19 Party Starters Appetizers to Kick Off the Fun

A party isn’t complete without the right appetizers. These easy recipes are perfect for any gathering, and they’re sure to keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you're hosting or just bringing a dish, these appetizers will help set the tone for a great time.

Jalapeno Popper Dip with Bacon

A person dipping a chip into a skillet of dip. — Jalapeno Popper Dip With Bacon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

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Turn up the heat with Jalapeno Popper Dip with Bacon! This creamy dip, packed with jalapenos and topped with crispy bacon, is a simple and crowd-pleasing addition to any appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Dip with Bacon

Mini Swiss Cheese Quiches

A tray of mini quiches with fruit and vegetables on it. — Mini Swiss Cheese Quiches. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Mini Swiss Cheese Quiches are perfect for brunch or as a party appetizer. With a creamy custard and savory fillings, they’re quick to make and deliver a satisfying bite.
Get the Recipe: Mini Swiss Cheese Quiches

Caprese Garlic Bread

Two slices of bread topped with mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, basil leaves, and balsamic glaze, placed on a wooden cutting board. A tomato and a napkin are visible in the background. — Caprese Garlic Bread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Enjoy the fresh, classic taste of Caprese with this Caprese Garlic Bread. Featuring mozzarella, basil, balsamic, and Roma tomatoes on French bread, it’s a simple yet delicious dish.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Garlic Bread

Apricot Parmesan Pinwheels

A white plate with puff pastry swirls surrounding a bowl filled with dried apricots. Fresh rosemary sprigs are used as garnish. — Apricot Parmesan Pinwheels. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Apricot Parmesan Pinwheels are a simple yet elegant appetizer. The combination of sweet apricot jam, nutty parmesan, and rosemary in puff pastry is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Parmesan Pinwheels

Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Mexican tortilla cups with guacamole and sour cream. — Mini Chicken Taco Cups. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Delight your guests with Mini Chicken Taco Cups! These crunchy tortilla shells are filled with seasoned beans, tender chicken, and gooey Cotija cheese, making them a tasty option for any event.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Cranberry dip with crackers on a plate. — Cranberry Jalapeno Salsa. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is a bold and flavorful appetizer. Quick to prepare, it pairs perfectly with cream cheese and is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Grilled chicken flatbread pizzas on a marble countertop. — BBQ Chicken Flatbreads. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is a go-to option for casual meals or hearty appetizers. Just layer flatbread with BBQ sauce, chicken, cheese, and onions for a quick, no-hassle dish.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Cranberries and pears in puff pastry. — Cranberry Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a delightful treat for your guests. These mini tarts combine juicy pears, cheese, and cranberries in a flaky puff pastry, making any event memorable.
Get the Recipe: Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Baked Jalapeno Popper Roll-Ups

Cheesy bacon jalapeno popper roll ups on a tray. — Jalapeno Popper Roll-Ups. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Get all the flavor of jalapeno poppers in a new way with Baked Jalapeno Popper Roll-Ups. Cream cheese, jalapenos, and bacon are wrapped up and baked to perfection for a quick and tasty snack.
Get the Recipe: Baked Jalapeno Popper Roll-Ups

Rosemary Asiago Cheese Popcorn

A bowl of herb-seasoned popcorn in a blue bowl with a block of cheese and rosemary sprigs nearby. — Rosemary Asiago Cheese Popcorn. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Experience the delicious mix of rosemary, Asiago cheese, and popcorn. This snack is crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for satisfying your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Asiago Cheese Popcorn

Sausage Cheese Dip

This easy 5 ingredient Sausage Cheese Dip is creamy & delicious! Simple to make with Rotel, Velveeta and cream cheese. Great game day dip.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Cheese Dip

Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball

This cranberry orange cheese ball is a breeze to make and pairs perfectly with crackers, bread, or pretzels. The orange marmalade adds a zesty citrus flavor, while the cranberries bring a refreshing brightness to balance the rich, creamy cheese.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball

Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs

Mexican meatballs with radishes and salsa on a plate. — Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Cheese-Stuffed Mexican Meatballs bring a delightful Tex-Mex flair to your dining experience. Packed with gooey cheddar, these meatballs are bursting with flavor and make for an ideal appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs

Homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers

A stack of cheese crackers on a marble table. — Cheddar Cheese Crackers. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Crunchy and cheesy, Homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers are made with just six ingredients. They're a fantastic snack on their own or a delicious addition to a cheese platter.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers

Queso Fundido

A black skillet filled with a colorful dish, including melted cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, cilantro, and ground meat. — Queso Fundido. Photo credit: Feast+West.

Queso Fundido brings authentic Mexican flavors to your table. This warm, melty cheese dip is easy to make and pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Queso Fundido

Cranberry Crostini with Cream Cheese

A hand holds a piece of toasted bread topped with a layer of white cheese and a mixture of finely chopped cranberries and herbs. — Cranberry Crostini. Photo credit: Alternative Dish.

Cranberry Crostini with Cream Cheese is the ultimate holiday starter! Cream cheese and cranberry jalapeño salsa on homemade crostini make for an appetizer everyone will rave about.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Crostini with Cream Cheese

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Bacon wrapped shrimp are a crispy delicious way to enjoy shrimp. Crispy smokey bacon gives the shrimp a hearty flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Chicken wings covered in herbs and spices are served on a gray plate with a lemon slice in the background. — Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your next game day with these Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Juicy, crispy, and packed with a burst of lemon flavor. A delicious way to enjoy citrus in a savory dish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Bacon Wrapped Crackers

Crispy, crunchy bacon-wrapped club crackers are air-fried to perfection! Use your favorite bacon, wrap it around Club crackers, dust with grated parmesan and fry until the bacon is crispy and the cracker is lightly toasted.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Crackers