sauce.
36. Italian Deli Pinwheel Sandwiches
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly
Pick and choose your favorite Italian cold cuts—we like prosciutto and Genoa salami, but the choice is yours. Whatever you decide, don’t forget the pepperoncini.
37. Chicken Parmesan Bites
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
They’re fancy, homemade chicken nuggets. Need we say more? Ensure peak crispiness by fully coating each bite in a generous amount of batter and not crowding the pan when you fry them.
38. Maple Candied Bacon
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Bacon as an appetizer? You bet—especially when it’s this sticky, sweet-and-savory candied version. You’re going to want extra napkins for this one.
39. Mini Skillet Pizzas with Mushrooms and Roasted Tomatoes
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Two things everyone loves: pizza and miniature foods. Voilà: This foolproof appetizer fits the bill. Use store-bought pizza dough and your guests will be none the wiser.
40. Serena Wolf’s Boss Bean Dip
Emily Morgan
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
You’re 20 minutes and two steps from chip-and-dip heaven. Placing the skillet under the broiler beautifully browns the cheese on top of the bean dip—it'll only take about four minutes.
41. Tomato and Real del Castillo Queso Fundido with Soy Chorizo
Cintia Soto/Cali-Baja Cuisine
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
Spiked with wine and finished with plant-based meat, this cheese dip is like a souped-up Mexican spin on fondue. If you can’t find Real del Castillo cheese near you, raclette, Oaxaca and Monterey Jack are all fine substitutes.
42. Baby Blooming Onions
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Nope, this isn't Outback—it's way better. Don't skip out on making the punchy homemade aioli; it's totally worth the extra effort, we promise.
43. Tater Tot Nachos
Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, sheet pan recipe
We love nothing more than a recipe that only dirties a single sheet pan...and your guests will be more than happy to eat straight off of it. Though the recipe calls for the usual suspects like cheese, sour cream and salsa, we suggest adding quick-pickled onions, sliced avocado and ground chorizo too.
44. Eggplant Parm Bites
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Just like nonna used to make. You can use vegetable or peanut oil for frying...just remember to drain each bite on paper towels after they come out of the fryer.
45. Roasted Edamame
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, low sugar
Quick-cooking, savory and fun to eat...sounds like a dream to us. The smoked paprika is an optional addition to the seasoning, but we wouldn't skip it if we were you.
46. Mini Tortillas
Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, make ahead
Tiny tacos aren't the only thing you can make with these four-ingredient beauties. You can whip up taquitos, mini quesadillas, teeny-tiny pizzas—the possibilities are endless.
47. Mini Lobster Rolls
Emily Morgan
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
Bring the ocean to your party with these picturesque lobster rolls. Toast the buns until golden brown, load 'em up with lobster salad and top it all with chives for a clean presentation.
48. Cake Batter Dip
Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 5 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, kid-friendly
Who said dessert has to come after the meal? To safely consume the raw flour in the cake mix, microwave it on high in 30-second intervals until it reaches 165°F. Thank us later, friend.
49. Keto Guacamole Burger Bites
Emily Morgan
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: keto, gluten free, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
You don't have to be on the keto diet to enjoy these protein-packed bites—but they are fair game. The toothpick keeps all the toppings in place, so feel free to use cute, festive ones for your party.
50. Baked Brie with Figs, Pistachios and Orange
Emily Morgan
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, gluten free
Who doesn't love ooey-gooey melted cheese? The earthy cheese, sweet figs, fresh citrus and crunchy nuts makes this the perfect starter for any holiday dinner. A rosemary garnish would make it extra festive.
40 Cheese Appetizers That Are Ooey, Gooey and Oh So Easy to Make
