23 Appetizers That Keep People Happy While Waiting

When guests arrive early and dinner still needs time, the right appetizers can quietly keep things running smoothly. These are the kinds of starters that give people something satisfying to enjoy without feeling heavy or rushed. Across these 23 appetizers, you’ll find a mix of warm, cool, crunchy, and creamy bites made with familiar ingredients. They’re dependable options that help the waiting feel comfortable instead of awkward.

Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese

Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese is a comforting appetizer made with ripe plantains, guava paste, and mild cheese. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and bake. The plantains soften as the cheese melts. The flavor is sweet, savory, and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers is a hot appetizer made with jalapeños, cream cheese, and bacon. It takes about 15 minutes in the air fryer. The peppers soften while the filling stays creamy. The flavor is mildly spicy, salty, and rich.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Homemade Air Fried Cheese Curds

Homemade Air Fried Cheese Curds is a warm appetizer made with cheese curds and light breading. It takes about 20 minutes to cook. The outside crisps while the center stays melted. The flavor is salty, rich, and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Air Fried Cheese Curds

Pomegranate Pistachio Whipped Feta

Pomegranate Pistachio Whipped Feta is a creamy spread made with feta cheese, yogurt, pomegranate seeds, pistachios, and lemon. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The texture stays smooth with pops of crunch. The flavor is tangy, salty, and lightly sweet.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Pistachio Whipped Feta

Quick Pickled Eggplant

Quick Pickled Eggplant is a chilled appetizer made with roasted eggplant, vinegar, garlic, and sugar. It takes about 40 minutes including cooling time. The eggplant absorbs the pickling liquid while staying tender. The taste is tangy, savory, and lightly sweet.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Eggplant

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 toasted bread, goat cheese, cranberries, herbs, and garlic. It takes about 30 minutes to assemble. The textures stay varied with crisp bread and creamy topping. The flavor is tangy, savory, and bright.
Get the Recipe: Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta With Punchy Garlic And Herb Chermoula

Baked Feta Dip Recipe With Honey, Dates And Hazelnuts

Baked Feta Dip Recipe With Honey, Dates And Hazelnuts is a shareable appetizer built from feta cheese, honey, chopped dates, and toasted hazelnuts. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and bake. The feta softens while keeping its shape. The taste is salty, sweet, and gently crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Dip Recipe With Honey, Dates And Hazelnuts

Sheet Pan Latkes

Sheet Pan Latkes is a baked appetizer made with grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and oil. It takes about 45 minutes to cook. The latkes crisp along the edges while staying soft inside. The taste is savory and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Latkes

Colombian Cheese Arepas

Colombian Cheese Arepas is a handheld appetizer made with corn flour, cheese, and water. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and cook. The outside develops a light crust while the inside stays tender. The taste is mildly salty, cheesy, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Cheese Arepas

Asparagus And Ricotta Tart

Asparagus And Ricotta Tart is a baked appetizer featuring tender asparagus, creamy ricotta, eggs, and a flaky crust. It takes about 60 minutes to prepare and bake. The ricotta adds richness while the asparagus keeps the flavor fresh. Each bite tastes savory, mild, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus And Ricotta Tart

Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe

Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe is a classic dip made with roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon. It takes about 50 minutes including roasting time. The texture is smooth with a hint of smokiness. The taste is savory, nutty, and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe

Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey

Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey is a warm appetizer made with brie cheese, ripe peaches, chopped pecans, honey, and herbs. It takes about 35 minutes to prepare and serve. The cheese melts smoothly under the toppings. The flavor is creamy, lightly sweet, and nutty.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey

4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers

4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers is a light starter made with fresh apples, warm spices, herbs, and pantry staples. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. The apples stay crisp while absorbing savory and lightly sweet flavors. The taste is balanced, gently spiced, and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: 4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers

Easy Salmon Wreath With Avocado Spread

Easy Salmon Wreath With Avocado Spread is a no-cook appetizer made with smoked salmon, avocado, lemon, and fresh vegetables. It takes about 25 minutes to assemble. The salmon stays silky against the smooth spread. The flavor is clean, rich, and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Wreath With Avocado Spread

Air Fryer Lumpia

Air Fryer Lumpia is a crisp appetizer made with ground meat, vegetables, and wrappers. It takes about 35 minutes to prepare and cook. The wrappers turn golden without excess oil. The taste is savory, mild, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings is a baked appetizer made with sliced onions and bacon. It takes about 40 minutes to cook. The bacon renders while the onion softens. The flavor is smoky, sweet, and savory.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites is a baked appetizer made with sweet potatoes, avocado, bacon, and lime. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare. The potatoes soften while the bacon adds contrast. The taste is savory, creamy, and lightly sweet.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a cooked appetizer made with shrimp, breading, and creamy chili sauce. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The shrimp stay crisp without feeling heavy. The flavor is savory with mild heat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Deviled Eggs Without Mustard

Deviled Eggs Without Mustard is a classic appetizer made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The filling stays smooth and creamy. The flavor is tangy, mild, and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs Without Mustard

Beef Wellington Bites

Beef Wellington Bites is a pastry appetizer made with beef, puff pastry, and savory filling. It takes about 50 minutes to prepare and bake. The pastry turns flaky around tender beef. The flavor is rich, savory, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites

Turkey Roll Ups

Turkey Roll Ups is a cold appetizer made with sliced turkey, cheese, and spreads. It takes about 15 minutes to assemble. The rolls stay firm and easy to serve. The taste is mild, savory, and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Air Fryer Empanadas

Air Fryer Empanadas is a handheld appetizer made with seasoned ground beef and flaky crust. It takes about 35 minutes to cook. The crust stays crisp while the filling remains juicy. The taste is savory and well balanced.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Easy Gluten Free Samosas

Easy Gluten Free Samosas is a baked appetizer filled with chickpeas, spices, onions, and herbs in a gluten-free wrapper. It takes about 60 minutes to prepare and bake. The filling stays hearty and well seasoned. The taste is savory with gentle warmth.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten Free Samosas