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40 Easy Appetizers for a Crowd

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Making appetizers for a crowd does not have to be difficult. There are so many easy party recipes you can put together with little effort.

Whether you're looking for easy cold appetizers or fancier hot appetizers for your swanky soirée, you'll find lots of amazing, easy party recipes ideas here.

Also check out this list of Italian appetizer recipes and this list of delicious homemade cream cheese dip recipes for more ideas.

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Preparing a bunch of easy appetizers for a crowd is a great way to serve food at a party without having to worry about place settings and all that comes hosting a sit-down meal.

I always have cheese for a charcuterie board as well as charcuterie board condiments which really take the board to another level!

A vegetable and dip platter is always a good idea for those who have food allergies.

It's important to have something for everyone, like these easy vegan stuffed mushrooms that are also gluten-free. People can start munching on those the minute they arrive.

The more substantial appetizers can come out in waves, and you'll always have those guests who insist on bringing something. Let them!

Serve these popular appetizers on pretty platters along with cocktails, mocktails, or wine. Choose from these easy holiday cocktails or these martini cocktails. This skinny Vodka Margarita recipe and this French Martini are a couple of my favorites!

And if you're a fan of cream cheese (so many good ideas!) you have to try a few from this list of easy cream cheese appetizers.

Feeding a large crowd will be a piece of cake! And speaking of cake, be sure to have something sweet at the end of the evening. Check out these Italian dessert recipes for ideas.

36 Delicious Appetizers for a Party

Authentic Maryland Crab Dip Recipe

This Maryland crab dip recipe is one of my favorite appetizers. I’ve been eating Chesapeake Bay Maryland blue crab all my life, and this is a recipe from years of eating crab dip!
Check out this recipe
Crab dip in a dish on white towel with green onions and toasts.

How to Make Charcuterie Cones

This guide to how to make DIY charcuterie cones will walk you through making a delicious appetizer perfect for parties.
Check out this recipe
Cones filled with charcuterie foods in a rack on a white counter.

Oven Baked French Dip Sliders

These Oven Baked French Dip Sliders are perfect for game day or a busy weeknight dinner for the whole family. Easy to make and so delicious!
Check out this recipe
Small bun with roast beef and cheese on round tray.

Festive Sweet Potato Bites

These festive sweet potato bites are so delicious and filling for an appetizer party! There’s no need to knock yourself out by cooking all day when you can have appetizers that are flavorful and easy!
Check out this recipe
Sweet potato slices topped with cranberries, walnuts, goat cheese, honey, and rosemary on a wood slab.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Buffalo chicken meatballs are the perfect easy appetizer. A great choice for a cocktail party or tailgate, meatballs are always delicious.
Check out this recipe
Chicken meatballs sprinkled with green onions on a white plate.

Easy Italian Stromboli Crescent Rolls

These delicious Italian Stromboli crescent rolls are easy to make and perfect for a party!
Check out this recipe
Italian Stromboli Crescent Rolls on a cutting board.

Simple Charcuterie Board with Easy Directions!

This meat and cheese board is perfect for serving at a gathering or at home. It’s a great way to spice up your celebration, even if you’re only celebrating with your family!
Check out this recipe
Charcuterie board with salame, pepperoni, cheeses, spreads, nuts, pickles, olives, and rosemary on a wood board.

Easy Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms

These artichoke stuffed mushrooms are not only delicious - they’re vegan and gluten-free! Super easy to make, these will be your new favorite healthy appetizer!
Check out this recipe
Stuffed mushrooms on a wood board.

Delicious Hot Shrimp Dip

This hot shrimp dip recipe is so easy to make and turns out delicious every time. We love shrimp and we’re always finding new ways to enjoy it. You’ll love this one!
Check out this recipe
Shrimp dip in a casserole dish on a wood board with sliced bread, a spreader, parsley, and seasoning.

Best Bruschetta Recipe

This bruschetta is one of my favorite make ahead appetizers. When making this for a party, you can prepare the tomato mixture and keep it in the fridge until party time. Slice the bread and store it in a baggie. This can be on the table in minutes!
Check out this recipe
tomato mixture on bread slices on wood plank with salt container on black table

Delicious white bean dip recipe makes the perfect appetizer!

This White Bean Dip recipe is so popular, and it is easy to see why. Packed with flavor, this creamy dip is a healthier option than sour cream-based dips, and it will be a huge hit at your next party.
Check out this recipe
White bean dip in a white bowl with carrots.

Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese

I think I get more requests for this easy appetizer recipe than any other. Made with just 3 ingredients, you won't believe the flavor! My family begs me to make these!
Check out this recipe
Mushrooms stuffed with sausage on a wood slab.

Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Appetizer

This Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Appetizer recipe takes so little time and has just three ingredients! If you’ve never tried this starter, you’re in for a treat. Whether this is your first time making
Check out this recipe
Cream cheese with red pepper jelly on a cutting board with red pepper jelly and rosemary in bowls and crackers on the side.

Easy Baba Ghanoush Recipe

This easy Baba Ghanoush recipe is going to be your new favorite appetizer. It is seriously so good and so simple to make.
Check out this recipe
Dip in a clay bowl with pita chips on wood board.

Delicious Tomato Tarts!

This delicious recipe for tomato tarts will be your new favorite for a quick and easy appetizer! With life being so busy, it’s nice to be able to serve a pretty & elegant appetizer that doesn’t hours!
Check out this recipe
Tomato tarts on a black board with salt, pepper, parsley, and tomato.

Red Pepper Dip ~ Muhammara

Such a delicious and easy recipe, so full of rich flavor and nutrition! This is a great appetizer for a party as it's festive, too! It's one of my favorite party dips. Serve with pita chips.
Check out this recipe
I'm finally sharing the red pepper dip recipe I fell in love with while I was in Jordan. Such a simple recipe, but so full of flavor and nutrition!

Bruschetta with Fresh Mozzarella

Bruschetta with fresh mozzarella makes a tasty appetizer with a glass of wine. And it's easy to make dinner out of three or four of these delicious appetizers!
Check out this recipe
Toasted fresh mozzarella with spinach and tomato sauce on bread.

Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Dipping Sauce

Broiled Bacon Wrapped Scallops is the perfect appetizer for a dinner party! These little bites are so easy to make and so delicious. The sauce has a sweet and spicy flavor and the recipe is included!
Check out this recipe
These Bacon Wrapped Scallops are so delicious! Scallops are a favorite food in my home, and wrapping them with bacon makes them even better. This is a great dinner recipe for the family, or a perfect appetizer for your next party. I'm betting this will turn out to be one of your favorite recipes!

Little Smokies Recipe

These little sausages are sweet and tangy, with a smoky and hearty flavor. But the best part is you can whip up a batch in minutes of prep time with this easy recipe.
Check out this recipe
Little Smokies in a spoon over a slow cooker.

Mini Sausage Calzones

This recipe for Mini sausage calzones with parmesan cheese is so easy and your guests will rave over them! These are perfect appetizers for a party.
Check out this recipe
Mini Sausage Calzones

Easy, Elegant Italian Meatball Bread Braid

My friends rave about this delicious recipe for Italian Meatball Bread Braid, and the presentation is so beautiful. It’s so easy and perfect starter for a party!
Check out this recipe
Easy, Elegant Italian Meatball Bread Braid

Roasted Pepper Cheese Bites

This recipe for Roasted Pepper Cheese Bites is so easy! Have party guests dropping over on the fly? No worries! You can make these in minutes with simple ingredients!
Check out this recipe
Roasted Pepper Cheese Bites

Fig and Blue Cheese Bites

These heavenly fig and blue cheese bites are a classic appetizer! I love both figs and blue cheese, but paired, they are just delicious. Add this to your easiest recipes!
Check out this recipe
Fig with cheese, nuts, honey, and thyme.

Amazing Roast Beef and Garlic Toast Points Appetizer!

This recipe for Roast Beef and Garlic Toast Points is the perfect finger food for your next party. With a ton of flavor, these can be put together in minutes.
Check out this recipe

Pear, Fig & Cheese Tart

What could be better than a pear, fig, and cheese tart recipe made with delicious gouda from Wisconsin Cheese? Two of them!
Check out this recipe

Delicious Bacon Straws Appetizer

Perfectly crisp bacon wrapped around a thin rosemary breadstick is the best idea ever! Who wouldn’t love bacon straws? These are such yummy bites.
Check out this recipe
bacon wrapped bread sticks on pan

Margarita Style Pork Spare Ribs

You can’t go wrong with this easy pork spare ribs recipe. These are perfect for a dinner at home and easy to pack up for a tailgate party!
You can't go wrong with this easy pork spare ribs recipe.

Homemade Cranberry Salsa

This recipe for Homemade Cranberry Salsa produced the best salsa I have ever tasted!
Check out this recipe
Cranberry Salsa in a white bowl on a white tray with fresh cranberries and cilantro and chips.

Vegan Hummus Recipe

This vegan hummus recipe was one of my favorite foods when I was in Jordan last year. Even after eating it every day, I never grew tired of eating it! The pomegranate seeds give it the perfect sweetness!
Check out this recipe
vegan hummus with pomegranate seeds and chips on wood board

Authentic Mexican Salsa Recipe with Fresh Tomatoes

Making this authentic Mexican salsa recipe with fresh tomatoes has been on my list forever. I adore salsa and this recipe is delicious!
Check out this recipe
Red salsa in wooden bowl with spoon and peppers.

Seven Layer Dip Cups

Seven layer dip is the perfect party food for any get together! It’s an easy party food that will not only be a big hit but you’ll never have to worry about double dipping!
Check out this recipe
Seven Layer Dip Cups

Baked Jalapeno Poppers

These mouthwatering baked jalapeno poppers not only taste amazing but with just four ingredients, it’s one of the easiest appetizers you can possibly make!
Check out this recipe
Baked Jalapeno Poppers

Dynamite Shrimp Tempura (w/ Sriracha Aioli)

Crispy dynamite shrimp just like the restaurants! The spicy sriracha aioli is slightly sweet making every bite perfect!
Check out this recipe
Dynamite Shrimp Tempura (w/ Sriracha Aioli)

Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe

This Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe is an easy holiday appetizer made with just a few ingredients that everyone will love. Great make ahead recipe that can be served during the holiday season or any time of year. Serve with crackers.
Check out this recipe
Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe

Hot Onion Spinach Dip

Hot Onion Spinach Dip is a classic dip and a welcome addition to any holiday party or special occasion. You'll love this five-ingredient recipe! Serve with toasted sliced bread or tortilla chips.
Check out this recipe
Hot Onion Spinach Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip

One of my favorite hot dips, this one is paired with gooey cheddar cheese and ranch and buffalo sauce. The Buffalo Chicken Dip is a low-carb snack you can enjoy guilt-free!
Check out this recipe
Buffalo Chicken Dip

Nanchos Recipe - Indian Inspired Nachos For Your Next Party

With this recipe you can take the classic American-style nachos and create an Indian inspired dish that is perfect for parties. You'll love these bold flavors!
Check out this recipe
Nanchos Recipe - Indian Inspired Nachos For Your Next Party

French Dip Sliders

This French Dip Sliders recipe will have you wishing you had make more of them after the very first bite! This may be your new favorite appetizer!
Check out this recipe
French Dip Sliders

Easy BLT Dip

This super easy BLT dip is tasty and great for entertaining. The sour cream and mayo blend with the bacon gives this dip fabulous flavor. Serve with bread, chips or some healthy fresh vegetables. It will not disappoint!
Check out this recipe
Easy BLT Dip

Brie and Potato Tarts

Brie and Potato Tarts are the perfect delicious snack to being a touch of elegance to any gathering! Made with the recipe (included) for puff pastry or store bought (no judging!), this one is definitely a crowd pleaser!
Check out this recipe
Brie and Potato Tarts

FAQs

How many appetizers should I plan on per person?

If your party is scheduled around dinner time and you are only serving appetizers, you should plan on 6-8 servings per person.

Can I make these party appetizers ahead of time?

You can make all these ahead of time. If the dish needs to be warm, just pop it in the oven for 15 minutes (longer if it's cold) before serving. If the dish is served on bread, crackers, or lettuce, wait until you're ready to serve to put the appetizers together. If taking to a gathering, store the cracker or bread in a separate container so nothing gets soggy.

What is the best appetizer to serve?

In my opinion, the best appetizers for a crowd would be a charcuterie tray with a lot of different meats, cheeses, spreads, and a big basket of sliced toasted bread. This will be the star of any gathering. Add a few of the above recipes and you'll be set.

As I said, serving appetizers for a crowd doesn't have to be difficult. I hope you have some new favorites from this list of appetizers for a crowd. Let me know which one is your favorite!

Enjoy your gathering and remember the rules of a great party; always have food, and drink responsibly.

More Festive Appetizers

This post first appeared on Food, Fun & Faraway Places on December 29, 2015.

Bruschetta, red pepper dip, bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms in a collage.

40 Easy Appetizers for a Crowd

Making appetizers for a crowd does not have to be difficult. There are so many easy party recipes you can put together with little effort.
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Author: Kelly Stilwell

Ingredients

  • Authentic Maryland Crab Dip
  • How to Make Charcuterie Cones
  • Oven Baked French Dip Sliders
  • Festive Sweet Potato Bites
  • Festive Sweet Potato Bites
  • Easy Italian Stromboli Crescent Rolls
  • Simple Charcuterie Board
  • Easy Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Delicious Hot Shrimp Dip
  • Best Bruschetta Recipe
  • Delicious white bean dip
  • Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese
  • Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Appetizer
  • Easy Baba Ghanoush Recipe
  • Delicious Tomato Tarts!

Instructions

  • Pick a party appetizer recipe.
  • Gather the ingredients.
  • Make and serve a delicious appetizer your guests will love.
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @kastilwell or tag #FFFP!
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