Simple and Delicious Appetizer Ideas for Your Next Party

Three Quick and Tasty Appetizer Recipes
Appetizers, also known as starters or hors-d’oeuvres, are small dishes served before the main course. They can be hot or cold, depending on the recipe. Hors-d’oeuvres may be presented at the table alongside the meal or before guests are seated. Typically smaller than main dishes, they are meant to be eaten with the hands, requiring minimal utensils.

Planning a gathering? Here are some easy yet flavorful appetizer recipes perfect for entertaining at home.

Important Tips for Serving Appetizers

Plan for 3 to 5 pieces per guest as a pre-dinner snack.

If hosting a full appetizer-only party, aim for 8 to 10 pieces per guest over two hours. Increase portions if the party lasts longer or drinks are involved.

Recipe for Honey-Garlic Crispy Chicken Bites

You'll need 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into 5-6 pieces each, 2 cups flour, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon seasoning salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 3 eggs, 3 tbsp water, 1½ tbsp oil, frying oil, and chopped green onions.

The sauce includes ½ cup honey, 4 tbsp soy sauce, 4 crushed garlic cloves, 1 tbsp diced ginger, ½ teaspoon chili flakes, and ⅓ cup water.

Heat oil to 375°F for frying.

Mix sauce ingredients in a small pan, bring to boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.

Combine flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings in a bowl.

Whisk eggs, water, and oil in a separate bowl.

Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture, then the flour mixture—double coating for extra crispiness. Shake off excess flour.

Fry in batches until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Toss hot chicken with the sauce, then garnish with green onions. Serve immediately.

Recipe for Cheese and Sausage Bites

Combine sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and biscuit mix. Form into small balls.

Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Recipe for Pastrami Roll-Ups

You will need ¾ cup spreadable cream cheese, ½ cup crumbled blue cheese, 12 slices of lean deli pastrami, and 12 dill pickle spears.

Mix cream cheese and blue cheese. Pat dry the pastrami and pickles.

Spread cheese mixture on each slice of pastrami, place a pickle spear, then roll tightly.

Cut each roll into four pieces and arrange on a platter. Keep refrigerated leftovers.