29 Appetizers That Totally Upstage The Main Course

These aren’t just appetizers—they’re full-blown scene-stealers. 29 recipes make that first round of food the most exciting part of the meal. Crispy, creamy, or straight-up addictive, there’s something for everyone. And if no one makes it to the main course? That just means you did it right.

Loaded Potato Skins

Potatoes aren’t just filler—they’re the foundation for something great. When you take crispy skins and add cheese, bacon, and a dollop of sour cream, you’ve got yourself a party on a plate. Loaded Potato Skins aren’t just an appetizer; they’re a declaration that you’ve arrived at flavor town.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

7 Layer Dip

If you’ve ever wanted a dish that combines layers of joy, look no further. With beans, cheese, sour cream, and a few other goodies layered one on top of another, 7 Layer Dip is essentially a fiesta in a bowl. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes you think twice about saving room for dinner.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Ever thought jalapeños could be the star of the show? Wrap them up with some cheese and dough, and you’ve got Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels, a spicy twist that spins circles around ordinary appetizers. They’re bite-sized, making it impossible to stop at just one.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Avocado Toast

Brunch’s favorite child isn’t just for mornings. Topped with a perfectly ripe avocado and a sprinkle of seasoning, Avocado Toast becomes an appetizer that’s simple yet sophisticated. It’s the proof that sometimes, less is indeed more. This dish invites your palate to enjoy the creamy, rich flavors before diving into more complex main courses.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Imagine biting into a little piece of sunshine, regardless of the calendar. Tomatoes, basil, and cheese find their home in a flaky crust to bring you Caprese Pesto Tarts. These small delights are a testament to the beauty of simplicity in food. They make you pause and appreciate the flavors of each ingredient, setting a high bar for what’s next.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Ham and Swiss Sliders

Sometimes, the best flavors are found in the classics. With Ham and Swiss Sliders, you get the timeless taste of ham and cheese, but with a twist that makes them irresistible. They’re the perfect size for snacking but pack a punch in terms of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Swiss Sliders

Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Who knew salad could dress up so adorably? These Taco Salad Cups are like mini fiestas you can hold in your hand, combining all the taco flavors you love without the mess. They’re a playful take on the traditional way to taco, making each bite a crunchy, tasty delight. It turns out, salad can be the life of the party too.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Party Crostini

It’s like the canvas of appetizers, where the possibilities are endless. Party Crostini offers a base for an array of toppings, each little toast delivering its own unique story. Whether you go for something sweet, tasty, or somewhere in between, this dish celebrates variety in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Party Crostini

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Have you ever thought, “I wish this bacon wrapped around something delicious”? That’s where Smoky Bacon Pig Shots come into play. With tasty fillings surrounded by bacon’s irresistible embrace, they make a statement that’s hard to ignore.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Queso Dip

Here’s to the underrated hero of casual dining and game nights. Queso Dip transforms any gathering into a cheesy adventure, inviting everyone to dip into its melty goodness. It’s not just a dip; it’s a communal experience, bringing people together one chip at a time.
Get the Recipe: Queso Dip

Maryland Crab Cake

If the sea had a taste, it would surely resemble something like a Maryland Crab Cake. Lump crab meat takes center stage, bringing a bit of oceanic flair to your appetizer spread. This dish is all about indulging the delicate, sweet flavors that only the sea can offer.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake

Steak Fajita Nacho

Imagine all the flavors of a sizzling fajita scattered over crunchy nachos. Steak Fajita Nacho takes two beloved foods and combine them for a mouthwatering experience. Every bite is a mix of tender steak, peppers, and melted cheese, layered over chips that offer that rewarding crunch.
Get the Recipe: Steak Fajita Nacho

Brats in a Blanket

Take the cozy concept of pigs in a blanket, but imagine it with a hearty twist. Brats in a Blanket enhance the familiar snack by substituting bratwursts, adding a robust flavor profile. They’re a testament to the joy of small bites that pack a big taste.
Get the Recipe: Brats in a Blanket

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Ever wish you could capture the essence of a Philly cheesesteak in a bite-sized form? Philly Cheesesteak Sliders do just that, combining tender meat, cheese, and onions in a mini sandwich that’s bursting with flavor. These sliders are a nod to the beloved classic, wrapped up in a way that’s perfect for sharing (or not).
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Caprese Skewers

Imagine the bright flavors of a caprese salad, but on a stick. Caprese Skewers thread tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella together, offering a fresh and light start. Each skewer is a mini celebration of texture and taste, bringing a bit of Italian flair to your meal. They’re a reminder that sometimes, the simplest ideas are the most genius.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Skewers

Italian Pasta with Salami

Who said pasta couldn’t be an appetizer? Tossed with salami and a handful of other flavorful companions, Italian Pasta with Salami turns the idea of a first course on its head. This dish is all about bold flavors, meeting you at the door and inviting you into a world of hearty, comforting tastes.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Deviled Eggs

A classic that refuses to go out of style, Deviled Eggs offer a creamy, tangy start to any dining experience. Each half is a little capsule of joy, proving that old favorites can still stand out in a sea of modern appetizers. They’re the perfect balance of simple and sophisticated, making them a welcome addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Guacamole

Is there anything more universally loved as an appetizer than Guacamole? Fresh, creamy, and with just the right amount of zing, it’s a versatile partner to chips, veggies, and even grilled meats. This dish is a gathering in itself, drawing people together over a shared bowl.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

French Onion Dip

If you thought onions were just a side note, French Onion Dip is here to change your mind. It’s a creamy, tasty blend that turns the humble onion into the star of the show. This dip proves that great flavor is all about balance and can make you fall in love with an ingredient all over again.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest impact. With Mini Hasselback Potatoes, you get all the crispy, tasty goodness of their full-sized counterparts, but in a bite-sized package. They’re a playful take on traditional roasted potatoes, offering up layers of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Garlic Aioli

Not just any condiment, Garlic Aioli brings a rich, garlicky kick to any appetizer spread. It’s the perfect pairing for everything from veggies to seafood, elevating simple dishes to new heights. This sauce is a testament to the power of garlic, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

Cheeseburger Sliders

Condensing all the joy of a cheeseburger into a few perfect bites, Cheeseburger Sliders are a dream come true for meat lovers. They capture the essence of backyard grilling, no matter the time of year. Each mini burger is a complete world of flavor, from the juicy meat to the melty cheese and all the classic fixings.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders

Grilled Veggie Kebobs

Bringing a pop of color and a burst of flavor to the table, Grilled Veggie Kebobs are a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Charred to perfection, they showcase the natural sweetness and flavorfulness of fresh vegetables. This dish is a vibrant start to any meal, offering a guilt-free invitation to indulge in something deliciously healthy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kebobs

Italian Sliders

Imagine all the bold flavors of Italy packed into a small, irresistible sandwich. Italian Sliders are a bite-sized trip to the Italian countryside, featuring layers of meat, cheese, and other delectable elements. They’re the kind of appetizer that makes you want to slow down and enjoy each bite, inviting you into an old world of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Jalapeno Poppers

For those who enjoy a little adventure, Jalapeno Poppers are a spicy ticket to flavor town. They combine heat, cheese, and a crispy coating in a way that’s just explosive. These poppers are a bold beginning, daring you to take the plunge into more adventurous dishes to come. It’s a spicy start that sets a playful tone for the meal ahead.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Poppers

Mini Tacos

Who doesn’t love tacos? Shrink them down, and Mini Tacos become an adorable, yet fiercely flavorful, way to start a meal. Each mini taco is a promise of the big, bold flavors packed into a small shell, ready to be devoured in a single bite. It’s like a fiesta on a plate, inviting you to enjoy the vibrant and diverse world of taco fillings before the main course even arrives.
Get the Recipe: Mini Tacos

Rotel Dip

If you’re in the mood for something warm, cheesy, and slightly spicy, Rotel Dip has got you covered. It combines tomatoes, chilies, and melty cheese for a dip that’s hard to resist. This dish is perfect for sharing, creating moments of connection over a shared bowl. It’s the ultimate comfort food appetizer, setting a cozy and welcoming tone for the meal to follow.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip

Tzatziki

For a refreshing start, Tzatziki offers a cool, creamy dip with a dashing hint of garlic and dill. It’s a light and healthful choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor, pairing beautifully with everything from bread to grilled meats. This dish is a mini vacation to the Mediterranean, inviting your palate to enjoy the simple pleasures.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki

Garlic Bread

Is there a more heartwarming way to begin a meal than with Garlic Bread? This appetizer is a universally beloved classic, offering the perfect blend of buttery, garlicky goodness. It’s the comfort food of starters, warming up the meal and setting a homely tone.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread