16 Crowd-Favorite Appetizers So Good, You’ll Blink and They’re Gone
When it comes to entertaining, the appetizer table always sets the tone—and these 16 crowd-favorite bites are guaranteed to steal the spotlight. From crispy, cheesy, savory to downright addictive, every dish on this list is designed to disappear fast (and earn you compliments). Whether you’re hosting game night, a dinner party, or a casual get-together, these starters deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Just don’t blink… because they’ll be gone before you know it!
Duck Liver Parfait
Duck Liver Parfait is a smooth, rich, and luxurious appetizer, perfect for a special meal or festive occasion. Its creamy texture and bold flavors make it an unforgettable starter. For more indulgent appetizers, explore my selection of starter recipes.
Antipasto Skewers
Antipasto skewers feature a medley of Italian-inspired ingredients, including cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables! This popular party appetizer is also incredibly easy to make and can be put together last minute! Mix and match your favorite savory meats, cheese, and fresh or marinated veggies!
BBQ Chicken Stromboli
This BBQ Chicken Stromboli is a mouth-watering party appetizer, easy dinner or lunch using refrigerated pizza dough that’s loaded with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, shredded rotisserie chicken, various cheeses and Italian seasoning.
Salmon Terrine
Smoked Salmon Terrine is an elegant appetizer that layers creamy, savory ingredients into a beautifully presented dish. It’s a perfect choice for Christmas and other special occasions. For more refined starters, take a look at my collection of appetizer recipes.
Camembert en Croute
If you seek warmth and comfort there are few recipes that can compete with camembert en croute! With the right camembert and puff pastry, you will get the end result that you will fall in love with. In essence, it is a rustic yet elegant meal that you can proudly serve as a starter or main course. When you first glance at this French dish, it sends you directly to the French countryside, doesn’t it? My favourite part about the camembert en croute is when you cut into it and you pull that stringy cheese from its gooey center. Absolutely irresistible!
Baked Brie Cheese with Strawberries Appetizer
This Baked Brie with Strawberries is the perfect showstopper addition to your appetizers repertoire. A great addition to your holiday menu, perfect served during spring, on mother’s day, etc.
Christmas Wreath Appetizer
This Christmas Wreath Appetizer is the perfect side dish for your holiday party. Easy, cheesy, and a breeze to make, you’re sure to impress your guests with this delightfully festive crescent roll snack.
Maple Bacon Crack
This Maple Bacon Crack is a sweet and salty easy appetizer that takes less than an hour to make. Made with crescent dough, crispy bacon, real maple syrup, and brown sugar, it’s a delicious snack perfect for the holidays or your next party tonight.
Blue Cheese and Pecan Cheese Ball
This Blue Cheese and Pecan Cheese Ball is made to party! Everyone loves this easy appetizer and its trio of cheeses! Cream cheese, Kraft Old English cheese, and blue cheese are blended together for a blue cheese ball with a sharp and addictive flavor.
Crab Stuffed Shrimp
Crab stuffed shrimp is the perfect double dose of seafood to impress at any occasion and will be the first thing gone at a party! This elegant shrimp has a crunchy breadcrumb topping and savory, flavorful crab stuffing! It is simple to make and will truly make you shine like a professional chef!
Whipped Feta and Corn Crostini
This Whipped Feta and Corn Crostini pairs pan-seared Libby’s Whole Kernel Sweet Corn with salty feta cheese and fresh herbs in a delicious finger food appetizer that is perfect for parties!
Ranch Crack Bread with Bacon
Ranch Crack Bread with bacon is sheer perfection that you will not be able to resist. What’s not to love about bread soaked in butter and stuffed with oozing cheese and ranch seasoning and topped with crispy bacon and then baked to crispy, melty perfection?
Ham and Cheese Appetizer Skewers
Ham and Cheese Appetizer Skewers are the perfect gluten-free sandwich replacement that your family will love. They will not even miss the bread, plus they will love them because they are colorful, different and delicious. Perfect for parties, lunches or tailgating.
Bisquick Sausage Balls
They may not be pretty and they may not be fancy, but these classic, cheesy Easy Sausage Balls are always a hit at parties and get the job done when it comes to satisfying hungry guests! Made with just three ingredients, these are easy to whip up fast for a last minute appetizer that everybody loves to eat with their favorite dipping sauce and a cocktail stick (aka, toothpick).
Individual Charcuterie Cups
I love a traditional charcuterie board as much as the next hostess-with-the-mostest, but I also love to change things up on occasion by serving my guests individual charcuterie cups. These colorful, hand-held charcuterie boards served in little cups are a creative and fun way to let guests mingle while they nibble at your next party or holiday gathering.
Thanksgiving Cheese Board
This simple fall-inspired cheese board is tailor made for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving celebrations! Use this step by step tutorial (with photos at every stage of the process!) to build an amazing cheese plate for your holiday gathering. Includes plenty of ideas to help you customize the cheeses and other ingredients!
