Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 26 Simple Ways to Waste Less in The Kitchen Every Day

      26 Simple Ways to Waste Less in The Kitchen Every Day

      Add spent coffee grinds to brownies for turbo-charged flavor, or turn citrus peels into aromatic seasoning salts. There are so many small things each of us can do on a daily basis to reduce waste and help save the planet. Here's an easy-to-use guide to get started today, plus crave-able recipes to make it that much easier to do your part. Read More
    • Our 30 Best New Recipes to Make in April

      Our 30 Best New Recipes to Make in April

      These recipes are sure to bring lots of seasonal flavor to your kitchen this April. Enjoy the warm air with a lavender-tinged cocktail in hand, or impress your family with a dinner of lemony fish with spring veggies on the side. There's something in this mix of recipes for every occasion, from totable work lunches to delicious desserts. Recipes like our Mezcal Grapefruit Spritz and Sheet-Pan Sweet Potato Fajitas are healthy, tasty ways to shake up your routine and enjoy something tasty at any time of day. Read More
    • 10 Foods to Add About 10 Grams of Protein to Your Meals

      10 Foods to Add About 10 Grams of Protein to Your Meals

      Stay full and satisfied with these protein-boosting ingredients. Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Appetizer Recipes
  4. Our 22 Best Appetizer Recipes to Make for Dinner

Our 22 Best Appetizer Recipes to Make for Dinner

Leah Goggins headshot
Leah Goggins April 22, 2022
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Loaded Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Credit: Greg Dupree

These four- and five-star apps are so good, you'll be tempted to serve them as the main course. Get in your veggies with spicy cauliflower bites and cheesy Brussels sprouts or please a crowd with a spread of flavorful dips—either way, you'll want to build your meal around these recipes. Recipes like our Zucchini Pizza Bites and Loaded Smashed Brussels Sprouts are healthy, delicious bites that will have everyone cleaning their plates.

Start Slideshow

1 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sriracha-Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Sriracha-Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This recipe for spicy Buffalo cauliflower bites is a great vegetarian alternative to Buffalo wings. Roasted cauliflower stands in for chicken and provides more fiber and fewer calories. Serve this easy appetizer with carrot sticks, celery and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing.

1 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Baked Broccoli-Cheddar Quinoa Bites

Baked Broccoli-Cheddar Quinoa Bites
Credit: Photography / Fred Hardy, Styling / Jennifer Wendorf / Kay Clarke
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These savory muffin-like quinoa bites are low in carbs and a good source of protein--plus we love their cheesy flavor.

2 of 22

3 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Zucchini Pizza Bites

8054551.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Think of these zucchini pizza bites as a fun gluten-free alternative to bagel bites. Be sure not to overcook the zucchini or the bites may become soggy. We like the classic pepperoni topping, but feel free to experiment with your own favorites.

3 of 22

Advertisement

4 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Loaded Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Loaded Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Credit: Greg Dupree
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The sprouts in this loaded smashed Brussels sprouts recipe are cooked to crisp-tender, then crushed and baked in the oven and smothered in melted Cheddar cheese, bacon and a dollop of sour cream. Serve them as a fun side dish or a party appetizer.

4 of 22

5 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken Parmesan Dip

Chicken Parmesan Dip
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

No breading and frying here! Layer on the cheese and tomatoes using leftover chicken (or turkey) in this healthy dip recipe. Pair with soft Italian bread and a salad for an easy dinner or serve it as an appetizer for your next party.

5 of 22

6 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Loaded Sweet Potato Nacho Fries

a cast iron skillet with sweet potatoes and various toppings
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Bump up the vitamin A and fiber when you swap tortilla chips for sweet potatoes in this healthy recipe. Serve as an appetizer at your next party or turn it into dinner by adding chicken, tofu, shrimp or more beans for protein.

6 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Loaded Black Bean Dip

loaded black bean dip in a white bowl served with tortilla chips
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This is 7-layer black bean dip simplified: just heat and season refried beans, then top with fresh vegetables for a texturally exciting dip.

7 of 22

8 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Potato-Leek Tart with Gochujang & Honey

Potato-Leek Tart with Gochujang & Honey
Credit: Leigh Beisch
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Puff pastry is the perfect balance of crunchy and buttery for tarts like this one. Serve this potato-leek tart as a first course or alongside roast turkey instead of mashed potatoes.

8 of 22

9 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caprese Skewers

Tomato-Basil Skewers
Credit: Photographer / Jen Causey, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We take all the ingredients of a classic caprese salad and layer them onto skewers for a quick appetizer. These tomato-mozzarella-basil skewers are easy to assemble and perfect for a party.

9 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings

Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
Credit: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These baked Buffalo chicken wings hit the oven, not the fryer, saving on fat and calories. Just like the original Buffalo wings, these baked Buffalo wings are coated in a tangy, spicy sauce and served with carrots, celery and your favorite creamy dipping sauce.

10 of 22

11 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Garlic Hummus

4326219.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This classic hummus recipe couldn't be easier--just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) makes this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.

11 of 22

12 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Fries

8328259.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The cheesy flavor and crispy crust on these eggplant "fries" is just like fried eggplant Parmesan, but with a fraction of the oil. They're the perfect appetizer for Italian night! Dip these crispy fries into a big hot bowl of your favorite marinara.

12 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Scallion-Salmon Dip

7124997.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Inspired by the classic combination of smoked salmon and cream cheese, this spread is perfect for slathering on a bagel or serving as a dip with bagel chips. This salmon dip recipe is a great way to use up leftovers from Miso-Maple Salmon (see Associated Recipes).

13 of 22

14 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

7032138.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy stuffed mushroom appetizer is a nice balance of soft mushrooms, creamy filling and crunchy topping. This combination tastes downright decadent, but it's actually good for you. Be sure to get all of the moisture out of the chopped mushrooms before moving on to the next step; if not, the filling will be soggy and make the mushroom caps watery.

14 of 22

15 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Air-Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi with Marinara Dipping Sauce

7615415.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These tasty bites are perfect for anytime you need an easy appetizer or side dish. Cauliflower gnocchi get a crispy, cheesy coating on the outside and a tender middle in an air fryer. Marinara is the perfect complement for dipping.

15 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cauliflower Chicken Nachos

7499732.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Swapping in tender-crisp cauliflower slices for chips in these cauliflower nachos ups your veggie servings for the day.

16 of 22

17 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Almost Chipotle's Guacamole

Almost Chipotle's Guacamole
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make guacamole at home that tastes just like it came from Chipotle--but don't worry, our version won't be extra! This deliciously fresh guac is perfect for topping burrito bowls or tacos, or serve as an appetizer or healthy snack with tortilla chips and veggies.

17 of 22

18 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dip

8097416.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Creamy melted cheese brings sweet corn and spicy jalapeño together with a nice pop of brightness from lime juice and cilantro in this tasty dip inspired by Mexican elote and esquites. This creamy and satisfying dish can be served with tortilla chips and veggies for dipping.

18 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Baked Brie with Jam in Puff Pastry

brie and apples on a plate
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Serve this decadent yet easy appetizer with apple wedges and crackers and watch it disappear in seconds! It's bound to be your new party go-to.

19 of 22

20 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Butternut Squash Queso Fundido

a cast iron skillet with a cheesy dip
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This cheesy dip recipe is lightened up by subbing mashed butternut squash for some of the melted cheese. We also loaded it with chili-spiced caramelized onions. Serve this healthy makeover with tortilla chips or sliced jicama for dipping.

20 of 22

21 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Classic Greek Spanakopita

7903477.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This savory Greek "pie" has a creamy spinach and feta cheese filling layered between sheets of crispy phyllo dough. While phyllo dough seems intimidating, it's very easy to work with when you get the hang of it! This recipe would make a welcome addition to any party or potluck.

21 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Marinated Yogurt Cheese

8527736.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

By draining the liquid whey out of yogurt, you can make a "cheese" with the texture of soft cream cheese. Here it's turned into a savory spread with dried herbs. Avoid using regular yogurt containing additives like modified food starch, vegetable gums or gelatin; these thickeners inhibit the release of the whey. Serve this with crusty French bread or crackers.

22 of 22

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Leah Goggins

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 22 Sriracha-Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
    2 of 22 Baked Broccoli-Cheddar Quinoa Bites
    3 of 22 Zucchini Pizza Bites
    4 of 22 Loaded Smashed Brussels Sprouts
    5 of 22 Chicken Parmesan Dip
    6 of 22 Loaded Sweet Potato Nacho Fries
    7 of 22 Loaded Black Bean Dip
    8 of 22 Potato-Leek Tart with Gochujang & Honey
    9 of 22 Caprese Skewers
    10 of 22 Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
    11 of 22 Garlic Hummus
    12 of 22 Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Fries
    13 of 22 Easy Scallion-Salmon Dip
    14 of 22 Easy Stuffed Mushrooms
    15 of 22 Air-Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi with Marinara Dipping Sauce
    16 of 22 Cauliflower Chicken Nachos
    17 of 22 Almost Chipotle's Guacamole
    18 of 22 Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dip
    19 of 22 Baked Brie with Jam in Puff Pastry
    20 of 22 Butternut Squash Queso Fundido
    21 of 22 Classic Greek Spanakopita
    22 of 22 Marinated Yogurt Cheese

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2022 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Our 22 Best Appetizer Recipes to Make for Dinner
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.