20 Appetizers That Had the Whole Party Crowd-Sourcing the Recipe

Some appetizers don’t just kick things off—they take over. These 20 recipes had people asking for the link before the main dish even hit the table. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and made to be shared. If you’re bringing one of these, be ready to text the recipe.

Potato skins with sour cream and sliced scallions. — Potato Skins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce are crisp on the outside and tender inside, served with a tangy dipping sauce. They take about 30 minutes to make and use shredded sweet potatoes, garlic, and cayenne. The flavor is sweet, salty, and just a little fiery. It’s the kind of appetizer that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli are filled with roasted squash and cheese, then topped with a buttery finish. They take around an hour and use squash, ricotta, and simple spices. The flavor is sweet, creamy, and earthy. It’s the kind of bite-sized dish that gets asked about more than once.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets bake into crispy bites with a savory coating and soft center. They take about 35 minutes and use cauliflower, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. The flavor is bold, crunchy, and totally snackable. It’s the kind of plant-based option that goes first.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Baked Butternut Squash Chips come out golden and crisp with just a hint of sea salt. They’re done in about 25 minutes and need only squash, oil, and seasoning. The flavor is slightly sweet, nutty, and light. It’s the kind of chip no one expects to love but keeps grabbing.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips

My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries are flaky puffs filled with mushrooms, onions, and herbs. They take around 40 minutes and work warm or at room temperature. The flavor is rich, earthy, and buttery. It’s the kind of appetizer that gets more compliments than the main.
Get the Recipe: My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

Spicy Jalapeno Guacamole Recipe

Mexican dip in a dark bowl with avocados and jalapenos. — Spicy Jalapeno Guacamole Recipe. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Spicy Jalapeño Guacamole blends creamy avocado with diced jalapeño, lime, and garlic for a bold dip. It takes about 10 minutes with no cooking needed. The flavor is smooth, sharp, and full of kick. It’s the kind of guac that makes chips feel like a side note.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Jalapeno Guacamole Recipe

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 tops crusty bread with tomato, basil, balsamic glaze, and creamy mozzarella. It comes together in under 20 minutes. The flavor is fresh, tangy, and lightly sweet with just enough crunch. It’s the kind of starter that makes a strong first impression.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad pairs ripe tomatoes with creamy burrata, olive oil, and basil. It’s ready in about 10 minutes and looks good on any table. The flavor is soft, rich, and balanced by acidity. It’s the kind of appetizer that goes quiet when people start eating.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip blends eggplant, garlic, and tomatoes into a thick Moroccan-inspired spread. It takes about 45 minutes and tastes great warm or cold. The flavor is smoky, savory, and well-spiced. It’s the kind of dip people ask how to pronounce, then ask how to make.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

Smoked Jalapenos

Smoked Jalapeños are fire-roasted until soft and charred, with fillings like cheese or sausage if you want more. They take about an hour and pack plenty of heat. The flavor is smoky, spicy, and bold. It’s the kind of party food that gets eaten even when people say they don’t do spicy.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapenos

My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms are filled with crumbled tofu, garlic, and herbs, then baked until tender. They take about 30 minutes and work hot or room temp. The flavor is savory, garlicky, and satisfying without dairy. It’s the kind of bite that surprises even meat lovers.
Get the Recipe: My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Smoked Dill Pickle Wings are marinated in brine and slow-smoked for bold flavor with crispy skin. They take about 2 hours but are worth the wait. The flavor is tangy, smoky, and just a little sour. It’s the kind of wing that gets eaten before they hit the platter.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks layer roasted eggplant slices with marinara and dairy-free cheese. They’re ready in about 45 minutes and plate up neatly. The flavor is savory, slightly sweet, and rich without being heavy. It’s the kind of appetizer that gets mistaken for the main.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

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 stacks beans, sour cream, salsa, cheese, and veggies into one crowd-ready dish. It takes about 15 minutes and needs no oven time. The flavor is creamy, zesty, and loaded with crunch. It’s the kind of dip that disappears before the chips run out.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

Potato Skins

Potato Skins bake up crisp and golden, then get filled with cheese, green onions, and maybe a little bacon. They’re done in about 40 minutes and work best fresh. The flavor is salty, creamy, and a little crunchy. It’s the kind of snack people hover near until they’re gone.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Cheesy Pickle Chips

Baked pickle cheese chips with bowl of ketchup on white plate. — Cheesy Pickle Chips. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Cheesy Pickle Chips bake sliced pickles in melted cheese until crisp around the edges. They take 15 minutes and only need two ingredients. The flavor is tangy, salty, and savory with a satisfying crunch. It’s the kind of snack that gets eaten straight off the tray.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Pickle Chips

Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce bring something different with a sweet-and-spicy dip. They take about 45 minutes including steam time. The flavor is mild and earthy from the artichoke with a bold, fruity kick from the sauce. It’s the kind of starter that gets remembered.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Artichoke-Jalapeño Dip blends artichoke hearts, jalapeños, and cream cheese into a hot, cheesy spread. It takes about 30 minutes and bakes golden on top. The flavor is spicy, creamy, and rich. It’s the kind of dip that gets eaten with anything on the table.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Pomegranate Cheese Balls

Pomegranate Cheese Balls roll soft cheese in pomegranate seeds and nuts for a colorful twist on a classic. They’re ready in about 15 minutes with minimal prep. The flavor is creamy, tangy, and bright from the fruit. It’s the kind of appetizer that stands out on the tray.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Cheese Balls

Spinach & Brie Dip

Spinach & Brie Dip mixes sautéed spinach and soft brie into a warm, melty dip perfect with bread or crackers. It takes about 25 minutes and bakes into a golden top. The flavor is buttery, savory, and just a little earthy. It’s the kind of dip people ask you to bring again.
Get the Recipe: Spinach & Brie Dip