Make-Ahead Dilled Onion Cheese Balls

We adore cheese in any form so kicking off a gathering with these mini cheese balls is a guaranteed win. Because this savory starter can be made and frozen for three months it's one of our favorite hors d'oeuvre ideas to get a head start on menu prep. After thawing roll in your choice of topper—spices, herbs, seeds, bacon, chopped peppers, crushed chips from that almost-empty bag—or choose several to offer guests a variety.

Lemon-Dill Artichoke Dip

Spinach-artichoke dip is one of the all-time best party appetizers (take a look at a classic artichoke dip further on!). But if you're looking for a new twist on that classic, shake things up with a creamy lemon-infused fennel-artichoke spread. Because it's cooked in a cast-iron skillet, it stays warm longer on your appetizer table.

Pickle Poppers

Think of this party appetizer idea like a jalapeño popper with a tangy twist. Stuff pickles with a cheese blend, wrap with ham, and bake. If you prefer a cold party appetizer—or you're in a hurry—skip the baking step. Whichever temp you choose, serve these pickles with a side of hot pepper jelly. No one will be able to resist.

Cheesy Skillet Artichoke Dip

Rich creamy artichoke dip will always be considered one of the best party appetizers ever created (yes, we have strong feelings here). But add warm, flaky rolls on top of the classic appetizer recipe and there is zero chance of refraining from sampling a taste. Using yeast rolls adds time for rising, but because the dough is purchased, this is still a low-lift dinner party appetizer.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

These cocktail party appetizers are finished with a sweet maple glaze. And the bacon wrap makes them darn delicious. Each batch roasts to perfection in less than 10 minutes, so you can get them prepped and ready early then pop in the oven just before serving time.

Four-Cheese Pimiento Dip

For a casual gathering that doesn't require a fancy cheese board, stir together this Southern-inspired cheesy snack. The easy party appetizer comes together in about 35 minutes from start to finish. Diced pimientos perk up the ridiculously creamy cheese dip that will disappear in a flash when scooped up with crackers, veggies, or chips.

Jalapeño Popper Deviled Eggs

Mash-up two classic party appetizer ideas (jalapeño poppers and deviled eggs) with this creative recipe. They're made like a usual deviled egg recipe with a few extra stir-ins added to the filling. The crowning finish is a baked cheese crisp to hint at the fried texture of your favorite restaurant poppers.

Parmesan-Ranch Sweet Potato Snack Mix

Those purchased snack mixes have nothing on a home-baked cheesy, salty, buttery mix like this one. And it's so simple to make, you may never go store-bought again. Pile chips, crackers, pretzels, and nuts into your sheet pan with a ranch-butter drizzle and bake. Add in Parmesan cheese the last 10 minutes for the final flavor punch, and let it cool before noshing. Or make the mix up to a week ahead and store in an airtight container.

Tex-Mex Cheese Dip

So delicious yet so simple, all this hot dip recipe requires is adding the ingredients to a saucepan and heating through. It's hands-down one of our easiest appetizer recipes. If you're toting the dip to a gathering or want to make it ahead, just put it in a small slow cooker to keep warm.

Mini Quiches

If you're hosting a brunch gathering, you can't get much better than this appetizer idea. Not only are they downright delicious, but they also take advantage of store-bought ingredients (refrigerated pastry crust) and clean-out-the-fridge options (add any combo of chopped meats and veggies you desire) for easier assembly.

Test Kitchen Tip: Assemble, bake, and freeze a batch of mini quiches on a weekend when you have extra time. Then, when unexpected drop-in family and friends arrive, you're only about 20 minutes of oven time away from snacks.

Rose Summer Rolls

These vegan party appetizers are a showstopper! Edible rose petals tucked into rice paper give a beautiful floral look, while fresh herbs and veggies paired with rice noodles fill out the rolls. Herbs add loads of flavor, but the real flavor star of this cold party appetizer is the Rose Dipping Sauce made of soy sauce and rose vinegar.

Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bites

Warning, once you try one of these pretzel appetizers, you'll keep going back for more. The homemade pretzel dough is so tender and beautifully golden, these bites entice with one glance. But the best part is the cheese and pickled jalapeño filling. The pretzel and cheese combo makes these a perfect game-day appetizer, but we'll serve 'em up for any occasion.

Classic Stuffed Mushrooms

Unsure of everyone's food preferences? This is the cocktail party appetizer for you. The stuffed mushroom recipe comes with three flavor variations—classic garlic-Parmesan, dressed-up blue cheese-walnut, and comforting bacon-cheddar—so you can choose your flavor adventure (or offer all three to ensure there's something for everyone).

Party-Ready Potato Skins

Potato skins aren't just for game days. (Although we'll happily devour them then!) These easy appetizers are one of our entertaining go-tos because both kids and adults gobble them up—and you can prep everything prior to the baking step up to a day in advance.

Baba Ganoush

Take taste buds on a trip to the Mediterranean with this vegan party appetizer. This Baba Ganoush, a cold party appetizer made with roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and olive oil, is a nice change of pace from hummus. Offer it with toasted crostini, sliced vegetables, or fluffy pita wedges.

Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Dip

Crab Rangoon Mozzarella Sticks

Nothing gets our mouths watering like a great cheese pull (when you pull a piece of food apart and the cheese just keeps stretching). If you feel the same, you've got to try this appetizer recipe. Thanks to the addition of mozzarella in the cream cheese filling you get the luscious mouthfeel of the cream cheese with that stretchy cheese pull. Yum!

Cinnamon Nuts

We're nuts about these stadium-reminiscent snacks. The cinnamon-sugar-dusted walnuts are irresistible, but what we also love about this cocktail party appetizer is how it infuses our whole home with warm, cozy aromas. (Bonus points are awarded for how this recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temp for up to two weeks so we can get a jump on party prep.)

Million Dollar Deviled Eggs

What makes this deviled egg recipe worthy of the million dollar moniker? A secret ingredient that makes each bite extra rich and delicious. Here, it's a couple tablespoons of butter in the filling. Try it for yourself!

Potato-Crusted Ham and Cheese Quiche Bites

You'll only need six ingredients to whip up this party appetizer recipe. Buttery Yukon gold potatoes form the base for a rich egg, ham, and Gruyere cheese filling. Sprinkle on freshly chopped chives once they're out of the oven.

Million Dollar Dip

In addition to crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, there's another flavor and texture booster in this easy dip recipe. Slivered almonds add nuttiness and crunch. It's the perfect dip for spreading on buttery crackers.

Loaded Potato Dip

Put your leftover mashed potatoes to good use in this party dip recipe. Add the flavors of a loaded baked potato including sour cream, bacon, and green onion. Top with shredded cheese and bake until bubbly.

Sweet-Spicy Barbecued Chicken Sliders

A tray of these sweet and spicy sliders is our favorite way to get any party started. Load the mini rolls with a pineapple BBQ chicken mixture and finish with a honey butter glaze. Add freshly sliced jalapenos if you want more heat.

Bacon-Turkey-Cranberry Roll-Ups

Prep these party-ready rollups 24 hours before you plan to serve. This make-ahead appetizer idea can be sliced and served in just minutes before guests arrive. One BHG home cook called the recipe "amazing."