20 Appetizer Recipes We Always Keep Bookmarked

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20 Appetizer Recipes We Always Keep Bookmarked

These 20 appetizer recipes are ones we always have bookmarked because they’re just that good. These are the ones you pull out when you need something quick, easy, and sure to please, no matter the crowd or occasion. They’re our top picks for getting the party started right, with simple ingredients and minimal fuss prep.

A person holding up a cucumber slice topped with taco dip.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chili Cheese Dip

A white baking dish with chili cheese dip and tortilla chips.
Chili Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chili Cheese Dip is all about big flavor with minimal fuss, ready to serve at your next party in just 30 minutes. Just mix, top with cheese, bake, and garnish with your favorite toppings for an easy yet unforgettable appetizer. It’s the perfect mix-it-up, throw-it-in-the-oven, and get-ready-to-impress kind of dip.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three zucchini boats with cheese and green onions on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These zucchini boats come together quickly, topped with bacon and sour cream for a rich flavor. They strike the right balance between light and flavorful, making them a hit for a weekend treat that guests will look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Taco dip in a serving dish.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Taco Dip with Cream Cheese is a quick, no-cook appetizer that wins over any crowd in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for parties, holidays, or game days. Its simplicity and versatility shine, allowing for easy customization of toppings to suit any taste or crowd size. With a base of cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and cheese, it’s a go-to dip that always delivers.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

A person is dipping a cracker into a bowl of jalapeño cranberry dip.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix up some heat from jalapeños with the tart kick of cranberries, and you’ve got this memorable dip that nails the flavor balance. Extra easy to whip up, it’s the perfect addition to your weekend lineup, quickly becoming one of those must-have appetizers you’ll keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Sausage balls on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, these oven-baked sausage balls blend sausage and cream cheese into a simple yet flavor-packed appetizer. They are especially perfect for game day or holiday gatherings, making them a preferred choice for any weekend occasion.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A plate of chicken bacon ranch poppers with sauce drizzled on top.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These poppers feature a flavorful combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch, making them an effortless yet memorable part of your weekend gathering menu. Easy to prepare, they’re excellent for dipping and guaranteed to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

Bacon wrapped peppers on a plate.
Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed with cream cheese and sprinkled with Everything Bagel seasoning, these bacon-wrapped mini peppers are uncomplicated yet impressive. They are quick to prepare and consistently stand out at any party.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Mini Peppers

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A plate of parmesan crusted potatoes with a sauce on top.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Featuring a crispy exterior and tender interior, these Parmesan-crusted potatoes are always a great appetizer, especially when served with a touch of sour cream. They bring a simple elegance to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

A dish of jalapeño spinach artichoke dip with a spoon.
Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This dip brings together spicy jalapeños, fresh spinach, artichokes, and cream cheese for an unforgettable appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s perfect for those looking to add a flavorful option to their appetizer menu without requiring extensive cooking skills.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Featuring a mix of sausage and simple ingredients, these stuffed mushrooms are easy to prepare ahead of time, reducing stress for the host. They provide an impressive and memorable addition to any appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats

A bacon tomato avocado cucumber boat.
Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These cucumber boats can be prepared in just 10 minutes, combining bacon, tomato, and avocado for a straightforward yet refreshing appetizer. They are an excellent option for last-minute gatherings, ensuring you have a quick and flavorful dish ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats

Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

Whipped feta dip and pita bread on a plate.
Whipped Feta with Honey Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 10 minutes, mix feta cheese, cream cheese, lemon zest, and honey to create this dip. The perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors makes it an irresistible pairing with pita bread and buttery crackers, adding a sophisticated touch to your appetizer selection.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

Cucumber Tomato Bites

A person holding a cucumber with a dip and tomato on it.
Cucumber Tomato Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Throw together some cucumbers and tomatoes, and in less than 30 minutes, you’ve got yourself these crunchy bites. They’re super simple and quick to make, making them the perfect go-to for a refreshing snack that kicks off any party the right way.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Tomatoes topped with cheese and herbs on a white plate.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up these Parmesan and Mozzarella baked tomatoes in less than 30 minutes for a quick, flavorful boost to your party menu. They’re super easy to make and are a creative and memorable appetizer option. Ready fast, these tomatoes are a reliable crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

A person holding a skewered bacon egg and cheese breakfast slider.
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up bacon, egg, and cheese sliders in just 30 minutes for a fun twist on your appetizer lineup. These sliders are easy to assemble and are always a favorite at parties.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Shrimp and guacamole cucumber bites.
Shrimp Cucumber Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These shrimp cucumber bites assemble quickly with shrimp seasoned with Cajun spice, guacamole, and cucumbers. They stand out for their fresh flavors and are ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats

An everything bagel seasoning cucumber boat being held.
Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you need a really quick appetizer, make these cucumber boats in 5 minutes using avocado, cream cheese, and everything bagel seasoning. This simple, refreshing, and flavorful appetizer is always a great addition to any event.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats

Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites

Bacon wrapped pickles on a plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These bites wrap pickles in bacon and bake them to create a fun and easy appetizer with only five ingredients. All of the flavors and textures of the ingredients come together for a delicious and memorable party appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

Two cucumber boats with tuna and sesame seeds.
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Prepare these spicy tuna cucumber boats in just 10 minutes for a quick appetizer. Featuring cucumbers filled with cream cheese and spicy tuna, then topped with everything bagel seasoning, coconut aminos, and a drizzle of hot sauce, they offer a burst of flavor that’s both simple and sophisticated.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

Bacon Pickle Boats Stuffed with Cream Cheese

Bacon pickle boats stuffed with cream cheese with dipping sauce.
Bacon Pickle Boats Stuffed with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These stuffed boats mix pickles and cream cheese, wrapped in bacon, for a memorable appetizer ready in under an hour. They are simple to prepare and add a unique flavor combination to your appetizer offerings.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Pickle Boats Stuffed with Cream Cheese

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