Dinner is more than the main course—it’s about creating a complete experience.
Appetizers set the tone, spark conversation, and make your meal memorable.
With these 15 dinner appetizer recipes, you can serve dishes that are both delicious and easy to prepare.
From savory bites and finger foods to elegant small plates, there’s something for every palate.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a family meal, or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, these appetizers will make your first course unforgettable.
15 Must-Try Dinner Appetizers Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Starting dinner with the right appetizer can transform the entire meal.
These 15 dinner appetizer recipes are simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
From quick bites to sophisticated starters, there’s something here for every cook and every guest.
By preparing a few of these ahead of time, you can reduce stress while impressing everyone at the table.
Give these recipes a try, and watch how small plates can make big impressions.
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
These Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze are a fresh, colorful appetizer perfect for any dinner party.
They combine cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction.
They are light, refreshing, and full of flavor while being easy to prepare.
They provide antioxidants, protein, and essential vitamins for a wholesome start to the meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup mini mozzarella balls
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 12 small skewers or toothpicks
Instructions:
- Thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto each skewer.
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Serve immediately as a fresh appetizer.
These skewers are colorful, vibrant, and full of flavor.
They are easy to assemble and perfect for impressing guests.
They provide a nutritious start to any meal.
They are light, refreshing, and wonderfully satisfying as an appetizer.
Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms
These Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms are a savory, bite-sized appetizer perfect for dinner gatherings.
They feature large mushrooms filled with a mixture of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs baked to golden perfection.
They are flavorful, aromatic, and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
They provide protein, fiber, and a rich, satisfying taste for a delicious start to the meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 large mushrooms, stems removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Stuff each mushroom with the mixture and place on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and tender.
- Serve warm immediately.
These mushrooms are savory, aromatic, and satisfying.
They turn simple ingredients into an impressive appetizer.
They provide protein, fiber, and rich flavor in every bite.
They are perfect for a warm, inviting start to dinner.
Shrimp Cucumber Bites
These Shrimp Cucumber Bites are a refreshing, elegant appetizer ideal for any dinner.
They combine juicy shrimp, crisp cucumber slices, and a light herbed yogurt sauce for a flavorful bite.
They are easy to prepare, light, and packed with protein and nutrients.
They provide lean protein, vitamins, and a satisfying crunch for a healthy appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 12 medium cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large cucumber, sliced into rounds
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, and black pepper to make a sauce.
- Place a small dollop of sauce on each cucumber slice.
- Top with a shrimp on each slice.
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
These bites are fresh, flavorful, and protein-rich.
They provide a light, refreshing appetizer that is visually appealing.
They turn simple shrimp and cucumber into a gourmet treat.
They are perfect for a healthy and satisfying start to any dinner.
Mini Caprese Tartlets
These Mini Caprese Tartlets are a bite-sized, savory appetizer perfect for dinner parties.
They feature puff pastry filled with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, baked to a golden, crispy finish.
They are easy to prepare and packed with Mediterranean flavors.
They provide protein, fiber, and vitamins while being visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup mini mozzarella balls
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut puff pastry into 12 small squares and place on a baking sheet.
- Top each square with cherry tomato halves and mozzarella.
- Brush edges with egg wash and sprinkle black pepper.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
These tartlets are crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor.
They provide a visually stunning and tasty appetizer.
They are perfect for a bite-sized Mediterranean-inspired starter.
They turn simple ingredients into an impressive, flavorful appetizer.
Spinach and Feta Phyllo Cups
These Spinach and Feta Phyllo Cups are a savory, elegant appetizer perfect for any dinner.
They combine flaky phyllo pastry with a creamy mixture of spinach, feta, and herbs for a delicious bite.
They are light, flavorful, and visually appealing on any appetizer platter.
They provide protein, vitamins, and fiber while being easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 12 phyllo pastry cups
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté spinach in olive oil until wilted.
- Mix spinach with feta, cream cheese, and black pepper.
- Fill each phyllo cup with the mixture.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until pastry is golden.
- Serve warm immediately.
These phyllo cups are savory, creamy, and satisfying.
They provide a flavorful, elegant appetizer for dinner.
They turn simple ingredients into a gourmet starter.
They are perfect for impressing guests while keeping preparation simple
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
These Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus are a savory, elegant appetizer perfect for dinner parties.
They combine tender asparagus spears wrapped in thin slices of prosciutto, roasted to crispy perfection.
They are flavorful, easy to prepare, and visually appealing.
They provide fiber, protein, and essential vitamins for a nutritious start to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 asparagus spears, trimmed
- 6 slices prosciutto, halved
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of prosciutto.
- Place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with black pepper.
- Roast for 10–12 minutes until asparagus is tender and prosciutto is crispy.
- Serve immediately.
These prosciutto-wrapped asparagus are crisp, savory, and flavorful.
They turn simple ingredients into an impressive appetizer.
They provide protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
They are perfect for a light, elegant start to any dinner.
Mini Crab Cakes
These Mini Crab Cakes are a golden, flavorful appetizer ideal for any dinner.
They combine fresh crab meat with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, pan-fried to a crispy finish.
They are easy to prepare, protein-rich, and full of flavor.
They provide lean protein, essential minerals, and a gourmet touch for your appetizer platter.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mustard, lemon juice, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Form small patties with the mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon.
These mini crab cakes are golden, crispy, and savory.
They provide protein, essential minerals, and a satisfying appetizer.
They turn simple crab meat into a gourmet starter.
They are perfect for impressing guests at any dinner gathering.
Stuffed Cherry Peppers
These Stuffed Cherry Peppers are a colorful, tangy appetizer perfect for dinner.
They are filled with a creamy mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs for a bite-sized flavor explosion.
They are easy to prepare and visually stunning on a platter.
They provide protein, vitamins, and a savory, satisfying flavor.
Ingredients:
- 12 large cherry peppers, tops removed
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix cream cheese, Parmesan, parsley, and black pepper.
- Stuff each cherry pepper with the cheese mixture.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake 12–15 minutes until tops are golden.
- Serve warm immediately.
These stuffed cherry peppers are creamy, savory, and tangy.
They provide protein, flavor, and a visually appealing appetizer.
They turn simple ingredients into an elegant starter.
They are perfect for impressing guests at any dinner party.
Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
This Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil is a fresh, flavorful appetizer perfect for any dinner.
It features toasted baguette slices topped with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil.
It is easy to prepare, light, and full of Mediterranean flavors.
It provides fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins for a wholesome start to your meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and toast baguette slices for 5–7 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and black pepper.
- Spoon tomato mixture onto toasted slices.
- Serve immediately as a fresh appetizer.
This bruschetta is fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor.
It provides fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins for a healthy start.
It turns simple ingredients into a classic Mediterranean appetizer.
It is perfect for a light, satisfying bite before dinner.
Baked Brie with Honey and Walnuts
This Baked Brie with Honey and Walnuts is a rich, elegant appetizer perfect for dinner.
It features creamy brie cheese baked until soft, drizzled with honey, and topped with crunchy walnuts.
It is indulgent, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
It provides protein, healthy fats, and a luxurious start to your meal.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz wheel of brie cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- Crack black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place brie on a baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes until soft.
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle chopped walnuts on top.
- Add a light crack of black pepper and serve immediately with crackers or bread.
This baked brie is creamy, sweet, and nutty.
It provides protein, healthy fats, and a luxurious appetizer experience.
It turns simple cheese into an elegant starter.
It is perfect for impressing guests at any dinner gathering
Spinach Artichoke Dip Cups
These Spinach Artichoke Dip Cups are a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for dinner gatherings.
They combine sautéed spinach, artichoke hearts, and cream cheese baked in mini phyllo or pastry cups for bite-sized delight.
They are rich, satisfying, and visually appealing.
They provide fiber, vitamins, and protein while being easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 12 mini phyllo or pastry cups
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté spinach in olive oil until wilted.
- Mix spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
- Spoon mixture into each phyllo cup.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm immediately.
These dip cups are creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.
They turn simple ingredients into an impressive appetizer.
They provide fiber, protein, and essential vitamins.
They are perfect for a warm, inviting start to dinner.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a spicy, savory appetizer ideal for dinner parties.
They combine jalapeño peppers filled with cream cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon for a bold flavor.
They are easy to prepare, full of flavor, and visually appealing.
They provide protein, healthy fats, and a satisfying kick for your appetizer platter.
Ingredients:
- 12 jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 6 slices bacon, halved
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Fill each jalapeño half with cream cheese and season with black pepper.
- Wrap each with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake 15–20 minutes until bacon is crispy.
- Serve immediately.
These poppers are crispy, creamy, and spicy.
They provide protein, fats, and bold flavor.
They turn simple peppers into a gourmet appetizer.
They are perfect for adding excitement and flavor to any dinner gathering.
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Rounds
These Smoked Salmon Cucumber Rounds are a light, elegant appetizer perfect for dinner.
They combine crisp cucumber slices topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and dill for a refreshing bite.
They are easy to prepare, high in protein, and visually appealing.
They provide omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins for a nutritious start.
Ingredients:
- 1 large cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 4 oz smoked salmon, sliced
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Spread a small amount of cream cheese on each cucumber round.
- Top with a slice of smoked salmon and sprinkle dill and black pepper.
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
These rounds are fresh, flavorful, and protein-rich.
They provide omega-3s, vitamins, and a refreshing appetizer.
They turn simple ingredients into a gourmet starter.
They are perfect for a light, elegant bite before dinner.
Mini Caprese Flatbreads
These Mini Caprese Flatbreads are a vibrant, flavorful appetizer ideal for dinner parties.
They feature toasted flatbread topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
They are easy to assemble, colorful, and full of Mediterranean flavor.
They provide antioxidants, protein, and vitamins for a wholesome start to your meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 small flatbreads, cut into quarters
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup mini mozzarella balls
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tsp balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly toast flatbreads.
- Top each piece with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and bake 5–7 minutes until cheese slightly melts.
- Serve immediately.
These flatbreads are colorful, fresh, and flavorful.
They provide protein, vitamins, and a visually appealing appetizer.
They turn simple ingredients into a Mediterranean-inspired starter.
They are perfect for a light, delicious beginning to dinner.
Sweet Potato Crostini with Goat Cheese
These Sweet Potato Crostini with Goat Cheese are a savory-sweet appetizer perfect for dinner gatherings.
They feature roasted sweet potato slices topped with creamy goat cheese, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of honey.
They are flavorful, easy to prepare, and visually stunning.
They provide fiber, vitamins, protein, and a deliciously balanced taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- ¼ cup goat cheese
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush sweet potato slices with olive oil and roast for 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Top each slice with goat cheese, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle thyme.
- Serve warm immediately.
These crostini are sweet, savory, and satisfying.
They provide fiber, protein, and vitamins in every bite.
They turn simple sweet potatoes into an elegant appetizer.
They are perfect for a gourmet, flavorful start to dinner.
