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    Home » Appetizers

    21 Simple Starters That Prove Great Food Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 2, 2025 · Published December 7, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    Hosting a gathering can be a lot of fun, but preparing appetizers can feel quite stressful. Here are 21 easy-to-make appetizers that will impress your guests without requiring hours in the kitchen. From simple dips to quick bites, these ideas will help you create a delicious spread with minimal effort.

    Air Fryer Baked Brie

    Baked brie.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This cheesy appetizer is great for any get-together or a relaxing night at home. It combines sweet, salty, crunchy, and cheesy flavors, and you can pick your favorite nuts and berries to customize it.

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    Jalapeño Cheese Ball

    Jalapeño cheese ball.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This Jalapeño Cheeseball is a great snack for game day or any gathering. It combines a spicy kick with creamy goodness, making it a fun appetizer that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp

    Shrimp cooked in garlic butter sauce.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Garlic butter shrimp is super easy to whip up and takes only 10 minutes. It's great for a quick dinner or as an appetizer, especially when served with veggies, pasta, or some nice bread.

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    Feta Stuffed Dates

    Feta stuffed dates.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These appetizers are simple to prepare and always a hit at gatherings. They're perfect for busy nights when you want to impress your guests without putting in too much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Cucumber Bites

    Tuna Cucumber Bites.
    Photo credit: Low Carb Africa.

    These tasty cucumber bites with tuna are a simple appetizer that everyone will enjoy. They're great finger foods, especially when you need something to serve before dinner.

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    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp are quick to prepare and only take about 3-5 minutes to cook. They're flavored with garlic and paprika, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch, making them perfect for salads or your favorite dips.

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    Pasta Salad Skewers

    Pasta Salad Skewers
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Pasta Salad Skewers combine all your favorite pasta salad flavors into a fun and easy appetizer. They can be prepared in advance and are perfect for serving to a group, with no need for utensils.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Brie

    A baked brie with bread.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baking brie is quick and easy, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish with ingredients you can customize. This tasty appetizer pairs well with bread or crackers, making it a great choice for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

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    Caprese Salad

    Caprese Salad.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This Italian salad, known as Insalata Caprese, comes from the island of Capri. It's incredibly simple to prepare, making it a great choice for a quick and impressive dish.

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    Texas Toast

    Air fryer texas toast.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Garlicky Texas Toast is quick to prepare and packed with buttery garlic goodness. This easy appetizer is perfect for busy nights and pairs well with any meal.

    Get the recipe

    Jalapeño Popper Wontons

    Jalapeno popper wontons.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This is a simple take on jalapeño poppers that packs in all the flavor without the complicated steps. Enjoy a tasty appetizer that's easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Wrapped Dates

    Bacon wrapped dates.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These appetizers are simple to prepare and sure to impress your guests. They're perfect for gatherings when you want to serve something special without putting in a lot of effort.

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    Garlic Hummus

    Garlic hummus.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This garlicky hummus is perfect for snacking and you'll probably want to keep some around all week. It's easy to make and great for sharing with friends or family.

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    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Scampi can be made in just 10 minutes, offering a delicious appetizer or meal. The combination of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

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    Cheesy Garlic Bread

    Cheesy garlic bread.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Cream cheese garlic bread is a simple and tasty way to enjoy a quick appetizer at home. It's an affordable option that doesn't require much effort to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

    Mozarella sticks.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These mozzarella sticks are easy to prepare and are sure to impress your guests. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a tasty snack.

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    Tomato Bruschetta

    Tomato Bruschetta.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Bruschetta is a simple and tasty appetizer that works well for any dinner. It's full of flavor and easy to prepare, making it a favorite among everyone.

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    Smoked Salmon Pâté

    Smoked salmon pâté.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Smoked salmon is the star of this quick and easy spread that you can whip up in no time. It's perfect for impressing guests without putting in a lot of effort.

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    Caprese Garlic Bread

    Caprese Garlic Bread
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Caprese Garlic Bread is a great appetizer that's easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have it ready in about 10 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Spring Rolls

    Air Fryer Spring Rolls.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Frozen Spring Rolls cook quickly in your Air Fryer, taking less than 10 minutes and leaving no mess behind. A little oil gives them a crispy texture that's even better than frying, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Baked Crab Dip

    Baked crab dip.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This baked crab dip is quick to prepare in just 30 minutes and uses only 10 ingredients, without any mayonnaise. It's simple to whip up and packed with delicious pieces of lump crabmeat.

    Get the recipe

    More Appetizer Recipes

    • Ground beef dip.
      32 Appetizers So Simple You’ll Actually Want to Make Them
    • Shrimp scampi in a pan.
      7 Appetizers I Always Have to Make a Double Batch Of
    • Jalapeno popper wontons.
      18 Easy Appetizers You'll Want to Make Every Day
    • Air fryer fried chicken tenders.
      Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Tenders

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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