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My appetizers ideas list is packed with tasty treats and yummy bites to feed a big gathering. Especially if you’re hosting for the holidays, you’re going to need a lot of food!
You’ll be able to find plenty of recipes for these dishes, both online and in cookbooks. Prepare them to keep the family fed while waiting for the main, or use them to make a huge spread if you’ve got a big group coming round to eat.
Appetizers Ideas List
As with my dinner ideas list, I like to have this list printed off and pinned to the refrigerator door with a magnet. That way, I can quickly use it for inspiration the night before or in the morning.
Read through this yummy list to the end, and you’ll find a download link. You can download this PDF for free, then print it off and use it at home.
Popular Appetizers
There are some classic dishes in this section. You’ll find these at all types of gatherings or celebrations. Plus, all of them are relatively simple to make.
- Antipasto Skewers
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Queso Dip
- Deviled Eggs
- Chicken Wings
- Pigs in a Blanket
- Jalapeño Poppers
- Baked Brie
- Bread and Olive Oil
- Pinwheels
Easy Appetizers
If you’re hosting many people, time is of the essence. I usually put a spread of dishes like this out in the morning or early afternoon. They’re all easy to make and will keep everyone fed until it’s time for the main course.
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Cranberry Pistachio Goat Cheese Log
- Charcuterie Board
- Candied Nuts
- Veggie Platter
- Roasted Nuts
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Baked Feta
- Mango Salsa
- Sausage Rolls
Quick Appetizers
Pushed for time? This list is pure gold! These dishes only use a few ingredients and can be made in a matter of minutes.
- Whipped Feta Dip
- Smoked Salmon Bagel Bites
- Seasoned Popcorn
- Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Caprese-Stuffed Avocado
- Blistered Shishito Peppers
- Cheese Ball
- Stuffed Cherry Peppers
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
- Melon Bites in Madeira Wine
Italian-Inspired Appetizers
I’m a bit of a sucker for Italian food, I’ll happily admit! Italians know how to do multi-course meals, so all these dishes make for great appetizers while everyone waits. They are pretty simple to make, too.
- Bruschetta
- Crostini
- Focaccia
- Marinated Olives
- Caponata
- Caprese Salad
- Antipasto Platter
- Marinated Mozzarella
- Mini Pizzas
- Garlic-Parmesan Breadsticks
Mexican-Inspired Appetizers
Mexican food is absolutely perfect for keeping hunger away, because it’s so filling and delicious. These Mexican-inspired dishes are tried and tested favorites. Just make sure people don’t gorge on them too much, because they’ll be too full for the main course!
- Guacamole and Tortilla Chips
- Nachos
- Avocado Salsa
- Pico de Gallo
- Tostadas
- Taquitos
- Elote (Street Corn)
- Taco Dip
- Ceviche
- Bean Dip
French-Inspired Appetizers
I think French food has a real class to it. And while it may sound and look complicated, these appetizers are pretty simple to make with the right recipe.
- Tapenade
- Mini Quiche Lorraine
- French Cheeses Board
- Foie Gras
- French Steamed Mussels
- Escargot
- Rillettes
- Gougères (French Cheese Puffs)
- Baked Camembert
- Tomato Tart
Asian-Inspired Appetizers
Asian cuisine brings some wonderfully sweet and spicy flavors to the table. These dishes are a good gateway into Asian cooking if you’re unfamiliar with cooking it.
- Spring Rolls
- Rice Paper Rolls
- Vegetable Dumplings (Potstickers)
- Pakora
- Edamame
- Samosas
- Bao Buns
- Chicken Satay Skewers
- Gyoza
- Thai Lettuce Wraps
More Internationally-Inspired Appetizers
Here are some of my favorite appetizers. There are some Latin American, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean flavors in there.
- Mini Empanadas
- Hummus
- Baba Ganoush (Eggplant Dip)
- Muhammara (Roasted Pepper Dip)
- Tirokafteri (Greek Feta Dip)
- Tzatziki (Greek Yogurt Cucumber Dip)
- Falafel
- Grilled Halloumi
- Blinis with Caviar
- Arepas
More Appetizers
Still looking for ideas? Don’t worry, there are plenty more below to help you plan a feast like no other!
- Mini Crab Cakes
- Mini Quiches
- Pizza Rolls
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Sliders
- Pretzel Bites
- French Onion Dip
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
- Mini Meatballs
- Avocado Fries
- Potato Skins
- Smoked Salmon Dip
- Zucchini Fritters
- Popcorn Chicken
- Potato Pancakes
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Salmon Patties
- Crab Rangoon
- Cheddar Scones
- Marinated Tortellini
Please let me know in the comments which of these dishes made it onto your holiday spread. Oh, and I’d also like to know which one was eaten the fastest!
If you want my free appetizers ideas list, the download link is below. Use it for quick ideas so you can get on with making the food.
You Might Also Like to Read
Make sure you always have this appetizer ideas list on hand by saving it to one of your recipe idea boards. You can always scan the article or download the PDF to help you decide what to make.
