27 Simple Appetizers That Will Make You Look Like a Pro

This content may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our disclosure policy.

Appetizers set the tone for any gathering, but that doesn’t mean they have to be complicated. I love having a few go-to recipes that come together fast but still impress everyone at the table. These simple appetizers make it easy to pull off a spread that looks and tastes amazing without spending all day in the kitchen.

Beer Cheese

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

This smooth, cheese-filled dip comes together quickly and pairs well with soft pretzels or crunchy vegetables. It’s a great choice when you need a quick appetizer that still feels special. The combination of sharp cheese and beer creates a rich, bold flavor that stands out on any snack table. This recipe is as simple as it gets, but it’s always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese

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.

Everything you love about a BLT, turned into a creamy, scoopable appetizer. Crisp bacon, fresh tomatoes, and a smooth base make this dip easy to serve with crackers or bread. It’s an easy way to impress guests without putting in much effort. This one belongs in any rotation when you need a stress-free option that works every time.
Get the Recipe: BLT Dip

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.

Fresh mango, onions, and a touch of spice make this salsa a bright and easy appetizer that works with chips or grilled meat. It’s a great way to add something light and refreshing to the table without extra work. With just a few ingredients, it delivers a mix of sweet and savory flavors that balance well. This is the kind of recipe that makes it look like you put in more effort than you actually did.
Get the Recipe: Mango Salsa

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This dip has all the bold flavors of buffalo wings without the mess. It’s a go-to for game nights or casual gatherings when you need something fast but impressive. The creamy, spicy mix pairs perfectly with chips, celery, or even toasted bread. If you need an appetizer that always disappears first, this one should be on your list.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

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.

Juicy shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon make this a simple yet impressive appetizer. It’s quick to prepare and works just as well for casual get-togethers as it does for something more special. The combination of smoky bacon and tender shrimp is hard to beat. This is one of those appetizers that looks restaurant-quality without all the effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

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.

These wings come out crispy on the outside and packed with lemony, peppery flavor. They’re a great alternative to traditional buffalo wings, offering something bold without being too spicy. Whether baked or air-fried, they’re quick to make and easy to serve. Wings are always a hit, and this version makes it simple to bring something different to the table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

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 snacks are a guaranteed hit, made even better with the crispiness of bacon. They require minimal prep, making them an easy choice for any gathering. The combination of sweet and smoky flavors makes them hard to resist. If you need an appetizer that disappears fast, this one will do the job.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

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.

These drumettes are not only fun to eat but also easy to make. They cook up with a crispy, flavorful exterior while staying juicy inside. They look impressive on a serving platter, yet require little effort to prepare. This is the kind of appetizer that makes it seem like you spent way more time in the kitchen than you actually did.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

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

Light, crunchy, and ready in minutes, these shrimp are perfect for dipping. The panko coating gives them a crisp texture that works well with cocktail sauce or a spicy dip. They’re a great choice when you need something easy but restaurant-worthy. This recipe proves that simple techniques can still lead to impressive results.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

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, creamy dip takes the flavors of classic crab rangoon and makes them easier to serve. It’s great for spreading on crackers or dipping with wonton chips. With a rich mix of crab, cream cheese, and seasonings, it feels like a step up from the usual dips. This is an easy way to bring something different to the appetizer spread without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

These onion rings take things up a notch by adding crispy bacon to the mix. They’re a great way to serve a familiar snack with a little extra something. With their crunchy, smoky flavor, they hold up well as a fun finger food. This is the kind of appetizer that keeps people coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

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 packed with seasoned beef and melted cheese, making them a quick and filling appetizer. They come together fast and are easy to slice into shareable pieces. Whether served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, they offer plenty of options for dipping. This is one of those recipes that always works, no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

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 fresh, no-cook bites bring together juicy shrimp and crisp cucumber for a light and refreshing option. They’re perfect when you need something that looks elegant but takes minimal effort. A little seasoning and a simple topping make them feel more special. This is a great way to balance out heavier appetizers without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Crab Melt

This open-faced appetizer combines lump crab with a creamy topping, finished under the broiler until golden brown. It’s a warm, easy-to-make option that feels like something you’d get at a seafood restaurant. The balance of creamy and crispy makes it a strong addition to any appetizer lineup. When you need something that looks impressive but doesn’t take much work, this one delivers.
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.

This garlic bread comes out crispy on the edges and soft in the middle, with plenty of buttery, garlicky flavor. It’s a fast and easy way to serve a warm appetizer without much effort. Whether paired with pasta or served on its own, it’s always a hit. This is one of those recipes that feels homemade but requires barely any time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

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 cook up tender and flavorful, making them perfect for dipping or adding to other dishes. They come together quickly and can be prepped ahead of time for easy serving. Whether paired with a sauce or eaten on their own, they work for casual or more formal gatherings. This is a simple way to serve something hearty without a lot of prep.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

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

Sweet pineapple wrapped in crispy bacon creates a mix of flavors that stands out on any appetizer tray. The air fryer makes them quick to prepare, giving you an easy way to serve something unique. These bite-sized snacks have the perfect balance of sweet and smoky. This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can turn into something unexpectedly good.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

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.

These bite-sized chicken pieces stay juicy inside while the bacon crisps up perfectly around them. They’re quick to assemble and cook, making them a great option when time is short. With just a few ingredients, they bring plenty of flavor without much effort. If you need an appetizer that’s both easy and impressive, this one checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

These salmon bites are wrapped in bacon for a crispy, flavorful twist on a seafood appetizer. They cook quickly, making them a great choice when you want something a little different without extra work. The combination of rich salmon and smoky bacon works well with a variety of dipping sauces. This is a simple way to serve seafood in a way that feels special but requires little effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon 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 mini puff pastry bites combine creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce for an easy yet elegant appetizer. They bake up golden and flaky, giving you a warm and rich bite-sized option. They’re great for the holidays or any gathering when you want to bring something simple but impressive. This recipe is a perfect example of how a few ingredients can go a long way.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

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 mini sliders are easy to put together and packed with flavor. Whether filled with ham and cheese, roast beef, or pulled chicken, they come out warm, melty, and perfect for sharing. The soft rolls soak up just the right amount of seasoning, making every bite worth it. When you need an appetizer that feeds a crowd without extra hassle, these sliders are a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

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 coated in a lightly crispy batter and tossed in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce. They cook quickly and work well as an appetizer or even a main dish. The balance of crunch and bold flavor makes them stand out. This is a simple way to bring a restaurant-style dish to your table without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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

These crispy, golden pasta chips make for a fun and easy snack. They take minimal prep time and pair well with a variety of dips. Whether served at a party or just as a casual appetizer, they add a crunchy twist to any spread. This is a great way to turn a basic ingredient into something that feels new and different.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

These jalapeño poppers cook up with a crispy exterior and a creamy, cheesy center. They’re easy to make in the air fryer, cutting down on mess while keeping all the flavor. Whether served as a game-day snack or a casual appetizer, they bring just the right amount of heat. This is one of those recipes that looks harder than it actually is, making it a great go-to option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

These chicken tenders come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a great finger food. They cook up quickly and work well with a variety of dipping sauces. Whether for a party or a simple snack, they’re always a reliable choice. This recipe proves that homemade tenders can be just as easy as frozen ones—if not easier.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

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

These wings go straight from the freezer to the air fryer, cutting down on prep time. They crisp up perfectly, making them a quick and easy option when you need something fast. Toss them in your favorite sauce or serve them as-is for a no-fuss appetizer. When you need something that works every time with minimal effort, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

Air Fryer Lumpia

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

These crispy Filipino spring rolls are easy to make in the air fryer, cutting out the mess of deep frying. They cook up golden brown and perfectly crunchy, making them great for dipping. Whether served as an appetizer or a snack, they’re always a hit. This recipe makes it simple to bring a classic dish to the table without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia