50 Appetizers for a Crowd That Are Easy, Tasty and Unexpected

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 8

Upside-down pastries dominated TikTok in summer 2023, and this fruity spin on the trend shows why it deserves your attention long after your FYP has moved on to other dishes. "My version features a blackberry-brie combination that’s a little bit sweet, a touch savory and as easy to devour as it is to assemble," former PureWow senior food editor Katherine Gillen explains. "I highly recommend serving them on the patio with a Hugo spritz for the full effect."

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, sheet pan recipe
• Serves: 6

Who doesn't love a recipe that only dirties one pan? Plus, your guests will be more than happy to eat straight off of it. "Tortilla chips are great and all, but crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside potatoes just so happen to be an ideal base for nacho toppings, like spicy chorizo and melty cheese," Gillen writes. "Add your favorite salsa, a drizzle of sour cream, some scallions, pickled onions and cilantro, and you've officially made the most over-the-top nachos ever."

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, make ahead
• Serves: 8 to 10

If you're headed to a summer picnic, potluck or beach outing, this timeless classic is a no-brainer. "It actually tastes better the longer it sits in the fridge," Gillen explains, "so I highly recommend making it a day ahead. Pick up a bag of ice on your way to the event to keep it chilled."

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: gluten free, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 6

This fancy appetizer for a crowd is so pretty, I might just have a crush on it. "For a thicker yogurt dip with the most pronounced swirl of oil, choose a naturally thick Greek yogurt—such as Fage—or swap in sour cream or labneh," PureWow food editor and recipe developer Taryn Pire suggests.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 8

"It’s not the most highbrow thing appetizer for a crowd, so I gave it a little makeover," Gillen says. "Enter my take on French onion dip, which is made with deeply savory caramelized onions and tastes just as obsession-worthy as the original, but with a little more class."

• Time Commitment: 2 hours and 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy, slow cooker recipe
• Serves: 16

Eight ingredients stand between you and creamy, spicy bliss. "This recipe is both make-ahead friendly and almost entirely hands off, even more so if you use rotisserie chicken," Gillen raves. "Plus, it frees up that precious oven real estate for more important appetizers."

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 6 to 8

They’re just like mozzarella sticks, but smaller, meaning you can eat more of them in a sitting than the O.G. Serve them with marinara sauce, pesto, Alfredo sauce or even ketchup for the picky eaters.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 12

I'm an artichoke dip fan through and through. Add puff pastry and I'm positively swooning. They’ve got the same cheesy goodness as the retro dip, minus the need for crackers or chips. Spring for freshly grated Parm for finishing.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 14

In a room full of store-bought crackers and cheese, be a homemade cranberry-sauce-and-Brie-topped round of pie crust. The rosemary garnish is decidedly seasonal to boot.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 12

Once again, cheese proves itself to be a no-brainer dinner party snack. These bites are creamy, salty, crispy and a little bit sweet (and the ultimate pairing for a glass of white wine). Bake them until they're molten and golden brown.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: gluten free, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 6 to 8

Behold, the cutest crudités you’ve ever seen. Aside from roasting the Brussels sprouts, they take about five minutes to put together (they're stuffed with prosciutto, pearl mozz and tomato, BTW) and even less time to be gobbled up.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 12

No one will even suspect that you used store-bought puff pastry for these sweet-and-savory beauties. (You might want to make a second batch of this appetizer for a crowd in advance—the first won't last long.)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, make ahead, vegetarian, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 10

Sour cream, guacamole and salsa in every bite? Pass the tortillas chips, please. Make the party dip vegan by using plant-based sour cream and non-dairy shredded cheese...nobody will mind, promise.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: make ahead, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 10 to 12

How many appetizers for a crowd can you name that require only three ingredients? Add this one to the short list. Serve them warm or at room temperature; they'll be a hit either way.

• Time Commitment: 55 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly, vegetarian
• Serves: 24

If you want something fancier than cheese dip but equally low-effort, reach for these unexpected dippers instead. They’re practically foolproof. And the hot jelly pepper dip? That's plain ingenious.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly, gluten free
• Serves: 8

Finally, I have definitive proof that the ultimate party appetizer for a crowd is one part green vegetable, one part crispy pork. Roasting the sprouts on a baking sheet guarantees a crispy texture, minus the smoke of pan-frying bacon.

• Time Commitment: 3 hours and 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly, vegetarian
• Serves: one 12-inch loaf

Each bite has layers of buttery dough and creamy filling. Brush the baked masterpiece with butter the moment it comes out of the oven (salted butter is best) and serve it immediately. Then, let the oohs and ahhs roll in.

• Time Commitment: 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegan, gluten free, Whole30-approved
• Serves: 8

If you’re going to serve crudités, up the ante with this stunning monochromatic board. The spread will take any dip from blah to brilliant. P.S.: The only parts that actually require cooking are the broccoli and green beans.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, gluten free
• Serves: 12 to 16

A traditional cheese plate is always a good idea, but why not switch it up with this drop-dead gorgeous fruicuterie display that's totally meat-free? Not only is it tasty and visually stunning, but it’s also a classy way to mind the vegetarians in the room.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 8

Onion rings better watch out: These easy, elegant delicata squash bites are guaranteed to steal the show. And about that dipping sauce: It’s just three ingredients, plus salt and pepper. Ta-da.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, vegetarian, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 10

Say hello to the snazziest way to serve pizza at your next get-together. The cheese is stuffed inside, and the sauce is swirled around the exterior for an impressive presentation.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, vegan, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 12

These aren’t just any old bar nuts. They’re tossed in a mix of spices and herbs before roasting, making them completely irresistible. Even better, you can use whatever nuts suit your fancy, like walnuts, pecans, almonds or cashews. Feel like adding pistachios? Go for it. 

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, kid-friendly, vegetarian, make ahead
• Serves: 8

You’re 15 minutes away from an Instagrammable appetizer for a crowd. Heirloom tomatoes not in season? Not a problem—swap them out for cherry tomatoes or a hardier roasted winter vegetable, like sweet potato or carrot. Just make sure that ricotta is fresh AF.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: gluten free, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
• Serves: 8 to 10

The beauty of these guys—which taste like the deliciously crispy parts of cornbread—is that the toppings can be customized to your heart’s desire. Don't like Brussels sprouts? Swap 'em for spinach, marinated artichokes or tomatoes.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, <30 minutes
• Serves: 6 to 8

These are like the jalapeño pepper’s hip and trendy younger sibling. They also take less than 30 minutes and only four ingredients to make, in case you need more convincing. (Personally, it had me at "cheese-stuffed.")

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 6

If you’ve never had roasted grapes before, you’re in for a treat. They’re tossed with salt, pepper and fresh herbs and come out of the oven like no salty-sweet snack you’ve had before. Add cheese and bread and you've got a game-changing appetizer for a crowd.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
• Serves: 20

If elote and deviled eggs had a very delicious baby, it would be this party-ready take on the original. They're simple to prepare and can be made ahead at your convenience. To make them gluten free, just leave out the Worcestershire sauce.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 40 pieces

Introducing the vegetarian version of everyone’s nostalgic childhood favorite. Serve these with green goddess dressing and you may never go back to ketchup and mustard. (Your picky kid won't miss the hot dogs, either.)

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, kid-friendly
• Serves: 4

Herb-kissed pita? Check. All your favorite Mediterranean small bites? Check. Not one, but two dips? Yep, all seems in order. Swap ingredients out (or in) if you aren't a fan of anything; this spread is endlessly riffable.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, vegetarian
• Serves: 48 bites

Some appetizers for a crowd are simply flawless. Serve these poppables hot or at room temperature—and definitely leave out hot sauce, barbecue sauce and ketchup for the dippers in your crew. Either way, they’ll be gone in 30 seconds flat.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 20

Deviled eggs are always a crowd-pleaser, but the addition of buttery avocado here makes the filling extra smooth and rich. In order to dress them up for the party, finish them with chives to add a little something that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: gluten free, Paleo-friendly, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 30

Swap the usual toasted bread for thinly sliced roasted sweet spuds, then go wild with toppings. Choose between the vegetarian cranberries and almonds or smoked salmon with cream cheese, or better yet, have both. (I suggest the latter.)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 6

They’re irresistibly sweet and salty, not to mention a breeze to whip up. After cooking the bacon, you'll want to leave some bacon fat in the pan for when you cook the figs. Save yourself the dilemma and make a second batch, trust.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 6 to 8

Name a better combination than Buffalo and ranch dressing (OK, fine, or blue cheese.) Any vinegary, lip-smackingly tangy hot sauce works, but I'm partial to Frank's and Crystal.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 12

These handhelds are like bite-sized charcuterie boards, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make a full batch. What’s not to love? Plus, you can sub pesto for tomato sauce and veggies (or more cheese) for soppressata if you'd prefer.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 6

Pick and choose your favorite Italian cold cuts—I like prosciutto and Genoa salami, but the deli section is your oyster. Whatever you decide, don’t forget the pepperoncini for a lip-smacking pop of acidity.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 6 to 8

They’re fancy, homemade chicken nuggets. Need I say more? Ensure peak crispiness by fully coating each bite in a generous amount of batter and not crowding the pan when you fry them.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: gluten free, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 6 to 8

Bacon as an appetizer? You bet—especially when it’s this sticky, sweet-and-savory candied version. You’re going to want extra napkins for this morning glory.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 10

Two things everyone loves: pizza and miniature foods. Voilà: This foolproof appetizer checks both boxes. Use store-bought pizza dough and your guests will be none the wiser.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 8

You’re 20 minutes and two steps away from chip-and-dip heaven. Placing the skillet under the broiler beautifully browns the cheese on top of the bean dip—and it'll only take about four minutes to boot.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 10 to 12

If your idea of a cheese ball is straight out of 1975, this recipe will convert you. The secret to modernizing this old-school app? A trio of unexpected toppings, including everything bagel seasoning, lemon zest, dill and pomegranate arils.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 8

Nope, this isn't Outback—it's way better. Don't skip out on making the punchy homemade aioli for dipping; it's totally worth the extra effort, and odds are you have most of the ingredients you need already.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 24 pieces

Whether it’s a barbecue, movie night or brunch, these adorable bites will undoubtedly be a hit. Serve them with maple syrup and hot sauce for drizzling and dipping, then watch them disappear in a flash.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 8

Just like Nonna used to make (sort of). You can use vegetable or peanut oil to fry this appetizer for a crowd...just remember to drain the bites on paper towels after they're fried so they don't turn soggy.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, low sugar
• Serves: 4 to 6

Quick-cooking, savory and fun to eat...sounds like a dream to us. The smoked paprika and lemon zest are technically optional additions to the seasoning, but I wouldn't skip them if I were you.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, make ahead
• Serves: 24 tortillas

Tiny tacos aren't the only thing you can make with these four-ingredient beauties. You can whip up taquitos, mini quesadillas, teeny-tiny pizzas—the possibilities are endless.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
• Serves: 8

Bring the ocean to your party with these picturesque lobster rolls. Toast the buns until they're golden brown, load 'em up with lobster salad and top them all with chives for a clean, classy presentation.

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, kid-friendly
• Serves: 6 to 8

Who said dessert has to come after the meal? To safely consume the raw flour in the cake mix, microwave it on high in 30-second intervals until it reaches 165°F. Thank me later, friend.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: keto, gluten free, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 8

You don't have to be on the keto diet to enjoy these protein-packed bites—but they are fair game. The toothpicks keep all the toppings in place, so feel free to use cute, festive ones for your party.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, gluten free
• Serves: 8 to 10

Who doesn't love ooey-gooey melted cheese? The earthy cheese, sweet figs, fresh citrus and crunchy nuts makes this the ideal starter for any holiday dinner. A rosemary garnish would make it even more festive.