18 Appetizers You Haven’t Tried but Should Tonight

If you're ready to bring something new to the table tonight, these 18 appetizers are the place to start. Each one delivers fresh flavors, easy prep, and a reason to linger before the main course. They're quick enough for a weeknight and bold enough to make any gathering feel special. Scroll through and you might just find your next go-to starter before the evening is over.

A ceramic baking dish with roasted cherry tomatoes, two slabs of baked feta cheese topped with black pepper, and a spoon scooping a portion of the soft cheese and tomato mixture. — Mexican Baked Feta in Morita Recaudo Salsa. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Greek-Style Marinated Cheese Curds

A glass jar filled with olives, olive oil, a peeled garlic clove, a bay leaf, and a piece of lemon peel sits open on a wooden board. A wedge of lemon is partially visible in the lower left corner. — Greek-Style Marinated Cheese Curds. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

These Greek-style marinated cheese curds are an appetizer worth discovering tonight. Infused with herbs and olive oil, they bring a bright, savory touch to any table without much effort. All you need is time for the flavors to mingle before serving them alongside bread or fresh vegetables. They're a conversation starter that might just disappear before the main course arrives.
Get the Recipe: Greek-Style Marinated Cheese Curds

Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds

Close up on cheese curds on plate. — Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Air fryer fried cheese curds are a quick, crispy appetizer that delivers comfort with minimal work. They're perfect for those looking for something they haven't tried yet but still want ready tonight. Using the air fryer keeps things mess-free while locking in a gooey center and golden coating. They're the type of bite that keeps people hovering near the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds

Traditional Colombian Patacones

Savoury Mexican chiles rellenos with avocado, tomato, and cilantro on a white platter. — Traditional Colombian Patacones. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Traditional Colombian patacones are fried green plantains that bring a new flavor experience to your appetizer spread. They're quick to prepare and offer something fresh for those ready to try something different tonight. Their crispy texture pairs beautifully with a variety of dips, making them versatile for any gathering. Once served, they'll spark curiosity and quickly become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Colombian Patacones

White Bean Hummus

A plate of hummus topped with olive oil, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh dill is set on a wooden board. A hand is dipping a piece of pita bread into the hummus. A small bowl of salt and pepper is nearby. — White Bean Hummus. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

White bean hummus is a smooth and creamy appetizer that's ready in minutes. For anyone seeking something they haven't tried but want to enjoy tonight, this Mediterranean-inspired dip fits the bill. It uses pantry staples like beans, lemon, and feta for a simple yet flavorful result. Set it out with bread or vegetables and watch it become a steady favorite.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Hummus

Roasted Carrot and Feta Dip

A plate of hummus, garnished with sesame seeds, spices, sliced carrots, and a sprig of parsley sits on a marble surface. A bowl of seeded crackers is nearby on a wooden board—perfect for sneaky ways to add vegetables to kids' meals. — Roasted Carrot and Feta Dip. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Roasted carrot and feta dip adds a fresh option to your appetizer spread without demanding much time. The roasted carrots bring natural sweetness while feta and spices make it bold enough to stand out. It's an easy choice if you're looking for something different to serve tonight. The bright color alone makes it a dish guests will talk about later.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot and Feta Dip

Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad

A close-up of a dish featuring rice, sliced cucumbers, herbs, and pieces of a pink ingredient, possibly grapefruit. A spoon is lifting a portion from the plate. The background shows a small bowl with a yellow interior. — Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

This cucumber crispy rice salad is a refreshing appetizer that breaks away from the ordinary. It's quick to assemble and gives you something you likely haven't tried but could tonight. Crunchy rice and fresh cucumbers meet in a dish that's light yet memorable. It's the kind of appetizer that brings a surprise factor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad

Argentinian Empanada Dough

A baking tray with seven golden-brown pastry turnovers, likely empanadas, on a sheet of parchment paper. The pastries appear freshly baked, with slightly crispy edges, resting on a rustic, worn metal tray. — Argentinian Empanada Dough. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Argentinian empanada dough opens the door to a make-ahead appetizer that's perfect for trying tonight. The tender, flaky crust can be filled with anything from meats to vegetables. While it takes a little prep, the payoff is fresh, handmade appetizers you can serve hot from the oven. It's a starting point for snacks that feel special without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanada Dough

Avocado Hummus

A bowl of hummus garnished with black sesame seeds, chickpeas, parsley, and olive oil, sits on a wooden board. Slices of pink and white watermelon radish are placed alongside. — Avocado Hummus. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Avocado hummus is a creamy, fresh appetizer that's simple to prepare and ready tonight. It adds a modern spin to the traditional dip, making it perfect for those eager to try something new. The smooth texture pairs well with bread, crackers, or raw vegetables. Once served, it quickly earns repeat requests.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Hummus

Roasted Carrot Hummus

A bowl of hummus topped with spicy red sauce and pieces of chickpeas and carrots, garnished with parsley. The bowl is placed on a wooden board with a partially visible sprig of herbs and flatbread nearby. — Roasted Carrot Hummus. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Roasted carrot hummus blends sweet roasted carrots with creamy chickpeas for a spread worth discovering tonight. It's quick to prepare and brings a different flavor to the familiar hummus category. Perfect with bread or vegetables, it adds a colorful touch to the table. Guests will remember it as the one they didn't expect to love so much.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Hummus

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

A bowl of creamy hummus topped with chickpeas and a red sauce, placed on a wooden board. Pita bread pieces and a small bowl of olive oil are nearby on a marble surface. — Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Roasted red pepper hummus takes a classic dip and adds a smoky depth that's worth trying tonight. Using simple ingredients, it blends up fast and looks striking on any table. It's perfect for serving with pita, crackers, or fresh vegetables. This is the type of appetizer that makes people ask for your recipe.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

My Grandma's Recipe for Russian Cured Salmon

A slice of brown bread topped with three pieces of cured fish and three small white onions on a round, dark plate. The plate is placed on a wooden surface. — My Grandma’s Recipe for Russian Cured Salmon. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Russian cured salmon is an elegant appetizer that's surprisingly easy to prepare ahead. It's an excellent choice for anyone wanting to try something new tonight without much active cooking. The texture is smooth and the flavor develops beautifully with simple seasoning. It's the kind of dish that makes your spread feel instantly elevated.
Get the Recipe: My Grandma's Recipe for Russian Cured Salmon

Easy Gravlax Salmon with Dill

Thin slices of cured salmon with herbs are arranged on a white plate, with a fork holding a piece in the foreground. — Easy Gravlax Salmon with Dill. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Easy gravlax salmon with dill is a quick, no-cook appetizer you can start tonight. A simple cure and fresh dill give it a flavor that's both fresh and refined. It's perfect served thinly sliced with bread or crackers for a light starter. It brings a touch of something different without demanding extra time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gravlax Salmon with Dill

Beetroot Cured Salmon

A white plate with a gold rim holds several slices and a block of raw, bright pink tuna. A sprig of rosemary lies on the left side of the plate, which rests on a pale yellow cloth. — Beetroot Cured Salmon. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Beetroot cured salmon is an eye-catching appetizer that also delivers on taste. The curing process is simple enough to start tonight, leaving you with a richly flavored, colorful dish. It's a fresh way to bring seafood to the appetizer table without cooking. The striking color makes it stand out at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Beetroot Cured Salmon

Mexican Baked Feta in Morita Recaudo Salsa

Mexican baked feta in morita recaudo salsa brings bold flavor to the appetizer list tonight. The baked cheese turns creamy while the salsa adds a smoky and tangy punch. It's easy to prepare and perfect for dipping bread or chips. It's a dish that makes guests linger a little longer around the table.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Baked Feta in Morita Recaudo Salsa

Mexican-Style Black Bean Hummus

A bowl of refried beans topped with chopped tomatoes, diced onions, fresh parsley, and a lime wedge sits on a wooden board. Tortilla pieces and lime slices are visible nearby. — Mexican-Style Black Bean Hummus. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Mexican-style black bean hummus is a quick appetizer that delivers something you probably haven't tried yet. The black beans add depth, while the spices bring a lively flavor. It's easy to make and pairs well with tortilla chips or vegetables. This dip has a way of becoming the thing people return to all night.
Get the Recipe: Mexican-Style Black Bean Hummus

Labneh Dip with Olives

A bowl of whipped labneh topped with green olives, olive oil, slivered almonds, and herbs, surrounded by fresh parsley leaves. — Labneh Dip with Olives. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Labneh dip with olives is a creamy, tangy starter that's perfect for trying tonight. Made with strained yogurt and briny olives, it's ready in minutes. It works with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables, making it versatile for any spread. Once tasted, it's often the first dish to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Labneh Dip with Olives

Avocado and Passion Fruit Tuna Carpaccio

Slices of raw fish topped with diced avocado are arranged on a blue plate, with slices of lime and whole passion fruits visible in the background. — Avocado and Passion Fruit Tuna Carpaccio. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Avocado and passion fruit tuna carpaccio is a fresh, no-cook appetizer that's ready in minutes. The combination of buttery avocado, tangy passion fruit, and fresh tuna is something worth adding to your menu tonight. It's light yet bold, making it memorable without being heavy. It's the kind of starter that feels like a treat before the meal even begins.
Get the Recipe: Avocado and Passion Fruit Tuna Carpaccio

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli and Peppers

Roasted vegetables and lemon slices on a baking sheet, with a spoon and small bowls on the side. — Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli and Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

These roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli, and peppers make an easy appetizer that delivers both color and flavor in every bite. Their roasted texture and hint of citrus bring a freshness that's perfect for something you haven't tried but should tonight. With simple prep and a short roasting time, they're ready to hit the table without slowing down your evening. It's the kind of vegetable starter that earns a spot in your go-to dinner rotation fast.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli and Peppers

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Jerry Raye says

September 01, 2025 at 11:49 pm

These recipes appear to be outstanding. BUT... Do you get paid for how many words you use?? It's insane to have to read the better part of two pages of a standard newspaper print before getting to the point. Sorry to be harsh, as I can see that your food talents are outstanding. But doubt seriously that more than 5% of your readers will actually access the splendor of your food suggestions due to frustration getting to the actual recipe. No matter how intriguing your start story is, the actual recipe, if printed at the start of the dissertation, would signal the reader's senses to delve deeper, if it inspires them, or move on to the next offering. You don't really want to hear all about how much I appreciate my mom's biscuits because she grew up on a farm and had to cook for her siblings, no matter how great the biscuits taste. You want the recipe to assess how it may vary from the one you use. Then you may be intrigued to read about how her background will now reset culinary history. Just saying. Otherwise, I would be searching out your recipes first every time.

- kseniaprints says
  
  September 04, 2025 at 1:28 pm
  
  Hi Jerry, to each their own. You can use the 'jump to recipe' button, but I have plenty of people who read the stories and enjoy them 🙂

18 Appetizers You Haven’t Tried But Should Tonight