20 Easy Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers
Whether you prefer the term "amuse-bouche" or "finger food," these tasty nibbles are the perfect starter to a formal dinner party or the savory accompaniment to wine, beer or cocktails at a casual get-together.
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Photo By: Photo courtesy of Blackberry Farm
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Easy Savory Galettes
A galette is a flat, free-form pie. Fill this five-minute crust with our savory suggestions, or create your own filling. Get the recipe.
Mini Quiche Florentine
The classic combination of spinach and Swiss cheese paired with the robust flavors of fresh thyme and Parmesan make these mini mouthfuls an instant hit with even the pickiest of palettes. Get the recipe.
From:
Sam Henderson
Smoked Gouda and Herb Puffs
These bite-size balls of smoked, cheesy, herby goodness are the perfect appetizer for a dinner party. Just be careful — they're so addictive that it's impossible to eat just one or two (or three)! Get the recipe.
Creamy Lump Crab Dip
This dip will leave you weak in the knees. Creamy mascarpone cheese folded with large chunks of crabmeat and sweet corn is palette-pleasing perfection when baked until bubbly and hot. Serve with toasted crostinis for an appetizer that will be a home run for any occasion. Get the recipe.
Braised Pork Belly Sliders
Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tenn., shares their recipe for tender pork sandwiches on fresh from-scratch buttermilk biscuits. These delectable finger foods are perfect as mouthwatering appetizers or a light main course option. Get the recipe.
3 Tasty Takes on Queso Fundido
Chef Eduardo Garcia puts a flavorful twist on classic queso fundido to keep your party hot for everyone, whether they're meat lovers, seafood fans or vegetarians. Get the recipe.
Goat Cheese Quesadilla
Combine goat cheese with guava jam for a flavorful update to this Tex-Mex favorite that can be whipped up in just minutes. Get the recipe.
Mini Bacon and Ranch Cajun Sliders
There's nothing more satisfying than a good cheeseburger. And an adorable miniature with bacon and ranch — fit the bill and then some. Get the recipe.
Savory Cheese Straws
Country star Trisha Yearwood shares her can't-miss recipe for these crunchy nibbles, sure to please party guests of all ages. Get the recipe.
Spicy Shrimp Toast
These decadent, bite-sized nibbles are crisp, super savory and bursting with flavor. Coupled with the sweet chile sauce, this is the perfect cocktail party appetizer for guests who like a little fire. Get the recipe.
Avocado Fries
It almost doesn't seem possible that a perfectly ripe avocado could ever be improved upon, but — with a lime sriracha dip as a sidekick — these avocado fries prove it can be done. Get the recipe.
Baked Brie With Raspberry Preserves
Keep hungry guests satisfied while they wait for dinner to begin with this warm, gooey appetizer. Baked Brie always impresses but its preparation couldn't be easier. Get the recipe.
Salted Stout Caramel Popcorn
Hearty stout lends a flavorful kick to the homemade caramel coating on this sweet-meets-salty snack. Get the recipe.
Pub-Style Pretzels and Beer Cheese Sauce
Savory smoked Gouda and cheddar cheeses get a flavorful kick from your favorite draft to take these soft, doughy homemade pretzels to a whole new level of appetizer awesomeness. Get the recipe.
Artichoke and Black Truffle Dip
Black truffle paste adds an earthy flavor to this cream-cheese-based artichoke dip that pairs perfectly with flatbreads and pitas. Get the recipe.
Nut Crusted Brie with Cherry Chutney
Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. shares a favorite recipe for a warm, gooey and nutty appetizer whose sophisticated presentation is sure to impress. Get the recipe.
Pepperoni Pizza Hand Pies
These hearty handfuls are a great easy-to-eat appetizer ideal for family get-togethers (kids will love them!), tailgates, picnics or even cookouts. Get the recipe.
Creamy Smoked Salmon Roll
This salmon and cream cheese appetizer can be made up to two days ahead of time for super-easy party prep. Serve slices on a water cracker or, for a more casual gathering, set the roll out and allow guests to serve themselves.Get the recipe.
Nacho-Stuffed Potato Skins
This hearty appetizer serves up a can't-miss combo of favorite party flavors: potato skins and cheesy nachos. Get the recipe.
Chile and Lime Roasted Cashews
Lime juice and chile pepper give these roasted nuts a flavorful kick that makes them an endlessly munchable finger food and the just-right partner to a frosty pint. Get the recipe.