19 Appetizer Recipes for Nights When Dinner Is Running Behind Schedule

When dinner starts taking longer than planned, a good appetizer can quietly save the evening. These are the kinds of small bites that keep people satisfied without spoiling the meal to come. They rely on familiar ingredients, quick cook times, and flavors that feel worth the wait. These 19 appetizer recipes hold everyone over until dinner is ready.

Baked Brie with Figs

Baked Brie with Figs is a warm appetizer made with brie cheese, figs, and honey. It takes about 25 minutes to bake and rest. The cheese softens while the figs add sweetness. The taste is rich, fruity, and smooth.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Figs

Colombian Cheese Arepas

Colombian Cheese Arepas are pan-cooked corn cakes made with corn flour, cheese, and butter. They take about 30 minutes to cook and serve. The outside forms a golden crust while the inside stays soft. The flavor is mildly salty, cheesy, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Cheese Arepas

Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta With Punchy Garlic And Herb Chermoula

Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta With Punchy Garlic And Herb Chermoula is a layered appetizer made with bread, goat cheese, cranberries, and herb sauce. It takes about 20 minutes to assemble. The ingredients create contrast between creamy, tart, and crisp textures. The taste is tangy, savory, and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta With Punchy Garlic And Herb Chermoula

Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds

Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds are a hot appetizer made with battered cheese curds cooked until golden. They take about 20 minutes in the air fryer. The outside turns crisp while the cheese melts inside. The taste is salty, rich, and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds

Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese

Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese is a baked appetizer made with ripe plantains, guava paste, and cheese. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake. The plantains soften while the cheese melts and the guava sweetens. The flavor is sweet, creamy, and slightly savory.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese

Easy Gluten Free Samosas

Easy Gluten Free Samosas are baked or fried appetizers filled with chickpeas, spices, and vegetables. They take about 35 minutes from start to finish. The filling stays hearty while the shell turns crisp. The taste is warm, lightly spicy, and savory.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten Free Samosas

Asparagus And Ricotta Tart

Asparagus And Ricotta Tart is a baked appetizer made with fresh asparagus, ricotta cheese, eggs, and a flaky crust. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and bake. The ricotta stays creamy while the asparagus adds structure and flavor. The taste is mild, savory, and lightly buttery.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus And Ricotta Tart

Snow Crab Stuffed Zucchini Rolls

Snow Crab Stuffed Zucchini Rolls are a chilled or lightly cooked appetizer made with zucchini, crab, herbs, and dairy. They take about 30 minutes to prepare. The zucchini adds freshness while the filling stays rich. The flavor is mild, slightly sweet, and clean.
Get the Recipe: Snow Crab Stuffed Zucchini Rolls

Apple And Hummus Pita Bread

Apple And Hummus Pita Bread is a quick appetizer made with crisp apples, hummus, and toasted pita wedges. It takes about 15 minutes to assemble from start to finish. The ingredients create a balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. The taste is fresh, lightly nutty, and unexpectedly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Apple And Hummus Pita Bread

Air Fryer Eggplant

Air Fryer Eggplant is a quick appetizer made with sliced eggplant, oil, and seasoning. It takes about 20 minutes to cook. The eggplant softens inside while developing lightly crisp edges. The taste is savory, mild, and adaptable.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant

Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey

Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey is a warm appetizer made with brie, fresh peaches, nuts, and honey. It takes about 25 minutes from oven to table. The cheese softens into a spreadable center surrounded by sweet and crunchy toppings. The flavor is rich, slightly sweet, and balanced with herbs.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey

Mexican Cucumber Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Pepino)

Mexican Cucumber Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Pepino) is a fresh appetizer made with cucumbers, lime juice, chili, and salt. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare. The ingredients stay crisp and refreshing. The flavor is bright, tangy, and lightly spicy.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cucumber Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Pepino)

Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe

Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe features flaky pastry filled with mushrooms, onions, and seasoning. They take about 40 minutes to bake and cool slightly before serving. The filling becomes savory and earthy inside the crisp dough. The taste is rich, salty, and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe

Traditional Colombian Patacones (Fried Green Plantains)

Traditional Colombian Patacones are fried appetizers made with green plantains, oil, and salt. They take about 30 minutes from prep to serving. The plantains become crisp on the outside and tender inside. The flavor is savory, starchy, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Colombian Patacones (Fried Green Plantains)

Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf

Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf is a baked appetizer filled with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions. It takes about 45 minutes to bake fully. The bread absorbs the filling while staying crisp on the outside. The flavor is salty, creamy, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf

Sausage Rolls

Sausage Rolls are baked appetizers made with seasoned sausage and puff pastry. They take about 40 minutes to bake and cool slightly. The pastry turns flaky while the filling stays juicy. The flavor is savory, meaty, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls

Cheesy Pickle Chips

Cheesy Pickle Chips are baked appetizers made with sliced pickles and melted cheese. They take about 20 minutes to cook. The cheese crisps around the tangy pickle slices. The taste is salty, sharp, and crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Pickle Chips

Baked Muffuletta Sliders

Baked Muffuletta Sliders are warm appetizers made with bread, cured meats, cheese, and olive salad. They take about 30 minutes to bake and rest. The filling becomes melty while the bread stays soft. The flavor is salty, tangy, and bold.
Get the Recipe: Baked Muffuletta Sliders

Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites are small baked appetizers made with puff pastry, brie, and cranberry sauce. They take about 25 minutes from assembly to baking. The pastry crisps while the cheese melts slightly. The taste is buttery, tangy, and rich.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites