Entertain stress-free with these cold appetizer recipes. Instead of standing in the kitchen while your guests mingle, add low prep or make-ahead cold appetizers to your menu. Save time and stress, without sacrificing on flavor.
Entertaining is stressful enough without running around our kitchens trying to cook everything last minute. A simple solution is adding more cold appetizer recipes to our menus that can either be made ahead, or are a snap to assemble when guests arrive.
Instead of working in the kitchen while my guests enjoy the party, I like to choose a selection of cold appetizers that let me relax too, and I thought I’d share some of my favorites. In this post you’ll find an array of delicious suggestions that you can mix and match to make a beautiful spread for your guests that you can actually enjoy alongside them.
How to Prepare a Gourmet Cold Appetizer Menu
When I’m inviting friends and family over, I love to feed them, but I also love to spend time with them, so making a feast by combining different cold appetizer recipes is a fun way to do both.
- Think about the season – Choosing seasonal ingredients at their best is a great way to make sure your menu is full of flavor.
- Serve a variety – Combine a variety of choices like make ahead dips, a styled charcuterie board, and low prep crostinis for a beautiful and fun menu.
- Don’t forget the easy fillers – seasoned nuts, dried fruits, and flavored olives are just a few suggestions for easy, no prep additions that will help fill guests plates.
With these tips, you can mix and match cold appetizer recipes from this list and create a beautiful, but easy to prepare, stress-free menu that you and your guests will love.
1. Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices
This Cranberry Chicken Salad on crunchy and fresh apple slices is a perfect appetizer to surprise your guests with. So simple and so tasty!
Recipe by: Yummy Addiction
2. Prosciutto Wrapped Cashew Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates with Balsamic Glaze
These prosciutto wrapped cashew cream cheese stuffed dates with balsamic glaze are the perfect party appetizer. They’re dairy free and so easy to make.
Recipe by: Randa Derkson
3. Prosciutto Crostini with Goat Cheese & Caramelized Onions
Who doesn’t need some quick appetizers in their repertoire? These prosciutto crostini generously slathered with goat cheese and topped with caramelized onions & spinach are quick and easy, but elegant and impressive for any occasion.
Recipe by: Yummy Addiction
4. Small Batch Hummus
Small Batch Hummus Recipe – This smooth and creamy hummus is made with a few simple ingredients including 1 can of chickpeas. It’s so easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Recipe by: One Dish Kitchen
5. Georgian Eggplant Rolls with Walnuts
These Georgian Eggplant Rolls With Walnut Filling are a delightfully simply, healthy vegan appetizer. Three ingredients, some artfully chosen spices, and less than an hour of time and you have a vegan treat for the tastebuds with these walnut stuffed eggplant rolls.
Recipe by: Happy Kitchen.Rocks
6. Chicken Rice Paper Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Is it possible for a snack to be super delicious and healthy at the same time? You bet. These low-calorie Rice Paper Rolls are a perfect example. Stuffed with chicken, loads of veggies, and served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce, these little guys will make you fall in love. Also great as a light dinner!
Recipe by: Yummy Addiction
7. Vegan Fully Loaded Nachos
Meatless and dairy free loaded nachos with all the flavors you need. Serve it as an appetizer or snack at your next party.
Recipe by: Ve Eat Cook Bake
8. Easy Grilled Crostini Sandwich Bites
Elevate boring sandwiches to an elegant, appetizer ready, beautiful & easy Grilled Crostini Sandwich Bites! Delicious enough for a party, easy enough for an everyday lunch!
Recipe by: Health Starts in the Kitchen
9. Easy 7 Layer Dip
This easy 7 layer dip is packed full of mouthwatering Mexican flavors! Complete with fresh guacamole and vegetables, serve this easy recipe with homemade tortilla chips for the perfect appetizer at your next party.
Recipe by: Chef Savvy
10. 4 Ingredient Caprese Salad Skewers (Gluten-free)
This healthy, simple and delicious 4 Ingredient Caprese Salad Skewer appetizer is make-ahead or perfect for a last minute gathering, especially if you are trying to stay on track with your health goals.
Recipe by: Food Meanderings
11. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus with Boursin
Just 3 simple ingredients: blanched asparagus, creamy Boursin cheese, and salty proscuitto! A heavenly combination that’s impossible to resist.
Recipe by: That Skinny Chick Can Bake
12. Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp co*cktail)
Coctel de Camarones may be difficult for some to pronounce, but this classic shrimp co*cktail starter is way easy to devour.
Recipe by: Sense & Edibility
13. Pineapple Salsa
This easy pineapple salsa recipe has everything you look for in a party appetizer! It’s fresh, super delicious, sweet, savory and spicy at the same time. It’s also vegan and gluten free.
Recipe by: Nourish Plate
14. Whipped Ricotta Toast
FLUFFY. WHIPPED. RICOTTA. TOAST. Drizzled in olive oil. Tons of flaky sea salt. Yes yes yes! This savory whipped ricotta appetizer is ready in under ten minutes and served on toasted Italian bread.
Recipe by: Masala and Chai
15. Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Fresh Veggies
It is so easy to prepare these Cream Cheese Pinwheels. Take a rainbow of veggies and spread it over cream cheese then roll and slice. They will look absolutely stunning.
Recipe by: My Pure Plants
16. Smoky Eggplant Baba Ghanoush
Smoky Baba Ghanoush recipe is the best Middle Eastern appetizer! It’s vegan, gluten free, and easy to make. Perfect served as a dip with pita!
Recipe by: The Rustic Foodie
17. Balsamic Beet Hummus
This healthy balsamic beet hummus recipe is a vegan holiday appetizer perfect for party snacks or for dipping crackers while watching TV.
Recipe by: Randa Derkson
18. Layered Greek Dip
This Layered Greek Dip Recipe is the perfect healthier cold appetizer for a crowd. It’s a must-make when you are entertaining this summer!
Recipe by: Joy Food Sunshine
19. Prune Bacon Jam Crostini Recipe
This Prune Bacon Jam Crostini Recipe is absolutely scrumptious! It might sound a little different from a normal crostini – but the flavors of prunes, bacon & goat cheese on a toasted baguette are absolutely INCREDIBLE together. You will love it!
Recipe by: Yummy Healthy Easy
20. Million Dollar Dip
Chunky dip full of bacon and cheese with the bold flavor of green onions and garlic. This Million Dollar Dip will wow your guests and is super easy to make.
Recipe by: Dip Recipe Creations
21. Spinach Artichoke Pinwheels
Tender flatbread filled with creamy spinach and artichoke dip and rolled into bite sized pinwheels. This easy appetizer is the perfect addition to your next party, family gathering or luncheon!
Recipe by: Spend with Pennies
22. Easy Fresh Mango Salsa Recipe
Fresh Mango Salsa is a sweet, spicy change up to regular salsa. Just a handful of flavor-packed ingredients and about 15 minutes is all you’ll need to whip this up.
Recipe by: Boulder Locavore
23. Low Carb Avocado Shrimp Cucumber Appetizer
This Low Carb Avocado Shrimp Cucumber Appetizer has a base of sliced cucumber, then mashed avocado and topped off with spicy grilled shrimp. SO delicious and easy!
Recipe by: Yummy Healthy Easy
24. Mediterranean Kalamata Olive Tapenade
This Kalamata Olive Tapenade On Crostini is an easy and healthy gluten free appetizer recipe that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Recipe by: The Rustic Foodie
25. Turkey Pinwheels
Easy Turkey Pinwheels filled with cream cheese, deli turkey, cheddar cheese, and dried cranberries are the perfect appetizer or make-ahead lunch.
Recipe by: Slender Kitchen
26. Vegan Cucumber Hummus Bites
These vegan cucumber hummus bites are an easy summer appetizer that’s perfect for bbqs. An easy make ahead appetizer that’s served cold for the summer!
Recipe by: Drive Me Hungry
27. Whole30 Cucumber Bites
These Cucumber Bites are healthy appetizers that are perfect for warm weather. With only 3 ingredients, plus a balsamic drizzle, they’re simple and delicious.
Recipe by: Hot Pan Kitchen
28. Easy Artichoke Tapenade
Easy Artichoke Tapenade is the perfect spread for breads, to add to sandwiches and is a must for cheese boards. Make it for your next party!
Recipe by: Life’s Ambrosia
29. Deviled Eggs with Bacon Roses
This deviled egg recipe is creamy and smooth with just a touch of Old Bay seasoning, and when topped with precious bacon roses, they’ll be the prettiest, most impressive crowd-pleasers at your next party!
Recipe by: She Keeps A Lovely Home
30. Prosciutto Melon & Mozzarella Skewers (w/ Balsamic Glaze)
These Prosciutto Melon & Mozzarella Skewers are such a delicious skewered appetizer that I like to serve cold and make in advance! Serve this starter before dinner or simply with co*cktails.
Recipe by: Aleka’s Get Together
31. Corn Dip
This flavorful Corn Dip recipe is the perfect dish to bring to your next party or backyard barbecue. Serve cold or hot with corn chips or tortilla chips.
Recipe by: The Gunny Sack
32. Quick White Bean Spread (vegan pate)
Quick White Bean Spread (vegan pate). A super fast recipe that works as an appetizer, snack or party dip. Surprise your guests with this awesome spread!
Recipe by: Hurry The Food Up
33. Homemade Bacon Onion Jam
This Bacon Onion Jam might be the best things in the world – bacon and onions simmered with sugar, vinegar and mustard, this stuff is incredible easy to make in under 30 minutes.
Recipe by: Went Here 8 This
34. Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball
Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball is the quintessential appetizer for parties, whether it be small or large gatherings. An easy-to-make cheese ball with simple ingredients, this one will have your guests coming back for more!
Recipe by: SueBee Homemaker
35. Chicken Stuffed Tomato Bites
These Chicken Stuffed Tomato Bites are an easy gluten and dairy free appetizer for any occasion! Best part? They are no cook, economical and take all of 15 minutes to make a enough for a party!
Recipe by: Binky’s Culinary Carnival
36. Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Shrimp Ceviche is light, fresh and full of flavor. This No cooking required recipe features shrimp with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, avocado and jalapenos in the most delicious citrus marinade!
Recipe by: Lemon Blossoms
37. Antipasto Skewers
Antipasto Skewers are fun, delicious cold appetizers that can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. Easy, elegant and fun party food!
Recipe by: Urban Bliss Life
38. Grilled Zucchini Roll Ups
Grilled zucchini roll ups with spiced cream cheese, parsley and pepper are so easy to make, nice to serve as appetizers any time of the day or for a party. It’s a great low carb vegetarian snack.
Recipe by: Cooking Journey Blog
39. Keto Reuben Sandwich Pickle Bites
All the flavors of your favorite Reuben Sandwich without the extra carbs!! My Easy Keto Reuben Pickle Bites are the perfect easy snack that’s cute enough to serve at your next party but still healthy for your low-carb friends!
Recipe by: Health Starts in the Kitchen
40. The Best Smoked Trout Dip
This smoked trout dip is easy to make and always a crowd pleaser!
Recipe by: Carolyn’s Cooking
41. Watermelon, Togaroshi, Feta & Mint
Summer on a plate/platte – ready in 5 minutes, great snack, canape or bite around the BBQ.
Recipe by: Another Food Blogger
42. The Best Guacamole With Berries
Guacamole with berries – an easy recipe made with a few fresh, all-natural ingredients. Make it an appetizer by pairing with tortilla chips or topping for your tacos/ wraps/salads.
Recipe by: Go Healthy Ever After
