19 Appetizers That Left Plates Empty and Mouths Open

The right appetizer doesn’t just start the meal—it takes over the table. These 19 recipes earned that kind of attention with bold flavors, fast prep, and no leftovers in sight. Whether it’s crisp bites, spicy dips, or cool veggie stacks, they show up strong and disappear fast. No fluff, no filler, just the kind of starters people ask about before they even finish chewing.

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.

Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Steamed artichoke halves served alongside a vibrant spicy mango dipping sauce, presented on a simple background to highlight the bright sauce and tender artichoke texture. — Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce pair tender leaves with a bold, fruity dip made from peaches, mangoes, and hot sauce. The dish takes about 40 minutes to prepare from start to finish. The artichokes are mild and earthy, while the sauce adds a tangy kick with just enough sweetness. It’s a shareable starter that brings something different to the table.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

A serving basket of sweet potato fritters next to a bowl of dipping sauce and a single serving on a plate. — Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce are made from shredded sweet potatoes, onions, and flour, then served with a chili-laced dipping sauce. They take around 25 minutes to make and come out crisp on the outside and soft inside. The flavor is slightly sweet, with a savory balance from the sauce. They work well as a finger food or a plated appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

A picture showing omemade Ravioli in a white plate — Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli features pasta pockets filled with roasted butternut squash, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese. The dish takes about an hour and offers a mix of creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors. The pasta is tender, and the filling adds richness without being too heavy. It’s a satisfying way to start a meal or share as a small plate.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Loaded bruschetta salad on crostini on a white plate. — Loaded Bruschetta Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Loaded Bruschetta is topped with a mix of tomatoes, olives, feta, and herbs over toasted baguette slices. Prep and assembly take about 15 minutes total. The flavor is bright, salty, and fresh with a satisfying crunch in each bite. It’s a quick appetizer that disappears fast at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad combines ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, basil, and olive oil for a chilled, no-cook starter. It comes together in under 10 minutes. The taste is light and clean with bursts of creaminess from the cheese and acidity from the tomatoes. It’s great when you need something cool and easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

Crispy Baked Zucchini served on a white plate. — Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven uses zucchini slices coated in cheese and almond flour for a crunchy, low-carb snack. They take about 30 minutes from prep to plate. The taste is savory with a hint of nuttiness and a soft center beneath the crisp coating. They’re good for dipping or eating straight off the pan.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

Crispy triangular pastries stacked on a wooden board next to fresh parsley sprigs. — My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries are puff pastry bites filled with mushrooms, herbs, and garlic for a warm, earthy flavor. They take about 45 minutes to prepare and bake. The filling is soft and savory, while the pastry offers flaky contrast in every bite. They’re crowd-pleasers that hold up well on any appetizer tray.
Get the Recipe: My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Baked Butternut Squash Chips are thinly sliced squash pieces seasoned and baked until crisp. They take roughly 45 minutes to finish, including slicing and roasting. The flavor is slightly sweet and nutty with a delicate crunch that’s easy to snack on. They’re a lighter option that still gets cleaned off the plate.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks are layered rounds of baked eggplant, marinara, and vegan cheese for a plant-based spin on a classic. They take about 40 minutes to prepare. Each stack is tender, tangy, and rich without feeling too heavy. They’re great warm or room temperature, making them flexible for parties.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip on a white bowl. — Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk). Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip (Zaalouk) is a Moroccan-inspired spread made from roasted eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and spices. It takes around 30 minutes and serves well warm or chilled. The flavor is smoky, tangy, and slightly spiced with a soft texture that’s great for scooping. It’s a dip that stands out without needing extras.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

A picture of tofu stuffed mushroom in a white plate. — My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms feature mushroom caps filled with seasoned tofu, herbs, and breadcrumbs. They’re ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish. The flavor is savory and herby with a tender bite and a bit of crunch on top. They hold their shape well and are easy to serve at any event.
Get the Recipe: My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Fried Pickle Dip

A bowl of creamy dip topped with crumbled breadcrumbs sits on a wooden board, surrounded by wavy potato chips. — Fried Pickle Dip. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Fried Pickle Dip mixes chopped pickles, cream cheese, sour cream, and seasoning into a creamy, tangy blend with a salty punch. It takes about 10 minutes to mix together. The taste is sharp, rich, and addictive—especially with chips or pretzels. It’s the kind of dip that disappears before the main course starts.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pickle Dip

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Zucchini Pizza Bites use zucchini rounds topped with marinara, cheese, and pepperoni for a quick, low-carb snack. They take 15 minutes to make and are best served warm. Each bite is cheesy, saucy, and just salty enough to mimic real pizza. They’re easy to grab and hard to stop eating.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pizza Bites

Avocado Egg Salad

Avocado Egg Salad blends chopped boiled eggs with mashed avocado, mustard, and seasoning for a creamy, protein-packed starter. It takes about 15 minutes to pull together. The flavor is rich and slightly tangy, with a smooth texture and fresh feel. It works well as a dip, a spread, or spooned into lettuce cups.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

Sheet Pan Loaded Vegetarian Nachos

Cheesy nachos with black beans and diced bell peppers on a sheet pan with avocado crema drizzled on top. — Sheet Pan Loaded Vegetarian Nachos. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Sheet Pan Loaded Vegetarian Nachos are made with tortilla chips, black beans, corn, peppers, cheese, and toppings like avocado or salsa. The whole tray takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. The flavor is bold, smoky, and balanced with fresh toppings and melted cheese. It’s a solid crowd option that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Loaded Vegetarian Nachos

Garden Fresh Salsa

Garden Fresh Salsa combines chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños for a bright, zesty dip. It takes 10 minutes to chop and mix. The flavor is fresh with a little kick and plenty of crunch from the veggies. It’s simple but always the first thing gone.
Get the Recipe: Garden Fresh Salsa

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Blooming onion on a plate with sauce in the background. — Air Fryer Blooming Onion. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Blooming Onion uses a whole onion coated in seasoned breading and crisped in the air fryer for a shareable, pull-apart appetizer. It takes about 25 minutes total. The taste is savory, crispy, and lightly spiced with a golden outer layer. It’s a lighter version of the steakhouse classic with the same crunchy payoff.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Refreshing Watermelon Salsa

A bowl of watermelon salsa with chopped herbs and vegetables, served with a tortilla chip, next to a light blue cloth. — Refreshing Watermelon Salsa. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Refreshing Watermelon Salsa features diced watermelon, cucumber, red onion, mint, and lime juice for a cool, juicy mix. It takes just 10 minutes to assemble. The flavor is sweet, tart, and herbal with a light, hydrating bite. It’s a summer favorite that pairs well with chips or grilled foods.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Watermelon Salsa

Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip stacks refried beans, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cheese, tomatoes, and olives for a full-flavored appetizer. It comes together in about 15 minutes with no cooking involved. Each scoop gives you a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy mix of textures. It’s always a hit with chips and goes fast at parties.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip