50 Appetizers for Dinner Ideas & Menus

Appetizers for dinner are always a favorite when hosting a gathering or celebrating a holiday!

I’ve spent the last two weeks organizing this “50 Appetizers for Dinner” list to help you make sure your gathering is delicious, festive, and a hit!

The trick to pulling off an “appetizers for dinner” menu is balancing flavors & textures with time and effort, and if you’re like me, considering nutrition. I live the 80/20 lifestyle when it comes to health & wellness, but I like to make sure most of the food is healthy and nutritious. I don’t ever mind a baked brie or pulled pork slider on the menu.

Let’s chat about how to choose an “Appetizers for Dinner” menu, how to balance flavors and textures, make sure everyone gets enough food, and how to make it gourmet yet easy on yourself as the host.

Top Tips to Plan Appetizers for Dinner

• Use Ina Garten’s “Buy 2, Prep 2, Cook 2” Rule: Ina’s simple and stress-free approach to entertaining aims to balance homemade dishes with high-quality store-bought items. The goal is to enjoy the gathering and make a beautiful meal without overworking yourself. You can always add a third item to any category to expand the meal.
• Balance Texture, Flavor & Nutrition: I aim for at least 1 crunchy thing, 1 thing that’s creamy, 1-2 things vegetable-forward, and 1-2 things protein-based. Also, be sure to balance sweet and savory. Appetizers tend to be on the savory side, so add one dish on the sweet side, whether it’s a drizzle of honey on cheese, goat cheese stuffed dates, or a simple fruit plate.
• Determine how much food you’ll need:
  • 8-10 pieces total per person for a light dinner (especially if it’s a more casual grazing night). That’s about 1-2 of each appetizer if you have 6 options using the “Buy 2, Prep 2, Cook 2” Rule.
  • 10-14 pieces total per person for a more substantial spread where appetizers are the dinner. That’s about 2-3 pieces of each appetizer if you make 6 dishes using the “Buy 2, Prep 2, Cook 2” Rule.

Example Menu

Here’s an example of what I’m going to serve this Christmas. I have given you lists of a lot more options below!

Buy 2: Shrimp Cocktail & Brie in Puff Pastry

Keep it simple with ready-to-serve, crowd-pleasing items:

1. Shrimp Cocktail with a Twist
   • Buy chilled cooked shrimp, a fresh lemon, and a jar of the best cocktail sauce you can find.
   • Place the shrimp in a bowl, with a slightly larger bowl filled with ice underneath to keep it cold.
   • Pro Tip for the Cocktail Sauce: Set out 2 small bowls of cocktail sauce—add a heaping spoonful of prepared horseradish to one for a spicy version. Label them so guests know which is which! Add 3rd bowl for the shrimp tails and place lemon slices around the shrimp.
2. Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Fig Jam
   • While homemade is great, places like Costco, Whole Foods, or your local grocery store often have a ready-to-bake brie wrapped in puff pastry.
   • Pro Tip: It often needs more time in the oven than the package suggests to fully melt the cheese—don’t be afraid to give extra time to get melty. Lower the oven temp or cover it if it browns too quickly.
   • Serve it warm on a wooden cutting board with crackers or sliced baguette for scooping.

Prep 2: Goat Cheese Dip & Smoked Salmon on Cucumber

A little assembly goes a long way here:

1. Creamy Goat Cheese Dip
   • Whip up Goat Cheese Dip and serve with crostini, pita chips, or fresh veggies that have crunch like cucumber, carrots, and bell pepper slices.
2. Smoked Salmon on Cucumber Rounds
   • Make my Elegant Smoked Salmon Appetizer, or top thick cucumber slices with a dollop of crème fraîche or herbed cream cheese.
   • Add a piece of smoked salmon and finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill and cracked black pepper. Elegant, fresh, and festive.

Cook 2: Deviled Eggs & Stuffed Mushrooms

These classic dishes bring everything together:

1. Deviled Eggs
   • A classic for good reason! For a festive touch, sprinkle with smoked paprika or top with crispy prosciutto or crispy parmesan crackers for that crispy bite.
   • Pro Tip: Check out my post on 6 ways to make deviled eggs for extra inspiration.
2. Option 1 (Lighter): Stuffed Mushrooms
   • Fill button mushrooms with a mixture of garlic, breadcrumbs, parmesan, and fresh herbs. Bake until golden and fragrant.
   • They’re warm, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser.

OR

2. Option 2 (More Substantial): Spiral Ham with Rolls, Mustards, and Pickles
   • If you’re feeding a larger crowd or want a more substantial holiday meal, a high-quality spiral ham is the perfect centerpiece. It comes pre-cooked, so all you need to do is wrap, optionally glaze, and heat it.
   • Arrange it on a big platter with soft rolls, at least 2-3 types of mustards (like Dijon, honey mustard, and grainy mustard), and an assortment of pickles (cornichons, bread & butter pickles, etc.).
   • Let everyone build their own mini ham sandwiches—it’s easy, fun, and feeds a lot of people.

This menu balances simplicity, elegance, and substance. Here’s why it works:

• Shrimp Cocktail and Brie in Puff Pastry add an upleveled feel with minimal effort.
• Goat Cheese Dip and Smoked Salmon Cucumbers are light, fresh, and festive.
• Deviled Eggs and Stuffed Mushrooms (or Spiral Ham) round out the spread with classic, crowd-pleasing bites.

Prep ahead where you can, set everything out beautifully, and enjoy the evening with your guests.

Appetizers for Dinner Ideas

Veggie-Based Apps

• Caprese Skewers (cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on a toothpick with balsamic glaze); check out a big list of more skewer ideas below
• Slow-Roasted Tomatoes on crostini
• Stuffed Mushrooms (garlic, parmesan, and breadcrumb filling)
• Veggie Spring Rolls (rice paper wraps filled with fresh vegetables and herbs)
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
• Crudité Platter with Herb Yogurt Dip
• Mini Sweet Potato Rounds with Guacamole
• Grilled Zucchini Roll-Ups with Ricotta
• Cucumber Cups Stuffed with Hummus and Red Pepper
• Kale and Artichoke Dip with Fresh Veggies
• Mini Avocado Toasts (avocado toasts on toasted sliced baguette)
• Garlicky Edamame
• Watermelon, Cucumber, Mint & Feta Skewers

Protein-Based Options

• Chilled Shrimp Cocktail with Cocktail Sauce
• Elegant Smoked Salmon Appetizer
• Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese
• Mini Beef Wellingtons
• Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce
• Mini Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce
• Smoked Salmon and Dill Cream Cheese Crostini
• Teriyaki Meatballs with Sesame Seeds
• Italian Meatballs with Marinara Dipping Sauce
• Deviled Eggs with Crispy Prosciutto
• Pulled Pork Sliders on Mini Brioche Buns (or any sliders!)

Indulgent & Cheese-Based Dishes

• Goat Cheese Dip with Peppers
• Baked Brie with Fig Jam or Honey and Pecans
• Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Crostini
• Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
• Mini Cheese Balls Coated in Nuts and Herbs
• Whipped Feta Dip with Pita Chips
• Mac and Cheese Bites (baked in mini muffin tins)
• Ricotta and Honey Crostini with a Sprinkle of Pistachios
• Fondue with Bread Cubes and Veggie Dippers
• Parmesan Crisps with Prosciutto or a Dollop of Fig Jam
• Four-Cheese Flatbread Pizza

More Fun Ideas

• Charcuterie Board with Meats, Cheeses, Fruits, and Nuts
• Deviled Eggs with Truffle Oil or Smoked Paprika
• Mini Quiches (variety of fillings like spinach, ham, and cheese)
• Mini Tacos with Your Favorite Fillings
• Gourmet Popcorn Bar with Sweet and Savory Toppings
• Bruschetta Bar with Different Toppings (tomato-basil, olive tapenade, roasted red pepper)
• Mini Desserts (chocolate-dipped strawberries, tarts, or truffles)
• Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip
• Puff Pastry Pinwheels with Pesto or Sundried Tomato Filling
• Holiday-Themed Cookies or Peppermint Bark

Skewer Ideas for Appetizers

Skewers are a fantastic addition to any Appetizers for Dinner menu. Here are some skewer ideas add variety, visual appeal, and bite-sized convenience to your appetizer menu:

1. Caprese Skewers
   • Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on a toothpick, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
2. Watermelon, Cucumber, Mint & Feta Skewers
   • Cubes of watermelon and cucumber, crumbled feta, and a mint leaf. Refreshing and light.
3. Greek Salad Skewers
   • Cucumber, cherry tomato, kalamata olive, and a cube of feta, drizzled with olive oil and oregano.
4. Antipasto Skewers
   • Salami, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a small artichoke heart.
5. Fruit & Cheese Skewers
   • Grapes, cubes of cheddar or gouda, and a small piece of dried apricot.
6. Shrimp Cocktail Skewers
   • Cooked shrimp, cucumber slices, and a small wedge of lemon. Serve with cocktail sauce for dipping.
7. Tortellini Skewers
   • Cooked and cooled tortellini (tossed in olive oil and Italian herbs), cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
8. Prosciutto & Melon Skewers
   • Cubes of cantaloupe or honeydew wrapped in thin slices of prosciutto.
9. Grilled Veggie Skewers
   • Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes, lightly grilled and drizzled with olive oil and herbs.
10. Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Skewers
    • Cubes of pineapple and jalapeño slices, brushed with honey or a honey-sriracha glaze.
11. Beef or Chicken Satay Skewers
    • Small strips of marinated beef or chicken grilled on skewers and served with peanut sauce.
12. Mozzarella & Sun-Dried Tomato Skewers
    • Marinated mozzarella balls, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.
13. Mini Sandwich Skewers
    • Small cubes of bread, turkey or ham, cheddar, and a slice of pickle for a fun, bite-sized sandwich.
14. Sweet Skewers: Strawberries & Marshmallows
    • Alternating strawberries and marshmallows, served with a chocolate dipping sauce.
15. Mexican-Inspired Skewers
    • Grilled corn, avocado chunks (spritzed with lime to prevent browning), and a cherry tomato, sprinkled with tajin.

Remember, when planning appetizers for dinner, you want a mix of textures (crunchy, creamy, crispy), flavors (savory, sweet, tangy), and colors to make the table look as good as it tastes. Prep as much as you can ahead of time so you can enjoy the evening, too.

Check out more dinner recipes here.

If you end up with a menu you love, share it in the comments to help everyone in our community. Thanks for being here, and enjoy!