Need some tasty dishes while hosting a large group? Here are 20 appetizer recipes that are perfect for entertaining.
Having planned and hosted plenty of events and parties in my life, I know the importance of food when it comes to entertaining. In fact, planning the food is probably my strongest selling point when it comes to events. And it doesn’t always need to be an elaborate, fancy meal. Floating or roaming appetizers are a great way to feed a crowd! To help get you started, I’ve compiled a list of 20 Appetizer Recipes for Entertaining.
Tips for Planning Party Food
Hosting is one of my favorite things to do, and something I do often! But the thing that overwhelms many is planning how to feed so many people. Well worry no more! Here are some tips to help you create the menu for your next party.
- Use “small bites” recipes. This not only removes the need for silverware, but it makes replenishing your buffet table easier, and reduces how many dishes you’ll need to do after.
- Plan dishes that cover different diets. Make sure some things don’t include any meat, or dairy, etc. to ensure everyone has something to enjoy.
- Balance out the sweet and savory dishes, you don’t want too many of either one.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the best appetizer to serve?
In my opinion, finger foods are the best appetizers to serve when hosting large group events. As such, you’ll find a lot of those in my list.
How far in advance should I send out party invitations?
You want to give your guests at least a month usually to block out the time in their calendar, find a sitter (if needed), or make any other arrangements.
When should I start preparing food for a party?
Cold items can usually be prepped a couple days before, and even a lot of hot items can be readied in advance, and then just popped in the oven or microwave before the party begins. Give yourself time so that you aren’t stressed and can enjoy the event!
Love It, Eat It, Share It!
Did you try any of these appetizer recipes? The next time you make one, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish.
20 Appetizer Recipes for Entertaining
Honey Tangerine Goat Cheese Crostini
19 minutes
Tangy goat cheese, fresh tangerine juice and honey are whipped together to create a delicious crostini topping that is perfect for entertaining.
Try: Honey Tangerine Goat Cheese Crostini Pin
Bacon Wrapped Potato Bites
45 minutes
These easy two-ingredient bacon wrapped potato bites make the perfect party appetizer! Served with a simple honey mustard dipping sauce.
Try: Bacon Wrapped Potato Bites Pin
Tomato Caprese Skewers with Pesto
15 minutes
The ultimate no-cook appetizer recipe, tomato caprese skewers are made with fresh rosemary stems and served with a pesto dipping sauce.
Try: Tomato Caprese Skewers with Pesto Pin
Mexican Layered Hummus Dip
25 minutes
Filled with creamy hummus, ground sirloin, and plenty of cheese, this warm Mexican Layered Hummus dip is a total crowd-pleaser and the ultimate party dip!
Try: Mexican Layered Hummus Dip Pin
Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds
13 minutes
The easiest appetizer you’ll ever make, this warm baked brie with honey and sliced almonds is a crowd favorite and takes just minutes to make.
Try: Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds Pin
Beef Satay Skewers with Peanut Dipping Sauce
30 minutes
These mouth-watering Thai Beef Satay Skewers are tangy, slightly spicy and perfectly balanced with a cool and creamy peanut dipping sauce.
Try: Beef Satay Skewers with Peanut Dipping Sauce Pin
Black Bean Dip For Game Day
5 minutes
This fresh and flavorful black bean dip recipe is made with lime juice, cilantro and smoked paprika. Ideal for healthy snacking or entertaining friends!
Try: Black Bean Dip For Game Day Pin
Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Wings
45 minutes
These sweet and sticky chicken wings are baked, not fried, and turn out crispy and juicy every single time!
Try: Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Wings 
Fruit Kabobs with Ginger Lemon Yogurt Sauce
10 minutes
Sweet, ripe berries and melon are paired with spicy ginger and zesty lemon in this mouth-watering recipe. No forks required!
Try: Fruit Kabobs with Ginger Lemon Yogurt Sauce Pin
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
40 minutes
Perfect for entertaining, these stuffed mushrooms are brimming with tender, lump crab meat and a garlicky panko topping.
Try: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Pin
Crispy Oven Baked Egg Rolls
35 minutes
These healthy and delicious homemade baked egg rolls are filled with a fragrant mixture of pork and vegetables then baked until crispy.
Try: Crispy Oven Baked Egg Rolls Pin
Cucumber Hummus Bites with Pickled Ginger
10 minutes
These sushi-inspired Cucumber Hummus Bites are scented with toasted sesame oil then topped with pickled ginger and roasted sesame seeds. The ultimate healthy snack recipe!
Try: Cucumber Hummus Bites with Pickled Ginger Pin
Baked Chicken Taquitos
30 minutes
A healthy spin-off of the Tex-Mex classic, these baked chicken taquitos are not fried! Packed with juicy chicken and topped with cotija cheese, these hand-held taquitos are crunchy, crispy, and oh-so-delicious.
Try: Baked Chicken Taquitos Pin
Roasted Garlic Hummus
1 hour
The absolute BEST homemade hummus recipe! Garlic is roasted until sweet and caramelized then pureed into hummus with chickpeas, tahini and lemon.
Try: Roasted Garlic Hummus Pin
Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Crostini
20 minutes
An easy party appetizer, feta cheese is whipped until creamy with sweet and caramelized roasted garlic then spread on toasted crostini.
Try: Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Crostini Pin
Black Bean Avocado Salsa
10 minutes
This bright and fresh black bean salsa is loaded with creamy avocado, sweet corn and plenty of fresh herbs.
Try: Black Bean Avocado Salsa Pin
Baked Turkey Meatballs with Guacamole
40 minutes
These tender baked turkey meatballs are made with fresh guacamole and smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Try: Baked Turkey Meatballs with Guacamole Pin
Hummus Flatbread Pizzas with Fattoush and Feta
19 minutes
These bright and fresh hummus flatbread pizzas are perfect for entertaining but healthy enough for a quick snack or light meal.
Try: Hummus Flatbread Pizzas with Fattoush and Feta Pin
Chicken Salad Sliders
10 minutes
A lunchtime classic, these chicken salad sliders are served on whole grain rolls and made with real mayonnaise and a splash of tangy dill pickle juice.
Try: Chicken Salad Sliders Pin
Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Dressing
35 minutes
These buffalo cauliflower bites with blue cheese dressing are packed with flavor, gluten free, low carb and low in calories.
Try: Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Dressing Pin
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