29 Easy Appetizers for Parties
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, cocktail party, holiday gathering, or casual dinner with friends, an easy appetizer buys you a little more time while everyone settles in. These crowd-pleasing recipes range from creamy dips and cheesy favorites to no-cook bites, finger foods, and make-ahead snacks—many of which rely on smart shortcuts like frozen artichokes, canned chickpeas, puff pastry, and prepared giardiniera. Whether you need an easy appetizer for a crowd or just something to nibble on while dinner finishes cooking, you’ll find a party-worthy favorite here.
More appetizer ideas →
Vibrant tomato salad, crisp zucchini flatbreads, and more warm-weather appetizers to get your summer shindig going.
Give yourself the gift of time (and coconut shrimp).
Like baked chicken wings two ways, hot pickle dip, kimchi and hot dog pizza, and more.
Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Gerri Williams1/29Chicago-Style Pigs in a Blanket
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Pearl Jones, Prop Styling by Dayna Seman2/29Spinach Artichoke Dip
Photograph by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr., Food Styling by Micah Morton, Prop Styling by Christina Allen3/29Extra-Creamy Deviled Eggs
Blending one whole egg into the yolks makes these deviled eggs smoother, richer, and generously filled. Boil and peel the eggs ahead of time, then fill and garnish them before guests arrive.
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski4/29Always-Great Homemade Salsa
6/29Classic Hummus
Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Thu Buser, prop styling by Gerri Williams7/29Creamy Giardiniera Dip
Oil-packed Chicago-style giardiniera turns cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan into an irresistibly tangy no-cook dip.
Photograph by Heami LeeFood Styling by Maggie RuggieroProp Styling by Emma Ringness8/29Charred Guacamole
Fresh guacamole is always a good idea. But lightly char the avocado, chile, and onion (in the oven or on the grill) for a version that’s a little smoky, a little richer tasting, and far more interesting.
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Andy Baraghani10/29Muhammara
Smoky roasted peppers and walnuts make this Syrian dip a standout addition to any appetizer spread. Serve with fresh warm pita or crudités.
Photograph by Andrew B. Myers, Food Styling by Micah Morton, Prop Styling by Emma Ringness13/29Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip
Creamy feta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and Calabrian chile paste come together in a five-ingredient dip that’s ready in minutes. This way for more of our favorite dips →
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne, Prop Styling by Gerri K. Williams14/29Pistachio-Sesame Cheese Ball
A classic cheese ball is always welcome, but this one requires just six ingredients (including salt and pepper), and makes a big impact with bright green pistachios and creamy white cheese. Make it a cheese ball party with a pimento cheese version and a port wine version too.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Tim Ferro15/29Marinated Mozzarella and Peppadew Peppers
Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Thu Buser, prop styling by Gerri Williams17/29Spam and Brie Bites
This high-low, salty-creamy one-biter pairs a crisped cube of Spam, a square of Brie, a dollop of grainy mustard, and a cornichon.
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Sue Li, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski18/29Lemon-Pepper Salami Bites
Photograph by Joann Pai, food and prop styling by Rebekah Peppler19/29Marinated Olives With Citrus
A fragrant mix of citrus, coriander, and peppercorns turns good store-bought olives into cocktail hour gold.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Tim Ferro20/29Boquerones With Green Olives and Orange
Good anchovies need little more than warm olive oil, garlic, citrus, and crusty bread.
Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Gerri Williams21/29Spicy Shrimp Endive Spears
Photograph by Peden + Munk, food styling by Adriana Paschen, prop styling by Ceci Garcia22/29Radishes With Sesame Yogurt
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Sue Li, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski23/29Spicy Lightly Pickled Cucumbers
Photographs by Laura Murray, food styling by Simon Andrews, prop styling by Sophie Strangio24/29Grilled Mushroom Antipasto Salad
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Tim Ferro26/29Za’atar Fire Crackers
Saltines tossed with olive oil and plenty of za’atar become a crunchy, savory snack that’s difficult to stop eating.
Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Gerri Williams27/29Cheesy Green Curry Palmiers
Frozen puff pastry and store-bought curry paste do the heavy lifting in these flaky, savory bites.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Judy Kim, Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca29/29Tangy Tomato-Chile Popcorn
Tomato powder gives this easy appetizer an intensely savory, umami-packed finish that’s perfect for casual parties.
