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.
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!
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
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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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
