Cold Appetizers for a Party

Sometimes you need easy, cold appetizers for a party that will keep people fed without having to worry about keeping things warm.

From tasty dips to savory, small bites, each of these dishes can be served at room temperature, which makes entertaining a breeze.

Appetizers that can be served cold in a collage.

One of the more challenging things about entertaining is trying to keep appetizers warm during a party. These cold appetizers solve that issue and are just as delicious and satisfying as hot appetizers.

With this selection, you’ll get to choose from some classics that you’ve probably tried before as well as new and creative ones. Whether you’re having friends over for cocktails, hosting a bridal or baby shower, or even a formal event, these tasty bites are sure to please.

If you want to serve a couple of warm appetizers, you’ve got to try my Maryland-style Hot Crab Dip recipe or Bacon Wrapped Scallops.

And this Blueberry Galette is such a pretty ending to any gathering.

Why We Love These Cold Party Appetizers

Simple recipes: These cold appetizer ideas are super easy to make with ingredients you get from any grocery store.
Plenty of variety: Whether it’s a creamy dip or crispy crostini, there’s a tasty and creative appetizer for every occasion.
Easy entertaining: Most of these cold appetizer recipes can be made in advance and stored in the fridge until they need to be served.

Take a look and let us know which of these finger foods you’ll be trying first!

Cones filled with charcuterie foods in a rack on a white counter.

How to Make Charcuterie Cones

We love these Charcuterie Cones for a party. It’s nice to be able to walk around without having to balance a plate. These are delicious and super easy to make!

How to Make Charcuterie Cones

Sweet potato slices topped with cranberries, walnuts, goat cheese, honey, and rosemary on a wood slab.

Festive Sweet Potato Bites

These festive sweet potato bites with goat cheese 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 hors d’oeuvres that are flavorful and easy!

Festive Sweet Potato Bites

Easy Baba Ghanoush Recipe

Baba Ghanoush is a Middle Eastern appetizer that’s super easy to make. I ate the a lot when I was in Jordan and never tired of it!

Check out this recipe

Black Olive Tapenade

This Black Olive Tapenade is such an easy appetizer and your friends will rave about the flavor! It’s perfect with crackers, tortilla chips, pita bread, or a sliced baguette.

Black Olive Tapenade

White Bean Dip

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.

White Bean Dip

Fig with cheese, nuts, honey, and thyme.

Fig Appetizer with Blue Brie Cheese

What could be easier than pairing delicious fresh figs with rich blue cheese? They’re perfect cold appetizers that are always a crowd pleaser. They are really delicious with a glass of wine!

Fig Appetizer with Blue Brie Cheese

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!

Red Pepper Dip (Muhammara)

This is another recipe from my trip to Jordan. I had never had Muhammara before and couldn’t get enough! I made it soon after I got home and it’s so delicious!

Cream cheese with red pepper jelly on a cutting board with red pepper jelly and rosemary in bowls and crackers on the side.

Cream Cheese and Red Pepper Jelly Appetizer

This Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Appetizer recipe takes so little time and has just three ingredients! Keep these ingredients on hand and never be without something you can serve in minutes!

Cream Cheese and Red Pepper Jelly Appetizer

Brie charcuterie board with fruit, nuts, bread, and crackers.

Easy Brie Charcuterie Board

This Brie Charcuterie Board is easy to make a showstopper! We will have this for dinner for the two of us when we just want a quick bite, but this serving for 6 makes the perfect party appetizer!

Easy Brie Charcuterie Board

Creamy Spinach Dip

Looking for a delicious party appetizer? This spinach dip recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Made with fresh spinach, sour cream, cream cheese, cheeses, and herbs and spices, this dip is super easy to make!

Creamy Spinach Dip

German beer cheese in a white bowl surrounded by pretzel bites.

German Beer Cheese Dip

German Beer Cheese is a delicious and easy appetizer to prepare for game day or any gathering. Serve this with soft pretzels, chips, veggies, or your favorite dipping snack!

German Beer Cheese Dip

Hummus with olive oil and pomegranate seeds in white bowl.

Delicious & Easy Hummus

This delicious & easy Hummus is one of our favorite last-minute appetizers! This version is vegan and super healthy!

Check out this recipe

tomato mixture on bread slices on wood plank with salt container on black table

Best Bruschetta Recipe

This bruschetta is one of my favorite appetizers. These savory bites are super easy to make and great for a last minute snack. You can pack the tomato mixture separately from the bread and put it together at a party. SO good!

Best Bruschetta Recipe

This seafood salad recipe from the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall in Puerto Vallarta was one of the best things I've ever eaten. It's so easy to make at home!

Scallop and Shrimp Seafood Salad Recipe

This seafood salad recipe from the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall in Puerto Vallarta was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. It’s a perfect light appetizer that’s easy to make at home.

Scallop and Shrimp Seafood Salad Recipe

Roasted Pepper Cheese Bites

This recipe for Roasted Pepper Cheese Bites is so easy! Have friends dropping over on the fly? No worries! You can make these in minutes!

Roasted Pepper Cheese Bites

Nachos with guacamole, vegan cheese, tomato, cilantro, black beans, and spring onions on a wood board.

Healthy Vegan Nachos

Can a healthy nachos recipe be as delicious as the crunchy, cheesy goodness of regular nachos? See for yourself! This dip is loaded with so much flavor and topped with fresh cilantro and green onions. SO good.

Healthy Vegan Nachos

Watermelon Salsa Recipe from Carnival Cruise Lines

This easy watermelon salsa recipe is going to be your go-to for any time you are having company or bringing an appetizer to a party!

Watermelon Salsa Recipe

Tomato tarts on a black board with salt, pepper, parsley, and tomato.

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 an elegant appetizer that doesn’t take hours!

Delicious Tomato Tarts

What could be better at a cookout or party than fresh peach and cucumber salsa? It doesn't matter what's on the table, I gravitate towards the chips and salsa. Any kind of salsa will do!

Fresh Peach Salsa Recipe

What could be better at a cookout or party than this fresh peach salsa recipe? It’s heavenly with chips or as a topping for seafood.

Lobster Deviled Eggs

Lobster Deviled Eggs bring the plain old deviled egg to a delicious new high!! Creamy centers with lots of lobster in the egg yolks and on top!

Lobster Deviled Eggs

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

This Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip (crack dip) made with Greek yogurt might be reduced fat and calories but it is NOT reduced flavor. It’s one of the best cold dips you’ll ever make.

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Easy Italian Hoagie Dip

This Easy Italian Hoagie Dip recipe is your favorite sandwich in dip form! A delicious appetizer that is perfect for game day or any time of year!

Easy Italian Hoagie Dip

Tangy Dill Pickle Pinwheels

Dill Pickle Pinwheels combine four simple ingredients, along with seasonings. This simple snack is reminiscent of a childhood favorite and is sure to be loved by the whole family!

Tangy Dill Pickle Pinwheels

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Bites

Turn jalapeno poppers into mini cheese balls! They’re cheese ball bites with bacon you can serve for any occasion.

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Bites

Poolside Dip Recipe with Ranch

Poolside Dip with Ranch is a creamy dip made with corn, olives, peppers. A quick and easy no bake appetizer chips and dip recipe.

Poolside Dip Recipe with Ranch

Cucumber Avocado Shrimp Appetizer

This Shrimp Appetizer features blackened shrimp atop creamy avocado and a cucumber slice. It’s the perfect appetizer recipe to serve at any party or Holiday gathering.

Cucumber Avocado Shrimp Appetizer

Easy Southern Deviled Egg Dip

Classic deviled egg flavors are remixed into an easy dip that will satisfy keto, gluten-free, vegetarian, and traditional eaters alike! You can serve it with crunchy fresh veggies. crackers or pita chips.

Easy Southern Deviled Egg Dip

Mexican Pinwheels Recipe

This easy recipe for Mexican Pinwheels are an easy, make-ahead appetizer that’s loaded with flavor. They’re made with flour tortillas and all the ingredients of your favorite taco!

Mexican Pinwheels Recipe

Cream of Sardines with Smoked Salmon and Capers

This canned sardines recipe, Cream of Sardines, created by celebrated Basque Chef Martin Berasategui for Gastro Bar by MB at Paradisus Los Cabos, Mexico makes an upscale appetizer or tapas snack.

Cream of Sardines with Smoked Salmon and Capers

How to Make Boat Dip (Easy Viral TikTok Recipe)

Learn how to make Boat Dip is an easy viral recipe you’ve got to try! It’s five simple ingredients, and makes a tasty snack and perfect, flavorful dip your party guests will love.

How to Make Boat Dip

Filet Of Beef Carpaccio With Capers, Olive Oil and Pub Sauce

Up the appetizer ante with a melt-in-your-mouth filet of beef carpaccio, enhanced with fruity olive oil, briny capers, and a tangy Pub Sauce.

Filet Of Beef Carpaccio

Elote in a Cup

Are you looking for easy appetizers for your next party? Elote in a cup with canned corn is like Mexican street corn, only in a cup. Topped with crunchy Fritos, it’s the ultimate summertime snack!

Elote in a Cup

Ham, Cheese and Fruit Kabob Appetizers

Make-ahead fruit appetizer skewers are ideal for parties! These cold mini kabobs are as pretty as they are delicious. They’ve got grapes, pineapple and cheddar, plus delicious ham roll ups for a flavor boost.

Ham, Cheese and Fruit Kabob Appetizers

Cream Cheese Salmon Cucumber Bites

Up your appetizer game at your next dinner party with these salmon cucumber bites. Atkins-friendly means no heavy carbs. They are cool and refreshing, making them perfect for a summer party.

Cream Cheese Salmon Cucumber Bites

Melon & Prosciutto Skewers With Greens

Are you on the lookout for a fresh and zesty summer appetizer for your next gathering or cocktail party? These melon and prosciutto skewers will be just the thing you need! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Melon & Prosciutto Skewers With Greens

Asparagus Crostini Appetizer

Looking for an easy party appetizer? These asparagus crostini make the perfect finger food, can be prepped ahead, and are delicious!

Asparagus Crostini Appetizer

Tips for Cold Appetizers

While there are many delicious cold appetizers that can sit out at room temperature for a while, be mindful of those foods that need to be chilled. If serving something like mini shrimp skewers or shrimp cocktail, consider using a cold serving tray. They have a place under the tray to put ice.

If you’re hosting a party and need several appetizers, you’ll want to have a variety of taste and textures. Crisp veggies with creamy dip along with savory meats and cheese paired with sweet fruits provide the perfect balance.

A charcuterie board is always a great idea if you’re planning to serve cold appetizers but, believe it or not, there is a correct way to cut the cheese when making a board. See the how below.

How to Cut Cheese for a Charcuterie Board

Planning a gathering and want to serve a pretty cheese charcuterie board? We have you covered with this guide for choosing cheese, selecting accompaniments, and even cutting the cheese.

Check out this recipe

No snack board is complete without condiments like jam, honey, and other special sides.

Condiments for a Charcuterie Board

A meat and cheese board is always a hit, but you have to serve delicious condiments alongside all those savory selections! Check out our guide!

Condiments for a Charcuterie Board

Let us know which of these recipes you tried. Have a favorite that isn’t listed? Please share so we can try it, too. Check out these summer dinner party menu ideas for more great recipes.