24 Easy Cold Appetizers

Looking for some easy cold appetizers for your next party? From finger foods to dips, these recipes come together in just minutes and taste phenomenal.

Who needs main entrees when you have a ton of fun hors d’oeuvres?

Whether you’re having friends over or attending a tailgate party, appetizers are always a fantastic addition to any celebration.

And when it comes to cold appetizer recipes, these are sure to impress. Whether it’s sweet or savory, fun or fancy, I have you covered.

With a wide variety of yummy finger foods on this list, there’s definitely something for everybody.

Here are 24 cold appetizers that no one will be able to resist!

24 BEST Cold Appetizers That Will Wow Your Guests

There’s nothing more party host-friendly than cold hors d’eouvres. Not only are they certified crowd-pleasers, but they’re also such a breeze to make.

In fact, they’re almost impossible to mess up!

Oh, and you know what else I love about cold appetizers? Since they need not be hot, you can make them ahead of time.

There’s no need to scramble on the day of your party! 

Looking for appetizer recipes that taste fantastic when cold or at room temperature is not the easiest thing to do, though.

Because they’re not hot, most of them don’t have the most appealing texture. 

Because I have a fondness for serving such appetizers, I have found the most amazing ones that are best served cold. 

So get ready to pâté, because coming up next is a list of my favorite cold appetizers!

Make-Ahead Appetizers

With these fantastic make-ahead appetizers, there’s no need to get anxious about food on the day of your party!

Just prepare them in advance and serve on the day for a fun-filled and stress-free celebration. 

1. Veggie Pizza 

Even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist this veggie pizza! Not only is it ridiculously yummy, but it’s also healthy!

It’s the best way to sneak in some nutrition to your family’s diet.

Crisp and colorful vegetables resting on a bed of cream cheese and a flaky crust – I mean, what’s not to love? Just because it’s all vegetables doesn’t mean it won’t be a hit.

And yes, this pizza is easy to make. There’s no need to make your own dough. Store-bought crescent roll dough will do.

2. Turkey Roll-ups

This Costco copycat recipe for turkey roll-ups isn’t only easy and affordable, but it’s a lot tastier than the original!

This drool-worthy appetizer is made of tortilla, turkey, tart, lettuce, and cream cheese all rolled into one majestic roll-up.

All that goodness in one bite? Yes, yes, so much yes!

3. Goat Cheese Appetizer

Whoever said the most spectacular dishes take hours to make has never come across this goat cheese appetizer.

Goat cheese may not have the boldest flavor, but when combined with fresh oil and a creamy herb and garlic dressing, it transforms into the most irresistible spread ever!

It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to crusty bread, biscuits, or crackers!

4. Kiwi Mango Strawberry Salsa

Kiwi, mango, and strawberry slices: can there be anything more refreshing? This salsa is truly the epitome of fresh and vibrant sauces! 

You may be biased towards the classic tomato-onion salsa, but give this one a chance.

Combining fresh fruits, cilantro, onion, jalapeno, and mint, this salsa is definitely not lacking in the flavor department. Dare I say it, it’s better than the classic!

3-Ingredient Cold Appetizers

I am the biggest fan of appetizers that are both tasty and easy to make. And in this category, I’m featuring effortless recipes that only require three ingredients.

It doesn’t get any simpler than that!

5. Mini-Stuffed Peppers 

Impress your party guests with these tasty mini-stuffed peppers! 

This appetizer is clear proof that you don’t need a hundred ingredients to make one fantastic dish.

With only three ingredients – mini bell peppers, garlic-and-herb-flavored goat cheese, and honey, you will get a lip-smacking crowd-pleaser. 

Ready in minutes, this appetizer could not get any easier. Just stuff those peppers with goat cheese, drizzle them with honey, and bake for 10 minutes. Done!

6. 3-Ingredient Guacamole

Three-ingredient guacamole? Sounds impossible, especially since we’re used to adding a bunch of spices and ingredients in Mexican dishes.

But yes, I guarantee you, this guacamole works!

All you need are avocados, lemon juice, and salt. Just mash and mix; and boom, you’re done!

You can give it a little more kick by adding some hot sauce, but the basic recipe is just as fine.

Serve with tortilla chips, and you’ll have a glorious appetizer.

7. Salami and Cream Cheese Bites 

Do you have friends coming over for an impromptu get together? You can’t find an easier appetizer than this!

These salami and cream cheese bites are another stunning yet simple snack that’s done in five minutes.

And with three such bold ingredients – salami, cream cheese, and olives – each bite is an explosion of flavor!

8. Grape Poppers

Serve these refreshing grape poppers chilled or frozen for the ultimate summer party!

This amazing appetizer is the sweetest, most refreshing thing you can serve at a party.

Covered in a vanilla candy coating and crushed nuts, it has that wonderful combination of soft, juicy, and crunchy textures.

For an even more fun and colorful presentation, use both red and green grapes. So festive and Christmas-y!

Cold Appetizers on a Stick

Anything served on a stick is always fun to eat. I always look for these appetizers at parties! And today, I have five of the most amazing skewered hors d’oeuvres for you to try.

9. Fruit and Cheese Kabob

Oh, how I adore sweet and savory treats. This flavor combination never fails to create a beautiful harmony in your mouth. Case in point: this fruit and cheese kabob.

Refreshing and juicy fruit stacked together with cheese? Oh my! It may be easy and simple, but it’s definitely packed with a lot of flavors. 

Whether it’s strawberries and watermelon with harvati, apples and raspberries with cheddar, or peaches and blackberries with gouda, doesn’t matter, they all taste good.

These combinations are all so delicious, even the kids will agree! 

10. Antipasto Kabobs

Kabob? More like ka-bomb! With a combination of tortellini, pepperoni, salami, and olives, these antipasto skewers are bursting with flavors that complement each other.

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who won’t love this. 

11. Caprese Skewers

Add an Italian flair to your party by serving these easy-peasy Caprese skewers.

Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella on a stick? What a wonderful way to make something fancy fun, as well!

Drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, this exquisite snack is sure to impress your friends.

12. Watermelon and Feta Appetizer

This fabulous appetizer combines sweet and juicy watermelon and salty and tangy feta cheese.

Drizzled with a balsamic glaze and stacked on a stick, this party snack is bursting with both charm and flavor.

And it’s so easy to make! Just skewer them on a stick and chill. When you’re ready to serve, top it with a balsamic glaze, and voila, it’s done!

13. Pickles in a Blanket

Yup, not pigs — pickles! But don’t worry, this party appetizer still has meat in it. Instead of puff pastry, you’ll use slices of sweet and savory ham to cover up those tangy pickles. Yum! 

It doesn’t end there, though. In between the pickle and the ham is a rich and savory cream cheese mixture!

Infused with picante and pecans, this mixture is packed with awesome flavors and textures.

Fun Finger Foods

Is there anything more enjoyable than eating while chit-chatting with family and friends? These appetizers aren’t only tasty, but so easy to devour as well.

I love how you can munch on these mess-free finger foods even when you’re standing or walking around the room.

14. Italian Pinwheels 

Fun, flavorful, pretty — I will never run out of wonderful things to say about these Italian pinwheels!

You don’t expect something so fancy-looking to be so simple.

And the flavors? Oh my goodness! It’s like the tastiest sub you’ve ever had in bite-size form.

Picture this: cream cheese infused with parmesan, red and banana peppers, and bread crumbs. I mean, that mixture alone sounds so good it’s mind-blowing.

And then, you also have provolone cheese, pepperoni, salami, and romaine lettuce all wrapped together in tortilla bread.

It has everything you can ever ask for in a sub!

15. Deviled Eggs

Why, it’s the quintessential tailgate party snack! If you’re looking for an appetizer with the most deceiving name ever, this is a winner.

Deviled eggs may have such a sinister name, but they taste heavenly.

I’ve always thought of deviled eggs as such a fancy, hence, a complicated dish to make. Turns out, they’re so easy, anyone can do it! 

To make that delectable filling, you just mash and mix boiled egg yolks with mayo, Dijon mustard, Tabasco, paprika, salt, and pepper.

And then, spoon it over hollowed-out boiled egg whites, and you’re done!

16. Lemon-Garlic Marinated Shrimp 

Sweet, snappy, and juicy shrimp marinated in a lemon garlic mixture? Who can say no to that?! I definitely can’t, and won’t.

And I bet your party guests won’t either!

All you need is to cook fresh shrimp in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. That’s it!

You can make it in advance, too! Just chill it in the fridge until your guests come over.

17. Mini BLT Cups

They say that good things come in small packages. Don’t believe it? Well, I’m pretty sure these mini-BLT cups can change your mind. 

They’re a BLT in one bite! Just imagine cherry tomatoes stuffed with arugula and chipotle mayo, and garnished with a small chunk of bacon. 

This appetizer is not only flavor-packed, but oh-so charming as well. With that teeny size and vibrant color combo, it’s the cutest little thing!

Dips

Serving anything deep-fried or crunchy at your party? Pair those chips, crackers, wings, and fries with these irresistible dips!

A word of warning: these are all highly addictive and are sure to disappear in minutes, so you better make a ton.

18. Crack Dip 

There’s a perfect reason this dip is called such. Crack dip is insanely delicious, it’s addictive! I’m telling you, one bowl won’t be enough for your party.

So if you’re only making one dip for your party, let it be this one.

Cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, green onions, and ranch seasoning — it’s all the richest ingredients rolled into one phenomenal dip. 

Paired with all sorts of crunchy and fried snacks, crack dip is the ultimate appetizer!

19. Taco Dip

If you’re looking for a dip that has all the flavors of Mexican food, then this taco dip is the way to go.

This taco dip combines cream cheese and sour cream with all the good things you can find in a taco: lettuce, jalapenos, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and even more cheese.

You can end there, but you can also add as many taco ingredients as you want. Don’t be afraid to go crazy with this dip!

I like adding avocado slices, olives, and cilantro on mine. With this dip, the more ingredients, the better.

20. Crab Dip

Have you ever had crab dip before? If not, now is the time. This crab dip is both absolutely delicious and easy to make!

It’s so good, even non-seafood fans will fall in love with it.

The combination of crabmeat, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt is already so exciting. But it doesn’t end there!

Flavored with Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and green onions, it’s the creamiest, most flavorful dip your guests can ever ask for.

21. Key Lime Pie Dip

Want all the fantastic flavors of a key lime pie but have no time or energy to make it? Go for the dip version instead!

This key lime pie dip is so easy to make, but it’s so yummy. How can it not be? It’s cream cheese and condensed milk flavored with lime zest and juice!

If you’re like me and can’t survive a party without dessert, then this fun dip is a must-try.

Serve this sweet dip with fruits, graham crackers, and pretzels for the most delightful dessert-appetizer.

22. Fruit Dip

With just two ingredients, this sweet and fluffy dip could not be easier to make. Just blend cream cheese and marshmallow creme into one fantastic fruit dip!

It doesn’t matter what fruit you dip in it, either. Whether it’s bananas, mangoes, watermelon, kiwi, or grapes, it’s guaranteed to make fruit taste better.

23. Beer Dip 

Beer in a dip? Oh, what fun! Now this one’s definitely a party pleaser. 

Cream cheese, cheese, ranch mix, and beer: imagine all that goodness in a bowl.

Who would have thought those ingredients would work so well together? It’s so good, it’s like fireworks in my mouth!

24. Spinach Dip

I can’t have a list of party dips without featuring the most quintessential one. This spinach dip is the richest and creamiest of them all!

When I say that this is seriously addictive, I’m not exaggerating.

This beloved dip combines spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, water chestnuts, and scallions into one ridiculously irresistible mixture.

It’s not only great with crackers, biscuits, and fried foods, but even just by itself. I am guilty of eating this irresistible dip with a spoon!