Easy Appetizers For A Crowd

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Throwing a party? These easy appetizers for a crowd are just as fun to eat as they are to look at – but I’ve got a secret. They take almost no effort to make so you can spend more time enjoying your gathering and less time in the kitchen.

a collage of four crowd pleasing appetizer recipes.

Whenever you host a party, there is so much for you to do! Decorate your space, invite the people, set the theme. Food should be the easiest piece of the puzzle. Thankfully, with these recipes, it is! No matter what dietary restrictions or food preferences people have, you are going to find something on this list that works.

Plus, all of these recipes are easy to make for a crowd or a small dinner party. The fun part is browsing the list and picking out your favorites. As you do, please click through to the original recipe and pin them to your Pinterest board. That way, you don’t forget which recipes are your favorites.

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The recipes are carefully curated to appeal to a wide range of tastes, ensuring that every guest finds something they love.
  • Perfect for Large Gatherings: Whether it’s a family reunion, game night, or holiday celebration, these appetizers are designed to serve a crowd, ensuring nobody goes hungry.
  • Make-Ahead Convenience: Many of these appetizers can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with your guests during the party.
  • Eye-Catching Presentation: These appetizers are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Your guests will be wowed by the beautiful display.
Easy Appetizer Recipes for a Crowd collage image for pinterest pin.

Here is the list of my favorite appetizers that will feed a crowd for a party! I know you’ll find a few recipes to try and a few that you’ll definitely fall in love with.

Delicious Dips

Dive into a world of delightful dips that will elevate your appetizer game. From creamy classics to exotic flavors, these dip recipes will leave your guests craving more.

hand with a slice of small bread picking up blt dip.

BLT Dip

There is more than just bacon, lettuce, and tomato in this layered BLT dip, but those are my favorite ingredients in it! It’s a cheesy dip that tastes perfect when you dip tortilla chips into it. You can make this dip as spicy or as mild as you like it. Then, top it all with cheddar cheese or use pepper jack cheese for a surprising kick.

Italian Hoagie Dip in a bread bowl with piece of bread around it.

Italian Hoagie Dip

Overfill a bread bowl with all the ingredients for this Italian Hoagie dip, and your guests will be clamoring around the table to grab a bite. The meat, cheese, and lettuce are topped with a tangy mayonnaise dressing that you are definitely going to enjoy. Yes, this creamy dip looks and tastes just like an authentic Italian Hoagie that’s been deconstructed.

Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon served in a bowl with pretzel bites.

Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

A slow cooker cheese dip is the perfect appetizer for a party around a football game. Beer cheese dip is a classic tailgating recipe – dip pretzel bites into it and watch it disappear. Topping the cheese dip with bacon makes it even more delicious!

Really Good Jalapeño Dip served in a dish with tortilla chips.

Really Good Jalapeño Dip

This jalapeño dip is my go-to recipe whenever I have people coming over. It’s one of those dips that I know everyone will enjoy. Who wouldn’t? It’s basically cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, tomatoes, and ranch dressing. It’s as good as it looks!

hand holding a piece of bread scooping up ultimate sausage pizza dip.

Ultimate Sausage Pizza Dip

Pizza lovers are going to flip over this dip! It has a cream cheese base and is filled with pizza sauce, sausage, spices, and topped with mini pepperonis. You’ll need thick slices of bread for this cheesy scrumptious dip.

hand getting corn dip with Fritos.

Out-Of-This-World Corn Dip

I came up with a few different names for this dip. All of them describe how insanely popular it is – crack corn dip is my favorite one. You place this appetizer on the table, and guests will devour it, guaranteed! The flavor combination of sweet Mexican corn, chilis, green onion, and jalapeno peppers makes it so popular. Use Fritos to dip, and you have the perfect appetizer!

Really Good Veggie Dip served in a purple cabbage on a plate of vegetables.

Really Good Veggie Dip

Looking for easy cold appetizers? This veggie dip isn’t just good – it’s really good! Quite possibly the best veggie dip you will ever make. Put some in the middle of a veggie platter, and your guests will gobble up the healthy snacks. The secret to this dip is in the hot sauce – it really brings out the flavors.

hand holding a piece of pineapple scooping fruit dip.

Easy Fruit Dip

If you’re looking for a creamy, flavorful fruit dip that’s quick to make, look no further. You only need four ingredients and five minutes to whip up this easy fruit dip recipe. This dip goes perfectly with all your favorite fruits. Not only that, but it adds a pretty pop of pink to your table too.

Want more? Check out this collection of my best easy dip recipes.

Fancy Dishes

Elevate your party with these fancy dishes that blend gourmet flavors with easy preparation. Impress your guests with sophisticated appetizers that look and taste like they came straight from a high-end restaurant.

hand holding a Roasted Parmesan Garlic Shrimp with more on a platter below.

Parmesan Garlic Roasted Shrimp

Shrimp is a party-ready type of meat because each piece is already bite-size. Topping shrimp with garlic and parmesan is a classic and popular flavor combination that just about everyone enjoys. Serve them with your favorite cocktail dipping sauce or make your own.

white platter filled with antipasto skewers.

Antipasto Kabobs

Whether you call them kabobs or skewers, these little finger foods are easy for guests to pick up and eat. These meat and cheese kabobs have traditional antipasto ingredients, including olives and tomatoes. Plus, I added some tortellini on there for a little texture and taste variety too.

marinated mozzarella on a plate with a toothpick.

Marinated Mozzarella

From boring to bold, mozzarella gets a flavor upgrade with fresh herbs and spices. This Marinated Mozzarella is easy to make and adds a flavorful touch to any appetizer spread, cheese board, or charcuterie.

plate with a wreath made from olives, herbs, and cheese.

Festive Olive Wreath Appetizer

This olive wreath appetizer is a delicious and beautiful appetizer idea. You can assemble it in minutes, and it adds a tasty and colorful touch to any party spread. Dress it up for any season or celebration.

charcuterie board shaped into a circle wreath filled with meats, cheese, fruits, and crackers.

Charcuterie Wreath

Want another wreath idea? You’ve got it! You’ve heard of a charcuterie board; now it’s time to experience a charcuterie wreath! If there’s one thing that can make a gathering truly memorable, it’s an eye-catching and delectable charcuterie wreath. The perfect blend of savory meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts all gathered and arranged into a stunning display is sure to impress your guests. 

several charcuterie cups stacked in a row on a white plate.

Charcuterie Cups

These are one of my favorite easy appetizer for a crowd. These adorable, customizable cups are like mini personal charcuterie boards. Charcuterie Cups are perfect for any occasion and will elevate your snacking game like never before. I’ve also made jarcuteries (made in little jars) and festive Christmas charcuterie cups!

Sensational Snack Mixes

Add a touch of excitement to your gathering with these sensational snack mixes. Perfect for munching, these addictive combinations of nuts, pretzels, and spices will keep your guests coming back for more.

ParmParmesan Ranch Snack Mix esan Ranch Snack Mix #parmesan #ranch #snackmix #snack #recipe #potatochips #pretezels #seasoned

Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix

Who doesn’t love a bowl of pretzels and chips? This salty parmesan ranch snack mix has flavor in every bite. Fill your favorite decorative bowl with the mix and let your guests dig in. Or, go a little extra and place a little bit of snack mix into individual bags or cupcake liners. Then, guests can grab their own portion without messing with an awkward spoon or scoop.

Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix in a bowl.

Sweet and Salty Snack Mix

Sweet and salty come together in this delicious and easy-to-make sweet and salty snack mix. It’s a wonderful medley of flavors that is all treats with no tricks. I know you’re going to love it as much as I do.  Don’t need this for fall, just leave out the candy corn.

bowls of Parmesan Truffle Popcorn

Parmesan Truffle Popcorn

Looking to level up your crowd-pleasing snacking? Then you need to try this Parmesan Truffle Popcorn. It’s an easy and decadent way to elevate a classic snack into a gourmet treat!

Really Good Seasoned Pretzels in a bowl.

Really Good Seasoned Pretzels

These Really Good Seasoned Pretzels (also known as Missy’s Seasoned Pretzels) are loaded with a subtly spicy, bold flavor, and delicious crunch. This recipe will quickly become your new favorite way to make seasoned pretzels.

Bountiful Breads

Satisfy cravings with an assortment of bountiful bread-based appetizers. From pizza bread to stuffed pull-apart rolls, these delicious bites will disappear from the table in no time.

Cheese-Filled Pull-Apart Rolls

Cheese-Filled Pull-Apart Rolls

I originally made these rolls for a Christmas party, which is why the recipe tells you to put the rolls in the shape of a tree. Even if you arrange them in a round pan, these rolls are tasty all year long. As they bake, they smell incredible. Fair warning: it’ll be really hard to wait for the party to eat one. That being said, they taste best when they are warm, so keep them in the oven until guests arrive.

close up of pepperoni bread on a platter.

The Best Pepperoni Bread

I originally made these rolls for a Christmas party, which is why the recipe tells you to put the rolls in the shape of a tree. Even if you arrange them in a round pan, these rolls are tasty all year long. As they bake, they smell incredible. Fair warning: it’ll be really hard to wait for the party to eat one. That being said, they taste best when they are warm, so keep them in the oven until guests arrive.

pizza bread with marinara sauce served on a white plate.

Homemade Pizza Bread

This Homemade Pizza Bread recipe has quickly become a go-to appetizer recipe for me. Its versatility and great pizza flavor make it a party favorite.

Roll-Ups and Pinwheels

Discover a world of flavor in every bite with these roll-ups and pinwheels. Easy-to-make and customizable to a variety of flavors, these appetizers are sure to be a hit.

Sun-Dried Tomato Roll-Ups on a white round plate.

Sun-Dried Tomato Roll-Ups

When it comes to parties, you just can’t beat the ease of roll-ups! This collection of roll-up recipes will give you a bunch of ideas. One of my favorite types of all time is sun-dried tomato basil roll-ups. They look so fancy when you plate them but are super-easy to make. The basil really brings out the flavors in the sun-dried tomatoes.

Italian Sub Pinwheel Sandwiches  on a white platter.

Italian Sub Pinwheel Sandwiches

All your favorite things about Italian sub sandwiches are in these delicious roll-ups. The cream cheese layer is what makes them taste incredible – but the pepperoni and salami sure don’t hurt either. Use your favorite types of Italian cold cuts and deli cheese, then top them with fresh tomatoes and crispy lettuce.

black forest ham pinwheels on a platter.

Black Forest Ham Pinwheels

These Black Forest Ham Pinwheels will quickly become your new go-to appetizer recipe. Freshly sliced ham is layered with seasoned cream cheese, dried cherries, green onions, swiss cheese, and just a drizzle of honey to create a flavor combination that’s nearly impossible to resist. 

Crave-Worthy Cheese Balls

Indulge in the irresistible charm of cheese balls. These crave-worthy appetizers combine various cheeses and seasonings, creating a perfect centerpiece for any appetizer spread. Customize them for any season or celebration.

Cranberry Bacon & Walnut Cheeseball

Cranberry Bacon Walnut Cheeseball

Cheeseballs are another one of my favorite easy appetizers for a crowd! Guests love to enjoy them with a few crackers. Check out this article with cheeseball recipes for every season. This cranberry, bacon, and walnut cheese ball is ready for winter parties. The deep red and green colors look perfect on a holiday table. The walnuts give the cheeseball a deeper flavor that brings out the tart taste of the cranberries.

Everything Bagel Cheeseball served with crackers.

Everything Bagel Cheeseball

This adorable everything bagel cheeseball looks just like a speckled pumpkin. However, you can skip the pumpkin stem and just serve the cheeseball without it so it fits in during any season! The Everything Bagel seasoning is nutty, salty, and tastes incredible with soft cheese.

close up of mini pimento cheese balls on a white platter.

Mini Pimento Cheese Balls

Adorable, easy, and oh-so-tasty – introducing Mini Pimento Cheese Balls! Elevate your snack game with these bite-sized delights that are perfect for any gathering! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we dive into the easy appetizer recipes, here are answers to some of your burning questions.

What are the easiest appetizers?

As you’ll see from the recipes below, I’m a big fan of dips and finger foods. They tend to be less fussy and easy for your guests to enjoy eating as they are walking around the room or talking to others.

I also am a big fan of make-ahead dishes. Cold dips are excellent easy appetizer options because most of them taste even better if you let them sit in the fridge a bit for the flavors to meld.

How should I serve easy appetizers for a crowd?

Depending on the layout of your entertaining space and the number of guests attending, there are several ways to set out your appetizers.

At Bayberry House, friends tend to hang around the kitchen, so that’s where I set out appetizers. Usually, I’ll make 2-3 different options and place them in different spots around the kitchen so that there isn’t a mob waiting to get snacks.

I also have quite the collection of Cuarto platters in varying sizes that I use for entertaining. I typically set out a stack of the small platters for guests to use with their appetizers.

Don’t forget to set out napkins as well to keep things neat!

What are some good low-carb appetizers?

I certainly don’t follow a low-carb lifestyle, but I have several friends that do. To make sure everyone has a good time at my gatherings, I try to always have one low-carb option (that also happens to be gluten-free).

An easy choice is to put out veggies to go along with your dips. I like to place a pretty display of baby carrots, celery, baby cucumber rounds, and thin cuts of bell pepper next to the chips or crackers.

Other low-carb appetizer options include a cheeseboard with prosciutto. Along with classic cheeses such as brie and aged cheddar, I like to fancify mine a bit with these homemade seasoned roasted cashews…they are addictively good!

That’s a Wrap

Whenever you have a party to throw, come back to this list! These easy appetizers for a crowd will make everyone happy and help you throw one of the best parties yet. Don’t forget to pair these with some of my favorite cocktails too!

More Recipe Collections You’ll Love

I hope you enjoyed this delicious collection of easy appetizers for a crowd. I’m curious,do you have a favorite? Let me know in the comments below. 

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4 Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing these….our apartment building gets together each month for a happy hour with appetizers and I am always looking for something that will make a lot ( 53 apartments) and is easy. These all look great!!!

  2. Love reading what inspired you in May. I know exactly what you mean about trying to be happy with less. I have done the same thing this year. I love gardening. Sometimes I do too much, and I can’t just sit in the garden and enjoy it. That really is the whole point, right? I did add the sweetest bird bath. The birds adore it. Many species come to bathe in the spa together. They delight me and the only thing I have to do is put fresh water in it every day. Easy peasy. I hope you have the best time in France. I can’t wait to hear all about it.