22+ BEST Cold Appetizers for Entertaining

This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy

If you’re in need of a cold appetizer recipe, you’ve come to the right place. Today I’m sharing a collection of my favorite cold appetizers for entertaining. This amazing list is designed for delicious entertaining and may just become your new go-to for cold appetizer choices.

Yes, my friends, you know how much I love appetizer recipes here on Inspired by Charm. I recently had someone reach out asking for some cold appetizer recipe ideas. After sharing the list with them, I thought that others might benefit from it as well.

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

That’s why I rounded up this list of my favorite cold appetizers.

I’ve covered everything from dips to cheeseballs, even bite-sized treats, and everything in-between. It’s a pretty extensive collection and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.

I hope you find this list helpful and discover a few new favorite treats along the way.

a collage of four images of appetizers with text the best cold appetizer recipes.

Appetizer Dips

hand dipping into Italian hoagie dip in bread bowl.

Italian Hoagie Dip

All the ingredients and flavors you love about an Italian hoagie (submarine sandwich) have come together in this unique Italian Hoagie Dip. You’re going to be looking for an excuse to try this tasty dip.

chip dip in a bowl surrounded by potato chips on a plate.

Really Good Chip Dip

This Really Good Chip Dip is a delicious and fresh alternative to store-bought dip. In under 10 minutes, you can stir up a flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with chips as well as veggies!

Vegetable dip in a cabbage bowl surrounded by cut vegetables.

Really Good Veggie Dip

This vegetable dip is my favorite dip for vegetables! It’s loaded with flavor and you can whip it up in a matter of minutes. I think you’re going to love it as much as I do!

Loaded veggie ranch dip in a bowl surrounded by chips and Fritos.

Loaded Veggie Ranch Dip

This Loaded Veggie Ranch Dip will become your new go-to party appetizer recipe. It’s loaded with corn, peppers, cream cheese, sour cream, ranch, and a few other goodies, so as you might guess, it’s really good! Also, it’s quick to make and full of great flavor.

hand scooping into BLT dip with tortilla chip.

BLT Dip

This layered BLT Dip is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Layered with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheese, this appetizer recipe brings together the classic flavors everyone loves.

jalapeño dip in dish with tortilla chips.

Jalapeno Dip

This Jalapeño Dip comes together with just a few ingredients. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. By adding more or less pith and seeds from the jalapeños, you determine the heat. No matter how you make it, you and your guests will love this cold appetizer recipe.

hand getting corn dip with Fritos.

Out-of-this-World Corn Dip

Of all the recipes on IBC, this Out-of-this-World Corn Dip is one I make multiple times a year. It makes a generous portion and is a total crowd-pleaser. I’m confident you’ll love it, too.

Want more delicious dip recipes? I’ve got ’em! Check out my recipe collection with over 20+ delicious dip recipes.

bowl of veggie pizza dip with bread and tortilla chips.

The Best Veggie Pizza Dip

One of your favorite appetizers is now a dip! Classic Veggie Pizza has a new look but still has all the delicious flavor you’ve come to love. Made with cream cheese, ranch, and lots of crisp veggies, this veggie Pizza Dip is so easy to make and will become an instant crowd-pleaser.

Bite-Sized Nibbles

olives, tomatoes, mini cheese balls, and rosemary shaped into a wreath on a plate.

Olive Wreath

This Olive Wreath is a delicious and beautiful appetizer idea. I made mine for the holiday season, but you can serve it any time of the year. This cold appetizer can be assembled in minutes, and it adds a tasty and colorful touch to any party spread.

Mozzarella Caprese Crostini on a plate.

Crostini

If you ever need a beautiful, flavor-packed, all-occasion appetizer, look no further than crostini. In this post, I’ve shared three delicious crostini recipes that you can make for your next celebration.

Avocado-Pesto BLT Bites on a plate.

Avocado Pesto BLT Bites

I decided to take one of my favorite sandwiches, the classic BLT, to the next level by turning it into a delicious cold appetizer recipe. The avocado pesto takes these over the top.

Sun-Dried Tomato Roll-Ups on a plate.

Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Roll-ups

Pretty, flavorful, and easy are three things I want in hors d’ oeuvres ideas, and this recipe checks off each of those boxes. To make these pinwheels, simply spread a mixture of cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic on a flour tortilla, add some fresh basil leaves, and then tightly roll up the tortilla.

If roll-ups / pinwheel are one of your favorite cold appetizers, you’re in luck because I have an entire roll-up recipe collection dedicated to this tasty spiral bites.

Really Good Seasoned Pretzels in a big bowl on a coffee table.

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.

Prosciutto Melon Bites on white platter.

Prosciutto and Melon Bites

An Italian favorite, these Prosciutto and Melon Bites are an easy and delicious cold appetizer recipe perfect for summer entertaining or afternoon snack. This is a classic combination of salty and sweet that will never go out of style. In addition, a drizzle of balsamic glaze takes this prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe to whole new level. 

deviled eggs topped with bacon on a plate.

Deviled Eggs with Bacon

Want to take deviled eggs to the next level? I’m showing you how to make The Best Deviled Eggs with Bacon. This classic appetizer recipe received a flavorful upgrade with the help of crispy bacon. What’s not to love?

Cheese-Inspired Recipes

close up of Marinated Mozzarella Recipe in a bowl.

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.

Jarcuterie jars with meats and cheese

Jarcuteries

Looking for an appetizer that SHINES when it comes to flavor and presentation? Then you need a jarcuterie. These single-serving charcuteries assembled in a small jar are perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or even just a movie/game night with friends. 

Really Good Pimento Cheese in a bowl with crackers and vegetables.

Pimento Cheese

Creamy and packed with flavor, this Really Good Pimento Cheese makes a delicious party dip, a topping for crackers, a filling for a sandwich, and so much more!

hand dipping cracker into Everything Bagel Cheeseball shaped like a pumpkin.

Cheeseballs for Every Season

Cheeseballs will forever be a go-to appetizer recipe for me. That’s why I’ve created several unique and delicious cheeseball recipes here on Inspired by Charm. You’re especially going to love my pumpkin-shaped and Christmas-tree shaped cheeseballs.

Unique Hors d’Oeuvre Ideas

Delicious Tortellini Pasta Salad in a bowl.

Tortellini Pasta Salad

Take your pasta salad game to the next level with this Tortellini Pasta Salad. Just combine cheese tortellini, pepperoni, cheese, mixed veggies, and pine nuts and toss all of that with a bold red wine vinaigrette. A new go-to for lunch? Dinner? Get-togethers? Yes, all of the above!

Want more delicious dip recipes? I’ve got ’em! You can check out my recipe collection with over 20+ amazing pasta salad recipes.

Veggie Pizza Wreath on a gold cake stand with a jar of yellow rosed.

Veggie Pizza Wreath

This Veggie Pizza (shaped like a wreath) is a delicious, easy, and beautiful cold appetizer recipe you’ll come to love again and again. It’s been a favorite in my family for years.

antipasto Kabobs Skewers lined up on a large platter.

Antipasto Skewers

Last, but certainly not least, these Antipasto Kabobs are full of your favorite cold appetizer treats making them a delicious and beautiful hors d’oeuvre that will “wow” your guests!

jarcuterie for christmas in paper cup.

Charcuterie Cups

If you want to wow your guests with a spectacular cold appetizer, then you need to make these Charcuterie Cups. A winner in both presentation and flavor, these are individual festive charcuterie boards served in a cup.

Friends, that is one delicious and incredible list of cold appetizers. As you can see, I have attempted to offer many varieties and flavors.

I certainly hope you found something to make for your next gathering.

Favorite Serving Pieces

I believe that any recipe looks better when presented in a beautiful way, these are some of my favorite service pieces to make your recipes look their best!

Want more? See all of My Ultimate Kitchen Essentials.

bowl of veggie pizza dip
Veggie Pizza Dip

More Recipe Collections You May Enjoy

Want more from Inspired by Charm? Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

9 Comments

  1. I’m ready to party and serve your food. Thanks. I had trouble tearing myself away from the Christmas charcuterie and ordered my Amazon cups, forks and picks. Lol

  2. Several years ago I was invited to a party and needed an appetizer or dessert. I made the antipasto skewers–from your recipe and it was such a hit! Everyone loved them. They are time consuming but worth it for the impact. Thanks for the other recipes too!