31 Appetizers That Prove Homemade Is Always Better

We’ve put together a collection of easy appetizer recipes that are sure to be a hit at your next movie night, game night, or party! Making these recipes at home not only saves you money but also gives you control to tweak them to your liking, making them even tastier than what you’d find at a restaurant.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or want to whip up something quick and delightful for an evening in, these appetizers are the perfect choice. They’re quick, affordable, and, above all, delicious!

Ham and Cheese Sliders

This easy-to-make recipe combines the classic comfort of ham and cheese sliders. Perfect for foodies and anyone craving a tasty treat.

Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Easy Crockpot BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Crockpot BBQ Meatballs recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover the ultimate Crockpot Barbecued Meatballs recipe, featuring tender homemade meatballs smothered in savory barbecue sauce. Perfect for easy, flavorful meals!

Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

Easy Homemade Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Impress your guests with these quick and delicious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks. Perfectly crispy and ideal for snacking or entertaining. These are made from scratch and taste so much better than using reheating frozen Mozzarella Sticks.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air Fryer Steak Bites

Find out why our Air Fryer Steak Bites are the next must-have recipe in your meal rotation. We combine simplicity with bursts of flavor in every bite and make the whole thing look like child’s play. These steak bites are a blend of tender steak marinated in a rich mixture of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and spices, then air-fried to perfection.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders

Discover the secret to delicious Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders. Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. A family favorite.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

This Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken wings from frozen in just 30 minutes with your air fryer.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Italian Hoagie Dip

Ham and artichoke salad in a white bowl. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover the perfect party dip with our authentic Italian hoagie dip recipe. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make and delicious dip.

Get the Recipe: Italian Hoagie Dip

Spinach Dip

There’s a reason hot spinach dip is such a popular party dip. It’s deliciously creamy, cheesy, and perfect for dipping bread or chips.

Get the Recipe: Spinach Dip

Flaky Spanakopita

Spanakopita recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Spanakopita is one of those dishes that looks impressive, but it’s so easy to make at home. The flaky layers, the savory spinach and feta filling—it’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for a family dinner or a big gathering. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a main course or a side.

Get the Recipe: Flaky Spanakopita

Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

These Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs combine tangy cranberry sauce with juicy meatballs, perfect for appetizers or main dishes.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

Air Fryer Shrimp

Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Ditch the oven! Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp is in 15 minutes. Easy recipe, no thaw, endless dip & serving options. Seafood perfection awaits!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Honey Buffalo Wings

A plate of chicken wings. — Photo Credit: Great Chicken Recipes.

These Honey Buffalo Wings are crispy, juicy, and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Includes baked, air fryer, or deep fryer fried chicken.

Get the Recipe: Honey Buffalo Wings

Chipotle Chicken Wrap

This Chipotle Chicken Wrap recipe is easy to make and tastes like you’re eating at a restaurant! It’s perfect for a quick and healthy lunch.

Get the Recipe: Chipotle Chicken Wrap

Easy Cheesy Velveeta Rotel Dip

A spoon is being lifted out of a bowl of cheese dip. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in a quick and delicious Rotel Dip, perfect for parties or gatherings. Just cook, mix, and serve with your favorite dippers.

Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Velveeta Rotel Dip

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Try our mouthwatering buffalo chicken sliders recipe for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal. Perfect for foodies and anyone looking for a delicious option.

Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Sliders

French Onion Dip

A person is dipping a chip into a bowl of dip. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

French Onion Dip is the perfect party dip. It’s creamy, sweet, and tangy, with delicious, rich flavors that never disappoint.

Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip

Cheesy Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Air Fryer Garlic Bread recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Air Fryer Garlic Bread is a quick and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of homemade garlic bread with a crispy and golden exterior. We use slices of French baguette, generously slather them with perfectly seasoned homemade garlic butter, and finish it off with cheese.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Delicious! Effortless! Indulgent. Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip is easy to make and meets all of the criteria to be a crowd-pleaser.

Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlet recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Craving crispy, juicy chicken cutlets? This easy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets recipe delivers in just 15 minutes. You can use them for sandwiches and salads and recreate your favorite bar food in no time.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Hot Crab Dip

A person grabbing a piece of cheesy potato dip. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Crab Dip is an easy recipe you can make at home using basic ingredients. Make your own hot Crab Dip for your next party. Here’s how.

Get the Recipe: Hot Crab Dip

Bacon and Onion Flatbread Pizza

German Bacon and Onion Pizza recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Bacon and Onion Flatbread Pizza is a delicious and popular German flatbread. Topped with creme fraiche (or sour cream), onions, and bacon.

Get the Recipe: Bacon and Onion Flatbread Pizza

3-Ingredient Smoked Salmon Dip

Smoked Salmon Dip recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

You won’t find a creamier, more flavorful Salmon Dip recipe than this one! All you need are three ingredients and a food processor.

Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Smoked Salmon Dip

Air Fryer BBQ Peach Bourbon Wings

Chicken wings on a plate with celery and celery sticks. — Photo Credit: xoxoBella.

Air fryer BBQ peach bourbon wings make a tasty appetizer. You can serve peach bourbon chicken wings for any occasion. Everyone loves bourbon wings, so try this air fryer BBQ chicken recipe, and consider making extra since they always disappear fast!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Peach Bourbon Wings

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

Bacon wrapped meatballs on a plate with fries and pickles. — Photo Credit: xoxoBella.

Air fryer bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites are an apple recipe to try! These bacon burger bombs are a great appetizer for any occasion. Whether you call the bacon-wrapped meatballs or meatloaf balls, you will agree that they taste AMAZING!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Fried jalapenos on a plate with dipping sauce. — Photo Credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

Jalapeño Poppers are an easy, cheesy, hot, and crunchy appetizer that’s perfect for holidays, game days, and beyond. Ready in under 15 minutes, these irresistible Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are always a crowd-pleaser!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

French Dip Sliders

French Dip Burger sliders on a wooden cutting board. — Photo Credit: Corrie Cooks.

Indulge in easy-to-make French Dip Sliders – perfect as a hearty snack or appetizer, with melty cheese and rich beef flavor.

Get the Recipe: French Dip Sliders

Sloppy Joe Sliders

A bowl of cheesy beef pot sliders on a plate. — Photo Credit: Entirely Elizabeth.

Hearty Sloppy Joe Sliders. Toasty brioche buns filled with homemade sloppy joe sauce and Colby jack cheese. A great dinner or appetizer.

Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Sliders

Chicken Parmesan Sliders

Chicken sliders with tomato sauce on a baking sheet. — Photo Credit: Dinner At The Zoo.

These chicken parmesan sliders are loaded with crispy chicken, marinara sauce, and plenty of cheese. An easy, hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Sliders