Appetizers for Party Time

These are my favorite hot, meaty, cheesy, carby party appetizers to fill up your guests (and fill them with delight). Heck, there’s no shame in making any of these easy appetizer recipes your dinner!

Dip: it’s what’s for dinner. At least it makes a regular appearance at my house (and let’s be honest, no one’s complaining). My absolute favorite dippers are mini naans, sliced baguettes, and pita chips. They’re sturdy and can stand up to the creamiest, cheesiest, heartiest dips. There’s nothing sadder than a thin, wimpy little chip breaking off and leaving you dipless.

bread slice scooped into center of pan of spinach artichoke dip recipeExtra Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip (Hot or Cold!)A bowl of creamy tzatziki sauce garnished with lemon slices, fresh dill, and cucumber, surrounded by pita chips, cucumber slices, and lemon wedges on a rustic wooden surface.Tzatziki Saucetwo crinkle fries being dipping into a clear bowl of easy cheese sauce.Best Cheese Dipping Sauce EverA close-up of a glass dish filled with 7 layer dip, topped with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and cilantro. A lime wedge is visible on the side.Carol's Legendary 7 Layer DipCheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip from The Food CharlatanCheesy Buffalo Chicken DipA close-up of a hand holding a tortilla chip dipped in creamy, orange queso dip, with lime wedges and chopped herbs blurred in the background.Copycat Chili's Queso Dip (Slow Cooker)

Tips for Serving Appetizers

  • When you serve appetizers before a meal, you just need a few lil bites for each person. You know, just enough so they don’t turn into werewolves and take you down in a ravenous bloodthirsty rampage before you can get dinner on the table.
  • If you’re doing a game day spread or having a party where you’re only serving appetizer food, now we’re talking larger quantities. I recommend 3-5 little bites if you’re serving dinner too, and about 10-12 bites if appetizers are your main thing.
  • Some appetizers need to be served hot out of the oven; others can be made ahead. If your dinner requires that oven space, make sure your appetizers don’t!
  • Anything you can prep in advance frees up time to socialize with your guests (you know, the actual point of entertaining).

Italian Appetizers

Italian food forever is my motto. How can you get tired of pasta and pizza?? These are my favorite ways to start an Italian meal with perfectly matched appetizers.

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Thanksgiving Appetizers

Do you really need appetizers when you’re serving a big Thanksgiving meal? YES, yes you do, because if you’re anything like me, you’ll get started on the turkey late and need some nibbles to keep everyone from noticing you slept in (or way underestimated how long that big ol’ bird was gonna take).

Healthy Appetizers

Just because you’re partying doesn’t mean you can’t serve healthy appetizers! I recommend making a couple of these lighter, fresher options, then putting out a big veggie tray and/or fruit tray.

A bowl of fresh pico de gallo made with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and peppers, garnished with lime wedges, surrounded by tortilla chips and lime slices.How to Make Pico de GalloA hand holds a seasoned pita chip topped with creamy tzatziki sauce, garnished with herbs and green onions. Sliced lemon and cucumber add fresh color in the background.Tzatziki Sauce (with Toasted Za'atar Pita)caprese salad skewersCaprese Salad Skewers2-Ingredient Sugar-Free Fruit Dip from The Food Charlatan2-Ingredient Sugar-Free Fruit DipFresh Bruschetta and Lentil DipFresh Bruschetta and Lentil Dip5 Minute Restaurant Style Salsa and How to Host Taco Tuesday from The Food Charlatan5-Minute Restaurant Style Salsa

All Appetizers

Find your new favorite way to start a meal!

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