This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Cold appetizers are a great addition to any spread, most can be made ahead, saving time and stress when hosting events.

Collage of cold appetizer recipes.

Why We Love It!

Our top favorite appetizers usually include hot ones, however, not every occasion is good for hot appetizer recipes. And other times, you just need to mix it up! Cold appetizers and dips add variety to your spread.

When you need a party appetizer, be sure to include one or several of these cold favorites. Many cold appetizer recipes can be made ahead of time making party planning a breeze!

From antipasto skewers and Caprese Kabobs to a classic Charcuterie Board topped with ingredients like goat cheese, smoked salmon, and fresh herbs, you’re sure to find a perfect appetizer to fit your taste!


    Our Top 10 Picks

    5 from 15 votes

    How to Make a Charcuterie Board

    We all love to graze during parties. Learn how to make a charcuterie board and fill it with all of your favorites!
    View Recipe
    5 from 53 votes

    Deviled Eggs

    There's nothing better than a platter of these perfect deviled eggs. They are easy, flavorful, and great for parties and holidays!
    View Recipe
    4.98 from 46 votes

    7 Layer Bean Dip

    This 10-minute 7 layer bean dip is a must-have at every function! It has loads of flavor and all your favorite dip ingredients!
    View Recipe
    5 from 16 votes

    Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

    This savory bacon ranch cheese ball is party-perfect. It's prepped in 10 minutes and feeds a dozen people or more!!
    View Recipe
    5 from 207 votes

    Easy Fruit Dip

    Fresh and creamy fruit dip is one of our top requested recipes, it whips up in no time, and ALWAYS vanishes in minutes!
    View Recipe
    5 from 16 votes

    Veggie Tray

    Filled with your favorite fresh ingredients and dips, a veggie tray is a quick and healthy way to feed family and friends!
    View Recipe
    5 from 113 votes

    Salsa Recipe

    This is such an EASY salsa recipe. It tastes just like restaurant salsa and goes perfectly with tortilla chips, tacos, and more!
    View Recipe
    5 from 49 votes

    Dill Veggie Dip Recipe

    Our go-to fresh and creamy dill veggie dip recipe is ready in only 7 minutes, – quick, simple, and perfect for parties and all your snacking needs!
    View Recipe
    5 from 13 votes

    How to Make Guacamole

    For an addictingly fresh, restaurant-quality dip or side, learn how to make guacamole at home in only 10 minutes!
    View Recipe
    5 from 4 votes

    Knorr Spinach Dip

    Creamy Knorr spinach dip's savory flavors pair perfectly with veggies and your favorite crackers making it a party favorite!
    View Recipe

    More Cold Appetizers

    5 from 28 votes

    Easy Bruschetta Recipe

    This easy bruschetta recipe is quick and simple. With just 5 ingredients, it's the perfect appetizer for any occasion.
    View Recipe
    5 from 15 votes

    Fruit Kabobs

    Colorful fruit kabobs are the best appetizer or side for any occasion! Load up your favorite fruits and get snacking.
    View Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Veggie Cups Appetizer

    Quick and Easy Veggie Cup Appetizers – filled with dressing and veggies, this mess-free snack is great for so many occasions.
    View Recipe
    5 from 231 votes

    Mexican Pinwheels

    Mexican pinwheels are bite-size tortilla rolls filled with a spiced cream cheese mixture. They are a party in your mouth!
    View Recipe
    5 from 6 votes

    Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe

    Simple and Fresh Caprese Stuffed Avocados are a twist on classic flavors. This is a perfect appetizer or side to any meal!
    View Recipe
    4.91 from 10 votes

    Greek Cucumber Cups Recipe

    Simple Greek Cucumber Cups are a light and delicious appetizer that whips up in minutes. They are a perfect low calorie snack!
    View Recipe
    4.88 from 24 votes

    Cheese Ball Bites Recipe

    Mini Cheese Ball Bites taste just like a loaded cheese ball, but mini! They are perfect grab and go appetizers.
    View Recipe
    5 from 6 votes

    Burrata Board Recipe

    This simple Burrata Board is a stunning & sophisticated appetizer. It's easy to assemble, and perfect for any occasion!
    View Recipe
    5 from 7 votes

    Bruschetta Caprese Recipe

    Toasted bread rounds are topped with a mixture of juicy tomatoes, ripe avocado, and fresh mozzarella to make this Bruschetta Caprese.
    View Recipe
    5 from 12 votes

    Caprese Kabobs Recipe

    Simple, quick and delicious Caprese Kabobs take minutes to throw together and are perfect for any party or get together.
    View Recipe
    5 from 13 votes

    Tortellini Skewers Recipe

    Quick + simple pesto Tortellini Skewers whip up in minutes for a tasty appetizer perfect for any occasion. They are cheesy and delicious!
    View Recipe
    5 from 31 votes

    Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe

    These delicious Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups are made from a rolled tortilla filled with Ranch Veggie dip, and chopped veggies, making them the perfect bite-sized party appetizer!
    View Recipe
    No ratings yet

    Cheese and Crackers

    This classic cheese and crackers board is a favorite for sharing, and perfectly customizable for any occasion!
    View Recipe
    5 from 9 votes

    Lunch Kabobs Recipe

    Kid-friendly lunch kabobs are filled with savory meats and fresh veggies. They're perfect for parties and BBQs!
    View Recipe
    5 from 10 votes

    Caesar Salad Cups Recipe

    Caesar Salad Cups are a quick, simple and tasty side dish or appetizer. They're mini salads in a cup and great for parties and get togethers!
    View Recipe
    5 from 13 votes

    Taco Dip Recipe

    This taco dip recipe is a fiesta of flavor, combining your favorite taco toppings into a creamy and cheesy dip that's ready in minutes.
    View Recipe
    5 from 9 votes

    French Onion Dip Recipe

    French onion dip is tangy and savory. It requires only two ingredients and is made in under a minute!
    View Recipe
    5 from 14 votes

    Homemade Hummus Recipe

    If You Need A Quick Healthy Snack Or Party Appetizer, You Can Whip Up This Homemade Hummus In 5 Minutes Or Less!
    View Recipe
    5 from 11 votes

    Pina Colada Dip Recipe

    Pina colada fruit dip is fresh, creamy and filled with pineapple and coconut bits. It is perfectly refreshing and SO dippable.
    View Recipe
    5 from 35 votes

    Caramel Apple Dip Recipe

    The creamiest and most delicious Caramel Apple Dip you’ll ever find. Just a few ingredients are required, but dark brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk make this recipe out of this world and a crowd pleaser at any get together.
    View Recipe
    5 from 19 votes

    Apple Brickle Dip Recipe

    This 5-Ingredient Apple Brickle Dip recipe takes minutes to make and is so delicious! Plus, it uses common ingredients. The addition of Heath Toffee Bits makes it even better!
    View Recipe
    5 from 5 votes

    Cream Cheese Green Chili Dip Recipe

    Cream Cheese Green Chili Dip is one of our favorite appetizers. It is is delicious and takes just 1 minute to make!!
    View Recipe
    5 from 23 votes

    Nutella Dip Recipe

    Filled with hazelnut goodness and a helping of tangy cream cheese & whipped cream, this Nutella fruit dip is heavenly!
    View Recipe
    5 from 21 votes

    Black Bean Corn Salsa

    Fresh and chunky black bean corn salsa {aka Cowboy Caviar} is a favorite dip to serve with tortilla chips!
    View Recipe
    4.99 from 50 votes

    Salsa Verde Recipe

    Sweet Salsa Verde – a delicious salsa recipe that is sweet and takes just minutes to make. Ingredients include tomatillos, jalapenos, sugar, & cilantro.
    View Recipe
    5 from 9 votes

    Fruit Salsa

    Fresh fruit salsa is a perfect pairing for our sweet homemade cinnamon chips. Ready in under 20 minutes, you can make it for any occasion!
    View Recipe
    5 from 12 votes

    Mango Salsa Recipe

    This sweet and savory Mango Salsa is perfect with chips or any Mexican meal. It's full of flavor and simple to make.
    View Recipe
    5 from 21 votes

    Peach Salsa Recipe

    Fresh peach salsa is delicious with chips, on top of fish or pork, or spooned over tacos! You'll love the flavor combinations in this recipe!
    View Recipe
    4.92 from 46 votes

    Chili’s Salsa Recipe

    This Chili's salsa recipe is a family favorite copycat that uses simple ingredients and blends up in minutes!
    View Recipe
    5 from 12 votes

    Corn Salsa Recipe

    Savory corn salsa has a little kick of spice! There are so many yummy uses for this delicious and simple salsa.
    View Recipe
    5 from 12 votes

    Strawberry Salsa

    The unique flavors of this sweet and spicy strawberry salsa pair perfectly with fish, tacos, or any Mexican dish!
    View Recipe
    5 from 13 votes

    Cucumber Salsa Recipe

    Crisp and light Cucumber Salsa is delicious with tortilla chips or on top of tacos. It is best when freshly made and chilled.
    View Recipe
    5 from 7 votes

    Watermelon Salsa Recipe

    Juicy Watermelon Salsa is sweet with the perfect touch of spice. It's a tasty summer salsa that whips up in minutes!
    View Recipe
    5 from 6 votes

    Pineapple Cheese Balls

    Sweet + tangy Pineapple Cheese Ball is crusted with pecans for a perfect combination. The juicy pineapple pops are irresistible!
    View Recipe
    No ratings yet

    Ham Salad Recipe

    A creamy ham salad recipe with hints of dill and chunks of hard-boiled eggs is a tasty appetizer, perfect for using up that leftover ham!!
    chocolate chip dip in bowl
    5 from 1 vote

    Chocolate Chip Dip

    Chocolate chip dip tastes just like its cookie counterpart but in a sweet quick prep dessert perfect for dipping!
    View Recipe
    4.95 from 37 votes

    Yogurt Fruit Dip Recipe

    Transform plain fruit into a decadent treat with this quick and creamy yogurt fruit dip bursting with sweet, vanilla flavor!
    View Recipe

    About Kristyn

    Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

    Get my cookbook!

    My cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes with videos, tips & more!

    Leave a comment

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    5 Comments

    1. Sue says:

      Out of the many recipes I’ve tried from this list The ham salad and fiesta pinwheels surprised me the most and I ate entirely too much!

    2. Joy says:

      I make your black bean & corn salsa all the time!! It gets requested by everyone!! Love all these appetizer recipes!!

    3. Jessica says:

      What an awesome list!! I found so many that I plan to make and I already made one of them, and was SUPER pleased with it!

    4. cate says:

      I have made so many of these and they were all so good. Great collection to have in one place.

    5. Olivia says:

      We like both types of appetizers. There just a great beginning to any meal! So much to choose from.