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Cold appetizer recipes are always good to have on hand. You can make snacks for the family, treats for visiting friends, delicious bites for your next party, or make-ahead potluck dishes. This collection of cold appetizers has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for creamy, vegetarian, Asian-inspired, spicy options, or just want to try something new. You even discover a new favorite!

Marinated Olives With Feta

olives in a white dish
Marinated Olives with Feta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

An easy marinated olives appetizer is always worth knowing because this dish is ideal for any occasion, whether you want to serve something simple with drinks or plan a smorgasbord of cold meats and cheeses.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Olives With Feta

Antipasto Skewers

Antipasto appetizer on skewers.
Antipasto Skewers. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Impress your guests with easy-to-make antipasto skewers, perfect for any occasion! Made with classic Italian flavors, these crowd-pleasing bites are ideal for parties, picnics, and more.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

Dirty Martini Dip Recipe

A bowl with olive dip.
Dirty Martini Dip Recipe. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Whether or not you like to sip on a dirty martini cocktail, this martini-inspired dip will surely please your palate if you enjoy creamy dip recipes and the taste of olives. It takes just minutes to whip up, too!
Get the Recipe: Dirty Martini Dip Recipe

Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Dip

Above view of roasted red pepper cream cheese dip
Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Dip. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Although most grocery stores carry sweet pepper dip and other dipping options, this homemade roasted red pepper cream cheese dip is well worth the effort. It’s a Mediterranean inspired dip with bell peppers, basil, garlic, shallot, and more.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Dip

Avocado Herb Green Goddess Dip

Side view of avocado herb green dip with vegatbles on the side.
Avocado Herb Green Goddess Dip. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Whether you want to dip veggie sticks, melba toast, chips, crackers, or something else, this avocado herb green goddess dip is really good. Pair it with a vegetable board or charcuterie platter and enjoy the fresh flavours in every mouthful.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Herb Green Goddess Dip

Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado

Shrimp ceviche in a bowl with avocado on top.
Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

If you’re a seafood lover, you have to give Mexican shrimp ceviche a try. With its fresh ingredients and tangy flavors, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado

Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs

A platter full of deviled eggs.
Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Loaded deviled eggs such as these Bloody Mary eggs are always a welcome part of the BBQ, cookout, or picnic table. They’re also a handy snack at any time since you can make these unique gourmet deviled eggs ahead.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs

5 Layer Bean Dip

Layered bean dip in a bowl.
5 Layer Bean Dip. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Mexican layered dip with ground beef is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Its layers of pinto beans, ground beef, tequila lime sour cream, pico de gallo, and cheese make it a flavorful and satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: 5 Layer Bean Dip

Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer

Tomatoes filled with burrata on a serving tray.
Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

For a delightful Italian appetizer, try making fresh burrata-stuffed tomatoes – a quick, simple, and colorful dish that’s perfect for bite-sized finger food. With only four ingredients, plus salt and pepper, these appetizers are appetizing without being too filling, making them a great start to an Italian-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer

Pink Beetroot Hummus

Above view of pink hummus with crackers.
Easy Pink Beetroot Hummus. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This healthy and colourful appetizer is a nice change from a classic hummus recipe. Roasted beets and tahini are the star ingredients of this easy pink beetroot hummus recipe. This homemade hummus is the perfect dip or healthy spread for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Pink Beetroot Hummus

Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip

Cowboy caviar dip and tortilla chips.
Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Despite its name, this Texan recipe doesn’t actually contain any fish or caviar, but it’s a delicious and colorful appetizer that’s perfect for summer barbecues, and a great option for those looking for a vegan Southwest-style dip or a bean and corn salsa.
Get the Recipe: Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip

Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches

Overhead view of a basket of pressed Italian sandwiches.
Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches. Photo credit: Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches.

Transport your taste buds to Italy with these amazing pressed Italian picnic sandwiches! Perfect for lunch or a summer picnic, these sandwiches are bursting with authentic flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Cold cucumber roll ups on a plate.
Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Princess Pinkygirl.

Pinwheel Sandwiches are easy, fast finger food filled with ranch flavored cream cheese and a layer of cucumbers, all rolled inside large flour tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Melon & Prosciutto Skewers With Greens

Cold appetizers with ham and cheese on sticks.
Melon & Prosciutto Skewers With Greens. Photo credit: In The Kitch.

Are you on the lookout for a fresh and zesty summer appetizer? These melon and prosciutto skewers will be just the thing you need!
Get the Recipe: Melon & Prosciutto Skewers With Greens

7 Layer Taco Dip

A refreshing Mexican trifle served in a glass, garnished with tortilla chips and salsa.
7 Layer Taco Dip. Photo credit: Love From The Oven.

7 Layer Taco Dip is the perfect appetizer that everyone will love. Easy to prepare and assemble, it’s always a quick crowd pleaser!
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Taco Dip

Easy Tomato And Burrata Bruschetta Toast

        Crostini with tomatoes and basil, a delightful combination of flavors, arranged on a wooden cutting board. Ideal for serving as cold appetizers to impress your guests.
Easy Tomato And Burrata Bruschetta Toast. Photo credit: All In The Family Recipes.

This Burrata Bruschetta recipe perfectly blends creamy burrata cheese with juicy cherry tomatoes and herbaceous basi on a crunchy baguette.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tomato And Burrata Bruschetta Toast

Easy Grilled Bbq Shrimp Appetizer With Baked Flour Tortilla Chips

Cold shrimp tacos with guacamole and lime on a plate.
Easy Grilled Bbq Shrimp Appetizer With Baked Flour Tortilla Chips. Photo credit: Muy Bueno.

This Easy Grilled BBQ Shrimp Appetizer with Baked Flour Tortilla Chips is made with just 7 simple ingredients in less than 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Grilled Bbq Shrimp Appetizer With Baked Flour Tortilla Chips

Avocado Peach Salsa Recipe

Refreshing mango and corn salad served in a white bowl.
Avocado Peach Salsa Recipe. Photo credit: Mae’s Menu.

Make a delicious & versatile fresh summer salsa with this Peach Avocado Salsa! It’s perfect for tortilla chips, grilled fish & chicken, tacos, & more!
Get the Recipe: Avocado Peach Salsa Recipe

Mini Caprese Skewers With Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Cold appetizer of tomatoes and mozzarella skewers on a white plate.
Mini Caprese Skewers With Balsamic Glaze Recipe. Photo credit: Blue’s Best Life.

These mini caprese skewers with balsamic glaze are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for a party. These are quick and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Mini Caprese Skewers With Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Authentic Kentucky Beer Cheese Recipe

A person enjoying a cold appetizer by dipping a carrot into a bowl of dip.
Authentic Kentucky Beer Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Blue’s Best Life.

Beer Cheese is a favoite appeitizer in Kentucky. It’s perfect for game day and parties. It’s an app that can be prepared ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Kentucky Beer Cheese Recipe

Miso Salmon Crudo (carpaccio)

A plate of salmon with orange sauce and greens, perfect for a refreshing cold appetizer.
Miso Salmon Crudo (carpaccio). Photo credit: The Heirloom Pantry.

Miso Salmon Crudo features fresh salmon dressed in a miso-shoyu sauce. Top with sesame seeds, microgreens, scallions, and ikura.
Get the Recipe: Miso Salmon Crudo (carpaccio)

Spicy Tuna With Crispy Rice

Cold appetizers featuring Japanese nigiri with jalapenos and tomatoes.
Spicy Tuna With Crispy Rice. Photo credit: The Heirloom Pantry.

Spicy Tuna with Crispy Rice features a fried rice cake topped with ahi tuna tossed in spicy Kewpie mayo and thinly sliced jalapeños.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna With Crispy Rice

Smoked Salmon Flatbread with Herbed Cream Cheese

Cold smoked salmon and edamame flatbread.
Smoked Salmon Flatbread with Herbed Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Lauren Fit Foodie.

This Smoked Salmon Flatbread is so fresh and flavorful! Made with herbed cream cheese and packed with lots nutrients and healthy fats, too.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Flatbread with Herbed Cream Cheese

Crudite Platter (Veggie Tray with Dips)

A platter of cold appetizers including vegetables and dip on a wooden board.
Crudite Platter (Veggie Tray with Dips). Photo credit: Modern Honey.

How to make a beautiful Crudite Platter with vegetables and dips. I am sharing my favorite veggie dip recipes, what vegetables to put on a veggie tray, and how to arrange one. It is so easy to make a stunning vegetable platter!
Get the Recipe: Crudite Platter (Veggie Tray with Dips)

Best Cold Spinach Dip

A bowl of spinach dip served with bread, making it a delicious cold appetizer option.
Best Cold Spinach Dip. Photo credit: Modern Honey.

This easy spinach dip is made with spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, ranch powder, and water chestnuts. This cold spinach dip is made with only 5 ingredients and is always a hit at parties!
Get the Recipe: Best Cold Spinach Dip

Fried Pickle And Ranch Dip

A bowl of the best creamy dip garnished with green onions and bacon bits, accompanied by potato chips.
Fried Pickle And Ranch Dip. Photo credit: Kitchen Divas.

This creamy Fried Pickle and Ranch Dip tastes exactly like fried pickles and ranch! It’s creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced with a refreshing dill flavor.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pickle And Ranch Dip

Baba Ganoush Recipe (How To Make Baba Ganoush)

A bowl of cold hummus with cucumbers and tomatoes.
Baba Ganoush Recipe (How To Make Baba Ganoush). Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

The best Baba Ganoush! Delicious and flavorful Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip made with roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Completely gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb, learn how to make this easy Baba Ganoush Recipe and enjoy with crunchy vegetables, warm pita bread, or your favorite crackers.
Get the Recipe: Baba Ganoush Recipe (How To Make Baba Ganoush)

Hummus Recipe

A bowl of hummus, a delightful cold appetizer, adorned with drizzles of olive oil and sprinkles of parsley.
Hummus Recipe. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

The very BEST Hummus Recipe is creamy, smooth, flavorful, and a million times better than even your very favorite store-bought version. Made using a handful of simple pantry ingredients, including chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon, and cumin, learn how to make hummus and enjoy it with all your favorite Mediterranean dishes and as a healthy snack.
Get the Recipe: Hummus Recipe

Sun Dried Tomato Bruschetta (Easy Appetizer)

A plate of bruschetta topped with roasted red peppers and goat cheese, perfect for a cold appetizer.
Sun Dried Tomato Bruschetta (Easy Appetizer). Photo credit: Vintage Kitchen Notes.

Sun Dried Tomato Bruschetta is an easy appetizer with Mediterranean flavors that’s creamy and crunchy, easy to put together and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Bruschetta (Easy Appetizer)

Chili Lime Sunflower Seed Dip

A bowl of hummus, a cold appetizer, garnished with seeds and parsley.
Chili Lime Sunflower Seed Dip. Photo credit: Life Around The Table.

Chili Lime Sunflower Seed Dip is creamy and tangy and made from raw sunflower seeds, carrot, olive oil, fresh citrus juice and more.
Get the Recipe: Chili Lime Sunflower Seed Dip

Tangy Zesty Black Bean Dip

A refreshing bowl of black bean salsa, perfect for a cold appetizer.
Tangy Zesty Black Bean Dip. Photo credit: Garlic & Zest.

Want a healthy bean dip recipe that’s great for parties, tailgates & cookouts? Try this chunky black bean dip. Uses canned beans & fresh veg!
Get the Recipe: Tangy Zesty Black Bean Dip

Creamy Chocolate Hummus Aka Dessert Hummus

A bowl of chocolate dip surrounded by fruit and crackers, perfect for a cold appetizer.
Creamy Chocolate Hummus Aka Dessert Hummus. Photo credit: Curry Trail.

Don’t cringle with the idea of chocolate hummus. Trust me, this is the best dessert hummus aka dessert dip you’ll make.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chocolate Hummus Aka Dessert Hummus

Mini Cheese Balls (Cheese Ball Bites)

A plate with cold appetizers - cheese balls and pretzel sticks.
Mini Cheese Balls (Cheese Ball Bites). Photo credit: Curry Trail.

Mini cheese balls are bite-sized appetizers perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas party, New Year’s Eve, football party or anytime.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cheese Balls (Cheese Ball Bites)

Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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