Fancy Snacks for Casual Gatherings (No One Will Know How Easy These Are)

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Ready to turn your next party into an appetizer extravaganza? We’ve got Chex Mix Recipe that’s impossible to stop snacking on, and Shrimp Cocktail that’ll make you feel fancy without the fuss. If you’re feeling indulgent, Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer will make you the star of the show, while Mini Chicken and Waffles Recipe is here to steal the spotlight. Don’t forget to keep things saucy with Fried Buffalo Wings Recipe or go sophisticated with Italian Antipasto Board Appetizer. Need more reasons to click? How about a little Pimento Cheese, a savory Pepperoni Pizza Dip, or even Coconut Shrimp to keep everyone coming back for more? Trust us, this slideshow is the perfect excuse to skip the main course—because who needs it when appetizers are this good?

Chex Mix Recipe

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Tasty Chex Mix Recipe on display
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This homemade Chex Mix Recipe is made with cereal, nuts, pretzels, and spice! This party mix is a little bit sweet and a little bit spicy.
Get the Recipe: Chex Mix RecipeVegetable Tempura

A close-up of a platter filled with crispy, golden-brown tempura vegetables and seafood. The assortment includes green beans, shrimp, and other tempura varieties. A bowl of dipping sauce is partially visible in the background, along with chopsticks and a napkin.
Vegetable Tempura. Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolands.

Light, crispy, and full of flavor, this Vegetable Tempura is a great appetizer for any occasion. The tempura batter gives vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and zucchini a perfect crunch without overpowering their natural taste. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking an appetizer that’s both satisfying and light.
Get This Recipe: Vegetable Tempura

Tzatziki Dip

Tzatziki Dip in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Need a refreshing vegetarian appetizer for your next party? Look no further than the easy tangy, creamy, herby, and garlicky Tzatziki dip.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki Dip

Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer

Close-up of several small, golden-brown baked appetizers filled with melted cheese, dollops of fruit preserve, chopped nuts, and sprigs of fresh rosemary. The appetizers are arranged on a tan-colored surface.
Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer. Image Credit: xoxoBella.

These Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer are a delightful combination of creamy brie and tart cranberries wrapped in flaky pastry. They’re perfect for anyone seeking elegant yet simple appetizers to start a meal. With their bite-sized portions, they make entertaining easy while adding a touch of holiday flavor to any gathering.
Get This Recipe: Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Cocktail served fresh
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This quick and easy shrimp cocktail recipe is served with the most delicious cocktail sauce, for a party appetizer everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Cranberry Chicken Salad

A bowl of chicken salad on a marble surface, topped with pecans, cranberries, and parsley. The salad also contains chunks of chicken, celery, and diced onions. Surrounding the bowl are small dishes with celery, cranberries, and pecans, and a fork is placed to the left.
Cranberry Chicken Salad. Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolands.

Cranberry Chicken Salad combines tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy nuts for a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer. Serve it on crackers, bread, or in lettuce cups for a light, refreshing start to any meal. This is a versatile option that adds a touch of elegance to your appetizer spread.
Get This Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad

Cheese Puffs (Gougeres) Recipe

A close-up of a basket filled with freshly baked pão de queijo, Brazilian cheese bread. The golden-brown, round rolls are topped with small sprinkles of herbs and are nestled in a blue cloth, showcasing their crisp texture and cheesy goodness.
Cheese Puffs (Gougeres) Recipe. Image Credit: Baking A Moment.

Light and airy, these Cheese Puffs (Gougeres) Recipe are a sophisticated choice for any appetizer spread. Their delicate texture and cheesy flavor make them a great finger food that’s easy to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a formal gathering or a casual get-together, these puffs are sure to impress your guests.
Get This Recipe: Cheese Puffs (Gougeres) Recipe

Italian Antipasto Board Appetizer

A charcuterie board is on display, featuring an assortment of meats, cheeses, olives, artichokes, and rosemary sprigs arranged in a circular pattern. Surrounding the board are a plate of appetizers, a wedge of cheese, skewers, cherry tomatoes, and a plaid cloth.
Italian Antipasto Board Appetizer. Image Credit: xoxoBella.

The Italian Antipasto Board Appetizer offers a mix of savory bites that are perfect for sharing. With a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables, this board is ideal for those looking for easy-to-serve appetizers that please a crowd. It’s a go-to option for gatherings where you want to impress without much effort.
Get This Recipe: Italian Antipasto Board Appetizer

Fried Buffalo Wings Recipe

Mouthwatering Fried Buffalo Wings Recipe
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Fried Buffalo Wings Recipe makes some of the best wings I’ve ever had. These gluten free Buffalo wings are perfect for tailgating.
Get the Recipe: Fried Buffalo Wings Recipe

Italian Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer

Red tomatoes with their tops cut off are hollowed out and filled with ricotta cheese, garnished with basil leaves and black pepper, arranged on a wooden cutting board.
Italian Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer. Image Credit: xoxoBella.

The Italian Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer brings together juicy tomatoes and creamy burrata for a fresh, light starter. These flavorful bites are ideal when you need appetizers that are both satisfying and simple to prepare. Pair them with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs for a perfect crowd-pleasing dish.
Get This Recipe: Italian Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer

Mini Chicken and Waffles Recipe (Chicken and Waffles on a Stick)

A beautifully presented photo of Mini Chicken and Waffles Recipe (Chicken and Waffles on a Stick)
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Chicken and Waffles Recipe is such a cute and delicious appetizer. These MINI CHICKEN AND WAFFLES ON A STICK are so fun and perfect for celebrating! Whether its the holidays or game day, these will wow any crowd. I love that these Mini Chicken and Waffles are the perfect size. So delicious with syrup!
Get the Recipe: Mini Chicken and Waffles Recipe (Chicken and Waffles on a Stick)

Pepperoni Pizza Dip

A black skillet filled with a freshly baked pizza dip topped with melted cheese and pepperoni slices. Surrounding the skillet are cherry tomatoes, a bundle of herbs, and several seasoned crackers. A red-and-white checkered cloth is partially visible in the background.
Pepperoni Pizza Dip. Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolands.

Pepperoni Pizza Dip is a warm, cheesy dish that’s perfect for casual get-togethers. Loaded with pizza flavors and easy to scoop with chips or bread, it’s a fun alternative to traditional appetizers. If you’re looking for crowd-pleasing starters, this dip is a sure hit at any party or game day gathering.
Get This Recipe: Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Fried Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives (with Garlic Aioli Dip)

Close-up of a tray filled with crispy fried olives on skewers. A hand dips one skewer into a small metal bowl of creamy white dipping sauce garnished with a sprig of parsley. The background features a wooden surface and a hint of a cloth napkin.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These FRIED BLUE CHEESE STUFFED OLIVES are just delicious. And when served with a simple garlic aioli sauce, they are absolutely addicting! These fried and stuffed olives are the perfect holiday appetizer, just what you need for Christmas or New Year’s Eve!
Get the Recipe: Fried Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives (with Garlic Aioli Dip)

Pimento Cheese

A jar of pimento cheese topped with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of paprika, surrounded by a variety of crackers. A knife rests nearby on a checkered cloth. The scene is set on a rustic wooden surface.
Pimento Cheese. Image Credit: Baking A Moment.

Pimento Cheese is a Southern favorite that’s perfect for spreading on crackers or veggies. This creamy, cheesy spread is an easy appetizer to whip up for any occasion. Its rich flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s an excellent choice when you need simple yet delicious appetizers in no time.
Get This Recipe: Pimento Cheese

Baked Buffalo Wings

A plate of crispy, golden-brown chicken wings is shown. The wings are arranged on a white plate. In the background, a hand is seen dipping one wing into a bowl of creamy white sauce. Another small bowl with sauce is visible in the background.
Baked Buffalo Wings. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

Baked Buffalo Wings are a classic appetizer that’s always a hit, especially for game day. These wings come out perfectly crispy from the oven and are tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, making them a must-have for gatherings. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, they’re a top contender for best party appetizers.
Get This Recipe: Baked Buffalo Wings

Coconut Shrimp

Coconut Shrimp
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

You won’t want to stop eating these coconut shrimp! So light & crisp, with the perfect balance of sweet & savory. Great app or main course!
Get the Recipe: Coconut Shrimp

Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

A close-up of a baked brie wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, served on a black plate. The brie is topped with cranberries and pecans, with rosemary garnish on the side. The pastry is partially cut open, revealing melted cheese and fruit filling inside.
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry. Image Credit: Baking A Moment.

Baked Brie in Puff Pastry offers a rich, gooey center wrapped in a flaky crust, making it an ideal appetizer for cheese lovers. This elegant yet simple dish pairs well with fruit or crackers, making it a standout addition to any appetizer table. Perfect for holidays or any time you want to impress with minimal effort.
Get This Recipe: Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini Fritters
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

These zucchini fritters mix up in a heartbeat & they fry up so light & crisp! A delicious way to use up this seasonal vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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