11 Appetizers That Could’ve Won You the Family Cook-Off

Family cook-offs aren’t about being fancy—they’re about showing up with something that gets people talking. These appetizers do just that, without needing a long grocery list or complicated steps. They’re bold, crowd-friendly, and built to win over a room. If you’re bringing one of these to the table, you’re not going home empty-handed.

Baked Butternut Squash Chips recipe — Baked Butternut Squash Chips. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato burrata salad takes 10 minutes and uses fresh tomatoes, burrata cheese, basil, and olive oil. The flavor is creamy, bright, and lightly salty. The burrata melts slightly into the tomatoes for a rich bite. It’s the kind of simple dish that gets attention right off the bat.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

A person holds a chip topped with diced tomatoes, green onions, cheese, and olives, over a bowl filled with the same ingredients. The background is a light-colored countertop. — Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Vegetarian seven layer dip takes 20 minutes and includes beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, olives, and tomatoes. It’s creamy, cool, and a little tangy with every scoop. The layers hold together and look great in a clear dish. It’s a party starter that’s easy to bring and hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Sweet potato fritters take 30 minutes and use shredded sweet potato, onion, and spices, served with a chili-maple dipping sauce. The fritters are crisp on the outside and tender inside. The sauce gives it a bold kick of sweet heat. It’s one of those apps that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

Mushroom savory pastries take about 40 minutes and include mushrooms, onions, herbs, and flaky pastry. The filling is earthy and rich, wrapped in golden crust. Each one is bite-sized and holds up well warm or cooled. They’re small, but they make a strong impression.
Get the Recipe: My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Butternut squash ravioli takes around 90 minutes and features squash, ricotta, herbs, and fresh pasta. The flavor is smooth, slightly sweet, and mellow. It works as a starter served in small portions with butter or sage. It’s the kind of recipe that shows up and gets remembered.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Steamed artichokes with spicy peach mango sauce take 45 minutes and feature whole artichokes and a sweet-spicy fruit dip. The sauce has a kick but stays balanced with the peach. The leaves soak it up just enough for a clean finish. It’s a hands-on appetizer that feels a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Vegan tofu stuffed mushrooms bake in 30 minutes and include mushrooms, tofu, garlic, and herbs. The texture is firm but creamy with bold seasoning. The mushrooms hold their shape and pack flavor in every bite. It’s a plant-based starter that wins over more than just vegans.
Get the Recipe: My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Two bruschetta topped with diced tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and avocado on a white square plate. — Loaded Bruschetta Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Loaded bruschetta takes 20 minutes and uses crusty bread, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and cheese. Each piece is crisp on the bottom and piled high with a fresh mix. The balance of salt and acid gives it a punch. It’s fast, colorful, and hits before dinner even starts.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

Roasted eggplant and tomato dip takes about 40 minutes and uses eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and spices. The flavor is smoky and rich with a thick, scoopable texture. It pairs well with bread or crackers. It’s a dip that’s bold enough to stand on its own.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Vegan eggplant Parmesan stacks take 45 minutes and include eggplant, tomato sauce, breadcrumbs, and dairy-free cheese. The layers hold firm and bake into something crisp and hearty. The flavor is savory with just enough kick from the sauce. It’s the kind of app that looks harder than it is.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Baked butternut squash chips take 35 minutes and use thin-sliced squash, oil, and salt. The chips bake crisp with a natural sweetness. They’re light, crunchy, and easy to keep piling on a plate. It’s the type of snack that gets people asking how you made it.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips