25 Appetizer Recipes That Aren’t Chips or Dips
Amazon Associates Disclosure We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
If you’re looking for a variety of delicious and easy-to-make appetizer and snack recipes, you’ve come to the right place. With recipes for everything from crispy butterfly shrimp to savory sausage balls and sweet bacon crackers, we have something for everyone. So whether you’re planning a party or just want to enjoy a tasty treat at home, you won’t be disappointed!
Butterfly Shrimp
Craving some crispy, golden brown shrimp? Look no further than this easy Recipe for fried butterfly shrimp! These shrimp are butterfly-cut for extra crispy edges, then coated in a flavorful batter and fried until golden brown. They’re perfect for a party appetizer or a quick, easy weeknight meal. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Get the Recipe: Butterfly Shrimp
Moist Sausage Balls
These sausage balls are the perfect party appetizer! They’re made with ground sausage, cheese, and Bisquick. Learn how to keep sausage balls moist. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone at your next gathering. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Get the Recipe: Moist Sausage Balls
Crab Cakes
These classic crab cakes are the perfect way to enjoy the delicious taste of crab! They’re made with fresh lump crab meat, mayonnaise, mustard, eggs, and Old Bay seasoning, then pan-fried until golden brown. They will surely be a hit with seafood lovers at your next gathering. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce! Get the Recipe: Crab Cakes
Bruschetta
Enjoy a taste of Italy with this simple and delicious tomato mozzarella bruschetta! This classic appetizer has toasted bread, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and a light dressing of balsamic glaze. It’s the perfect way to start a meal or enjoy it as a snack. Get the Recipe: Bruschetta
Million Dollar Bacon
Sweet and savory bacon perfection! This Recipe for Million Dollar Bacon is sure to become a new favorite. The bacon is cooked in a sweet and spicy glaze, resulting in crispy, flavorful bacon that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Bacon
Air Fryer Potato Skins
Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor! These air fryer potato skins are the easiest way to enjoy a classic appetizer. The potatoes are cooked until crispy in the air fryer then filled with cheese, bacon, and your favorite toppings. They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Get the Recipe: Potato Skins
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Craving a salty and sweet snack? Look no further than these bacon-wrapped water chestnuts! They’re made with water chestnuts wrapped in bacon and baked until crispy. The combination of salty bacon and sweet water chestnuts is irresistible. Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
French Dip Sliders
Satisfy your cravings for a classic French dip sandwich with these easy and delicious sliders! These sliders are made with thinly sliced roast beef, provolone cheese, and caramelized onions, all sandwiched between crescent roll dough. They’re baked until golden brown and then dipped in a flavorful au jus. Get the Recipe: French Dip Baked Sandwiches
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Easy and delicious pepperoni roll-ups! These roll-ups are made with pizza dough, pepperoni, and cheese and baked until golden brown. They’re the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. Get the Recipe: Pepperoni Pizza Roll-ups
Sweet Bacon Crackers
Sweet and savory bacon crackers: the perfect party appetizer! These crackers are made with bacon, crackers, and brown sugar. They’re baked until the bacon is crispy, and the brown sugar is caramelized. They’re the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunch. They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Get the Recipe: Bacon Crackers
Ranch Pretzels
Spicy pretzels with a kick: the perfect snack for game day! These pretzels are made with pretzels and flavored with cayenne pepper, then baked until extra crispy. They’re the perfect combination of salty and spicy, and they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Get the Recipe: Spicy Ranch Pretzels
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms: a delicious and elegant appetizer! These mushrooms are stuffed with a crab mixture that is both savory and flavorful. They are baked in a garlic wine butter sauce until the mushrooms are tender, and the sauce is bubbly. They’re the perfect small bite for any occasion, and they’re sure to impress your guests. Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms
Tomato Bread
Make this easy and delicious tomato bread for a quick and satisfying snack or appetizer! This Recipe is made with simple ingredients like bread, tomatoes, cheese, and butter, and it’s ready in just 15 minutes. It’s the perfect way to use your garden’s ripe tomatoes. Get the Recipe: Tomato Bread
Beer Boiled Shrimp
Beer Boiled Shrimp: a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer! This Recipe is unique because it uses beer to flavor the shrimp, resulting in a flavorful and flavorful dish. The shrimp are boiled in a mixture of beer, water, lemon, celery, and onion and then served with your favorite dipping sauce. They’re the perfect pre-game food for any party. Get the Recipe: Peel & Eat Shrimp
Sweet & Sour Kielbasa
Spicy kielbasa sausage cooked in a homemade sweet and sour sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer. This Recipe is made with kielbasa, bell peppers, pineapple, and garlic powder, and it’s sure to become a new favorite. Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Sausage
BBQ Smokies
Juicy little smokies coated in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce are the perfect appetizer for any event. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients and can be easily customized. Get the Recipe: BBQ Smokies
Baked Turkey Meatballs
Moist and flavorful baked turkey meatballs are the perfect healthy appetizer or snack. These meatballs are made with ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices and baked until golden brown. Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatballs
Pizza Monkey Bread
Pull-apart pepperoni monkey bread is a fun and savory way to enjoy monkey bread. This Recipe is made with canned biscuits, pepperoni, and melted butter, and it’s baked until golden brown. It’s the perfect finger food or quick meal that kids and adults all love. Get the Recipe: Pizza Monkey Bread
Fried Mashed Potato Balls
Loaded mashed potato bites are the perfect appetizer for your next party or gathering. These bites are made with mashed potatoes, cheese, bacon, and green onions, and they are baked until golden brown and crispy. They are sure to be a hit with everyone at your next event. Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Balls
Coconut Shrimp
Indulge in these crispy, golden-brown coconut shrimp! These shrimp are coated in a light and airy batter made with beer and, rolled in coconut, then fried until golden brown. Bonus: 2 of your favorite restaurant-style dipping sauce recipes included. Get the Recipe: Coconut Shrimp
Indian Spiced Lamb Meatballs
These Indian-spiced lamb meatballs are a flavorful and satisfying dish for any occasion. The lamb is mixed with aromatic spices, including garam masala, ginger, and cinnamon, and then baked to perfection. The meatballs are juicy and tender, and the spices add a delicious depth of flavor. Serve them with tomato soup or over rice for a delightful and satisfying meal. Get the Recipe: Lamb Meatballs
Bacon-Wrapped Baby Potatoes
These baby potato bites are wrapped in bacon, baked until crispy, and then topped with a tangy Sriracha sour cream. They’re the perfect appetizer for any occasion, and they’re sure to disappear quickly! Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Potato Bites
Fried Pickles
These sweet and spicy fried pickles are the perfect appetizer for your next party or gameday gathering. The pickles are coated in a buttermilk batter and fried to perfection, making them crispy and flavorful. The sweet and spicy glaze adds a touch of heat and sweetness that perfectly complements the pickles. Serve them with ranch, and watch them disappear! Get the Recipe: Fried Pickles
Bacon Quesadillas
These quesadillas are a delicious and hearty twist on the traditional version. They are made with bacon, mushrooms, onions, and Jack cheese. The result is a flavorful and satisfying snack or meal perfect for parties, picnics, or tailgates. Get the Recipe: Bacon Quesadillas
Alabama Fire Crackers
This 4-ingredient, no-bake firecracker recipe is a Southern classic. Spicy and crunchy, these firecrackers are perfect for any party or tailgate. Get the Recipe: Alabama Fire Crackers
25 of the Best 9×13 Pan Desserts
Looking for a delicious and easy dessert to make? Look no further than 9×13 pan desserts! These desserts are perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to parties to family gatherings. There’s something for everyone, from classic favorites like white and chocolate cakes to more unique desserts like layered angel food cake and salted peanut marshmallow bars. And because they’re all made in a 9×13 pan, they’re easy to make and transport. GET THE RECIPES
Elizabeth (Beth) Mueller
Elizabeth (Beth) Mueller is a food journalist, CEO of Pear Tree Kitchen, and co-creator of Food Blogger Help. She also has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a registered nurse licensed in the State of Oklahoma. When she has free time between writing, blogging, and cooking, she can be found volunteering as an RN with the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps.
