Even going back to my college days, my friends and family could always count on me to bring a good appetizer (often one of my famous party dips) to any gathering on our calendars. And I still pride myself on making appetizers that are delicious but still nutritious, featuring real-food ingredients. These are my appetizer recipes that are always most loved and disappear fast!
The Best Bean Dip
Everyone loves this bean dip. It’s fast to make and so flavorful, and usually one of the first appetizers to disappear at a party. Serve it with chips and veggies for dipping and use it as a filling for burritos and tacos, or for layering into nachos.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Whipped Feta Dip With Roasted Olives
This dip looks like it’s right out of the pages of a magazine, and it will be the star of any gathering. It’s so easy to make in just a few simple steps. Serve it with a variety of crackers, pita chips, and fresh veggies for dipping.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These crispy air fryer wings are perfect for game days, potlucks, and get-togethers with friends and family. They’re super simple to make and always a favorite party snack. The secret to getting the extra crispy exterior is a common pantry staple: baking powder!
Egg Free | Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
Made with whipped cottage cheese, whole cranberries, fresh jalapeños, honey, bacon, and green onions, this easy holiday dip is sweet, savory, and tangy. It’s always a hit at parties, especially when served with cornbread crisps or small cranberry crostinis.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Jalapeño Popper Dip
For this recipe, I reimagined one of the most popular appetizers: jalapeno poppers. And I turned those ingredients into a simple dip made with simple, real-food ingredients, including Greek yogurt. It’s full of flavor, a crowd-pleaser, and can be paired with a variety of dippers.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Crockpot Birria Tacos
This simplified version of birria tacos is made in the crockpot and calls for easy-to-find spices, plus jarred salsa, and dried chiles. The cooking liquid turns into a delicious dipping sauce for the iconic crispy, cheesy tacos that you see on so many restaurant and food truck menus. For a party, make a batch on a griddle to get that classic crispy cheese exterior.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Creamy, delicious, and made easy in the slow cooker, this dairy-free buffalo chicken dip is an appetizer I like to set out for all to enjoy. It has the perfect amount of kick and no one ever misses the dairy. I love adding this dip to a holiday party menu or serving it as a tasty game-day snack.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
This delicious shrimp appetizer reminds everyone of the crispy bang bang shrimp made famous at Bonefish Grill restaurants. But this healthy appetizer version is not deep-fried, however, and can be made easily in the air fryer or oven.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip
I like to make this delicious high-protein cottage cheese dip in just minutes when I need something fast. It’s rich, tangy, and creamy, and makes a nutritious high-protein alternative to ranch dip for a nutritious veggie snack dip or appetizer for game days and parties.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Greek Hummus Dip
Made with layers of hummus, tzatziki-style yogurt dip, and delicious fresh ingredients, this Greek hummus dip is incredibly flavorful and one of my most popular healthy appetizer recipes. It features all healthy, real food ingredients and always leaves others asking me for the recipe.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
These buffalo cauliflower bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with tangy buffalo flavor. I make them in the air fryer most often, but they also can be made in the oven. They’re the perfect healthy snack for every occasion from holiday parties to game days.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Vegetarian
Chili Rosemary Roasted Nuts
Here’s a simple recipe that makes a great option to set out for parties and also make as a food gift or party favor. The mixed nuts get tossed in chili powder, cumin, tangy lime juice, and fresh rosemary. Then, I roasted them to perfection to make an irresistible, crunchy, and flavorful savory snack.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegan | Vegetarian | Paleo
Avocado Salsa
This quick and easy homemade salsa recipe is sweet, savory, and spicy, and comes together in 15 minutes. It’s both crunchy and creamy, and makes a fabulous appetizer or snack that I serve with whole grain tortilla chips and cut-up veggies.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegan | Vegetarian | Paleo
Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets
Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, these homemade baked nuggets are so delicious and simple to make. I like to add these to the menu, especially when I know it will be a gathering with kids. My kiddos always reach for these and dunk them in this honey mustard sauce.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Homemade Guacamole
I’ve been making this guacamole recipe for decades now and it’s often requested by my family. This Mexican-inspired healthy appetizer is on the chunky side, perfect for dunking veggies and whole grain tortilla chips. Customize it even further by stirring in salsa, black beans, corn, or jalapeño peppers.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Vegan | Vegetarian
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
A simple, quick, and delicious way to cook salmon, this air fryer method results in salmon pieces that are crispy on the outside and perfectly tender and buttery on the inside – even more flavorful than smoked salmon. A fun alternative to seafood appetizers like shrimp cocktail, these high-protein low-carb salmon bites are perfect for dipping.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
This super fresh salsa is one I make on repeat. It features an easy homemade chili-lime vinaigrette that gets drizzled over fresh ingredients for the most fresh-smelling and tasting dip. Serve it with tortilla chips for dipping or as a topping for tacos, burritos, fajitas, or grilled chicken breast or shrimp.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Pepperoni Pizza Muffins
These savory pizza muffins are a delicious and portable way to enjoy those Italian flavors. I make them as a snack option or addition to a party table for my kids’ birthday parties and also game days. Feel free to swap in favorite pizza toppings and veggies or drizzle with pesto.
Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Layered Shawarma Dip
This fresh Mediterranean layered dip has all the flavors of beloved shawarma in a delicious and healthy appetizer that everyone always loves. Whenever I serve it, it’s always the talk of the table. Plus I can easily assemble it in less than 10 minutes, adding the crispy chickpeas just before serving.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Healthy Deviled Eggs
These healthy deviled eggs feature the same rich, creamy flavor that everyone knows and loves. But I make them with wholesome ingredients, including Greek yogurt for a boost of protein.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Burrata Toast with Sautéed Mushrooms
This looks so fancy, but it’s an easy and decadent appetizer that’s perfect for holidays and gatherings. I love to serve the warm sautéed mushrooms over creamy burrata toasts for a savory appetizer that really impresses the taste buds.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Vegetarian
Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings
One simple ingredient gives these oven-baked wings the crispy skin I love without the need for frying. I toss them with the 5-ingredient buffalo sauce just before serving so they stay extra crispy.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Tender pork meatballs combine with a homemade sweet and sour sauce for an easy and delicious appetizer for parties. For a recipe that comes together even faster, I prep the meatballs ahead of time, then serve them in a slower cooker on the Warm setting.
Egg Free | Dairy Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Easy Skillet Bruschetta with Burrata
A simple and elevated take on bruschetta, this healthy appetizer layers creamy burrata (or sub cream cheese) over skillet toasted bread. Then, a delicious sautéed tomato topping adds savory, sweet, and salty notes. For a caprese-style finish, drizzle them with reduced balsamic before serving.
Egg Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Honey Whipped Goat Cheese Dip with Pomegranate
This fancy-looking party dip is great for holiday gatherings. I whip goat cheese and cream cheese with honey, then spread it in a small serving dish and top it with fresh pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme. I serve it with crackers and add a drizzle of pure honey just before serving.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Vegetarian
Baked Carrot Fries
To get more veggies into a party spread, I like to serve these oven-baked carrot fries. When roasted, they get perfectly crisped outer edges and still have tender sweetness at the center. Seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme, these veggies disappear so fast.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Vegetarian
Warm Tuscan White Bean Dip
A fun take on traditional bean dip, this one has a base of white beans and Mediterranean style additions, including sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, and garlic. It makes a classy addition to a charcuterie board. I always serve it warm and finish it with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegan | Vegetarian
Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos
A fun and different take on traditional nachos, I top crunchy sweet potato chips with chicken taco meat and a variety of toppings. I usually add shredded cheese and guacamole, or use up random things from my fridge.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Easy Homemade Garlic Hummus
I start with a can of chickpeas and some fresh squeezed lemon juice. Then all I need is a few more pantry staples and spices to make the best homemade hummus recipe. It comes together in just 5 minutes and with just 5 ingredients. I serve it warm with pita chips, veggies, and crostinis for dipping.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegan | Vegetarian
Air Fryer Zucchini
I toss thick-cut pieces of zucchini with Parmesan cheese and some simple everyday seasonings. Then I cook them in the air fryer until they’re crispy around the edges and tender in the center. These make an unexpected addition to a party spread that’s loved by kids and adults.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
7 Layer Dip
With this recipe, a favorite party dip gets a dairy-free makeover with some easy swaps. I layer guacamole, salsa, and dairy-free plain yogurt over refried beans, then add fresh toppings of tomatoes, green onions, and bell peppers before adding a drizzle of dairy-free queso. My friends who eat dairy-free are always so appreciative that I consider them when making my appetizer plan.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Vegetarian | Vegan
Easy Baked Tacos
When making tacos for a crowd, this is the way to do it. Jessie served dishes full of these baked tacos for her daughter’s Dragons Love Tacos party, and they were a hit. Guests can grab a warm taco and add any desired toppings.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Air Fryer Artichokes with Feta Yogurt Dip
When I’m having friends over for a sit-down meal, this is one of my favorite starters or side dishes. I make artichokes in the air fryer and serve them warm with a delicious feta yogurt dip. It’s always a nice warm up to the rest of the meal. To streamline things, I make the dip a few days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Vegetarian
Chicken Tikka Masala Skewers
These skewers are so flavorful and always get my guests talking. I soak the chicken strips in a yogurt-based marinade for 30 minutes before sliding the chicken onto skewers. During that time, I make the cilantro-lime dipping sauce. Then, I finish by grilling the skewers and setting them out as a healthy appetizer that always gets the party started.
Egg Free | Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo
Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms
I’ve always loved stuffed mushrooms as a savory appetizer option. These mushrooms feature a stuffing of warm sauteed veggies and chorizo, which is so flavorful. I like to add these to a charcuterie board and watch them disappear so fast.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo
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