An assortment of 20 simple, crowd-pleasing dips and starters ideal for gatherings. Easy, tasty recipes that everyone will adore!
In my opinion, the true enchantment of any gathering revolves around the snack table. There’s an undeniable charm to a large display of appetizers and dips that instantly invites people to settle in—scooping, snacking, socializing, and lingering for “just one more chip.”
These dips and starters are what I often turn to when hosting. From the ultra-creamy varieties that spread beautifully on toasted baguettes, to the vibrant and zesty ones that awaken your senses with herbs and lemon, to the gooey warm options that vanish within minutes. No intricate preparation, no elaborate plating, just delicious little morsels that pack a flavorful punch.
So, grab some veggies, crackers, chips, warm pita, or whatever vessel your heart desires, and dive into this lineup of snacks and dips that are irresistibly easy to love. ❤️
Top Appetizer and Dip Recipes
Boursin Appetizer with Pistachios and Honey
Creamy Boursin served on a plate, adorned with salted pistachios, and finished with a drizzle of hot honey. It only takes 5 minutes and it’s absolutely delicious.
Gingery Cranberry Salsa
This is my new go-to holiday appetizer! A finely textured, juicy, tangy, fresh, and sweet Cranberry Salsa with a hint of jalapeño heat.
Whipped Feta Spread
Just like the one from Trader Joe’s! I adore this as a topping on bowls, as a dip with naan or flatbread, or even in a sandwich. It’s SO delightful.
Incredible Arancini
This arancini is simply the best! Creamy risotto filled with melted mozzarella cheese, fried to a perfect golden brown.
Zaalouk Toasts with Burrata
Zaalouk toast for everyone! Golden crisp sourdough topped with a smoky eggplant and tomato blend, along with creamy burrata and a drizzle of olive oil.
Christmas Feta
Christmas Feta is perfect for the holiday season! Silky whipped feta topped with orange zest, pomegranate seeds, crunchy candied nuts, and fresh thyme. It’s like a delicious ornament in a bowl!
Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese – a straightforward 3-ingredient appetizer that will amaze you! Great for sharing with friends!
Caramelized Onion Dip
This caramelized onion dip is a total crowd-pleaser! Accompany with chips, pita or bagel crisps, or use it on sandwiches and burgers. Yum!
Elote Queso
Elote Queso! A favorite for grilling + an app that’s all melted together in one skillet. Creamy melty queso, charred roasted corn, fresh jalapeño, garlic, and some cilantro with chili powder. Yum!
2-Minute Creamy Avocado Dip
A Creamy Avocado Dip that comes together in under five ingredients and only two minutes! This is the ULTIMATE easy, healthy snack. Also fantastic as a taco spread.
Spinach Queso with Crispy Jalapeños
Melty queso dip with spinach, garlic, onions, cilantro, and crispy jalapeños on top! Ideal for gatherings and events.
Basic Soft Pretzels
Basic Soft Pretzels – essential dippers for your beer cheese soup ♡ Soft, incredibly fluffy, simple, and scrumptious. These are simply the BEST.
5 Minute Magic Green Sauce
5 Minute Magic Green Sauce – ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. Crafted with easy ingredients like avocado, olive oil, cilantro, lime, garlic, and parsley! Vegan.
Curry Hummus
Curry Hummus! Smooth, creamy, and perfect for a vibrant snack or in a wrap for an incredible lunch. Gluten & dairy-free. YUM.
Cheesy Meatball Pull-Apart Pizza Ring
Cheesy Meatball Pull-Apart Pizza Ring! Only 5 ingredients – TASTY and a delightful option for parties!
Loaded Mediterranean Street Cart Fries
Loaded Mediterranean Street Cart Fries: sweet potato fries enhanced with fresh romaine, tzatziki, marinated tomatoes and chickpeas, feta cheese, and more. Meatless and utterly amazing, all in one.
Homemade Cheesy Chili Dip
This Homemade Cheesy Chili Dip is crafted without processed cheese! Just freshly made spicy chili and creamy cheese sauce. Deeeelicious!
Deb’s Ranch Crackers
Baked oyster crackers infused with ranch and dill flavor! This recipe originated from my childhood friend’s mom and it’s always such a hit!
3 Ingredient Vegan Queso
3 Ingredient Vegan Queso – incredibly delicious and creamy without any fuss, no hard-to-find ingredients! Just cashews, taco spices, and green chiles.
Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins
These healthy chipotle sweet potato skins are filled with a chipotle-sweet potato mixture, black beans, corn, and topped with cheese. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS.
**Top 20 Appetizers and Dips Perfect for a Party**
Planning a gathering and seeking the perfect starters and dips to wow your guests? Look no further! Here’s a selection of the top 20 appetizers and dips that are guaranteed to shine at any occasion.
1. **Guacamole**
A traditional party dip prepared from ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, onions, and tomatoes. Pair with tortilla chips for a revitalizing and creamy delight.
2. **Spinach and Artichoke Dip**
Decadent and creamy, this dip melds spinach, artichokes, and a selection of cheeses. Serve it warm alongside pita bread or crackers.
3. **Buffalo Chicken Wings**
Spicy and zesty, these wings are a must at any gathering. Enjoy with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
4. **Bruschetta**
An uncomplicated yet delightful appetizer featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil atop toasted baguette slices.
5. **Hummus**
A Middle Eastern dip crafted from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Pair with pita bread or fresh vegetables.
6. **Stuffed Mushrooms**
Mushroom tops filled with a delicious blend of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, baked to perfection.
7. **Cheese and Charcuterie Board**
A selection of cheeses, cured meats, nuts, fruits, and crackers. This board offers a delightful variety of flavors and textures.
8. **Deviled Eggs**
Hard-boiled eggs filled with a luscious mixture of yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, and spices. A timeless finger snack.
9. **Queso Dip**
A warm, cheesy dip made with melted cheese and diced tomatoes combined with green chilies. Ideal for tortilla chip dipping.
10. **Mini Meatballs**
Savory meatballs made from beef or pork, seasoned and cooked to perfection. Serve with toothpicks for effortless eating.
11. **Caprese Skewers**
Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze, all on skewers for a bite-sized treat.
12. **Baba Ganoush**
A smoky, creamy dip made from roasted eggplants, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Serve with pita bread.
13. **Crab Cakes**
Mini crab cakes made with fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, and spices, served with a tangy remoulade sauce.
14. **Samosas**
Crispy pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. Serve with mint chutney or tamarind sauce.
15. **Bacon-Wrapped Dates**
Sweet dates wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.
16. **7-Layer Dip**
A vibrant dip made with refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, olives, and green onions. Pair with tortilla chips.
17. **Chicken Satay**
Grilled chicken skewers marinated in a flavorful mix of spices, served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce.
18. **Pigs in a Blanket**
Mini sausages enveloped in puff pastry and baked until golden. Pair with mustard or ketchup.
19. **Ceviche**
A refreshing seafood dish created with raw fish marinated in citrus juices, combined with onions, cilantro, and peppers.
20. **Onion Rings**
Crispy, golden onion rings served with ketchup or a spicy dipping sauce.
These appetizers and dips are certain to satisfy a variety of tastes and preferences, making your gathering a memorable culinary experience for all your guests.
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