Cold Appetizers are great for so many reasons. My number one reason is that they can most often be made ahead of time! This saves so much time and stress when hosting an event.
However, not every occasion is good for hot appetizers, and other times you just need some variety to your appetizer spread!
The cold appetizers we’ve included in this post fall into two categories: Easy Cold Appetizers (most of these involve fresh produce), and Cold Appetizer Dips (both sweet and savory)!
But before we get into the recipes, here are some tips for planning and serving your cold appetizers…
Planning your Appetizer Spread
First, I decide how many different dishes I’ll be needing:
If you have fewer than 10 guests, offer 2-3 different types of appetizers.
If you are having more than 10 guests add another dish for every 5-8 more people.
Balance out how many cold appetizers you serve with how many hot appetizers you serve.
Second, decide how much per person:
When appetizers are the main food at an event you’ll need to plan to serve about 10-12 pieces per person for a two hour party. Add about 5 more pieces per person for every hour after.
If you will be serving dinner, then you will not need as many appetizers. In this case you’ll only need a total of 3-5 appetizers per person.
For dips and salsa, plan for guests to have about ⅓ cup each. Some of our favorite items to dip are the classic Tortilla Chip. Crackers and veggies also top the list.
Keeping Appetizers Cold
Just a few tips to help keep these cool…
Freeze the serving trays and bowls before filling them with the food.
Place Ice in a bowl then nestle the serving bowl with the food inside.
Purchase large thin ice packs that fit nicely under serving plates and platters.
Only set out a little of the appetizers at a time. Refill platters and bowls with chilled food when needed.
Easy Cold Appetizers
Not only are they delicious, but these cold apps are beyond simple too!
AppetizerBruschetta Recipe
This yummy Homemade Bruschetta is simple and perfect for any party! It includes fresh ingredients and is the perfect Italian appetizer!
We all love to graze during holidays and parties, and what better way to do it than with a Charcuterie board?! Customize with all your favorite meats, cheeses, crackers, veggies, fruits and dips!
Nothing better than a smooth deviled egg appetizer! You’ll be surprised with how easy these are to make. Tons of flavor, super delicious and perfect for parties and holidays.
One of the easiest things to make ahead are salsas and dips, because you have to store them in the fridge until they’re ready to serve anyways!
TIP: When my own little family is eating salsa we dip out of the same bowl, but you don’t necessarily want to have party guests do the same thing. I like to have small plastic cups available for guests to spoon their dip and salsa into.
DessertNutella Dip Recipe
Filled with hazelnut goodness and a helping of tangy cream cheese & whipped cream, this Nutella fruit dip is heavenly!
Cream cheese, cool whip, vanilla yogurt, and vanilla pudding mix blended together to make this amazing Vanilla Yogurt Fruit dip for your favorite fruit!
The perfect go-to veggie dip for parties and snacking. Use it for vegetables, chips, or whatever you feel like! Even if you don’t like dill pickles, you’ll love this Dill Vegetable Dip.
Sweet Salsa Verde – a delicious salsa recipe that is sweet and takes just minutes to make. Ingredients include tomatillos, jalapenos, sugar, & cilantro.
The restaurant salsa you know and love, made at home anytime you like! This Chili's Salsa copycat recipe is literally made in minutes with the help of a blender.
Most of these cold appetizers are vegetarian already since most meat appetizers are served warm anyways. However, these are some of my FAVORITE meatless apps!
AppetizerVeggie 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!
This 7 Layer Bean Dip recipe is a must-have at every function! It has loads of flavor and all your favorite dip ingredients including avocados, olives, tomatoes, cheese, guacamole and more!
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About Kristyn
My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!
