35 Party Appetizer Recipes Your Guests Will Love

Make-Ahead Smoked Salmon Spread

Go easy on yourself by making this smoked salmon and cream cheese spread with peppery green onions ahead of time. Simply serve with crusty bread or crackers for a tasty seafood appetizer. "Best ever! Use good smoked salmon and you will be thrilled, and so will your guests!" says recipe reviewer scottolsenfam.

Cheddar-Beer Fondue

Melted Cheddar cheese is blended with beer and spices in this melty appetizer that is ready in no time with just a few ingredients. Serve with an array of dippers, from chunks of baguette and ciabatta to pretzels, crackers, fresh veggies, and apple slices.

Balsamic Bruschetta

Balsamic vinegar enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes in this easy bruschetta recipe. "I prepared the tomato mix the night before and toasted the bread about 15 minutes before the party started," says home cook libs. "I also appreciated that this could be prepared the day before!"

Sriracha Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs get a subtle kick of heat from sriracha chile-garlic sauce, but don't worry — they'll go just as quick as the classic version! "Love love love these eggs!" says home cook SSANTANA. "They're such a big hit with all my friends that I'm constantly asked to bring these to parties."

Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

A gorgeous display of spinach and ricotta puff pastry pinwheels arranged to resemble a Christmas tree. Once everyone has seen it, your guests will be delighted to help themselves. Don't reserve this recipe just for Christmas, however — no tree motif required, you can arrange these tasty pinwheels however you'd like!

Sausage Applesauce Appetizer

Chunks of savory Italian sausage are combined with brown sugar, applesauce, and onion, then baked until sweet and caramelized in this easy 4-ingredient appetizer. "WOWOWOWOWOW!!!" says home cook KATIES MOMMY. "I made these for a little after Christmas party — half the guests didn't get to try them they vanished so fast!"

Jalapeno Cheese Puffs

Elevate traditional jalapeno poppers to a sensational crispy treat with these fried wonton-style cheesy parcels. "These were delicious! So crispy and fun to eat!" says home cook Deb. "Keeping them warm in the oven is great, but put them on a rack to keep them crisp."

Festive Olive and Cheese Appetizer

An edible mozzarella cheese, cherry tomato, and olive wreath that's easy to make ahead. All the festive colors of Christmastime are on display, making this a gorgeous centerpiece for your party appetizer table. "What a beautiful, simple and tasty appetizer," says recipe reviewer bswholey. "Everyone was impressed by it!"

Simply Guacamole

Ripe avocados are combined with lemon juice, green onion and cilantro in this pure and simple guacamole recipe. You can serve it immediately, or store covered in refrigerator with avocado pits in the bowl to keep from browning. "This is always the hit of the party and it's gone before anything else on the table," says recipe contributor Paulina.

Italian Party Bread

Pesto, provolone cheese, prosciutto, and peppers are braided into pre-made pizza dough to make this popular party bread that's perfect for tearing and sharing. "Feel free to turn this Italian party into a Spanish one using Serrano ham and Manchego cheese--or even a French one with Gruyere and Dijon!" suggests Chef John.

Antipasto on a Stick

These colorful appetizer skewers can be made ahead of time, then arranged on a platter for an easy, but impressive finger food. It's easy to vary the ingredients on the stick — try feta, cucumber and tomatoes for a Greek-inspired skewer, or melon and prosciutto for a summer party.

Mouth-Watering Stuffed Mushrooms

These 5-star cheesy mushrooms, with just a subtle hint of garlic and cayenne pepper, will prove to be as popular as ever when served warm as an appetizer at your next party. "I'd say these are just perfect!" says recipe reviewer Jul Fraher. "I like the small amount of effort to reap big rewards!"

Best Ever Party Appetizer

Goat cheese is marinated in olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh rosemary and basil. Serve with sliced baguettes or crackers for an impressive appetizer to share. "Took this to a Christmas Party and it was a big hit," says recipe reviewer jules mcdaniel. "As simple as this is — the flavor is wonderful. Will definitely make this again as is."

Party-Size Greek Couscous Salad

This colorful and versatile couscous salad is packed with crunchy vegetables and salty feta cheese. It makes a great alternative to a heavy potato or pasta salad at your next pot luck or holiday buffet. "This one absolutely ROCKS!" says recipe reviewer Heidi McDonald. "I take it everywhere have passed the recipe out at least 5 times by request."

Layered Shrimp Dip

A layer of cream cheese is topped with cocktail sauce, baby shrimp, green onions and olives to create this flavorful party dip that always gets rave reviews. "This is a wonderful party dip," says recipe reviewer DEBOKC. "It is pretty and is very easy to prepare. My guests loved it!" Try this dip with crab instead of shrimp, if you prefer.

Pork Gyoza

Filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, cabbage, ginger and sake, serve these perfectly portioned Japanese dumplings with a rice vinegar and soy sauce dipping sauce. They might take a bit of effort on your part, but your party guests will love this appetizer.

Fig and Prosciutto Appetizer Bites

Thin slices of prosciutto, honeyed goat cheese, fresh figs, and fragrant basil served on top of crackers create an absolute winning flavor combination of sweet, salty and smoky in this easy to prepare party appetizer. Fig preserves work well if fresh figs are not available.

Tortellini Skewers

Cooked tortellini pasta and cherry tomatoes are tossed in pesto and secured onto sticks for a colorful party appetizer. There are lots of possible additions to these tasty skewers if you want to serve a variety on a platter — try roasted red pepper strips, salami, or cubes of cheese.

Spicy Turkey and Cranberry Pinwheels

Thin slices of turkey, cheese and a spicy homemade cranberry sauce are rolled up in soft spinach tortillas in this easy, holiday appetizer. "I made this for a Christmas Eve party & everyone liked it," says recipe reviewer kloreenween. "I wanted people to have a more healthy option besides all the goodies. A pretty presentation and easy to put together!"

Baked Brie with Caramelized Onions

A wedge of Brie is topped with sweet onions and apples, wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden. You can use a whole wheel of Brie if you are feeding a crowd. "Fantastic! I made this for a party and it was devoured," says recipe reviewer kkraig. "The caramelized onions and apples are amazing. I served with praline pecans and fig spread."

King Crab Appetizers

Mini tarts are made with refrigerated biscuit dough and topped with a creamy crab and green onion filling; top with a pinch of paprika and warm through for an impressive and delicious party appetizer! It's easy to vary the type of pastry you use for these tartlets — phyllo and puff pastry shells will work just as well.

• Our Best Phyllo Cup Appetizers

Korean Hot Wings

Fried chicken wings are coated in a sweet soy and ginger sauce for a finger-licking good party appetizer that will delight your guests. You can make the sauce for these spicy chicken wings up to two weeks ahead of time which makes this recipe even more appealing! "I added some red pepper flakes to turn up the heat," says recipe reviewer msgwen. "FANTASTIC....they were a hit!"

Blue Cheese-Celery Finger Food

Creamy Roquefort blue cheese is flavored with sherry and piped down the middle of celery ribs to create this tangy festive finger food. You can add almonds on top for added crunch factor if you like. You can also just use a knife to spread the cheese mixture into the celery pieces if you're in a rush.

Bacon and Date Appetizer

Almonds are placed inside dates, which are then wrapped in strips of bacon and broiled until crispy and super tasty in this easy to prepare party appetizer. "I made it according to the recipe and they came out perfect!" says home cook Linda. "Guests said they were sinful and tasted just like candy! They all disappeared quickly!"

Spiced Sweet Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Sweet roasted red peppers, garbanzo beans, and tahini are blended with cumin and cayenne to make this flavor-packed vegan party appetizer. Serve the hummus in a bowl surrounded with crunchy vegetables and wedges of toasted pita bread. "The roasted red peppers made the hummus such a pretty color and added another dimension of flavor," says recipe reviewer WhirledPeas. "We loved it!"

Easy Endive, Cranberry, Walnut Appetizers

Crumbled blue cheese, dried cranberries and glazed walnuts are spooned into endive leaves, and drizzled with sweet balsamic. "Nothing could be easier and more impressive for a contribution for a family potluck, office party, or other event where you are asked to bring an appetizer," says recipe reviewer riley. "Easy-peasey and I got tons of compliments."

Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls

These Vietnamese fresh spring rolls have an explosion of flavor in every bite, and are the perfect recipe for making ahead if you are serving a crowd. Serve on a large platter with bowls of sauce for dipping. "Excellent taste and they make a pleasing presentation with the colorful filling," says recipe reviewer florida gail.

• Related recipe: Nước chấm (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce)

Dip For The Stars

This popular feta, cream cheese, pesto, pine nut and sun-dried tomato layered dip is a great sharing appetizer for any special occasion. "This recipe is divine!" says recipe reviewer LTKCooks. "I've made it many times and it's always been a beautiful addition to my table and a favorite of my guests and family."

Sausage Flowers

"Wonton wrappers are arranged in a miniature muffin pan, filled with a savory sausage and cheese combination, and baked until crispy; top with a dollop of sour cream and sliced green onions to make them completely irresistible. "Excellent!" says naples34102. "Delicious, different and a real statement piece on your appetizer table!"

Baked Ham and Cheese Party Sandwiches

These baked ham and Swiss cheese mini rolls have a hidden mustard and poppyseed sauce that guests will love when they bite into them. "Wish I could give this 10 stars!" says recipe reviewer Macy. "These are off the chart good. Wonderful eaten hot or cold!"

Kicked Up Olives

Mixed olives are baked with fragrant rosemary, garlic, fennel, onion and tangerine peel for an incredibly flavorful cocktail party appetizer. If you love olives, you'll love to share this baked olive party appetizer with other olive lovers! "Wow, to say we loved these olives is an understatement!" says Allrecipes Allstar lutzflcat. "They have layer upon layer of interesting flavors!"

Spinach Rolls with Puff Pastry

Vegetarian and non vegetarians alike will enjoy these tasty spinach and feta puff pastries. Great as a finger food for parties since you can prepare them ahead of time and keep refrigerated, then simply bake when your guests arrive. Top with sesame seeds or poppy seeds for a nice presentation.

Savory Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Whether you shape this into a Christmas tree or not, this is one appetizer that is sure to disappear before it even has the chance to cool down! Much easier to make than it looks, puff pastry is filled with pesto and goat's cheese, then twisted and baked. The Christmas tree shape is easy to achieve, but you could just as easily cut the pastry rectangle into strips, twist, and then bake individually.

• Quick & Easy Puff Pastry Appetizers

Crock Pot Party Meatballs

These cocktail meatballs have a spicy cranberry and tomato-chili sauce. They are a super easy appetizer to prepare and let your slow cooker do all the work, so you can get ready for your party. "This is my most requested party recipe," says creator fabeveryday. "People go crazy for these meatballs, and there is never a single one leftover!"

Traditional Filipino Lumpia

Everyone will be helping themselves to seconds (thirds?) of these crispy lumpia, filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, onion, carrot, and cabbage. Why not try making them ahead of time and then frying just before the party? "This is very close to the recipe my mom used as I was growing up. She would make 50-100 at a time and freeze whatever wasn't used. You don't need to defrost them when you're ready to cook," says reviewer ALELI.

• Our Best Lumpia Recipes

More Inspiration

Our entire collection of Appetizers and Snacks has everything you need for a party to remember. Also check out:

• Classic Cocktail Party Appetizers
• Our Entertaining and Dinner Party Recipe Collection
• Pictured: Mini Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts