21 Appetizers That Say Welcome to a Next-Level Dinner

Before the main course even arrives, a well-chosen appetizer can set the stage for a memorable meal. It gives everyone something to enjoy while waiting and adds an extra layer to the dining experience. With a mix of simple and bold options, these starters help build excitement without being too heavy.

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface.
Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Party Crostini

Slices of toasted bread stacked together.
Party Crostini. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re looking for an opener that invites conversation, Party Crostini is your go-to. Each bite provides a crunch that sets the stage for the meal to come. They’re easy to share, ensuring that no guest misses out. Start your event with a communal favorite.
Get the Recipe: Party Crostini

Sausage Balls

Plate of crispy fried dumplings with chopped herbs, served with a bowl of brown dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Begin with Sausage Balls, a confident nod to classic comfort apps. This choice sets a warm, welcoming tone for your gathering. They’re a hands-on favorite that won’t disappoint. Your guests will appreciate the homey start to their dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Close-up of loaded Buffalo chicken nachos piled high with shredded chicken, jalapeños, cheese, green onions, hot sauce, and a dollop of sour cream.
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Scale up your appetizer game with Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos. These combine vibrant and texture to prime your guests’ appetites. Each chip is a mini canvas of flavor. They will prepare everyone for an impressive main course.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Close-up of bacon-wrapped scallops secured with toothpicks, seasoned with spices, and cooked until golden and crispy.
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bring on the Smoky Bacon Pig Shots for a blend of smoke and enjoy. These small bites are packed with character and make for an excellent ice-breaker. They’re a straightforward, memorable treat. Your friends will be intrigued by what comes next.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Close-up of beef and cheese sliders with toasted buns on a white surface.
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Charm your company with Philly Cheesesteak Sliders, a tribute to the classic sandwich. Miniature in size but large in character, they speak of the care put into meal preparation. They promise further enjoyment ahead. These will surely warm up the conversation.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Shrimp Toast

Close-up of open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, shredded carrot, microgreens, and pieces of cooked salmon on whole-grain bread.
Shrimp Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Introducing Shrimp Toast adds a flavorful twist to your starters selection. Each bite is a prelude to the coming attractions. Guests can mingle easily as they snack. It’s a hospitable way to welcome your diners to the table.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Loaded Potato Skins

Close-up of loaded potato skins topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and sliced green onions on a white background.
Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Enjoy a familiar yet always appreciated treat with Loaded Potato Skins. They hint at the more sophisticated dishes awaiting. These are perfect for nibbling as the evening unfolds. Share these and set the stage for a splendid dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Close-up of cheesy garlic bread rolls topped with chopped green onions on a white plate, reminiscent of Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Invite your guests to unwrap the beginning of a satisfying meal with Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls. Each roll is a handheld herald for the feast to come. They’re a flavorful twist that sparks curiosity. Enjoy how they bring smiles to the room.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Shrimp Tempura

A bowl of crispy fried shrimp with slices of green onions and jalapeños.
Shrimp Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Light and crisp, Shrimp Tempura lends an air of elegance as an opener. The crunch is audible, the pleasure evident. This choice suggests a thoughtfully planned menu ahead. Your dinner is off to a promising start with such a chic choice.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

Million Dollar Dip

Close-up of a creamy dish topped with shredded cheese, chopped nuts, bacon bits, and sliced green onions.
Million Dollar Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Offer a centerpiece like Million Dollar Dip to bring guests together. This appetizer entices with its rich and inviting presence. It’s the sort of beginning that hints at more excellent eats ahead. Enjoy watching your friends gather around for a shared moment.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

A plate of sliced, roasted baby potatoes is garnished with herbs. A small bowl of creamy sauce is placed in the center.
Mini Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Serve up Mini Hasselback Potatoes for a flair of creativity in your starter lineup. These little gems show off your attention to detail. They’re a wonderful lead into the main event. Pass these around to spark up appetite and anticipation.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Close-up of four ham and cheese sliders on sesame seed buns, arranged in two stacks. The cheese is melting and oozing out of the sides, making these Ham and Cheese Sliders irresistible.
Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Simple yet universally loved, Ham and Cheese Sliders are a no-fail choice. They offer a comforting welcome to your guests. This traditional pairing is always in style and hints at the quality spread to follow. It’s casual dining done right.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Loaded Tater Tots

Loaded Tater Tots close-up topped with crumbled bacon, drizzled with ranch dressing, and garnished with sliced green onions on a white plate.
Loaded Tater Tots. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Experience making Loaded Tater Tots for a playful nudge into mealtime. These are a foolproof way to get the nod of approval from your diners. They’re the perfect precursor to more refined courses. Enjoy as they become the evening’s first culinary hit.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots

Salmon Deviled Eggs

Close-up of Deviled Eggs topped with a red currant and garnished with fried leeks. Fresh red currants are in the background.
Salmon Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Introduce a sophisticated twist with Salmon Deviled Eggs. This appetizer whispers refinement and sets an expectant tone. They’re an excellent conversation starter. Your meal begins on a note of elegance.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Deviled Eggs

Italian Sliders

Close-up of sesame seed-topped sliders filled with sliced meat and melted cheese.
Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Italian Sliders bring a taste of the old country to your table. They’re an inviting way to usher in the meal with a hint of heritage. This choice communicates a relaxed yet stylish dinner plan. Your friends will be charmed by this hearty welcome.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Cheese Ball

A cheese ball on a cutting board with crackers.
Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Center your appetizer table with a classic Cheese Ball. It stands as a beacon of mingling and a shared dining experience. It’s a comforting start to the feast. Guests will revel in the simplicity and joy it brings.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball

Garlic Bread

Slices of garlic bread topped with chopped parsley and sea salt sit enticingly on a wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of salt and fresh cloves of garlic.
Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Opt for Garlic Bread to please the crowd with its familiar aroma. It’s a staple that suggests a bounty of good food to follow. This choice is both unpretentious and welcoming. It sets the baseline for an enjoyable meal among friends.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Jalapeno Poppers

Baked jalapenos on a plate with dipping sauce.
Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spice up the beginning of your meal with Jalapeno Poppers. They bring a lively kick to the table that sparks conversation. These morsels hint at the dynamic flavors ahead. Watch as they add an element of fun to your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Poppers

Mozzarella Sticks

Someone pulling a mozzarella stick apart and showing the stretchy cheese.
Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lightly breaded and full of charm, Mozzarella Sticks are a crowd-pleaser. Their gooey centers wondrously prep the palate. They’re a sincere nod to everyone’s inner child. Let these be the playful nudge into a refined dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks

Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a Blanket, small sausages wrapped in puff pastry, baked until golden brown, and sprinkled with coarse salt are displayed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pigs in a Blanket remain a timeless way to welcome friends and family. These pint-sized treats promise good things in small packages. They’re like warm greetings for your guests. Enjoy as these classic bites pave the way for your culinary lineup.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface.
Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a whimsical start, Pinwheel Sandwiches add a swirl of fun. They’re an easy favorite that suggests you’ve planned a relaxing meal. This appetizer is visually pleasing and equally satisfying. Gather around for a convivial beginning to your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

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