Different Types of Appetizers With Pictures
These 50 easy appetizers will blow guests away at your next party! With everything from dips to finger food, you're sure to find one you'll love.
Do you have any go-to easy appetizers? When I'm entertaining, I often turn to a simple, seasonal crostini or cheese board, but at this time of year, when we're hosting or attending parties more often, I start to crave new appetizer recipes.
If, like me, you look for fresh, inventive party appetizers around the holidays, check out the list below. With 50 appetizer ideas ranging from reimagined classics to new, creative appetizer recipes, you're bound to find something you (and your guests) will love! Happy holidays!
Dip Appetizer Recipes
Butternut Squash Hummus (pictured above)
One of my favorite holiday appetizer recipes! Sprinkled with feta, pomegranate seeds, and microgreens, it's pretty, festive, and filled with spiced butternut flavor.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
My version of this classic spinach dip is every bit as creamy and delicious as the original, but you won't find any cream cheese here. Instead, it gets its luscious texture from blended cauliflower and Greek yogurt!
Best Guacamole
Need I say more?
Homemade Hummus
Serve this velvety, nutty dip with warm pita and a drizzle of olive oil, and it'll disappear in no time.
Loaded Butternut Queso
This recipe is a fan favorite! Butternut squash blends into a cheesy queso dip that even the biggest cheese-lovers love. The recipe is on page 75 of Love & Lemons Every Day.
Vegan Seven Layer Dip
I can't get enough of this creamy/crunchy, zesty/spicy taco dip. At a party, it'll serve a crowd, but Jack and I have been known to eat the whole thing for dinner!
Curried Red Lentil Dip
Instead of chickpeas, red lentils star in this creamy, hummus-like dip. Bursting with warm curry flavor, it's fantastic on pita, crackers, and veggies!
Cheesy Cauliflower Party Dip
No one will guess that an entire head of cauliflower is hiding inside this creamy dip! Topped with bubbly, melty cheese, it's an addictive party favorite.
Vegan Pimento Cheese
There's no cheese in this recipe, but it tastes shockingly close to the real thing. Filled with flavorful ingredients like Dijon mustard, jarred pimentos, and lemon, it's tangy, rich, and delicious.
Tzatziki
If you're looking for fresh, light appetizer ideas, try tzatziki! It's a cooling mix of Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon, and dill that's fantastic with pita or fresh veggies.
Baba Ganoush
Everyone loves hummus, but if you ask me, baba ganoush deserves just as much love. Whenever I make it, I can't resist eating this silky, smoky dip straight from the food processor!
Kale Guacamole
Steamed kale adds an extra veggie punch to this super green guac.
Crostini & Flatbread Appetizer Recipes
Hummus Crostini Appetizers
With 6 crostini variations, these easy appetizers offer a little something for everyone! Choose just a few to serve, or make them all. Either way, you won't be disappointed.
Ratatouille Tartines
These elegant, easy appetizers will knock the socks off party guests! Charred ratatouille veggies, herbes de Provence, and a thin layer of goat cheese make them totally irresistible.
Sweet Potato Pomegranate Crostini
Slathered with a lemony sunflower spread, these cute crostini are cozy, fresh, and bright! Garnish them with cilantro leaves for an extra festive touch.
Beet Hummus with Crostini
This vibrant hummus will brighten up any party! Spiced with cumin and coriander, it has a sweet, spiced flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
Carrot Smorrebrod Crisps
In this recipe, salt-roasted carrots imitate lox. I top them onto crackers with all the classic fixings – crisp veggies, capers, and a big slather of cream cheese!
Falafel Flatbread
This flatbread is gluten-free, but even your biggest bread-loving guests will fall for it. The chickpea base is spiked with falafel spices, and it's piled high with crisp, juicy veggies, rich sauces, and fresh herbs.
Broccolini Chickpea (Mini) Pizzas
I pile lemony broccoli, fresh mozzarella, and chickpeas onto mini naan breads to make these cute, easy appetizers.
Bread Appetizer Ideas
Rosemary Focaccia
This focaccia bread is easy to make, and at a party, it'll vanish in no time. Topped with rosemary and roasted garlic, it's savory, chewy, and rich.
Vegan Soft Baked Pretzels
What's more fun than homemade pretzels?! Serve them with spicy brown mustard, and they'll be gone in a snap.
One-Bite Easy Appetizers
Stuffed Mushrooms
There are tons of reasons to love these stuffed mushrooms. 1. They're festive. Look at that red, white and green! 2. They're delicious. And 3. They're SUPER easy to make. Just stir together the filling, load it into cremini mushroom caps, and bake!
Healthier (Vegan) Stuffed Potato Skins
Creamy, tangy cashew sour cream and smoky coconut bacon make these crispy potato skins lighter (but no less delicious) than traditional ones.
Shiitake Maki Sushi
Vibrant carrot ginger dipping sauce is the perfect fresh complement for these savory sushi rolls. If you've never made homemade sushi before, don't be intimated. It's surprisingly easy to make, and your guests are bound to be impressed.
Avocado Summer Rolls
These gorgeous summer rolls have to be one of the prettiest appetizer ideas out there! This recipe calls for peaches, but when I make it in winter, I simply skip them, and the rolls still come out delicious.
Sweet Potato Avocado Tartare
Avocado takes the place of tuna in this bright sesame tartare. Paired with toasty roasted sweet potato and radish for crunch, it's pretty, elegant, and tasty, too!
Avocado Cucumber Sushi Rolls
Stuffed with mango, avocado, and cucumber, this simple veggie sushi has a perfect mix of juicy, crispy, and creamy elements. Yum!
Platter Appetizer Ideas
The Ultimate Crudité Platter
When I say ultimate, I mean it. This platter is loaded up with marinated feta, tart cherry thyme butter, a luscious lemony white bean dip, and, of course, tons of fresh veggies. Your guests won't be able to get enough!
Chipotle Cauliflower Nachos
Make this mouthwatering nacho platter with tortilla chips, black beans, diced tomato, cilantro, and big dollops of smoky, gooey cashew "queso." Then, add a few spoonfuls of pineapple salsa for a surprising sweet finish!
Charred Cherry Tomatoes
Cumin seeds and mint infuse these cherry tomatoes with fresh, aromatic flavor. Topped onto a bed of lemony yogurt, they're perfect for scooping up with slices of crusty bread.
Mix and Match Crostini Board
Sometimes, the best appetizer recipes are the simplest. Make a big platter with cheeses, seasonal jams and fruit, pesto, and nuts, and let guests load up crackers and baguette to their liking!
Easy Appetizers for Snacking
Sweet & Spicy Popcorn
This sweet & spicy popcorn is one of my go-to holiday appetizers. Seasoned with maple, cinnamon, and cayenne, it has a delectable mix of warm, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Roasted Chickpeas
Skip the potato chips at your next party, and serve roasted chickpeas instead! They're still salty, crunchy, and yummy, but they're way more nutritious! For a fun variation, toss them with spices like chili or curry powder.
Sweet Potato Fries
These crispy baked fries are a fun appetizer idea on their own, but if you pair them with a dipping sauce like tahini sauce, cilantro lime dressing, or chipotle sauce (my favorite!), they're guaranteed to be the hit of your next party!
Salsa Appetizer Recipes
Mango Salsa
It's sweet, it's spicy, it's 7 ingredients. What's not to love?
Tomatillo Salsa Verde
My tried-and-true salsa recipe! It's zesty, tangy, spicy, and so, so good.
Pico de Gallo
Make this pico de gallo recipe as written, or change it up by adding diced avocado, Cotija cheese, fresh corn kernels, or black beans!
Pineapple Salsa
This super fresh salsa is such a fun, out-of-the-box appetizer idea! Tip: buy pre-cut pineapple for quick and easy prep.
Kiwi Avocado Salsa Verde
Creamy chunks of avocado contrast deliciously with juicy kiwi and crisp veggies in this sweet & spicy dip.
Cheesy Appetizer Recipes
Baked Brie
As far as easy appetizers go, this baked brie has to take the cake! Transfer the cheese straight from the fridge to the oven, bake for 8 minutes, and pile it high with your favorite seasonal toppings. I like to serve mine with pomegranate arils, but a dollop of cranberry sauce or cherry jam would be a great choice too.
Almond Cheese with Herbs de Provence
Make vegan cheese for your plant-based friends! Almonds, lemon juice, and a bit of nutritional yeast make a delicious spreadable savory cheese that will disappear in minutes. This recipe is on page 73 of Love & Lemons Every Day.
Burrata
Burrata served with seasonal produce and toasted baguette is one of my favorite easy appetizers. The heirloom tomato variation pictured below is delicious in the summer, but at this time of year, I love to plate it with juicy pear slices, pomegranate arils, and fresh thyme. Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a drizzle of lemon-thyme oil to take it over the top!
Green Harissa Grilled Cheese
What's cuter than a mini grilled cheese sandwich party appetizer? I make mine with spinach and an herbaceous green harissa for an elevated twist.
Mix & Match Quesadillas
Who doesn't love quesadillas? Make a big batch before your guests arrive, or set out a DIY quesadilla bar with tortillas, fresh veggies, salsa, cheese, and refried beans. Then, cook quesadillas to order!
Quinoa & Kale Quesadillas
Kale and quinoa may be unconventional quesadilla fillings, but they make these guys totally delicious. They're crisp on the outside, gooey in the middle, and packed with zesty flavor.
Do you have any quick and easy appetizer ideas you'd love to see a recipe for? I'm wanting to try a jackfruit buffalo "chicken" dip, lightened-up jalapeño poppers, cauliflower "chicken wings," or Greek yogurt deviled eggs next!
Easy Appetizer Recipes: Butternut Hummus
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Serves 6 to 8
- 1 heaping cup roasted butternut squash
- 1 garlic clove
- 1½ cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup tahini
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon cayenne, less if sensitive to spice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- ¼ cup water, or as needed
- freshly ground black pepper
- pomegranate arils, feta, parsley, and microgreens, for topping
- pita, crackers and/or veggies, for serving
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In a food processor, combine the roasted squash, garlic, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, cayenne, and sea salt.
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With the blade running, drizzle in the olive oil. Add water, as need, to blend to a smooth consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings. (Note: this is a bit spicy before you add the olive oil - the olive oil tones down the spice.)
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Scoop the hummus into a serving bowl and top with pomegranate arils, feta, parsley, microgreens, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with toasted pita, crackers, and/or chopped veggies.
Different Types of Appetizers With Pictures
Source: https://www.loveandlemons.com/appetizers/