36 Easy Appetizers For A Light Pre-Dinner Snack

A refreshing cocktail and a tray of small-bite appetizers will keep folks content until it's time to sit down for supper.

By

Patricia S York

Updated on August 26, 2024

Southern Living Mini Caprese Bites on a platter to serve — Photo:
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser

When hungry guests arrive for a holiday feast or family reunion, greet them with quick and easy appetizers that won't ruin their appetite for the main event. A refreshing cocktail and a selection of small-bite appetizers will keep friends and family content until it's time to sit down to mouthwatering main dishes, savory sides, and show-stopping desserts.

Seafood lovers will gobble up our Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese and West Indies Crab Salad. Even picky eaters will pick on our Arancini with Pomodoro Dipping Sauce, and don't blink because you might miss the Million Dollar Deviled Eggs. These one-and two-bite appetizers are just what your crew needs to tide them over until dinner without spoiling appetites.

01 of 36

Black Bean And Corn Salsa

Southern Living Black Bean Corn Salsa in a bowl to serve with tortilla chips, lime wedges, and glasses of beer — Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

It doesn't get much easier than chopping and toss-together appetizer. This medley does call for briefly browning the corn first, but you can also skip that step if in a hurry. Simply mix corn, bell peppers, black beans, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño together and serve up an fresh, scoop-able snack.

02 of 36

Spicy Strawberry-Goat Cheese Crostini

Spicy Strawberry-Goat Cheese Crostini — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

This beautiful appetizer proves strawberries don't just belong in your spring desserts. There’s so much flavor in these simple appetizers—spicy macerated strawberries top goat-cheese smeared toasts for an impressive hors d’oeuvre.

03 of 36

Baked Brie Bites

Baked Brie Bites — Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

These bite-sized appetizers are incredibly delicious, with flaky phyllo dough shells surrounding creamy, tasty Brie cheese. Simple to make, these easy holiday treats come together in under 20 minutes.

04 of 36

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

The beloved combination of pepper jelly and cream cheese gets a cocktail party-worthy upgrade with these pre-portioned, two-bite crackers. Prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble them just before party time.

05 of 36

West Indies Crab Salad

West Indies Crab Salad — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This light crab salad is a Mobile, Alabama, specialty. Serve it with crackers (locals love classic Saltines with it) or in individual lettuce cups for guests.

06 of 36

Warm Cheese Box Bites

Warm Cheese Box Bites — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Busy hosts, keep a batch of these cheese straw upgrades in your freezer at all times for last-minute plans.

07 of 36

Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta

Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta — Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Bruschetta traditionalists, hear us out on this one. Slow roasting your fresh summer tomatoes brings a whole new rich, sweet flavor to your favorite appetizer.

08 of 36

Smoked-Fish Dip

smoked fish dip with crackers and crudites — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

This is a one-bowl wonder that you can whip up in no time. It’s easy to make but adds a touch of sophistication to the evening.

09 of 36

Old Bay Rémoulade with Crudités and Shrimp

Old Bay RÃ©moulade with CruditÃ©s and Shrimp — Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

What's not to love about a pile of peel 'n' eat shrimp and generous bowl of flavorful remoulade? A medley of crunchy veggies will help brighten up the platter and give some variety for non-seafood lovers to still enjoy the zingy sauce.

10 of 36

Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers

Southern Living Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers on a blue platter to serve — Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

It’s easy to whip up a tray of these stuffed peppers for last-minute gatherings. Fill peppadew peppers with homemade or store-bought pimiento cheese and voila, a simple, elegant bite-sized snack.

11 of 36

Jezebel Sauce

Southern Living Jezebel Sauce with some cream cheese and crackers on a plate — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

If you're a fan of the Southern-favorite combination of cream cheese and pepper jelly, you'll love this unique spicy-sweet sauce best served up the same way. Not to mention, it's just about the easiest-ever appetizer as well.

12 of 36

Million Dollar Deviled Eggs

Southern Living Million Dollar Deviled Eggs on a platter to serve — Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

The name says it all. Similar to a platter of these Southern delicacies, these deviled eggs call for softened butter in the filling making them extra rich and creamy. These are perfect for picnics, game day, and dinner parties.

13 of 36

Dill Dip

Southern Living Dill Dip in a bowl to serve with a platter of vegetables and potato chips — Frederick Hardy II, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Move over ranch and sour cream dip, there's a new favorite on the table—and it's not shy on fresh dill flavor. It'll only take you a few minutes and a handful of common ingredients to whip this recipe together, or you can prepare it up to four days ahead of time.

14 of 36

Jalapeño Poppers

jalapeno poppers — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Satisfy hungry houseguests with a spicy two-bite appetizer stuffed with chicken-cream cheese filling and wrapped in some hickory-smoked bacon. Broil the jalapeno poppers at the end of cooking to crisp up the bacon.

15 of 36

Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites — Southern Living

Give your go-to brie bites recipe a festive spin for the holidays with the addition of cranberry sauce. Have them assembled before the party and bake when your guests arrive.

16 of 36

Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches - Southern Living — Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling

These baked mini cracker sandwiches with ham, cheese, pepper jelly, and cornichons are the perfect party appetizer to tide guests over until the main course without spoiling anyones dinner.

17 of 36

Maple Bacon Smokies

Bacon Wrapped Smokies — Micah A. Leal

Traditional cocktail sausages get a delicious upgrade with bacon. A mapleglaze sweetens the salty pork, and red pepper flakes add heat.

18 of 36

Southern-Style Pickled Shrimp

Southern Living Pickled Shrimp on plates to serve — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Whether served with an array of pickled goods, with a dipping sauce, or a la carte, your Southern guests will love this easy appetizer. Prepare the shrimp at least 24 hours or up to 5 days ahead of time.

19 of 36

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed Mushrooms — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

These apps are a party classic. Boursin cheese is the secret that gives these bites unexpected flavor and cuts down on prep time.

20 of 36

Million Dollar Dip

million dollar dip on a tray with crudites and crackers — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Turn everything you love about a cheese ball into a quick party dip that comes together in 15 minutes. Bacon and almonds add crunch to the cheddar and chive-and-onion cream cheese base.

21 of 36

Mini Caprese Bites

Southern Living Mini Caprese Bites on a platter to serve — Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser

This 20-minute appetizer is light and easy. Serve them in individual glasses to limit germs spreading around the table.

22 of 36

Arancini with Pomodoro Dipping Sauce

Arancini with Pomodoro Dipping Sauce — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

We're sharing tiny appetizers that your guests hopefully won't fill up on too much to spoil their dinner, but be warned: They just might eat these up before you can blink.

23 of 36

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites — Hector Manuel Sanchez

The addition of sweet potatoes to the recipe gives a delightful and tasty Southern twist to this classic holiday appetizer, while chorizo sausage lends a bit of spice. A dash of cinnamon and a plum jelly dipping sauce pack multiple layers of flavor into these bite-sized snacks.

24 of 36

Charcuterie-Board Snack Mix

Southern Living Charcuterie-Board Snack Mix in a bowl to serve — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Make this snack mix for your charcuterie board, add it to a simple cheese board, or serve it alone. Crisp prosciutto, smoked almonds, dried figs, and parmesan crisps round out the flavors.

25 of 36

Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapés

Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapes — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

This simple recipe blends fancy and casual, so it fits any menu. Assemble just before serving to keep the potato chips crisp.

26 of 36

Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

smoky black eyed pea hummus — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Food Styling: Katelyn Hardwick; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Black-eyed peas give traditional Middle Eastern hummus a Southern spin that’s perfect for New Year’s parties or summer shindigs. Top the smoky dip with lemon zest and serve with pita chips.

27 of 36

Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp

Southern Living Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Bottled Bloody Mary mix acts as the cooking liquid and marinade for these zesty shrimp. The shrimp soak in a spicy vodka-spiked marinade overnight for an unforgettable appetizer.

28 of 36

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Frozen mini phyllo pastry shells are the store-bought secret to an adorable one-bite appetizer when you're hosting last-minute guests. Make these ahead of time and pop them in the oven when guests arrive. They only need five minutes to bake.

29 of 36

Tomato-Sandwich Toasts

Southern Living Tomato-Sandwich Toasts — Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Just a few ingredients are all it takes to craft these adorable tomato toasts. Think of these as a fancier version of your favorite Southern sandwich.

30 of 36

Herbed-Goat Cheese Spread

goat cheese spread — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

You’ll want to keep this easy appetizer spread in your hosting repertoire. With just four ingredients and five minutes of prep time, you’ll have a winning dish for any event. Serve with crackers and vegetables.

31 of 36

Spicy Sweet Potato Crostini

Spicy Sweet Potato Crostini — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Go ahead and consider this your staple appetizer for fall. This new way to enjoy sweet potatoes looks and tastes amazing.

32 of 36

Broiled Oysters with Tasso Breadcrumbs

Broiled Oysters with Tasso Breadcrumbs — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Tasso is smoked, cured pork that's a specialty in southern Louisiana. Andouille makes a good substitute. Top oysters with the breadcrumb topping and broil to toast it. Serve with lemon and hot sauce.

33 of 36

Asparagus Ribbon Crostini

Asparagus Ribbon Crostini — Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Looking for an easy and elegant finger food? These asparagus ribbon crostinis are your answer. They're colorful, light, and only take a few minutes to assemble.

34 of 36

Fig, Pecan, and Brie Bites

Fig, Pecan, And Brie Bites — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Fill puff pastry cups with cubes of Brie cheese, fig jam, and pecans for a deliciously easy party snack. Make them ahead and bake them just before party time.

35 of 36

Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers

Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers — Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Salty prosciutto, sweet and juicy melon, and soft mozzarella ensure that every bite of this appetizer is full of texture and flavor.

36 of 36

Stuffed-Pepper Wreath

Stuffed-Pepper Wreath — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

This appetizer is pretty enough to star as a centerpiece, and it’s easy to assemble. Tuck stuffed peppadew peppers among sprigs of fresh herbs and olives for an elegant, eye-catching snack.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

Related Articles

Southern Living Boat Dip ready to serve with tortilla chips

Our 22 Best Make-Ahead Appetizer Recipes

party cheese ball

The 20 Best Appetizers From Grandma’s Recipe Box

Southern Living Blooming Quesadilla Ring on a platter to serve with dipping sauce

70 Easy Party Food Ideas To Make For Any Occasion

Southern Living Mini Potato Skins on a platter to serve

Mini Potato Skins

Southern Living Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers on a blue platter to serve

Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers

Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

50 Last-Minute Appetizers That Are Ready In 25 Minutes Or Less

Pizza Pepper Poppers

Pizza Pepper Poppers

beer-cheese fondue

Beer-Cheese Fondue

smoky snack mix in chevron cone cups

Smoky Snack Mix

Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches - Southern Living

You Don't Even Have To Leave Your Beach Chair To Serve These Easy Appetizers

meatball appetizer

This 2-Ingredient Appetizer Was The First To Run Out At My Housewarming Party

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers Recipe

Southern Living Funeral Sandwiches baked and ready to serve

Funeral Sandwiches

2-ingredient dip

The Easiest, Cheesiest, 2-Ingredient Appetizer Everyone Wants To Know How To Make

Little Smoked Sausages in Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce

Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce

Southern Living Cheese Straws on a platter to serve

Cheddar Cheese Straws