19 Labor Day Appetizers That Proved Small Bites Win Big Crowds

Labor Day parties call for food that’s easy to share and packed with flavor. These appetizers keep things simple but deliver big results, with everything from dips to finger foods. Each recipe is quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear once served. Small bites like these prove they can carry the celebration.

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 40 minutes to prepare using artichokes, peaches, mango, and chili. The artichokes are tender and mild, paired with a fruity dip that brings heat. The flavor is sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once. It’s a small bite that stands out at a holiday 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 ready in 30 minutes with grated sweet potatoes, spices, honey, and chili sauce. The fritters are crisp outside and soft inside. The flavor is earthy, slightly sweet, and finished with a spicy kick. They’re bite-sized snacks that disappear quickly when shared.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy 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 an hour with pasta dough, roasted squash, ricotta, and herbs. The filling is smooth and slightly sweet, wrapped in tender pasta. The flavor is earthy, nutty, and savory with a hint of sweetness. These little pillows work well as an appetizer before the main cookout.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad takes just 15 minutes and uses ripe tomatoes, burrata, basil, and olive oil. The salad is creamy, fresh, and balanced with a tangy drizzle. The flavor is bright, smooth, and slightly sweet from ripe tomatoes. It’s a simple starter that adds color to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

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

Loaded Bruschetta Recipe takes around 20 minutes with bread, tomatoes, mozzarella, garlic, and basil. The bread is crisp while the topping stays juicy and flavorful. The taste is tangy, herby, and slightly creamy from cheese. It’s a hand-held appetizer that always grabs attention.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

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 35 minutes with eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and spices. The dip is smooth and smoky with a spreadable texture. The flavor is savory, tangy, and lightly spiced. It’s a crowd-friendly option that pairs well with bread or chips.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

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, scallions, and chili. The coating crisps while the seasoning adds bold flavor. The taste is salty, savory, and lightly spicy with tender meat inside. These wings are the type of bite-sized dish that never lasts long.
Get the Recipe: Mouth-Watering Chinese Salt And Pepper Chicken Wings

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 just 20 minutes with beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, olives, and lettuce. Each layer adds texture and flavor. The taste is creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy with a salty finish. Scooped with chips, it’s a dish that goes fast on party tables.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Baked Butternut Squash Chips take 35 minutes using sliced squash, oil, and seasoning. The chips are thin, crisp, and lightly sweet. The flavor is salty with a natural sweetness that makes them addictive. They’re a lighter option that keeps hands busy before the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings take 30 minutes with thick onion slices and bacon strips. The bacon crisps around the onion, making each bite smoky and crunchy. The taste is salty, savory, and slightly sweet from the onion. These are the kind of finger foods that vanish fast.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

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 take only 15 minutes with kale, oil, and seasoning. The leaves turn into crunchy, paper-thin chips. The flavor is earthy, salty, and slightly bitter in balance. It’s a guilt-free snack that people keep grabbing handful after handful.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

Charcuterie Cups

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.

Charcuterie Cups take about 20 minutes with cured meats, cheese, fruit, and crackers. Each portion is neatly packed for easy serving. The flavor is savory, creamy, and sweet in one bite. They offer all the charm of a board in a grab-and-go style.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Cups

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.

Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms take 30 minutes with mushrooms, tofu, breadcrumbs, and herbs. The mushrooms are filled with a hearty, savory stuffing. The flavor is earthy, rich, and satisfying even without meat. They’re plant-based bites that fit in at any Labor Day spread.
Get the Recipe: My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Green Pea Hummus with Mint

Green Pea Hummus with Mint is ready in 15 minutes with peas, tahini, lemon juice, and mint. The dip is smooth and light green in color. The flavor is earthy, slightly sweet, and refreshing with herbal notes. Served with bread or vegetables, it’s a fresh take on hummus.
Get the Recipe: Green Pea Hummus with Mint

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

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

Air Fryer Spring Rolls take 25 minutes with wrappers, vegetables, noodles, and optional protein. They crisp up without excess oil. The flavor is savory, crunchy, and satisfying in every bite. These rolls are easy to grab and enjoy outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

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 with duck, bread, and berry jelly. The crostini layers savory duck with a tart-sweet spread. The taste is rich, fruity, and slightly tangy. It’s a refined appetizer that feels special for a holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Seared Duck Breast Crostini with Blackcurrant Jelly

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.

Mushroom Savoury Pastries take about 35 minutes with puff pastry, mushrooms, herbs, and cheese. The pastry bakes golden while the filling stays rich and earthy. The flavor is buttery, cheesy, and savory with every bite. They’re flaky bites that feel comforting and festive.
Get the Recipe: My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

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 are ready in 30 minutes with steak, peppers, onions, and cheese wrapped in egg roll wrappers. The rolls fry crisp with gooey filling inside. The taste is savory, cheesy, and hearty. It’s a mash-up appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Mouth-Watering Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe

Turkey Roll Ups

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

Turkey Roll Ups take 15 minutes with sliced turkey, tortillas, cream cheese, and vegetables. They’re rolled and sliced into easy bites. The flavor is savory, creamy, and slightly tangy. It’s a quick option that disappears fast from appetizer platters.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups