Over 25 party appetizer ideas that people LOVE! Never be the person that brings a plate of chips and raisins again!
I was in the kitchen at noon wondering if I should start on appetizers for a get together this weekend. This is me, if someone texts me at noon saying there’s a party at 4.
Our parties are casual and cream cheese based foods rule our party prep.
My list of Party Appetizers has lots of great recipes including dips, and HOT dips are my favorite, salsas and other crowd pleasers that can be pulled together quickly and can include bacon and cheese, guaranteed to please my teenagers, and anything else, well, not bacon, my goldendoodle Gigi wants to devour.
No matter what I make for game days or holidays or just because its a casual weekend, you are sure to find a few of the finger foods from my Party Appetizers post that have been tried and true for me in past parties. Appetizers are an occasion food.
Make them craveable! Save the obligatory and blah for another time.
Of course there’s lots of dips here because cream cheese always abounds in my refrigerator. I’ve included recipes using inexpensive shortcuts like canned beans and canned chili.
There’s a Neiman Marcus Million Dollar Dip that shows up at every church potluck in Iowa. There’s an easy-to-make crab dip using imitation crab that Gigi, the food-seeking opportunistic goldendoodle, tries to steal when she thinks I’m not looking.
You’ll find dips made with cocktail wieners, little smokies, rotisserie chicken, bacon, spinach, jalapeño poppers, pepperoni…there’s lots of variety in this post.
Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate game day appetizer. Shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing and a touch of Frank’s hot sauce comes together for a seriously addictive buffalo chicken dip. Serve warm with tortilla chips or celery.
Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe is a party-friendly take on a favorite, this easy-to-make pepperoni pizza dip is made with cream cheese, pizza sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni and is the perfect alternative to a whole pizza when hosting a party or get-together. Serve warm with breadsticks or slices of toasted baguette.
Crock Pot Spinach and Artichoke Dip is where you’ll be making this creamy, gooey, melty cheese spinach and artichoke dip again and again. It’s super easy and frees up the oven because it cooks in your crock pot and will stay warm without being watched during your party. Serve with pita chips or slices of baguette.
Neiman Marcus Million Dollar Dip
A dreamy mix of cream cheese, cheddar, green onion, bacon, and sliced almonds makes this Million Dollar Dip a hit at parties. Serve chilled and take advantage of it being a fantastic make-ahead dip.
Baked Crab Rangoon Dip
If you’re looking for an easier way to serve crab rangoon at your next party, try this easy-to-make Baked Crab Rangoon Dip recipe. It’s creamy and cheesy and much easier than individual wontons.
Serve with wonton chips or your favorite cracker.
Easy Queso Crockpot Dip Recipe
All you need is a crock pot, some Rotel and a block of Velveeta to make this easy queso recipe.
No more bringing the party dip that sits on the counter and goes home as full as it came in. These dips are tried and true favorites that are loved by all.
When it comes to dips, I’m a little basic. Give me something with cream cheese in it and I’m happy.
Throw in some bacon and you’re golden. But for all you dip lovers out there, I’ve rounded up some of our family’s absolute favorite easy dips recipes to take to parties.
These dips will be a hit at your next party or get-together.
Game Day Dip Recipes
Copycat Chili’s Skillet Queso is this copycat Chili’s skillet queso recipe is SO good. You’ll never believe that you made queso at home. It’s seasoned just right, has a creamy consistency and can be made on the stovetop in less than 20 minutes. Last year’s super bowl my husband polished off most of the pan before halftime.
Real Cheese Queso Dip
This queso dip is creamy, flavorful, and made with REAL shredded cheese. It takes 5 extra minutes of stirring, but is SO worth it.
No processed cheese in a loaf here friends.
Jalapeno Popper Dip – If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer recipe, look no further than this deliciously cheesy and creamy Jalapeño Poppers Dip. It’s a family tradition around our house now to have it out on every game night because my 15 year old requests it. It’s cheesy, creamy, a bit spicy and incredibly addicting.
Easy to make and always a crowd pleaser!
Corn and Black Bean Salsa
The best of both worlds: easy and delicious! Made with canned corn and black beans, fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, this salsa recipe can be enjoyed all seasons long.
Add avocado to make it creamier.
This salsa recipe is a winner!
Crab Dip with Cream Cheese
A super easy crab dip made with cream cheese, perfect for entertaining. Use imitation crab to save money.
Serve with crackers. Better the next day!
Make ahead crab dip for holiday parties!
Dips for Parties
Easy Baked Bean Dip Recipe
Baked bean dip is the perfect party food. It’s like a baked beans on toast, except in dip form.
Warm, comforting, filling, perfect.
Seven Layer Dip
You know the one! Make this classic party recipe in a clear container or a 9×13 pan so everyone can see the pretty refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, tomato, olives and green onion layers.
Layered Taco Dip
The star of the show is the taco seasoning in this easy and delicious dip recipe that reminds us of a classic seven layer bean dip, except with a more taco-y theme. When we make this dip we never have leftovers!
Party Party Dip Recipe
The ultimate party dip to bring to potlucks. Serve cold with chips, veggies or crackers.
Bacon Wrapped Pickle Dip Recipe
Sweet, savory, salty, rich, tangy…there’s so many ways to describe this dip that would make my teen’s eyes bulge with excitement at the word BACON. If you’re going to make this recipe you’ll want to have chips on hand – sturdy ones that can hold the dip, preferably ruffled chips.
Canned Tomato Salsa (Restaurant Style)
Easy, delicious, restaurant-style salsa recipe made with canned tomatoes. With just a few ingredients, pureed to perfection, you’ll never guess this salsa uses canned tomatoes.
Ready in about 5 minutes with canned tomatoes, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro and lime!
Corn and Black Bean Salsa with Avocado
Quick and easy, and bursting with flavor! Avocado turns brown, so make this as close to serving time as possible, or add lime and plastic wrap pressed directly to surface of avocado.
Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa Recipe
Sweet and spicy with a hit of lime, this cranberry jalapeño salsa is an absolute winner! Takes only 10 minutes!
Serve over a block of cream cheese with a pile of crackers next to it!
Watermelon Mango Salsa
Sweet and spicy Watermelon Mango Salsa with lime and jalapeños! Serve with chips or over grilled chicken or fish!
Perfect for summer and can be made the same day.
Finger Foods and Snacks
Baked wonton chips
These baked wonton wrapper chips are so easy to make! Coat in oil, bake about 10 minutes and you’ve got the perfect chip to go with your favorite dips.
They’re much easier and cheaper than I thought they’d be to make. Serve with crab rangoon dip.
Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe
Only two ingredients in these Grape Jelly Meatballs! Grape jelly and chili sauce simmered with meatballs make an amazing combination!
Uses a slow cooker making it easy to serve at parties.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Appetizer Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies with brown sugar are an easy sheet pan appetizer that disappear off the plate before you know it! My teenagers LOVE these and we often times make a double batch. Bacon is ALWAYS a winner!
Easy Bruschetta Recipe
Easy Bruschetta recipe is a tasty appetizer made with tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil and other flavorful ingredients. Serve on toasted baguette slices.
Can be made ahead but toast and top right before serving.
Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites
These homemade soft pretzel bites are so good! They take a little more work, so I typically save these for special occasions.
Serve warm with cheese sauce or mustard. Trust me when I say the extra effort is worth it!
Spicy Ranch Pretzels (Dot’s Homestyle Copycat)
Easy to make with only a few ingredients, these Spicy Ranch Pretzels are the perfect combination of salty, a little sweet and have just the right amount of spice! Great for a Super Bowl party and can be made ahead.
Store in airtight container and they’ll last several days. Crunchy and addictively delicious.
My goldendoodle, Gigi, will circle the container hoping I’ll give her one. They’re that good!
I promise, there will NEVER be leftovers when you make any of these – they’re that good!
Super Bowl parties, or any kind of get-together really, aren’t complete without a few easy-to-make appetizers. Serve these party-favorite dips alongside some easy-to-make sliders and deviled eggs and you’ll be the hostess with the mostess.
PS, these appetizer recipes are ones I’ve made and/or will make again. They’re a handful of the MANY crowd-pleasers I’ve shared over the years on the blog.
You’ll find others featured throughout the site.