99 Appetizer Recipes Perfect For Any Occasion

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Appetizers are the perfect way to mingle. Whether you're hosting a casual Zoom party, heading to a socially distanced park meet-up, hanging out with family, or just making dinner for your roommates, we have an appetizer to match it. From healthy(ish) hors d'oeuvres like fried zucchini and marinated olives to classics like grilled jalapeño poppers and three-cheese mini mac and cheese bites, there's a snack for everyone. Some apps can even be prepared ahead of time! Keep reading for our favorite pre-dinner bites and trust us, there's something in here that's bound to catch your eye.

— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes

POPSUGAR Photography | Susannah Chen

Feta-Stuffed Peppers

The cheesy filling inside these stuffed peppers is irresistibly good.

Get the recipe: feta-stuffed peppers

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Mediterranean Layered Dip

Watch out, you might just polish off this tangy, garlic-heavy appetizer in one sitting!

Get the recipe: Mediterranean layered dip

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Caprese Skewers

How could you say no to easy-to-prepare finger fare? These caprese skewers are made with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, and their simplicity is genius.

Get the recipe: caprese skewers

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Green Goddess Dip

Smooth, creamy, and bright green, this dip is great for dunking veggies or (with a little extra olive oil) as a salad dressing.

Get the recipe: green goddess dip

POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Zucchini Fries With Buttermilk Ranch Dip

Zucchini dipped in flour, egg, and panko bread crumbs is what makes up this crunchy treat.

Get the recipe: zucchini fries with buttermilk ranch dip

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Roasted Figs With Goat Cheese

This fig appetizer only takes 20 minutes to make, and the goat cheese and balsamic vinegar are the secret ingredients.

Get the recipe: roasted figs with goat cheese

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Roasted Chipotle-Tomatillo Salsa

The jarred stuff has nothing on this homemade recipe.

Get the recipe: roasted chipotle-tomatillo salsa

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Baba Ghanoush

Believe it or not, this Mediterranean eggplant dip has a smoky flavor, and tastes great paired with pita chips.

Get the recipe: baba ghanoush

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Individual Hummus and Crudités Cups

Add a dose of color to your appetizer station with these bold cups.

Get the recipe: individual hummus and crudités cups

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Burrata-Stuffed Squash Blossoms

Ditch the deep-fried squash blossom and go for these lightly salted alternatives instead.

Get the recipe: burrata-stuffed squash blossoms

Cheddar, Corn, and Chipotle Dip

This dip is made with ingredients you most likely have in the fridge: greek yogurt, cream cheese, extra sharp cheddar, corn, and chipotle peppers.

Get the recipe: cheddar, corn, and chipotle dip

POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Greek Salad Bites

You'll snack on these refreshing Greek salad bites all summer.

Get the recipe: Greek salad bites

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Cheese Plate

You can't go wrong with an Instagrammable cheese plate.

Get the recipe: cheese plate

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Grilled Brie With Cherries

Oozy brie cheese paired with cherries, thyme, and grilled bread? Sounds good to us.

Get the recipe: grilled brie with cherries

POPSUGAR Photography | Camilla Salem

Spicy Marinated Olives

Olive-lover or not, the chili flakes on these olives makes them irresistible.

Get the recipe: spicy marinated olives

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Mango, Watermelon, and Cucumber Salsa

Even if you're stuffed full, you'll want a few bites of this refreshing salsa.

Get the recipe: mango, watermelon, and cucumber salsa

Oven-Fried Pickles (aka Frickles)

These crispy baked pickles served with green goddess ranch dressing are mouthwatering.

Get the recipe: oven-fried pickles

Tomato Basil Bruschetta With Balsamic Drizzle

If ripe red tomatoes, basil, and garlic on golden toasted French bread doesn't sound good to you, then this isn't your treat.

Get the recipe: tomato basil bruschetta with balsamic drizzle

POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Grilled Jalapeño Poppers

There are endless combinations of stuffed jalapeño poppers out there, but this one is a classic. Packed with crispy bacon, whipped cream cheese, and pepper jack cheese, and then grilled to perfection, these poppers are perfect for summer.

Get the recipe: grilled jalapeño poppers

Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad Cups

You don't have to worry about overindulging in these watermelon salad cups in one sitting, they're good for you!

Get the recipe: watermelon, cucumber, and feta salad cups

POPSUGAR Photography | Susannah Chen

Marinated Goat Cheese With Olives

This marinated goat cheese with olives app may be the easiest hors d'oeuvre in the world, but we promise, everyone will love it.

Get the recipe: marinated goat cheese with olives

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Pumpkin Goat Cheese Dip

Who said pumpkin has to be reserved for fall? This crave-worthy dip is tasty enough to consume year-round.

Get the recipe: pumpkin goat cheese dip

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Three-Cheese Spinach-Artichoke Dip

This might just be the richest, creamiest, artichoke dip you've ever tried.

Get the recipe: three-cheese spinach artichoke dip

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Nacho Cheese Dip

If you're guilty of loving Velveeta cheese (and who isn't), this dip will be your go-to.

Get the recipe: nacho cheese dip

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Three-Cheese Mini Macaroni and Cheese Bites

We're not sure who could resist these delicious mac and cheese bites, just look at them!

Get the recipe: three-cheese mini macaroni and cheese bites

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Baked Brie With Candied Bacon

Baked brie may often be served with jams, but have you ever tried it with candied bacon? The combination makes for an ooey-gooey and delicious snack.

Get the recipe: baked brie with candied bacon

POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Literally everything tastes better with bacon, so it's no surprise these bacon-wrapped dates are so good.

Get the recipe: bacon-wrapped dates

Garlic and Thyme Monkey Bread With Spicy Tomato Sauce

There's no better combination than this monkey bread paired with a delicious spicy tomato sauce.

Get the recipe: garlic and thyme monkey bread with spicy tomato sauce

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

This classic finger food can be prepared easily in advance.

Get the recipe: vegetarian stuffed mushrooms

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Prosciutto-Wrapped Feta-Stuffed Dates

There's no such thing as too much of these prosciutto-wrapped feta-stuffed dates.

Get the recipe: prosciutto-wrapped feta-stuffed dates

POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Grilled Polenta Avocado Rounds

Forget using crackers as your base! Grilled polenta tastes delicious, especially paired with avocado.

Get the recipe: grilled polenta avocado rounds

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Spicy Hummus

This spicy hummus recipe adds a little Mexican flair with cumin, coriander, and red pepper flakes.

Get the recipe: spicy hummus

POPSUGAR Photography | Camilla Salem

Sautéed Kale and Burrata Bruschetta

This recipe calls for just a few ingredients, allowing for its natural flavors to stand out.

Get the recipe: sautéed kale and burrata bruschetta

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Roasted Bone Marrow

Believe it or not, bone marrow is not too hard to cook at home. In fact, it's pretty easy!

Get the recipe: roasted bone marrow

POPSUGAR Photography | Sara Lipoff

Hoisin-Glazed Chicken Wings

Take ordinary chicken wings to the next level with this hoisin-based sauce.

Get the recipe: hoisin-glazed chicken wings

Chili-Cheese Pretzel Bites

These pretzel bites are ideal to snack on during happy hour.

Get the recipe: chili-cheese pretzel bites

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Shh . . . these pinwheels may look like they take a lot of time and effort, but really, they're only four ingredients.

Get the recipe: ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheels

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Herbed Cheese Straws

Who wouldn't like this butter-filled puffed pastry with cheese and herbs sprinkled over it?

Get the recipe: herbed cheese straws

Mini Banh Mi Wonton Tacos

These mini banh mi wonton tacos are so good, you may even skip dinner.

Get the recipe: mini banh mi wonton tacos

POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Skip the wings, try this buffalo chicken and cheese dip instead.

Get the recipe: spicy buffalo chicken dip

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Vegan Pâté

Make a loaf of this red lentil terrine and spread it over crackers. The earthy spread is much better for you than cheese, and it has a nice texture to it.

Get the recipe: Japanese-influenced red lentil terrine (vegan paté)

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Warm Honey-Drizzled Feta With Pine Nuts

You'll want to nibble on this refreshing Mediterranean spread far beyond dinner.

Get the recipe: warm honey-drizzled feta with pine nuts

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Tiki Snack Mix

Yes, this snack mix is over the top, but in the best way. Cashews, smoky bacon, sweet-tart dried pineapple, and umami-rich soy sauce make for a mean combination.

Get the recipe: tiki snack mix

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Pimento Cheese Fondue

This dip is outrageously cheesy, and we're not complaining.

Get the recipe: pimento cheese fondue

Reuben Dip

If you love a Reuben sandwich, just wait until you try this Rueben dip. It's so easy to make, just throw the ingredients in a crockpot until it's done!

Get the recipe: Reuben dip

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Gravlax and Crème Fraiche Toasts

If you're feeling fancy, these decadent toasts are mighty sophisticated.

Get the recipe: gravlax and crème fraiche toasts

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Rosemary-Sesame Pecans

Not only are these rosemary-sesame pecans freaking delicious, but they're filling, too.

Get the recipe: rosemary-sesame pecans

POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Shrimp Cocktail With a Trio of Sauces

Elevate a classic shrimp cocktail by providing three sauces to choose from. Whether it's the classic cocktail sauce, a Thai peanut sauce, or a pineapple BBQ sauce, there's one in here that everyone can enjoy.

Get the recipe: shrimp cocktail with a trio of sauces

Ciabatta Pizza Bread

You might as well serve this for dinner, because no one will want just one bite.

Get the recipe: ciabatta pizza bread

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Pimento Cheese and Prosciutto Biscuits

You'll hear a lot of "mms" and "yums" with this hearty appetizer.

Get the recipe: pimento-cheese- and prosciutto- topped biscuits

POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Red Potatoes Stuffed With Tomato-Avocado Salsa

Come on, potato anything is just plain delicious. This potato recipe is topped with tomato-avocado salsa for a flavorful punch.

Get the recipe: red potatoes stuffed with tomato-avocado salsa

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Miso Hummus

This hummus contains two secret ingredients — white miso and almonds — for a too-good-to-be-true taste.

Get the recipe: miso hummus

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Pepper Jelly

We all know cream cheese and crackers is irresistible, but with pepper jelly on top? It's even better than you'd think.

Get the recipe: pepper jelly

Brie, Cranberry, and Pancetta Phyllo Bites

These festive little bites make eating baked brie cheese a breeze.

Get the recipe: brie, cranberry, and pancetta phyllo bites

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Pepper-Ranch Cheese Ball

This spicy, garlicky cream cheese ball makes the perfect spread.

Get the recipe: pepper-ranch cheese ball

POPSUGAR Photography | Camilla Salem

Spanish Flatbreads With Swiss Chard and Walnuts

This may be a flatbread, but you'll be surprised by how light and nutritious it is.

Get the recipe: Spanish flatbreads with Swiss chard and walnuts

POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Queso

Who could ever complain about this creamy melted dip? The sautéed mushrooms and tangy goat cheese mix perfectly together!

Get the recipe: mushroom and goat cheese queso

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Julia Child's Moules à la Marinière

If you don't like shellfish, these flavorful mussels will change your mind.

Get the recipe: Julia Child's mussels steamed in white wine

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Apricot, Goat Cheese, and Almond Bites

You'll forget you even made these bite-sized treats, they'll be gone so fast!

Get the recipe: apricot, goat cheese, and almond bites

Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls With Blue Cheese Sauce

Football game or not, everyone likes sports snacks, and these rolls are only four ingredients!

Get the recipe: baked buffalo chicken egg rolls with blue cheese sauce

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Spicy Deviled Eggs

These deviled eggs have an unexpected spicy kick. However, if you want a more mild version, you can use paprika instead of cayenne pepper.

Get the recipe: spicy deviled eggs

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Seven-Layer Dip

Have you ever heard someone say they don't like seven-layer dip? Me neither.

Get the recipe: seven-layer dip

POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Cheesy Phyllo Crackers

For a light and crispy cracker, these cheddar snacks are packed with flavor.

Get the recipe: cheesy phyllo crackers

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Parmesan, Black Pepper, and Thyme Crackers

These crackers are sure to please a crowd, even if that crowd is your picky family.

Get the recipe: parmesan, black pepper, and thyme crackers

Mini Potato Gratins

These unique snacks will impress anyone who sits down to eat them.

Get the recipe: mini potato gratins

Baked Chicken Parmesan Poppers

Raise your hand if you like chicken parmesan! These chicken parm bites are addicting.

Get the recipe: baked chicken parmesan poppers

Greek-Yogurt-Based French Onion Dip

Even a picky eater will swoon over this low-fat, Greek-yogurt-based dip.

Get the recipe: lightened-up French onion dip

Balsamic Steak Bites With Kale and Roasted Tomatoes

Tiny bite-sized pieces of sirloin filet with kale and roasted tomatoes on top? Talk about delicious.

Get the recipe: balsamic steak bites with kale and roasted tomatoes

POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Truffle Popcorn

Truffle oil is what makes this popcorn go from average to phenomenal.

Get the recipe: truffle popcorn

Dumplings With Sesame-Hoisin Sauce

If salty cabbage, crispy carrots, and shiitake mushrooms sound good to you, imagine them packed into a pan-fried wonton.

Get the recipe: dumplings with sesame-hoisin sauce

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Baked Buffalo Wings

Fried buffalo wings are overrated. Give these baked ones a try, they're just as good.

Get the recipe: baked buffalo wings

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Latkes Fried in Duck Fat

Latkes, otherwise known as potato pancakes, are fried to a mouthwatering crisp in this recipe.

Get the recipe: latkes fried in duck fat

POPSUGAR Photography

Cheesy Bacon Tater Tots

Imagine nachos, but with a tender golden-crusted tater-tot base. Sounds good, doesn't it?

Get the recipe: cheesy bacon tater tots

Goat Cheese and Prosciutto Crostini

A platter full of toasted bread topped with prosciutto and goat cheese is a dangerously delicious combination.

Get the recipe: goat cheese and prosciutto crostini

Banh Mi Lettuce Wraps

If you're not feeling the carbs, these lettuce wraps are a great alternative.

Get the recipe: banh mi lettuce wraps

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Brie and Fig Puff Pastry Bites

These pastry bites are made with pie crust instead of puff pastry, and they taste like elevated Pop-Tarts.

Get the recipe: brie and fig puff pastry bites

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Chorizo Queso

Just be forewarned: this queso fresco, white cheddar, mozzarella, and goat cheese-filled dip is addicting.

Get the recipe: chorizo queso

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Smoky and Spicy Almonds

One bite of these nuts and you'll feel like a smoky flavor bomb went off in your mouth.

Get the recipe: smoky and spicy almonds

Lightened-Up Pimento Cheese Dip

This lightened-up dip swaps out mayo for nonfat Greek yogurt and uses reduced-fat cream cheese.

Get the recipe: lightened-up pimento cheese dip

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Gruyère Gougères

These appetizers are airy and light, making them perfect for summer.

Get the recipe: gruyère gougères

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Chili Con Queso Nachos

These are basically a gourmet version of ballpark nachos, so you know they're good.

Get the recipe: chili con queso nachos

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Brie With Caramel and Sliced Almonds

I don't know about you, but my mouth's watering just looking at this caramel brie.

Get the recipe: brie with caramel and sliced almonds

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Hummus and Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini

Inspired by traditional tartine with whole-wheat toast, creamy hummus, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh pea shoots, this looks even better on a baguette and is more appetizer-friendly.

Get the recipe: hummus and sun-dried tomato crostini

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Chicks in a Blanket

Chicks in a blanket, not pigs — there's chicken apple sausage in here!

Get the recipe: chicks in a blanket

POPSUGAR Photography

Supreme Pizza Dip

We all love pizza, so why not make it into a creamy dip that everyone can enjoy?

Get the recipe: supreme pizza dip

POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Green Olive Dip

This salty and creamy milk-based dip tastes good served on a crunchy crostini, but also on top of pasta or even as a salad dressing.

Get the recipe: green olive dip

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Roll 'em up, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and these pinwheels will be gobbled up in no time!

Get the recipe: Buffalo chicken pinwheels

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Iizuka

Deviled Quail Eggs

This appetizer requires some specific items, like quail eggs and foie gras, but the result is worth it.

Get the recipe: deviled quail eggs

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Garam Masala Popcorn

Can we all just agree that seasoned popcorn is the best? This particular recipe contains peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, and cardamom spices for a taste that adds a kick.

Get the recipe: garam masala popcorn

POPSUGAR Photography | Camilla Salem

Mushroom and Brie Bruschetta

It doesn't get any better than bruschetta topped with mushroom and melted brie.

Get the recipe: mushroom and brie bruschetta

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Beet Mint Yogurt Dip

This appetizer doubles as both a condiment and a dip, and it makes a great snack before a main course.

Get the recipe: beet mint yogurt dip

Bacon and Cheese Croquettes

This breaded and fried appetizer couldn't taste any better.

Get the recipe: bacon and cheese croquettes

Peppadew Peppers Stuffed With Whipped Feta

These tiny apps are so easy to pop in your mouth and are ridiculously easy to put together.

Get the recipe: peppadew peppers stuffed with whipped feta

Pigs in a Blanket

Because what's an appetizer roundup without pigs in a blanket?

Get the recipe: pigs in a blanket

POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Endive Spears Topped With Sweet Potato and Bacon

Sweet potatoes, bacon, crème fraîche, and a sprinkling of chives sounds like something we want to eat, like, right now.

Get the recipe: endive spears topped with sweet potato and bacon

Everything Bagel Goat Cheese

You don't even need a bagel with this goat cheese spread, just slather it on bread and it'll satisfy your taste buds.

Get the recipe: everything bagel goat cheese

Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Hummus

There's no such thing as too much hummus, and this homemade one is so much better than store-bought.

Get the recipe: sun-dried tomato basil hummus

POPSUGAR Photography | Susannah Chen

Antipasto Sausage Skewers

Trust us, antipasto tastes even better as a finger food.

Get the recipe: antipasto sausage skewers

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Baked Goat Cheese

You literally just bake this cheese. That's it. No fuss about it.

Get the recipe: baked goat cheese

POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry

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