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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    24 Appetizers That Upstage the Entrée—Every Single Time

    Published: Jun 20, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    You know that moment when the appetizers hit the table and suddenly no one cares what’s coming next? These are those appetizers that upstage the entrée without even trying. I’ve served a few of these at parties, and people practically forget there’s a main course. Honestly, they’re the real stars of the show.

    Ham And Cheese Sliders On Hawaiian Rolls With Aioli

    A Hawaiian roll slider being lifted from a platter.
    Ham And Cheese Sliders On Hawaiian Rolls With Aioli. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Game Day Alert! Juicy ham, melted Swiss cheese and aioli on soft Hawaiian rolls, baked to perfection and topped with a flavorful butter mixture.
    Get the Recipe: Ham And Cheese Sliders On Hawaiian Rolls With Aioli

    Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers With Mushrooms

    A serving platter with mushroom crescent rolls
    Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers With Mushrooms. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

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    Follow these steps at home to make this easy vegetarian crescent roll appetizer with cream cheese and chopped mushrooms. One batch makes 48 bite-sized rolls.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers With Mushrooms

    Baked Goat Cheese Dip With Dates, Bacon, And Hot Honey

    goat cheese dip in a cast iron skillet on a gray background.
    Baked Goat Cheese Dip With Dates, Bacon, And Hot Honey. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy goat cheese dip baked until warm, topped with crispy bacon, sweet dates, and hot honey. The perfect dip for any party or appetizer spread.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Goat Cheese Dip With Dates, Bacon, And Hot Honey

    20-Minute Baked Buffalo Chicken Cups

    A platter of Buffalo chicken bites.
    20-Minute Baked Buffalo Chicken Cups. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These buffalo chicken-filled cups are the perfect bite-size appetizer! They’re made with tortilla chip scoops, cooked shredded chicken, and cheddar cheese.
    Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Baked Buffalo Chicken Cups

    Stuffed Roasted Peppers

    A black platter full of mini stuffed peppers.
    Stuffed Roasted Peppers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Cheese stuffed roasted peppers with a Muenster cheese and sausage filling is not just spicy but bursting with flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Stuffed Roasted Peppers

    Mini Croque-Monsieur A French Appetizer

    Mini Croque Monsieurs on a black platter.
    Mini Croque-Monsieur A French Appetizer. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    If you can’t be in France you can still enjoy mini Croque-Monsieur appetizers. Your guests will love this take on a French classic.
    Get the Recipe: Mini Croque-Monsieur A French Appetizer

    Mini Zucchini Appetizer Quiches

    A platter of zucchini quiches with basil leaves.
    Mini Zucchini Appetizer Quiches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Serve a zucchini appetizer right out of the oven or at room temperature, baked in prepared phyllo cups, they’re a breeze to make. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
    Get the Recipe: Mini Zucchini Appetizer Quiches

    Homemade Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls With Apples

    A platter of apple sausage rolls.
    Homemade Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls With Apples. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These puff pastry sausage rolls are a sweet and savory mix of sausage, apple, and crunchy pistachios. Perfect for any occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls With Apples

    Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon

    A platter of bacon wrapped stuffed dates.
    Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Dates stuffed with blue cheese and a spicy glaze that will get your attention. Throw these dates wrapped in bacon together in 15 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon

    Baked Brie With Apples And Walnuts

    A crostini covered in brie and apples.
    Baked Brie With Apples And Walnuts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Baked brie with Honeycrisp apples, brown sugar, bourbon, and toasted walnuts—simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing!
    Get the Recipe: Baked Brie With Apples And Walnuts

    Kentucky Benedictine Sandwiches With Cream Cheese And Cucumbers

    A tray of cucumber sandwiches.
    Kentucky Benedictine Sandwiches With Cream Cheese And Cucumbers . Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Elegant and charming old fashioned appetizers, these Benedictine Tea Sandwiches are a delightful blend of cream cheese and cucumber on soft white bread.
    Get the Recipe: Kentucky Benedictine Sandwiches With Cream Cheese And Cucumbers

    Vidalia Onion Dip

    A scoop of onion dip on a pita chip.
    Vidalia Onion Dip. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Vidalia onion dip is our all time favorite dip for parties or game day. Just a few simple ingredients make it the best onion dip around.
    Get the Recipe: Vidalia Onion Dip

    Cheesy Sausage Phyllo Cups With Ranch Dressing

    A tray of mini cheese bites on a baking sheet
    Cheesy Sausage Phyllo Cups With Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Sausage and cheese phyllo cups are a simple but AMAZING 4-ingredient appetizer that you can prepare in 10 minutes! Great for any party.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Sausage Phyllo Cups With Ranch Dressing

    Baked Mini Tortilla Pizzas In A Muffin Tin

    Pepperoni pizza bites on a plate.
    Baked Mini Tortilla Pizzas In A Muffin Tin. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    15 minutes and 4 ingredients, that’s all you need for these mini pizza appetizers baked in a muffin tin. The secret is in how long you allow them to bake!
    Get the Recipe: Baked Mini Tortilla Pizzas In A Muffin Tin

    Classic Deviled Eggs- Just 4 Ingredients

    A platter of deviled eggs, each topped with a sprinkle of paprika, is arranged neatly on a clear glass tray—a classic touch from beloved southern recipes. Fresh parsley sits in the center as garnish.
    Classic Deviled Eggs- Just 4 Ingredients. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Classic deviled eggs with mayo, mustard, and a sprinkle of paprika and parsley. A simple, tasty appetizer that everyone will love.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs- Just 4 Ingredients

    Southern Cheese Straws With Sharp Cheddar Cheese

    A basket of cheese straws next to glassesof wine.
    Southern Cheese Straws With Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Cheesy, buttery, and with a spicy kick—these cheddar cheese straws are easy to make and perfect for snacks or parties.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Cheese Straws With Sharp Cheddar Cheese

    Marinated Shrimp for Shrimp Cocktails

    A bowl filled with cooked shrimp garnished with herbs and thin onion rings, seasoned with pepper and inspired by classic shrimp recipes, sits on a tiled surface beside a gray napkin and a spoon.
    Marinated Shrimp for Shrimp Cocktails. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This marinated cold shrimp is a no fuss recipe that sits overnight in an Old Bay and lemon sauce for perfect shrimp cocktails.
    Get the Recipe: Marinated Shrimp for Shrimp Cocktails

    Spinach and Artichoke Dip

    A baking dish of spinach artichoke dip with a spoon in the side.
    Spinach and Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Skip the mayonnaise! This recipe for hot spinach and artichoke dip is loaded with fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese and gooey melted cheese.
    Get the Recipe: Spinach and Artichoke Dip

    Crispy Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots

    A bowl of bacon wrapped tater tots next to a bowl of dip.
    Crispy Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Crispy tater tots wrapped in bacon with a brown sugar glaze will be the hit of your next party or game day. So easy to make.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots

    Sweet Potato Bites With Waffle Fries

    A platter of sweet potato appetizers next to glasses of wine.
    Sweet Potato Bites With Waffle Fries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    What happens when you top crispy sweet potato waffle fries with grape salsa and goat cheese, you get sweet potato crostini. A unique appetizer to please the crowd.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Bites With Waffle Fries

    30 Minute Bacon-Wrapped Mini Potatoes

    A platter of bacon wrapped potato bites.
    30 Minute Bacon-Wrapped Mini Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These bacon-wrapped mini potatoes are the perfect party finger food! The bite-size appetizer is ready within 30 minutes! Serve with dipping sauce.
    Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Bacon-Wrapped Mini Potatoes

    Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe (No Bisquick!)

    Sausage balls piled on a platter.
    Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe (No Bisquick!). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Cream cheese sausage balls are the perfect snack food for your next party. Serve these any time of day for a savory finger food that’s full of flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe (No Bisquick!)

    Pigs In A Blanket With Cheese

    Pigs In A Blanket With Cheese. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    A classic appetizer for kids & adults alike, Pigs in a Blanket are mini cocktail sausages rolled in buttery crescent dough & baked to golden perfection!
    Get the Recipe: Pigs In A Blanket With Cheese

    Stuffed Mushrooms

    Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Stuffed Mushrooms are filled with mellow garlic, toasted pecans, sundried tomatoes, & spinach then topped with a citrus basil dressing.
    Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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