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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    Make These 30 Appetizers Before the Party Even Starts

    Published: Jul 5, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    You know that moment before the party officially kicks off, when everyone’s just starting to mingle and the vibe’s still warming up? That’s exactly when you need a few go-to bites to keep the energy high and the guests happy. Trust me, if you make these appetizers before the party starts, you’ll be the one everyone thanks for saving them from awkward small talk and empty stomachs. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and totally worth prepping ahead of time.

    Corn And Peach Salsa

    A bowl of easy-to-make salsa with the perfect balance of peaches, tomatoes, and corn.
    Corn And Peach Salsa. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Fresh peaches, tomatoes and corn are combined for a fresh and healthy salsa. Corn and Peach Salsa is a perfect summer appetizer.
    Get the Recipe: Corn And Peach Salsa

    Cold Corn Dip With Sour Cream And Rotel Tomatoes

    Corn dip in a bowl next to chips.
    Cold Corn Dip With Sour Cream And Rotel Tomatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

    This easy corn dip combines canned corn, canned Rotel tomatoes and chilies, sour cream, mayonnaise and cheddar cheese. Ready in 10 minutes, serve cold.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Corn Dip With Sour Cream And Rotel Tomatoes

    Cold Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese

    Cold Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Cold shrimp dip made with cream cheese, Old Bay, mayo, and seasonings all blended together to make an easy-to-scoop cold party appetizer.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese

    Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped In Bacon

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

    Sweet, salty, and just a little spicy, these bacon-wrapped dates are the ultimate party showstopper. They’re fancy enough to wow guests but simple enough to make in minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese 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.

    Warm, gooey brie gets a sophisticated boost from crunchy walnuts, sweet apples, and a hint of bourbon. It’s an effortless way to add a gourmet touch to your table.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Brie With Apples And Walnuts

    30 Minute Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

    A sausage ball being taken from a platter.
    30 Minute Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These cheesy, savory bites are packed with Southern charm and come together in just half an hour. Perfect for busy hosts who still want to impress.
    Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

    Easy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip

    Easy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip is easy to make and delicious with vegetables and crackers. Be careful though because it’s SO addicting! Yummy!!
    Get the Recipe: Easy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip

    Ham And Turkey Pinwheels With Cheese

    Ham And Turkey Pinwheels With Cheese. Photo credit: Savor the Best.

    Deliciously simple ham and turkey pinwheels are a delightful appetizer that are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
    Get the Recipe: Ham And Turkey Pinwheels With Cheese

    Olive Dip With Cream Cheese

    Olive Dip With Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

    Olive dip with cream cheese only requires a handful of ingredients and can be made in less than 5 minutes. Serve with crackers or chips!
    Get the Recipe: Olive Dip With Cream Cheese

    Caprese Skewers

    Caprese Skewers. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

    These elegant Caprese skewers are the perfect balance of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Add balsamic glaze for a finger-food twist on a classic salad!
    Get the Recipe: Caprese Skewers

    Cold Knorr Vegetable Dip

    Cold Knorr Vegetable Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Learn how to make the famous Knorr Vegetable Dip with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for parties, this dip is always a crowd favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Knorr Vegetable Dip

    Ahi Tuna Poke Appetizer

    A rectangular white plate with cucumber slices topped with diced fish, sesame seeds, herbs, and drizzled sauce. A small bowl of fresh cilantro is nearby on the blue surface.
    Ahi Tuna Poke Appetizer. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

    Ahi tuna appetizer is filled with savory, spicy, and umami flavors in one bite. It’s easy to make in just 15 minutes and perfect for parties!
    Get the Recipe: Ahi Tuna Poke Appetizer

    Reuben Dip (Served Cold)

    Reuben Dip (Served Cold). Photo credit: Southern Plate.

    With corned beef and cream cheese, this cold Reuben dip recipe tastes like a Reuben sandwich but as an easy, spreadable, and tasty snack.
    Get the Recipe: Reuben Dip (Served Cold)

    Mini Pimento Cheese Balls With Bacon And Pecans

    Four cheese balls coated with chopped nuts and herbs are arranged on a dark serving surface, next to a bowl of pickles and a glass mug—perfect as savory NYE party foods for an elegant appetizer presentation.
    Mini Pimento Cheese Balls With Bacon And Pecans. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    One of the most famous of Southern treats, these Pimento Cheese Balls are tangy, cheesy, and creamy—and the perfect appetizer for any event.
    Get the Recipe: Mini Pimento Cheese Balls With Bacon And Pecans

    Feta Cheese Dip

    Feta Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

    Feta Cheese Dip takes 10 minutes to make and it is ridiculously delicious. I’d tell you it’s a good party food, but it never makes it there!
    Get the Recipe: Feta Cheese Dip

    Smoked Salmon Dip With Cream Cheese And Dill

    A bowl of cream cheese salmon dip next to a bowl of crostini.
    Smoked Salmon Dip With Cream Cheese And Dill. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy salmon dip with smoked salmon, cream cheese, lemon, dill, and capers. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for parties.
    Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip With Cream Cheese And Dill

    Antipasto Skewers Appetizer

    Antipasto Skewers Appetizer. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

    This Antipasto Skewers Appetizer is a delicious treat that is easy to prepare and packed with pieces of Italian meat, cheese, and veggies!
    Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers Appetizer

    10-Minute Cream Cheese, Cocktail Sauce & Shrimp Dip

    A scoop removed showing the layers of a shrimp dip.
    10-Minute Cream Cheese, Cocktail Sauce & Shrimp Dip. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This 10-minute appetizer recipe layers cold cream cheese, jarred cocktail sauce,and pre-cooked shrimp. Top with grated cheddar cheese, and enjoy!
    Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Cream Cheese, Cocktail Sauce & Shrimp Dip

    From Scratch Sour Cream And Onion Dip With Caramelized Onions

    A bowl of sour cream dip with caramelized onions next to a bowl of chips.
    From Scratch Sour Cream And Onion Dip With Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Take a classic appetizer to the next level with this from-scratch Sour Cream and Onion Dip using caramelized onions.
    Get the Recipe: From Scratch Sour Cream And Onion Dip With Caramelized Onions

    Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Truffles

    Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Truffles. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    These tasty Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Truffles are a perfect appetizer served alongside vegetables and crackers.
    Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Truffles

    Homemade White Queso Dip In Just 15 Minutes

    A bowl of white queso dip with chips on a plate.
    Homemade White Queso Dip In Just 15 Minutes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    White Queso Dip is a creamy and smooth cheese dip and comes together in just 15 minutes. Fabulous as an appetizer for a game day party!
    Get the Recipe: Homemade White Queso Dip In Just 15 Minutes

    Italian Pinwheel Sandwiches

    Italian Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Savor the Best.

    Italian pinwheel sandwiches: easy, versatile, and perfect for picnics, bento box lunches, or party appetizers. Fun-to-eat bites everyone will love, including kids.
    Get the Recipe: Italian Pinwheel Sandwiches

    Quick & Easy Green Goddess Dip With Fresh Herbs

    A bowl of creamy herb dip is surrounded by fresh vegetables, including broccoli, cucumber slices, baby carrots, celery sticks, and round crackers. The dip is garnished with chopped herbs and black pepper. The background features a textured, dark surface.
    Quick & Easy Green Goddess Dip With Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Vibrant, herby, and oh so creamy, this homemade Green Goddess dip gets its robust flavor from fresh parsley, basil, and tarragon.
    Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Green Goddess Dip With Fresh Herbs

    Party Pickle Roll Ups: Quick To Make Appetizer

    Party Pickle Roll Ups: Quick To Make Appetizer. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Pickle roll ups, are a crowd-pleasing appetizer with minimal prep time requiring only 4 ingredients perfect for any party occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Party Pickle Roll Ups: Quick To Make Appetizer

    Classic Deviled Eggs- Just 4 Ingredients

    A batch of deviled eggs on a platter.
    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

    Cold Crab Dip

    Cold Crab Dip. Photo credit: Southern Plate.

    It takes just 5 minutes and 4 ingredients to create this easy cold crab dip recipe, which is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful seafood dip.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Crab Dip

    Strawberry Appetizer With Pretzel Crackers

    Pretzel crackers topped with cream cheese and strawberries.
    Strawberry Appetizer With Pretzel Crackers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This easy Strawberry Crostini is a sweet and salty appetizer that combines pretzel crackers with cream cheese & berries for a bright pop of flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Strawberry Appetizer With Pretzel Crackers

    Cold Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

    Cold Cream Cheese Salsa Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Cream cheese salsa dip is a cold, creamy dip made with cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar mixed in with salsa and Mexican spices.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

    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, 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

    Pimento Cheese with Cream Cheese and Chipotle Peppers

    Two crackers with pimento cheese next to a bowl of cheese dip.
    Pimento Cheese with Cream Cheese and Chipotle Peppers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage

    Pimento cheese is a Southern classic you’ll find at just about any potluck or party. It’s creamy and ultra cheesy, with that perfect zing only real mayo provides.
    Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese with Cream Cheese and Chipotle Peppers

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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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