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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

    1 How to Make a Charcuterie Board

    How to Make a Charcuterie Board
    Total Time: 20 minutes

    Recipe Video

    We all love to graze during parties. Learn how to make a charcuterie board and fill it with all of your favorites!
    5 from 15 votes
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    2 Deviled Eggs

    Deviled Eggs
    Total Time: 35 minutes

    Recipe Video

    There's nothing better than a platter of these perfect deviled eggs. They are easy, flavorful, and great for parties and holidays!
    5 from 53 votes
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    3 7 Layer Bean Dip

    7 Layer Bean Dip
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

    Recipe Video

    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!
    4.98 from 46 votes
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    4 Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

    Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
    Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

    Recipe Video

    This savory bacon ranch cheese ball is party-perfect. It's prepped in 10 minutes and feeds a dozen people or more!!
    5 from 16 votes
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    5 Fruit Dip

    Fruit Dip
    Total Time: 10 minutes

    Recipe Video

    Our top-requested fruit dip is a 5-ingredient fresh and creamy dream that whips up in minutes and disappears just as fast!
    5 from 207 votes
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    6 Veggie Tray

    Veggie Tray
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Filled with your favorite fresh ingredients and dips, a veggie tray is a quick and healthy way to feed family and friends!
    5 from 16 votes
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    7 Homemade Salsa

    Homemade Salsa
    Total Time: 10 minutes

    Recipe Video

    Our homemade salsa recipe is fresh, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for chips, tacos, and all your favorite Mexican dishes!
    5 from 114 votes
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    8 Dill Veggie Dip Recipe

    Dill Veggie Dip Recipe
    Total Time: 7 minutes
    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!
    5 from 49 votes
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    9 How to Make Guacamole

    How to Make Guacamole
    Total Time: 10 minutes

    Recipe Video

    For an addictingly fresh, restaurant-quality dip or side, learn how to make guacamole at home in only 10 minutes!
    5 from 13 votes
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    10 Knorr Spinach Dip

    Knorr Spinach Dip
    Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

    Recipe Video

    Creamy Knorr spinach dip's savory flavors pair perfectly with veggies and your favorite crackers making it a party favorite!
    5 from 4 votes
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    More Cold Appetizers

    11 Easy Bruschetta Recipe

    Easy Bruschetta Recipe
    Total Time: 14 minutes

    Recipe Video

    This easy bruschetta recipe is quick and simple. With just 5 ingredients, it's the perfect appetizer for any occasion.
    5 from 28 votes
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    12 Fruit Kabobs

    Fruit Kabobs
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Our quick and colorful fruit kabobs are easy to customize, creating a healthy and delicious appetizer or side – perfect for every occasion!
    5 from 15 votes
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    13 Veggie Cups Appetizer

    Veggie Cups Appetizer
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Quick and Easy Veggie Cup Appetizers – filled with dressing and veggies, this mess-free snack is great for so many occasions.
    5 from 3 votes
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    14 Mexican Pinwheels

    Mexican Pinwheels
    Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

    Recipe Video

    Mexican pinwheels are bite-size tortilla rolls filled with a spiced cream cheese mixture. They are a party in your mouth!
    5 from 231 votes
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    15 Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe

    Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Simple and Fresh Caprese Stuffed Avocados are a twist on classic flavors. This is a perfect appetizer or side to any meal!
    5 from 6 votes
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    16 Greek Cucumber Cups Recipe

    Greek Cucumber Cups Recipe
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Simple Greek Cucumber Cups are a light and delicious appetizer that whips up in minutes. They are a perfect low calorie snack!
    4.91 from 10 votes
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    17 Cheese Ball Bites Recipe

    Cheese Ball Bites Recipe
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Mini Cheese Ball Bites taste just like a loaded cheese ball, but mini! They are perfect grab and go appetizers.
    4.88 from 25 votes
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    18 Burrata Board Recipe

    Burrata Board Recipe
    Total Time: 26 minutes
    This simple burrata board is a stunning and sophisticated appetizer. It's easy to assemble, and perfect for any occasion!
    5 from 6 votes
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    19 Bruschetta Caprese Recipe

    Bruschetta Caprese Recipe
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Toasted bread rounds are topped with a mixture of juicy tomatoes, ripe avocado, and fresh mozzarella to make this Bruschetta Caprese.
    5 from 7 votes
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    20 Caprese Kabobs Recipe

    Caprese Kabobs Recipe
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Simple, quick and delicious Caprese Kabobs take minutes to throw together and are perfect for any party or get together.
    5 from 12 votes
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    21 Tortellini Skewers Recipe

    Tortellini Skewers Recipe
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Quick + simple pesto Tortellini Skewers whip up in minutes for a tasty appetizer perfect for any occasion. They are cheesy and delicious!
    5 from 13 votes
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    22 Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe

    Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
    Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes

    Recipe Video

    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!
    5 from 31 votes
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    23 Cheese and Crackers

    Cheese and Crackers
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    This classic cheese and crackers board is a favorite for sharing, and perfectly customizable for any occasion!
    Get the recipe

    24 Lunch Kabobs Recipe

    Lunch Kabobs Recipe
    Total Time: 8 minutes
    Kid-friendly lunch kabobs are filled with savory meats and fresh veggies. They're perfect for parties and BBQs!
    5 from 9 votes
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    25 Caesar Salad Cups Recipe

    Caesar Salad Cups Recipe
    Total Time: 14 minutes
    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!
    5 from 10 votes
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    26 Taco Dip Recipe

    Taco Dip Recipe
    Total Time: 10 minutes

    Recipe Video

    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.
    5 from 13 votes
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    27 French Onion Dip Recipe

    French Onion Dip Recipe
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    French onion dip is tangy and savory. It requires only two ingredients and is made in under a minute!
    5 from 9 votes
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    28 Homemade Hummus Recipe

    Homemade Hummus Recipe
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    If You Need A Quick Healthy Snack Or Party Appetizer, You Can Whip Up This Homemade Hummus In 5 Minutes Or Less!
    5 from 14 votes
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    29 Pina Colada Dip Recipe

    Pina Colada Dip Recipe
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Pina colada fruit dip is fresh, creamy and filled with pineapple and coconut bits. It is perfectly refreshing and SO dippable.
    5 from 11 votes
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    30 Caramel Apple Dip Recipe

    Caramel Apple Dip Recipe
    Total Time: 15 minutes

    Recipe Video

    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.
    5 from 35 votes
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    31 Apple Brickle Dip Recipe

    Apple Brickle Dip Recipe
    Total Time: 5 minutes

    Recipe Video

    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!
    5 from 19 votes
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    32 Cream Cheese Green Chili Dip Recipe

    Cream Cheese Green Chili Dip Recipe
    Total Time: 1 minute
    Cream Cheese Green Chili Dip is one of our favorite appetizers. It is is delicious and takes just 1 minute to make!!
    5 from 5 votes
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    33 Nutella Dip Recipe

    Nutella Dip Recipe
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Filled with hazelnut goodness and a helping of tangy cream cheese & whipped cream, this Nutella fruit dip is heavenly!
    5 from 24 votes
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    34 Black Bean Corn Salsa

    Black Bean Corn Salsa
    Total Time: 10 minutes

    Recipe Video

    Fresh and chunky black bean corn salsa {aka Cowboy Caviar} is a favorite dip to serve with tortilla chips!
    5 from 21 votes
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    35 Salsa Verde Recipe

    Salsa Verde Recipe
    Total Time: 5 minutes

    Recipe Video

    Sweet Salsa Verde – a delicious salsa recipe that is sweet and takes just minutes to make. Ingredients include tomatillos, jalapenos, sugar, & cilantro.
    4.99 from 50 votes
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    36 Fruit Salsa

    Fruit Salsa
    Total Time: 18 minutes
    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!
    5 from 9 votes
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    37 Mango Salsa Recipe

    Mango Salsa Recipe
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    This sweet and savory Mango Salsa is perfect with chips or any Mexican meal. It's full of flavor and simple to make.
    5 from 12 votes
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    38 Peach Salsa Recipe

    Peach Salsa Recipe
    Total Time: 10 minutes

    Recipe Video

    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!
    5 from 21 votes
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    39 Chili’s Salsa Recipe

    Chili’s Salsa Recipe
    Total Time: 8 minutes
    This Chili's salsa recipe is a family favorite copycat that uses simple ingredients and blends up in minutes!
    4.92 from 46 votes
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    40 Corn Salsa Recipe

    Corn Salsa Recipe
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Savory corn salsa has a little kick of spice! There are so many yummy uses for this delicious and simple salsa.
    5 from 12 votes
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    41 Strawberry Salsa

    Strawberry Salsa
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    The unique flavors of this sweet and spicy strawberry salsa pair perfectly with fish, tacos, or any Mexican dish!
    5 from 12 votes
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    42 Cucumber Salsa

    Cucumber Salsa
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Crisp and light cucumber salsa is delicious with tortilla chips or on top of tacos. It is best when freshly made and chilled!
    5 from 13 votes
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    43 Watermelon Salsa Recipe

    Watermelon Salsa Recipe
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Juicy Watermelon Salsa is sweet with the perfect touch of spice. It's a tasty summer salsa that whips up in minutes!
    5 from 7 votes
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    44 Pineapple Cheese Balls

    Pineapple Cheese Balls
    Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
    Sweet + tangy Pineapple Cheese Ball is crusted with pecans for a perfect combination. The juicy pineapple pops are irresistible!
    5 from 6 votes
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    45 Ham Salad Recipe

    Ham Salad Recipe
    Total Time: 10 minutes

    Recipe Video

    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!!

    46 Chocolate Chip Dip

    chocolate chip dip in bowl
    Chocolate Chip Dip
    Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
    Chocolate chip dip tastes just like its cookie counterpart but in a sweet quick prep dessert perfect for dipping!
    5 from 1 vote
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    47 Yogurt Fruit Dip Recipe

    Yogurt Fruit Dip Recipe
    Total Time: 5 minutes

    Recipe Video

    Transform plain fruit into a decadent treat with this quick and creamy yogurt fruit dip bursting with sweet, vanilla flavor!
    4.95 from 37 votes
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    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!

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    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.