19 Appetizers That Made Sharing the Best Part of the Night

Appetizers have a way of bringing people together before the main course ever hits the table. These recipes show how small bites can be full of flavor and simple to prepare. With 19 different ideas, there’s something here for every type of gathering, from casual nights to special occasions. Each dish is designed to make sharing the best part of the night.

A clear plastic cup filled with grapes, almonds, cheese cubes, salami slices, a raspberry, and crackers, arranged on skewers for a single-serve charcuterie snack. — Charcuterie Cups. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

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 take about 45 minutes to prepare with fresh artichokes, peach, mango, and chili. The flavor is savory and earthy from the artichokes, paired with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. The texture combines tender leaves with a bold, smooth sauce. This appetizer feels both simple and unique, making it ideal for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

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

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and uses butternut squash, pasta dough, Parmesan, and herbs. The flavor is slightly sweet and nutty, balanced with a savory richness from the cheese. The texture is tender pasta wrapped around creamy filling. These ravioli serve as a comforting appetizer that feels hearty yet shareable.
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 Recipe comes together in about 25 minutes with tomatoes, basil, bread, garlic, and olive oil. The flavor is fresh, tangy, and herbaceous with a crisp bread base. The texture combines crunchy toast with juicy tomato topping. This appetizer is simple, colorful, and perfect for passing around the table.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare with burrata cheese, fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and basil. The flavor is creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, with richness from the cheese balancing the freshness of tomatoes. Its texture is soft and juicy with a smooth finish. This dish is a light appetizer that feels both refreshing and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Green Pea Hummus with Mint

Green Pea Hummus with Mint takes about 20 minutes with peas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh mint. The flavor is bright, zesty, and slightly sweet with a refreshing herbal note. The texture is smooth and creamy, perfect for dipping vegetables or bread. This recipe makes a vibrant appetizer that stands out when shared.
Get the Recipe: Green Pea Hummus with Mint

Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

A white speckled bowl filled with crispy, dark green kale chips sits on a light surface. The kale chips appear roasted with some edges curled and slightly browned. — Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips are ready in about 15 minutes with kale, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. The flavor is savory and slightly nutty with just enough crunch to make them addictive. Their texture is thin and crispy, almost like potato chips but lighter. This snack is quick, easy, and made for group snacking.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

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 take about 40 minutes and feature mushrooms, puff pastry, onion, and herbs. The flavor is savory and earthy, wrapped in a buttery pastry shell. The texture is flaky on the outside with a soft, flavorful filling inside. These pastries are bite-sized and perfect for passing around at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

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 take about 35 minutes to make with mushrooms, tofu, garlic, onion, and herbs. The flavor is savory, slightly nutty, and satisfying without any meat. The texture combines tender mushrooms with a hearty, crumbly filling. These stuffed mushrooms are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that fits almost any table.
Get the Recipe: My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Seared Duck Breast Crostini with Blackcurrant Jelly

Slices of beef on toasted bread with a dark berry sauce are arranged on a wooden serving board. A jar of Bonne Maman blackcurrant jelly is nearby. Another piece of plain toasted bread is on a plate to the side. — Seared Duck Breast Crostini with Blackcurrant Jelly. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Seared Duck Breast Crostini with Blackcurrant Jelly takes about 40 minutes and uses duck breast, bread, blackcurrant jelly, and fresh herbs. The flavor is rich, savory, and slightly sweet with a balance of textures. Each bite is crisp from the bread and tender from the duck. This appetizer feels elegant yet approachable, making it a great choice for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Seared Duck Breast Crostini with Blackcurrant Jelly

Mouth-Watering Chinese Salt And Pepper Chicken Wings

A plate of crispy fried chicken wings garnished with sliced red chilies and green onions, served with lemon wedges, next to a bowl of pepper. — Mouth-Watering Chinese Salt And Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings take about 45 minutes with chicken wings, garlic, pepper, salt, and green onions. The flavor is savory, slightly spicy, and full of bold seasoning. Their texture is crispy outside and juicy inside, making them irresistible. These wings are a lively appetizer that works well for group snacking.
Get the Recipe: Mouth-Watering Chinese Salt And Pepper Chicken Wings

Turkey Roll Ups

A plate of turkey wraps with tomatoes and lettuce. — Turkey Roll Ups. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Turkey Roll Ups are ready in about 15 minutes with turkey slices, cheese, cream cheese, and vegetables. The flavor is savory and slightly creamy with a fresh crunch from the veggies. The texture is soft and crisp, easy to bite into with no mess. These roll ups are quick, light, and shareable at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

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.

Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip takes about 25 minutes to layer beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, salsa, olives, and lettuce. The flavor is creamy, tangy, and bold, with each layer offering something different. Its texture is smooth, chunky, and crunchy all at once. This dip is colorful, filling, and perfect for sharing with a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

Mouth-Watering Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe

A plate of crispy egg rolls filled with beef, green and red peppers. A small dish of dipping sauce is visible on the side. — Mouth-Watering Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls take about 40 minutes with steak, cheese, onions, peppers, and egg roll wrappers. The flavor is savory, cheesy, and a little smoky with every bite. The texture is crisp outside with a juicy, melty filling. These egg rolls are a fun twist on a classic, making them great for groups.
Get the Recipe: Mouth-Watering Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings take about 35 minutes with onions, bacon, and simple seasoning. The flavor is smoky, savory, and slightly sweet as the onion softens inside. Their texture is crispy on the outside with a tender core. This appetizer is bold, indulgent, and perfect for sharing at casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

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.

Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip, or Zaalouk, takes about 45 minutes with eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and spices. The flavor is smoky, savory, and slightly tangy with earthy undertones. Its texture is smooth and spreadable, perfect with bread or crackers. This dip adds variety to any appetizer spread with its rich flavor.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

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 and Spicy Sauce take about 35 minutes with sweet potatoes, flour, spices, and chili sauce. The flavor is sweet, savory, and slightly fiery, balanced by the dipping sauce. Their texture is crispy outside with soft potato inside. These fritters bring warmth and flavor to any table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Stacked spring rolls on a white plate. — Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Spring Rolls are ready in about 25 minutes with vegetables, wrappers, and seasoning. The flavor is savory and fresh with a light crunch. Their texture is crispy outside and tender inside, without the heaviness of deep frying. These spring rolls make a quick and easy appetizer everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Baked Butternut Squash Chips take about 30 minutes with butternut squash, oil, and salt. The flavor is lightly sweet and savory with a natural richness from the squash. Their texture is thin and crisp, similar to potato chips but more delicate. These chips make a colorful and crunchy appetizer for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Charcuterie Cups

Charcuterie Cups take about 20 minutes to assemble with meats, cheeses, fruit, and crackers. The flavor varies with salty, sweet, and savory bites all in one cup. The texture is a mix of crisp, creamy, and chewy depending on the ingredients. These cups are portable and fun, making them a perfect appetizer for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Cups