20 Appetizer Recipes for Entertaining

Need some tasty dishes while hosting a large group? Here are 20 appetizer recipes that are perfect for entertaining.

20 appetizer recipes for entertaining, tangerine goat cheese crostini.

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.
Baked Brie for 20 appetizer recipes for entertaining.

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.

Liz putting together caprese skewers

20 Appetizer Recipes for Entertaining

Honey Tangerine Goat Cheese Crostini

4.50 stars average
19 minutes
Tangy goat cheese, fresh tangerine juice and honey are whipped together to create a delicious crostini topping that is perfect for entertaining.
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Crostini garnished with tangerine

Bacon Wrapped Potato Bites

4.56 stars average
45 minutes
These easy two-ingredient bacon wrapped potato bites make the perfect party appetizer! Served with a simple honey mustard dipping sauce.
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Easy Bacon Wrapped Potatoes with Honey Mustard Recipe Appetizer e1639552846106

Tomato Caprese Skewers with Pesto

5 stars
15 minutes
The ultimate no-cook appetizer recipe, tomato caprese skewers are made with fresh rosemary stems and served with a pesto dipping sauce.
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tomatoes on a plate

Mexican Layered Hummus Dip

4.34 stars average
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!
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Cheese Mexican Layered Hummus Dip

Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds

3.86 stars average
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.
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Baked Brie with almonds and apples

Satay Beef Skewers with Peanut Dipping Sauce

4.42 stars average
30 minutes
These mouth-watering Thai Beef Satay Skewers are tangy, slightly spicy and perfectly balanced with a cool and creamy peanut dipping sauce.
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Beef Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce 1

Black Bean Dip For Game Day Recipe

4.64 stars average
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!
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Black Bean Dip

Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Wings

5 stars
45 minutes
These sweet and sticky chicken wings are baked, not fried, and turn out crispy and juicy every single time!
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Honey garlic baked chicken wings closeup

Fruit Kabobs with Ginger Lemon Yogurt Sauce

5 stars average
10 minutes
Sweet, ripe berries and melon are paired with spicy ginger and zesty lemon in this mouth-watering recipe. No forks required!
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Fruit Kababs with Ginger Lemon Yogurt Sauce

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

5 stars
40 minutes
Perfect for entertaining, these stuffed mushrooms are brimming with tender, lump crab meat and a garlicky panko topping.
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Stuffed Mushrooms

Crispy Oven Baked Egg Rolls

4.61 stars average
35 minutes
These healthy and delicious homemade baked egg rolls are filled with a fragrant mixture of pork and vegetables then baked until crispy.
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egg rolls and soy dipping sauce

Cucumber Hummus Bites with Pickled Ginger

4.46 stars average
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! 
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Hummus Cucumber Bites - a healthy appetizer recipe

Baked Chicken Taquitos

Rate It!
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.
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chicken taquitos with avocado 1

Roasted Garlic Hummus

5 stars average
1 hour
The absolute BEST homemade hummus recipe! Garlic is roasted until sweet and caramelized then pureed into hummus with chickpeas, tahini and lemon.
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Roasted Garlic Hummus Recipe Easy

Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Crostini

5 stars average
20 minutes
An easy party appetizer, feta cheese is whipped until creamy with sweet and caramelized roasted garlic then spread on toasted crostini. 
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Whipped Feta Crostini - an easy party appetizer recipe

Black Bean Avocado Salsa

5 stars average
10 minutes
This bright and fresh black bean salsa is loaded with creamy avocado, sweet corn and plenty of fresh herbs.
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Black Bean Salsa

Baked Turkey Meatballs with Guacamole

3.40 stars average
40 minutes
These tender baked turkey meatballs are made with fresh guacamole and smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
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Baked Turkey Guacamole Meatballs with Chipotle Peppers - a quick and easy party appetizer recipe

Hummus Flatbread Pizzas with Fattoush and Feta

Rate It!
19 minutes
These bright and fresh hummus flatbread pizzas are perfect for entertaining but healthy enough for a quick snack or light meal.
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Hummus Flatbread Pizzas with Fattoush - an easy healthy appetizer recipe

Chicken Salad Sliders

4.29 stars average
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.
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Chicken Salad Sliders - The Lemon Bowl

Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Dressing

4.75 stars average
35 minutes
These buffalo cauliflower bites with blue cheese dressing are packed with flavor, gluten free, low carb and low in calories.
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Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Dressing

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