19 Budget Appetizers That Start the Crowd

19 Budget Appetizers That Start the Crowd

Crowds do not need fancy food, they need something that lands fast and keeps people reaching for another bite. These appetizers rely on simple ingredients, bold flavors, and portions that stretch without feeling thin. Each recipe is built to show up strong on a small budget and hold attention until the main dishes arrive. These 19 budget appetizers start the crowd before anyone checks the oven.

19 Budget Appetizers That Start the Crowd
Quick Pickled Eggplant. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers

Middle Eastern apple appetizers with cooked chicken and fresh apple chunks skewered on small wooden forks.
4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers slice apples with spices, nuts, and yogurt into bites that take about 20 minutes. The main ingredients are fresh apples, pantry spices, and simple toppings. They taste crisp and lightly sweet with a savory edge. The platter empties quickly.
Get the Recipe: 4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers

Apple And Hummus Pita Bread

A plate of food with hummus and apples on it.
Apple And Hummus Pita Bread. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Apple And Hummus Pita Bread spreads creamy hummus and sliced apples on warm pita in about 15 minutes. The main ingredients are pita rounds, chickpea hummus, and fresh apples. It tastes sweet and savory with a soft bite. Each wedge stays tidy in hand.
Get the Recipe: Apple And Hummus Pita Bread

Argentinian Empanadas

Argentinian empanada being pulled apart over a plate.
Argentinian Empanadas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Argentinian Empanadas bake pastry filled with vegetables and spices in about 45 minutes. The main ingredients are dough rounds, onion, and seasoned vegetable filling. They taste savory with flaky crusts that hold their shape. Leftover pieces stay crisp.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas

Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe

Stuffed mushrooms on a wooden cutting board.
Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe fills puff pastry with mushrooms and onion in about 45 minutes. The main ingredients are fresh mushrooms, puff pastry, and sautéed onion. It tastes rich with a buttery shell. The filling stays sealed.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe

Colombian Cheese Arepas

Cheese arepa on a plate with toppings.
Colombian Cheese Arepas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian Cheese Arepas cook cornmeal patties with cheese in about 30 minutes. The main ingredients are pre cooked cornmeal and shredded cheese. They taste mild and salty with crisp edges. The centers stay soft.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Cheese Arepas

Easy Gluten Free Samosas

Golden-brown triangular samosas on a white plate.
Easy Gluten Free Samosas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Easy Gluten Free Samosas bake spiced potato filling in pastry in about 18 minutes. The main ingredients are potatoes, peas, and gluten free dough. They taste savory with gentle heat. The triangles hold together well.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten Free Samosas

Colombian Empanada Sauce (Pico de Gallo Salsa)

Overhead of pico de gallo in white bowl with veggies around.
Colombian Empanada Sauce (Pico de Gallo Salsa). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian Empanada Sauce (Pico de Gallo Salsa) chops tomatoes, onion, and herbs in about 10 minutes. The main ingredients are ripe tomatoes, cilantro, and lime. It tastes bright with a clean finish. The bowl disappears quickly.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Empanada Sauce (Pico de Gallo Salsa)

Irresistibly Smooth Garlic Hummus

Garlic hummus on plate with parsley, zaatar and olive oil.
Irresistibly Smooth Garlic Hummus. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Irresistibly Smooth Garlic Hummus blends chickpeas, garlic, and lemon in about 10 minutes. The main ingredients are canned chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil. It tastes creamy with a mild garlic bite. The texture stays spreadable.
Get the Recipe: Irresistibly Smooth Garlic Hummus

Air Fryer Eggplant

Sliced roasted eggplant garnished with fresh parsley on a white plate.
Air Fryer Eggplant. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Air Fryer Eggplant cooks breaded eggplant slices in about 15 minutes. The main ingredients are sliced eggplant, breadcrumbs, and olive oil. It tastes mild with crisp edges. The rounds stay firm on the platter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant

Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe

Baba ganoush on a plate with pomegranate seeds, parsley.
Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe blends roasted eggplant, garlic, and lemon in about 30 minutes. The main ingredients are eggplant, tahini, and lemon juice. It tastes smoky with a smooth finish. The dip holds its body.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe

Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

Overhead of Moroccan pearl couscous salad.
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad tosses cooked couscous with herbs and vegetables in about 25 minutes. The main ingredients are pearl couscous, parsley, and cucumber. It tastes fresh with gentle spice. The grains stay fluffy.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

Refreshing Colombian Ceviche With Pear, Fennel, And Mango

A bowl of Colombian ceviche with pear, fennel, and mango.
Refreshing Colombian Ceviche With Pear, Fennel, And Mango. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Refreshing Colombian Ceviche With Pear, Fennel, And Mango marinates fruit and fish in citrus in about 20 minutes. The main ingredients are white fish, ripe mango, and pear. It tastes bright with sweet and savory notes. The bowl draws attention fast.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Colombian Ceviche With Pear, Fennel, And Mango

Roasted Eggplant Soup

Roasted eggplant soup in bowls.
Roasted Eggplant Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Roasted Eggplant Soup blends roasted eggplant and onion in about 50 minutes. The main ingredients are eggplant, garlic, and vegetable broth. It tastes smoky with a smooth finish. Cups stay warm for serving.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant Soup

Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Overhead view of olivier salad with two egg halves.
Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad) mixes potatoes, peas, and mayo in about 30 minutes. The main ingredients are diced potatoes, green peas, and mayonnaise. It tastes creamy with a mild tang. The salad firms after chilling.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Smoky Baba Ghanoush Without Tahini

Baba ganoush on a plate with parsley and lemon.
Smoky Baba Ghanoush Without Tahini. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Smoky Baba Ghanoush Without Tahini purees roasted eggplant and garlic in about 25 minutes. The main ingredients are eggplant, olive oil, and lemon juice. It tastes smoky with a light texture. The dip stays scoopable.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Baba Ghanoush Without Tahini

Sweet Potato Hummus

Overhead of sweet potato hummus.
Sweet Potato Hummus. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sweet Potato Hummus blends roasted sweet potato and chickpeas in about 15 minutes. The main ingredients are sweet potato, canned chickpeas, and garlic. It tastes gently sweet with a savory base. The color draws people in.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus

Fried Marinated Tofu

A bowl of soup with a spoon in it.
Fried Marinated Tofu. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Fried Marinated Tofu cooks marinated tofu cubes in about 20 minutes. The main ingredients are extra firm tofu, soy sauce, and garlic. It tastes savory with crisp edges. The bites stay firm on toothpicks.
Get the Recipe: Fried Marinated Tofu

Classic Jewish Chopped Chicken Liver

A bowl filled with a brown, chunky spread garnished with a sprig of parsley. A knife lies beside the bowl and slices of cucumber and crackers are in the background on a light-colored surface.
Classic Jewish Chopped Chicken Liver. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Classic Jewish Chopped Chicken Liver chops sautéed liver with onion and egg in about 25 minutes. The main ingredients are chicken livers, onion, and hard boiled eggs. It tastes rich with a smooth finish. The spread stays thick.
Get the Recipe: Classic Jewish Chopped Chicken Liver

Quick Pickled Eggplant

19 Budget Appetizers That Start the Crowd
Quick Pickled Eggplant. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Quick Pickled Eggplant marinates cooked eggplant in vinegar and herbs in about 30 minutes. The main ingredients are eggplant cubes, vinegar, and garlic. It tastes tangy with a soft bite. The jar empties quickly
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Eggplant

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