Some appetizers never really go out of style—they just keep showing up and getting wiped off the tray. These 19 recipes bring serious flavor with a nostalgic kick that would’ve held their own at any ’80s potluck. Whether creamy, crispy, or wrapped in pastry, they all carry that “what’s in this?” energy. Just enough bite to start the party, but strong enough to stand on their own.
Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant Dip
Zaalouk, a roasted eggplant dip, takes 40 minutes to prepare and blends roasted eggplant with tomatoes, garlic, and warm spices into a thick, flavorful spread. The texture is chunky but smooth enough for dipping. It tastes smoky, rich, and just tangy enough to pair well with chips or bread. Works hot or chilled without missing a beat.
Get the Recipe: Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant Dip
Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey
Baked brie with peaches, pecans, herbs, and honey takes 25 minutes and layers creamy cheese with fresh fruit, toasted nuts, and a drizzle of sweetness. The brie turns gooey while the toppings add crunch and brightness. It’s soft, salty, and sweet in one bite. Great for grazing with crackers or sliced bread.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey
Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe
Lebanese baba ganoush takes 30 minutes to prepare, blending roasted eggplant with garlic, lemon, tahini, and olive oil into a creamy, smoky dip. The texture is smooth, yet with just enough bite to remain interesting. The flavor leans nutty and slightly tangy. A reliable dip that keeps people circling back.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe
Sweet Potato Hummus
Sweet potato hummus takes just 15 minutes to prepare and combines roasted sweet potatoes with chickpeas, garlic, tahini, and spices for a creamy, earthy dip. The texture is thick and smooth with a touch of sweetness. The flavor brings warmth without spice. Tastes great with raw veggies or crackers.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus
Tofu And Sundried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms
Tofu and sundried tomato-stuffed mushrooms take 35 minutes to fill roasted mushroom caps with a savory blend of tofu, garlic, herbs, and chopped tomatoes. The filling is creamy and rich, with a hint of tang from the tomatoes. The mushrooms hold their shape and absorb the flavors. They go fast once they hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Tofu And Sundried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms
Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe
Classic mushroom bourekas take 45 minutes and wrap puff pastry around a seasoned mushroom and onion filling. The outside bakes golden and crisp while the center stays soft and savory. Each bite has a flaky crunch followed by a herby mushroom finish. Perfect for finger food that feels like more.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe
Traditional Colombian Patacones (Fried Green Plantains)
Traditional Colombian patacones take 30 minutes to prepare, and the green plantain slices are double-fried into golden rounds that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They have a starchy, slightly sweet taste and pair well with dips or toppings. Each piece holds its shape and remains satisfying. Good as a base or on their own with salt.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Colombian Patacones (Fried Green Plantains)
Baked Feta Dip Recipe With Honey, Dates And Hazelnuts
Baked feta dip with honey, dates, and hazelnuts takes 20 minutes and softens feta into a spreadable base topped with sweet, nutty extras. The cheese is salty and tangy, the dates are rich, and the nuts give it crunch. It’s a simple mix that tastes layered. Good warm or room temp with bread.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Dip Recipe With Honey, Dates And Hazelnuts
Zucchini Roll With Crab Salad
Zucchini roll with crab salad takes 30 minutes and wraps thin zucchini slices around a creamy crab and herb mix. The texture remains firm yet fresh, with a soft filling that combines citrus and salt. It’s light, cold, and easy to eat. Looks fancy without needing much effort.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Roll With Crab Salad
Irresistibly Smooth Garlic Hummus
Smooth garlic hummus takes 15 minutes and blends chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic into a silky, mild dip. The garlic is sharp but mellowed by the other ingredients. It’s creamy without being heavy. Stays solid with pita, carrots, or straight off the spoon.
Get the Recipe: Irresistibly Smooth Garlic Hummus
Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds
Air fryer fried cheese curds take 15 minutes and cook up golden on the outside with a melty, stretchy center. The batter stays light and crisp, while the cheese holds its shape. They’re salty, rich, and ready to disappear fast. Best served hot but still good when they cool down.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds
Smoky Baba Ghanoush Without Tahini
Smoky baba ghanoush without tahini takes 30 minutes and leans into the roasted eggplant and garlic for a rich, bold dip. The texture is smooth with a touch of char in every bite. It’s less nutty than traditional versions but still packed with flavor. Great with bread, chips, or grilled veggies.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Baba Ghanoush Without Tahini
Asparagus And Ricotta Tart
Asparagus and ricotta tart takes 40 minutes and bakes a puff pastry crust topped with seasoned ricotta and fresh asparagus spears. The pastry turns crisp while the cheese stays creamy. The flavor is clean and slightly salty with a hint of garlic. It slices neatly into easy, shareable pieces.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus And Ricotta Tart
Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe With Beet Chrein
Homemade gefilte fish with beet chrein takes 2 hours and blends white fish with onions and seasoning, served with a sharp beet and horseradish topping. The texture is soft and delicate, and the flavor is clean but rich. The chrein adds bite and color. It’s old-school, bold, and still hits with the right crowd.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe With Beet Chrein
Roasted Carrot And Feta Dip
Roasted carrot and feta dip takes 30 minutes and purées sweet carrots with tangy feta, garlic, and a drizzle of honey. The texture stays thick and creamy with a mellow, savory-sweet flavor. It’s bold without being too heavy. A colorful dip that works with crackers or flatbread.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot And Feta Dip
Refreshing Colombian Ceviche With Pear, Fennel, And Mango
Colombian ceviche with pear, fennel, and mango takes 25 minutes and mixes raw white fish with citrus, herbs, and fresh fruit. The flavor is sweet, tart, and bright with a bit of crunch from the fennel. It’s served cold and keeps well for hours. Great for warm days or outdoor spreads.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Colombian Ceviche With Pear, Fennel, And Mango
Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados
Shrimp salad-stuffed avocados take 20 minutes and fill halved avocados with a creamy shrimp mixture flavored with lemon and herbs. The shrimp are tender, and the avocado adds a rich base. It’s chilled, fresh, and ready to serve with no extras needed. Works as a light starter that still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados
Cheesy Garlic Pepperoni Biscuit Cups
Cheesy garlic pepperoni biscuit cups take 25 minutes to prepare and bake, using canned biscuit dough filled with cheese, garlic, and pepperoni for a handheld snack. The outside turns golden while the inside stays soft and melty. They’re salty, cheesy, and taste like pizza without the mess. Always the first thing gone on the platter.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Pepperoni Biscuit Cups
Beetroot Mousse Canapes
Beetroot mousse canapés take 30 minutes to prepare, blending roasted beets with cream cheese and garlic, and are piped onto crackers or toast. The mousse is smooth, slightly sweet, and has a mellow, earthy flavor. It looks bold and tastes clean. Great for a colorful bite that keeps things light.
Get the Recipe: Beetroot Mousse Canapes
Tell Me What You Think!