Ready to step up your hosting game? These are the party appetizers that will do it. Each appetizer idea was a proven winner in our Test Kitchen and is highly rated by home cooks so you know your friends and family will love them too. You’ll find a mix of 15-minute-fast easy party appetizers and perfection-takes-time more complicated dishes that really wow. Choose whichever of these best party appetizers fits your schedule and menu and let the snacking commence.
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
We adore cheese in any form so kicking off a gathering with these mozzarella cheese sticks is a guaranteed win. Because this savory starter can be made and frozen for up to a month, it’s one of popular hors d’oeuvres to get a head start on menu prep. After thawing, serve with marinara sauce that’s been warmed over medium heat.
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) package mozzarella cheese sticks
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Arrange the mozzarella cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Pickle Poppers
Think of this party appetizer idea like a jalapeño popper with a tangy twist. Stuff pickles with a cheese blend, wrap with ham, and bake. Whichever temp you choose—baking or no-bake—serve these pickles with a side of hot pepper jelly. No one will be able to resist.
Ingredients
- 1 jar (about 24) dill pickle chips
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked ham, cut in half
- Hot pepper jelly, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and cheddar cheese until well mixed.
- Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each pickle chip with the cheese mixture.
- Wrap each filled pickle with a half slice of ham.
- Arrange the pickle poppers on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the ham is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm with hot pepper jelly for dipping.
Cheesy Skillet Artichoke Dip
Rich creamy artichoke dip will always be considered one of the best party appetizers ever created (yes, we have strong feelings here). But add warm, flaky rolls on top of the classic appetizer recipe and there is zero chance of refraining from sampling a taste. Using yeast rolls adds time for rising, but because the dough is purchased, this is still a low-lift dinner party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Store-bought yeast rolls, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the artichoke dip to a baking dish. Place the yeast rolls around the dip.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the rolls are golden brown.
- Serve immediately.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
These cocktail party appetizers are finished with a sweet maple glaze. And the bacon wrap makes them darn delicious. Each batch roasts to perfection in less than 10 minutes, so you can get them prepped and ready early then pop them in the oven just before serving time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 1/2 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wrap each spear of asparagus with a piece of bacon.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
- Drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
Watermelon Fries
You’ve probably tried watermelon cut into cubes, wedges, or melon balls before. But you probably haven’t tried watermelon fries. This appetizer will be the hit of any party, and all you have to do is use a crinkle cutter on a regular, store-bought watermelon. Serve with a dip made from strawberries, yogurt, and honey for an appetizer that really wows.
Ingredients
- 1 seedless watermelon, cut into 1/2-inch thick sticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Strawberry-yogurt dip (1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup chopped strawberries, 1 tablespoon honey)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Arrange the watermelon sticks on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until slightly softened and caramelized.
- Serve warm with the strawberry-yogurt dip for dipping.
Deep-Fried Deviled Eggs
You can’t have a party without deviled eggs. This battered-and-fried egg white shell will have everyone coming back for more. The filling is the same as you’re used to, but this version is packed with more texture due to the battered-and-fried egg white shell.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Paprika, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Boil the eggs for 10 minutes, then cool, peel, and cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out the yolks and set aside.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, milk, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, combine the yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar. Mix well.
- Dip each egg white half into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Carefully lower the battered egg whites into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried egg whites from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Fill each fried egg white with the yolk mixture.
- Garnish with paprika and serve immediately.
Figs in a Blanket
You’ve heard of pigs in a blanket. Now, it’s time to try figs in a blanket. Instead of placing hot dogs in the center of this appetizer, this plant-based version uses figs and goat cheese. The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made vegetarian or gluten-free, so no one has to miss out on its unique taste.
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces sliced figs
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 8 slices of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spread a small amount of goat cheese mixture on each fig slice.
- Wrap each fig with a slice of puff pastry.
- Brush the puff pastry with the beaten egg.
- Arrange the figs in a baking dish and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Drizzle with honey before serving.
Rice Sushi Bites
Making sushi doesn’t have to be intimidating. If you follow this recipe, you’ll end up with a crispy, spicy dish that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. This one takes a while to put together, so make sure you have an hour to spare. The crisp, golden rice will make you want to make these again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- Avocado, diced
- Cucumber, julienned
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cooked sushi rice to the bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sriracha sauce and soy sauce.
- Divide the seasoned rice into small balls.
- Dip each rice ball into the sriracha-soy sauce mixture, then roll in sesame seeds.
- Fill each rice ball with diced avocado and julienned cucumber.
- Serve immediately.
Mini Quiches
If you’re hosting a brunch gathering, you can’t get much better than this appetizer idea. Not only are they downright delicious, but they take advantage of store-bought ingredients (refrigerated pastry crust) and clean-out-the-fridge options (add any combo of chopped meats and veggies you desire) for easier assembly. You’ll find a mix of 15-minute-fast easy party appetizers and perfection-takes-time more complicated dishes that really wow.
Ingredients
- 1 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Unroll the pie crusts and use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles.
- Press the circles into mini muffin tins.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and bacon.
- Pour the egg mixture into the mini quiche crusts, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the quiches are set and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before removing from the muffin tins.
Sausage Balls
Just make sure to add a toothpick to each one to make them easy to eat. These six-ingredient sausage balls take just thirty minutes to make, so they’re perfect for a quick appetizer fix. The sweet and savory flavors will appeal to everyone’s taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, cornmeal, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Pull-Apart Pretzel and Beer Cheese Skillet
The pretzel and cheese combo makes these a perfect game-day appetizer, but we’ll serve ’em up for any occasion. This skillet is a total crowd-pleaser, and it’s super easy to make. The warm, gooey goodness of the beer cheese and soft pretzels will have everyone reaching for another bite.
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) refrigerated pretzel twists
- 8 ounces beer cheese sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Spread the beer cheese sauce evenly in a 9-inch oven-safe skillet.
- Arrange the pretzel twists over the beer cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately.
Glazed Ham Balls
These sweet and savory glazed ham balls are a delightful addition to any party spread. They combine the salty goodness of ham with a touch of sweetness from a glaze, creating a flavor combination that’s both comforting and exciting. They are quick to prepare and always a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked ham, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped ham, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pecans. Mix well.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and Dijon mustard. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Dip each ham ball into the glaze, coating evenly.
- Place the glazed ham balls on a serving platter and let them set for a few minutes before serving.
