50 Appetizers for a Crowd That Are Easy, Tasty and Unexpected

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly

Whether it’s a barbecue, movie night or brunch, these adorable bites will undoubtedly be a hit. Serve them with maple syrup and hot sauce for dipping and watch them disappear in a flash.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly

Deviled eggs are always a crowd-pleaser, but the addition of buttery avocado makes the filling extra smooth and rich. In order to dress them up for the party, finish them with chives to add a little something that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, vegan, beginner-friendly

These aren’t just any old bar nuts. They’re tossed in a mix of spices and herbs before roasting, making them completely irresistible. Even better, you can use whatever nuts suit your fancy, like walnuts, pecans, almonds or cashews. Feel like adding pistachios? Go for it. 

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

Name a better combination than Buffalo and ranch dressing (OK, fine, or blue cheese.) Any vinegary, lip-smackingly tangy hot sauce works, but we're partial to Frank's and Crystal.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

These handhelds are like bite-sized charcuterie boards, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make a full batch. What’s not to love? Plus, you can sub pesto for tomato sauce and veggies for soppressata if you'd prefer.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

If your idea of a cheese ball is straight out of 1975, this recipe will convert you. The secret to modernizing this old-school app? A trio of unexpected toppings, including everything bagel seasoning, lemon zest and dill and pomegranate arils.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients

They’re just like mozzarella sticks, but smaller, meaning you can eat more of them in a sitting than the O.G. Serve them with marinara sauce, pesto, Alfredo sauce or even ketchup for the picky eaters.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients

We’re artichoke dip fans through and through. Add puff pastry and we’re positively swooning. They’ve got the same cheesy goodness as the retro dip, minus the need for crackers or chips. Spring for freshly grated Parm to finish them.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients

In a room full of store-bought crackers and cheese, be a homemade cranberry-sauce-and-Brie-topped gem of pie crust. The rosemary garnish is decidedly seasonal, if we do say so ourselves.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients

Once again, cheese proves itself to be a no-brainer dinner party snack. These bites are creamy, salty, crispy and a little bit sweet (and the ultimate pairing for a glass of white wine). Bake them until they're molten and golden brown.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: gluten free, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients

Behold, the cutest crudités you’ve ever seen. Aside from roasting the Brussels sprouts, they take about five minutes to put together (they're stuffed with prosciutto, pearl mozz and tomato, BTW) and even less time to be gobbled up.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients

No one will even suspect that you used store-bought puff pastry for these sweet-and-savory beauties. (You might want to make a second batch—the first won't last long.)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, make ahead, vegetarian, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients

Sour cream, guacamole and salsa in every bite? Pass the tortillas chips, please. Make it vegan by using plant-based sour cream and non-dairy shredded cheese...nobody will mind, promise.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: make ahead, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients

How many appetizer recipes can you name that require only three ingredients? Add this one to the short list. Serve them warm or at room temperature; they'll be a hit either way.

• Time Commitment: 55 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly, vegetarian

If you want something fancier than cheese dip but equally low-effort, reach for these unexpected dippers instead. They’re practically foolproof. And the hot jelly pepper dip? That's plain genius.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly, gluten free

Finally, we have definitive proof that the ultimate party app is one part green vegetable, one part crispy pork. Roasting the sprouts on a baking sheet guarantees a crispy texture, minus the smoke of pan-frying bacon.

• Time Commitment: 3 hours and 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly, vegetarian

Each bite has layers of buttery dough and creamy filling. Brush the baked masterpiece with butter the moment it comes out of the oven (salted butter is best) and serve it immediately. Then, let the oohs and ahhs roll in.

• Time Commitment: 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegan, gluten free, Whole30-approved

If you’re going to serve crudités, up the ante with this stunning monochromatic board. This spread will take any dip from blah to brilliant. P.S.: The only parts that actually require cooking are the broccoli and green beans.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, gluten free

A traditional cheese plate is always a good idea, but why not switch it up with this drop-dead gorgeous fruicuterie display that's totally meat-free? Not only is it tasty and visually stunning, but it’s also a classy way to mind the vegetarians in the room.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy

Onion rings better watch out: These easy, elegant squash bites are certain to steal the show. And about that dipping sauce: It’s just three ingredients, plus salt and pepper.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, vegetarian, <10 ingredients

Say hello to the snazziest way to serve pizza at your next get-together. The cheese is stuffed inside and the sauce is swirled around the exterior for an impressive presentation.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, kid-friendly, vegan, <10 ingredients

Fans of chunky guac, this one goes out to you. Spicy, zesty and sweet, it's just the update your tortilla chips are looking for. Just make sure you roast everything until it's all evenly charred for the delicious smoky taste you seek.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, kid-friendly, vegetarian, make ahead

You’re 15 minutes away from an Instagrammable appetizer. Heirloom tomatoes not in season? Not a problem—swap them out for cherry tomatoes or a hardier roasted winter vegetable, like sweet potato or carrot. Just make sure that ricotta is fresh AF.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: gluten free, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly

The beauty of these guys—which taste like the deliciously crispy parts of cornbread—is that the toppings can be customized to your heart’s desire. Don't like Brussels sprouts? Swap 'em for spinach, marinated artichokes or tomatoes.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, <30 minutes

These are like the jalapeño pepper’s hip and trendy younger sibling. They also take less than 30 minutes and only four ingredients to make, hint hint.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, gluten free (optional), beginner-friendly

If you’ve never had roasted grapes before, you’re in for a treat. They’re tossed with salt, pepper and fresh herbs and come out of the oven like no salty-sweet snack you’ve had before. Add cheese and bread and you've got a game-changing app.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, gluten free (optional), kid-friendly

If elote and deviled eggs had a very delicious baby, it would be this party-ready take on the original. To make them gluten free, just leave out the Worcestershire sauce.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients

Introducing the vegetarian version of everyone’s nostalgic childhood favorite. Serve these with green goddess dressing and you may never go back to the original. (Even your kid won't miss the hot dogs.)

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, kid-friendly

Herb-kissed pita? Check. All your favorite Mediterranean small bites? Check. Not one, but two dips? Yep, all seems in order. Swap ingredients out (or in) if you aren't a fan of anything; this spread is endlessly riffable.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, vegetarian

Some appetizers just never get old. Serve these poppables hot or at room temperature—and definitely leave out hot sauce, barbecue sauce and ketchup for the dippers in your crew. Either way, they’ll be gone in 30 seconds flat.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, vegan (optional), <10 ingredients

We love a sneaky vegetable snack, especially when it’s doused in hot sauce and paired with a dipping sauce. (We’re partial to ranch.) You can also shake things up by subbing the hot sauce for garlic-Parmesan, lemon-pepper seasoning or Thai chili sauce.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: gluten free, Paleo, vegetarian (optional)

Swap the usual toasted bread for thinly sliced roasted sweet spuds, then go wild with toppings. Choose between the vegetarian cranberries and almonds and smoked salmon, or have both. (We suggest the latter.)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly

They’re irresistibly sweet and salty, not to mention a breeze to whip up. After cooking the bacon you'll want to leave some bacon fat in the pan for when you cook up the figs. Save yourself the dilemma and make a second batch, trust.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegan, gluten free, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly

This platter is so pretty, we might just have a crush on it. Our advice? If you use store-bought roasted peppers for the sauce, you’ll cut the cook time down significantly.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegan, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly

The only thing tastier than cheesy, creamy risotto is cheesy, creamy risotto that’s been fried until crispy. Even the non-vegans in the room will devour them, thanks to plant-based mozzarella. Serve with fresh tomato sauce.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly

Pick and choose your favorite Italian cold cuts—we like prosciutto and Genoa salami, but the choice is yours. Whatever you decide, don’t forget the pepperoncini.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy

They’re fancy, homemade chicken nuggets. Need we say more? Ensure peak crispiness by fully coating each bite in a generous amount of batter and not crowding the pan when you fry them.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: gluten free, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy

Bacon as an appetizer? You bet—especially when it’s this sticky, sweet-and-savory candied version. You’re going to want extra napkins for this one.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

Two things everyone loves: pizza and miniature foods. Voilà: This foolproof appetizer fits the bill. Use store-bought pizza dough and your guests will be none the wiser.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

You’re 20 minutes and two steps from chip-and-dip heaven. Placing the skillet under the broiler beautifully browns the cheese on top of the bean dip—it'll only take about four minutes.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy

Spiked with wine and finished with plant-based meat, this cheese dip is like a souped-up Mexican spin on fondue. If you can’t find Real del Castillo cheese near you, raclette, Oaxaca and Monterey Jack are all fine substitutes.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

Nope, this isn't Outback—it's way better. Don't skip out on making the punchy homemade aioli; it's totally worth the extra effort, we promise.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, sheet pan recipe

We love nothing more than a recipe that only dirties a single sheet pan...and your guests will be more than happy to eat straight off of it. Though the recipe calls for the usual suspects like cheese, sour cream and salsa, we suggest adding quick-pickled onions, sliced avocado and ground chorizo too.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

Just like nonna used to make. You can use vegetable or peanut oil for frying...just remember to drain each bite on paper towels after they come out of the fryer.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, low sugar

Quick-cooking, savory and fun to eat...sounds like a dream to us. The smoked paprika is an optional addition to the seasoning, but we wouldn't skip it if we were you.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, make ahead

Tiny tacos aren't the only thing you can make with these four-ingredient beauties. You can whip up taquitos, mini quesadillas, teeny-tiny pizzas—the possibilities are endless.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, make ahead

Bring the ocean to your party with these picturesque lobster rolls. Toast the buns until golden brown, load 'em up with lobster salad and top it all with chives for a clean presentation.

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, kid-friendly

Who said dessert has to come after the meal? To safely consume the raw flour in the cake mix, microwave it on high in 30-second intervals until it reaches 165°F. Thank us later, friend.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: keto, gluten free, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

You don't have to be on the keto diet to enjoy these protein-packed bites—but they are fair game. The toothpick keeps all the toppings in place, so feel free to use cute, festive ones for your party.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, gluten free

Who doesn't love ooey-gooey melted cheese? The earthy cheese, sweet figs, fresh citrus and crunchy nuts makes this the perfect starter for any holiday dinner. A rosemary garnish would make it extra festive.