31 Appetizers For Your Next Gathering

When you are hosting a get together, having the right appetizers can make things run smoothly and keep everyone happy while they mingle. Whether it is a casual hangout or a more planned event, bite sized snacks that are easy to prep and share are always a smart choice. This collection brings together simple, crowd friendly recipes that work for all kinds of gatherings with no extra stress, just reliable favorites that get eaten fast.

BLT Dip

A hand holding a loaded potato skin topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and a slice of tomato. — BLT Dip. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This dip brings together crisp bacon, chopped lettuce, and tomato in a creamy base that’s easy to prep in under 15 minutes. It’s a solid pick when you need something crowd-friendly with minimal effort. Served with crackers or toast rounds, it disappears fast during any event. Its simple prep and bold flavors make it a go-to when you want something people will come back to.
Get the Recipe: BLT Dip

Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders

A baking dish filled with meatballs covered in melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley on a white surface. — Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

These small sliders combine juicy meatballs with a slightly sweet roll, perfect for quick assembly. They bake all at once in one dish, which is helpful when you’re short on prep time. They’re a reliable option when you need something filling but easy to serve in batches. These work especially well at casual events where finger foods are appreciated.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders

Beer Cheese

A pretzel bite is being dipped into a bowl of cheese sauce. — Beer Cheese. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This warm dip uses sharp cheese and a splash of beer to create a bold, creamy spread. It pairs easily with soft pretzels or vegetables, and only takes about 15 minutes to pull together. It’s a practical option when you need something that keeps guests circling back to the snack table. Since it holds up well over time, it works well for both short and long gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

These bites combine smoky bacon with rich salmon for a strong flavor contrast in a small package. They bake quickly in under 20 minutes and don’t require much prep work. For events where you want to offer something a little different but still familiar, these fit the bill. They’re also easy to pick up and eat without utensils.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Panko shrimp with dipping sauce. — Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These shrimp use a panko coating to stay crunchy and golden with a quick fry time. They’re easy to make in larger batches and serve with a dipping sauce of your choice. They’re a dependable choice for a gathering where you want a seafood option that feels approachable. Their crisp texture holds up well even after sitting out for a bit.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Chicken Lollipops

A close-up of a hand holding a crispy breaded chicken drumstick, with more drumsticks on a white plate in the background. — Chicken Lollipops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken drumettes shaped into lollipops are both neat to eat and packed with flavor. They work well for events where you want something familiar but still a little dressed up. Prep is simple enough, and they cook evenly with a crispy exterior when baked or fried. Because they’re handheld, guests can enjoy them without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Using an air fryer, these tenders come out golden with less mess and cook in under 15 minutes. They’re an easy win for both kids and adults, especially when served with dipping sauces. For group events, they’re simple to make in batches and stay crisp. This kind of finger food always holds up at informal gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Three bacon-wrapped pieces of chicken on a white plate with a sprig of parsley and a red and white checkered cloth on the side. — Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bite-sized chicken wrapped in bacon gives you something hearty in a single mouthful. They bake fast and need only a few ingredients, which makes them easy to prepare in advance. These are good for group settings where guests want something filling without needing a plate. They go quickly, so making extras is usually smart.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Close-up of a pastry topped with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. — Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These puff pastry bites blend the creaminess of Brie with a tart cranberry note, wrapped in buttery layers. They bake quickly and don’t require much time to assemble. They’re ideal for seasonal events or when you want something with a touch of richness in a small serving. They stay warm for a bit and are easy to pass around.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

A hand holding a bacon-wrapped shrimp dipped in a small bowl of sauce, with a green leaf garnish on the side. — Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This recipe gives you options with either oven or air fryer cooking, both yielding crisp bacon and juicy shrimp. It’s fast to prep and finishes in about 15 minutes. This combo works well when you need a protein-focused appetizer that doesn’t feel too heavy. Since they’re served on toothpicks or small skewers, clean-up is easy.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

Hawaiian Roll Sliders

A close-up image of a platter of ham and cheese slider sandwiches sprinkled with poppy seeds and garnished with chopped herbs. — Hawaiian Roll Sliders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These sliders are baked as a tray of soft rolls filled with meats and cheese, then brushed with a buttery topping. They’re fast to prep and slice cleanly for serving. They hold together well, making them practical for standing and chatting events. It’s a flexible option that works with different fillings depending on what you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Turkey Roll Ups

Made with turkey slices wrapped around cheese or veggies, these are a no-cook choice for last-minute prep. They’re easy to hold, mess-free, and can be made in advance. For gatherings where time is short and variety helps, these are a smart addition. You can make a platter of them in under 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Ground Turkey Meatballs

Three glazed meatballs are arranged in a row on a white plate, each garnished with a stick and a small sprig of parsley. A red checkered cloth and some fresh parsley are in the background. — Ground Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These meatballs are baked rather than fried, so they’re quicker and less messy to prepare. The ground turkey keeps them light, while still being hearty enough for group snacking. They’re easy to skewer or serve in a small bowl with toothpicks. These work well when you want something familiar and filling without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs

Jalapeño Popper Dip

A cast iron skillet filled with a cheesy dip. — Jalapeño Popper Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dip takes the flavor of jalapeño poppers and turns it into something scoopable and warm. It’s fast to make and works well with chips or vegetables. It’s a great fit when you need a bold-flavored dip that can stay warm in a small slow cooker or oven dish. Because of its texture and spice, it stands out on the snack table.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Dip

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Pasta chips in a white bowl. — Air Fryer Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pasta chips crisp up in the air fryer and offer a crunchy option that’s different from standard chips. They’re quick to prep and work well with a variety of dips. They’re a fun way to add texture and variety to a table full of softer appetizers. These are especially handy if you want a snack people can casually munch on.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Crab Rangoon Dip

A person dipping a piece of bread into a skillet of cheesy dip. — Crab Rangoon Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This warm dip pulls the flavor of crab rangoon into a creamy spread, made for sharing. It bakes in one pan and is easy to serve with wonton chips or crackers. For events where you want to offer a seafood option without extra prep, it’s a solid pick. The familiar flavor profile makes it a hit with most guests.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

A plate of jalapeño poppers on a table. — Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Using the air fryer cuts down cook time and cleanup while still giving these poppers a crisp exterior. They’re stuffed with cheese and offer just enough heat to be interesting without being overwhelming. They’re ideal for more casual gatherings or game-day events. Since they’re small and handheld, they disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Mango Salsa

A white bowl filled with diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper salsa is surrounded by tortilla chips. — Mango Salsa. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This fresh salsa uses ripe mangoes for a sweet counter to the sharper notes of onion and lime. It takes less than 15 minutes to mix and can be made ahead of time. It’s a light, refreshing option that goes well with chips or grilled meats. Perfect when you want to add a bit of color and contrast to a heavier table spread.
Get the Recipe: Mango Salsa

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

Air Fryer Chicken Wings on white plate. — Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Starting with frozen wings means less prep, and the air fryer gets them crispy in under 25 minutes. They’re a crowd staple, especially when served with a few dipping sauces. These wings are ideal for informal gatherings where people want something bold and finger-friendly. Cooking from frozen also helps when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Close-up of a garlic bread slice topped with melted cheese and herbs held over a plate. — Air Fryer Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slices of bread crisp up quickly in the air fryer with butter and garlic for a warm, crunchy snack. It’s easy to make in batches and works well as a filler between heavier dishes. For gatherings where timing matters, this option helps keep things moving. Plus, it pairs well with both dips and spreads.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Crab Melt

These open-faced melts combine crab and cheese for a warm, savory bite that works well on baguette slices or small rolls. They’re baked quickly and hold their shape for easy serving. They’re ideal for gatherings where you want something rich that still feels compact and manageable. Because they use just a few ingredients, they’re easy to prep in larger quantities.
Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

A bowl of bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages served on a bed of fresh green herbs. — Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These bite-sized sausages wrapped in bacon are a classic party staple. They take minimal prep and can be baked all at once on a sheet pan. Their size makes them easy to serve with toothpicks, which cuts down on mess. They’re a strong choice when you want something hearty that doesn’t require utensils.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate. — Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These quesadillas are filled with seasoned beef and cheese, then cut into wedges for easy sharing. They cook quickly in a skillet and can be made in advance, then warmed right before serving. For events where you want something familiar and filling, these fit in easily. Their crispy edges and gooey centers make them a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Air Fryer Lumpia

Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Lumpia crisp up fast in the air fryer without extra oil, giving you a crunchy roll in minutes. They’re easy to eat by hand and don’t require dipping, though sauces pair well. These work best when you need something portable and shareable for a casual setup. Since you can cook them from frozen or fresh, they’re flexible with timing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background. — Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These smashed potatoes crisp on the outside while staying soft inside, topped with cheese for extra flavor. They’re baked in the air fryer with little cleanup. For a gathering, they offer a hearty, comforting side that’s easy to serve with small forks or toothpicks. They stay warm well and can be made in batches as needed.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This dip brings the heat and creaminess together in one pan, using shredded chicken and hot sauce. It’s quick to mix and works best baked until bubbly, ready for chips or celery. It’s a reliable option when you’re short on time but want something with bold flavor. Its texture makes it easy to scoop and share.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Three grilled shrimp atop cucumber slices garnished with herbs on a white plate with a red checkered napkin partially in view. — Shrimp Cucumber Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These bites layer shrimp on cucumber slices for a cool, crisp option that feels light but flavorful. They require no cooking and assemble in under 15 minutes. Great for warmer weather events or when you want something that doesn’t need reheating. They’re easy to plate and carry, which helps when guests are moving around.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Wrapping onion rings in bacon gives them a smoky edge and more texture. They bake or grill quickly and come out crisp around the edges. These are a strong pick when you want something that stands out without adding extra complexity. Their unique look also makes them an easy conversation starter at casual events.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Close-up of a hand holding a seasoned chicken wing garnished with fresh herbs, with more pieces on a plate in the background. — Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Coated in a simple lemon pepper blend, these wings roast or air fry with minimal mess and no breading. They’re bold enough to stand on their own without needing sauces. For laid-back gatherings, they’re easy to prep in large batches and hold up well over time. Guests can pick them up easily without extra utensils.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

Bacon wrapped pineapple on a white plate. — Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The combination of sweet pineapple and crisp bacon gives these bites a strong contrast that works well for group snacking. They cook fast in the air fryer and need only two main ingredients. They’re helpful when you want something unexpected but still low-effort. Their small size makes them ideal for any finger food setup.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

Bang Bang Shrimp

Fried shrimp on a plate next to a bowl of sauce. — Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These shrimp are lightly breaded and tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce right before serving. They cook quickly and work well served on a platter or in small cups. For get-togethers, they bring a bit of heat and crunch without needing utensils. They also hold their texture well, making them a dependable pick for group settings.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp