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20 Appetizers To Make For Your Next Gathering

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When I’m hosting friends or family, I like to keep things simple but still make the food feel special. Appetizers are perfect because they’re easy to share, quick to put together, and always set the tone for the rest of the meal. I’ve pulled together a variety of options that make entertaining less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.

Hand dipping toasted bread into a cheesy baked dip topped with chopped green onions in a cast iron skillet.
Crab Rangoon Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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.

BLT Dip brings together flavors everyone already loves in a simple way that works well when hosting guests. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, so you can focus on other details before people arrive. The creamy texture pairs well with crackers, bread, or veggies, making it versatile for different preferences. This dish fits right into any spread because it’s casual yet still feels special for sharing.
Get the Recipe: BLT Dip

Beer Cheese

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

Beer Cheese is a warm and creamy option that pairs nicely with pretzels, bread, or crunchy vegetables. It’s quick to prepare and keeps people coming back for more during casual gatherings. The texture and flavor are easy to enjoy, making it a good choice when you want something that feels hearty but simple. Serving this gives guests a classic option that’s easy to dip and share.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese

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.

Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders are a filling option that’s easy to make in batches, making them practical for feeding a group. They hold up well on a table and can be served warm or at room temperature. The rolls add a slightly sweet touch that pairs nicely with the savory meatballs. These sliders are a crowd-friendly option that feels comforting and easy to enjoy with friends.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders

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.

Beef Quesadillas come together quickly with just a few ingredients and can be sliced into portions perfect for sharing. They’re simple to cook and reheat, which makes them convenient for gatherings. The crispy exterior with a flavorful filling is always appealing when laid out with other choices. This makes them a practical option for serving when you want something warm and easy to grab.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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

Air Fryer Pasta Chips are a fun twist that adds something crunchy to the table without much effort. They cook quickly and can be paired with a variety of dips. Their unique texture makes them stand out, giving guests something a little different to snack on. This recipe is a smart way to offer something easy yet memorable when people are gathered around.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A hand holding a tortilla chip dipped in creamy Buffalo chicken dip, garnished with slices of green onion.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Buffalo Chicken Dip is warm, cheesy, and hearty, making it a reliable option for casual get-togethers. It can be baked ahead of time and reheated, which keeps hosting stress low. The flavor is bold but still approachable, so it tends to be a crowd favorite. This dip works well for sharing since it pairs with chips, bread, or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Three pieces of bacon-wrapped salmon bites garnished with parsley on a white plate.
Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites combine a rich protein with a crisp exterior, making them feel a little more special than standard finger food. They cook quickly and can be served warm, which is convenient for timing around guests arriving. The bite-sized portions are easy to pick up and enjoy without utensils. This makes them a nice option for balancing out heavier dishes on the table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Crab Melt

Two plates of crab melt with sliced tomatoes and melted cheese, garnished with lemon slices on a white wooden surface.
Crab Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab Melt offers a warm, cheesy bite that feels hearty but not overly heavy. It comes together in just a short amount of time, which makes it practical for entertaining. The topping stays flavorful and appealing even as it cools a bit. Serving this at a gathering gives people a classic seafood option that feels approachable and easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

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.

Air Fryer Garlic Bread is a fast and reliable option when you need something that works well with dips or stands on its own. It cooks in minutes and can be served in small slices for sharing. The buttery flavor with crisp edges is always welcome on the table. It’s a practical recipe that balances out a spread with something simple yet crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

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.

Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites offer a balance of creamy and sweet in a neat, handheld portion. They bake quickly and look appealing, which makes them a standout option for a gathering. The flaky pastry holds everything together in a way that’s easy for guests to enjoy without much mess. These bites bring variety to the table while still being simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Air Fryer Lumpia

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

Air Fryer Lumpia is a crispy finger food that’s easy to make in large batches. Cooking them in the air fryer saves time and keeps cleanup minimal. Their crunchy texture and savory filling make them an easy favorite when set out for sharing. This recipe works well for entertaining because it’s simple, flavorful, and fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a straightforward option that everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults. They cook quickly and stay crisp without much effort. The pieces are easy to dip into sauces, which makes them versatile for different tastes. They’re a solid choice for hosting since they’re simple, familiar, and quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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.

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are a classic option that always gets finished fast at gatherings. They’re simple to prep and can be baked in large trays, making them ideal for feeding a group. The combination of smoky flavor and crisp bacon is familiar and well-liked. These bites are small, easy to eat, and practical for keeping on the table throughout an event.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Turkey Roll Ups

A close-up of a hand holding a turkey roll-up slice.
Turkey Roll Ups. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Turkey Roll Ups are light, quick to assemble, and easy to make ahead of time. They store well in the fridge, which helps if you’re planning ahead for guests. Their simple flavors make them approachable, and they can be sliced into neat portions for sharing. This makes them a smart addition to any gathering where finger foods are needed.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

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.

Shrimp Cucumber Bites combine fresh flavors in a neat, bite-sized portion that’s easy to handle at a gathering. They require minimal cooking and can be assembled quickly. The cool cucumber pairs well with shrimp, keeping the dish light but flavorful. These are a good choice for balancing heavier options on the table with something fresh and easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Crab Rangoon Dip

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

Crab Rangoon Dip is a creamy seafood option that pairs nicely with chips, bread, or vegetables. It’s easy to bake and reheat, making it practical when you’re entertaining. The warm and smooth texture makes it appealing for dipping. This recipe works well for sharing since it brings a familiar flavor to the table in a simple format.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

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

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer offers a mix of sweet and savory flavors in a quick-cooking recipe. The air fryer makes preparation fast with minimal cleanup. The bite-sized pieces are convenient for guests to pick up and enjoy. This option adds variety to the spread and is easy to prepare in batches.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings are crunchy and smoky, giving guests a fun twist on a classic snack. They’re easy to cook in the oven or air fryer and can be served warm or at room temperature. Their size makes them simple to grab and enjoy without utensils. This recipe is practical for gatherings since it’s quick to prepare and unique enough to stand out.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Jalapeño Popper Dip

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

Jalapeño Popper Dip is a warm, cheesy option that brings just the right amount of heat to the table. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and bake when needed. The dip pairs with chips, crackers, or vegetables, giving guests several ways to enjoy it. This makes it a solid choice when you want something flavorful and simple to share.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Dip

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.

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese are crispy on the outside and soft inside, making them a hearty option for sharing. They’re quick to cook in the air fryer and easy to make in batches. The addition of cheese gives them an extra layer of comfort that fits well with other dishes. This recipe is practical because it’s simple, familiar, and easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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