35 Best Hot Appetizers For Your Next Party

Hot Appetizers are an incredibly satisfying way of getting a party gathering or special occasion off to the right start.

With their comforting and warm melt-in-your-mouth flavors, these delightful starters recipes are the perfect way to whet your guest’s appetite and tease what’s to come.

However, it can be quite tiring trying to decide what hot appetizers to serve as most people fall into the habit of making the same appetizers for every occasion. Well, worry not, as there are a slew of different hot appetizers to choose from.

So whether you’re looking for something hot to serve in the cold season or you’re just tired of being the person who always brings a cheese dip to the party, we’ve put together some of the best hot appetizer recipes with unique and creative flavors and taste that’ll be a hit with any crowd.

Quick Table: Hot Appetizers

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Hot Crab Dip	217	40 Min
Hot Taco Dip	145	30 Min
Artichoke Bruschetta	217	40 Min
Brie, Prosciutto, And Fig Jam Appetizer	157	30 Min
Everything But Bagel Kielbasa Bites	90	12 Min
Spinach-Artichoke Dip Wonton Cups	175	30 Min
Spicy Cranberry Wings	152	47 Min
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts	80	1 Hr 5 Min
Hot Corn Dip Wonton	155	40 Min
Spinach Puff Pastry Pinwheels	125	30 Min
Twice Baked Potato Bites	186	55 Min
Little Smokies	211	2 Hr 5 Min
Bacon Wrapped Scallops	169	22 Min
Cheesy Shrimp Dip	172	45 Min
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks	45	2 Hr 45 Min
Creamy Bruschetta Stuffed Mushrooms	573	33 Min
Baked Feta With Olives	221	25 Min
Garlic Butter Shrimp And Grits Cups	245	20 Min
Hot Loaded Baked Potato Dip	185	25 Min
Tomato Peach Crostini	283	30 Min
Hot Italian Sub Sliders	289	25 Min
Crispy Potato Skins	125	15 Min
Nashville Hot Fried Pickles	545	20 Min
Cajun Shrimp Sweet Potato Bites	70	35 Min
Hot Seafood Appetizer	112	20 Min
Cheddar Cheese Tart	176	15 Min
Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms	38	40 Min
Parmesan Asparagus Tart	225	1 Hr 30 Min
Spicy Chorizo Cheese Bite	145	55 Min
Puff Pastry Pigs In A Blanket	217	50 Min
Polenta Mushroom Canapes	155	35 Min
Jalapeno Popper Bites	126	1 Hr 18 Min
Meatball Bombs	175	35 Min
Spicy Kung Pao Cauliflower	189	55 Min
Toasted Ravioli	222	1 Hr 10 Min

1. Hot Crab Dip

Dips are a classic appetizer, but they don’t have to be bland and boring. This hot crab dip is a tasty starter that will be a hit when served.

A cheesy dip consisting of crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, hot sauce, shredded parmesan and cheddar cheese, this dip will warm its way to people’s hearts with each bite.

Not a fan of crab?  This dip can easily be made with tuna, shrimp or even chicken, and it’ll still taste amazing.

Calories Per Serving: 217

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

2. Hot Taco Dip

Keeping with the dip trend, this hot taco dip is a flavor-filled appetizer that is so easy to make and perfect for those on a vegetarian diet.

It features a creamy bake of Miracle whip, sour cream, cheddar cheese, taco seasoning, and peppers.

Serve with veggies, tortilla chips, or crackers, and you have an appetizer that will be devoured in minutes.

Calories Per Serving: 145

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

3. Artichoke Bruschetta

If you’re a fan of artichoke dip, you’ll definitely love this bruschetta version.

With a perfect combo of mayonnaise, cream cheese, artichoke hearts, cheese, garlic salt, and paprika topped over a baguette slice and broiled until bubbly and brown, this appetizer has a perfect blend of texture and flavors to delight the palate.

Garnish with parsley, and you have a beautiful bite-sized appetizer that is perfect to serve at a party or bridal shower.

Calories Per Serving: 217

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

4. Brie, Prosciutto And Fig Jam Appetizer

This appetizer has the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and salty flavors that create a fiesta of deliciousness in the mouth.

It features a combination of baked puff pastry filled with brie cheese, prosciutto and fig jam.

It is an easy to make appetizer and filling that requires very little prepping or complicated ingredients.

Calories Per Serving: 157

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

5. Everything But Bagel Kielbasa Bites

A super tasty appetizer that will delight guests at your next soiree and easily become a staple snack, these kielbasa bites are seriously addictive.

It is a simple baked roll consisting of a crescent roll dough, smoked kielbasa and everything but bagel seasoning. When making this appetizer, be careful not to go overboard with everything but bagel seasoning, as those things pack a punch and can overpower your bites really fast.

Serve with ketchup or mustard, and you’ll be surprised at how fast these little bites disappear.

Calories Per Serving: 90

Preparation Time:  12 Minutes

6. Spinach-Artichoke Dip Wonton Cups

Another bite-sized appetizer for artichoke dip lovers, these spinach artichoke dip wonton cups are a delicious treat perfect for any occasion.

With a crunchy base of baked wonton and a smooth filling made from artichoke hearts, frozen spinach, mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese, these wonton cups will be the first to go when served at any gathering.

It is an easy appetizer you can make without much hassle, complicated steps or piping.

Calories Per Serving: 175

Preparation Time:  30 Minutes

7. Spicy Cranberry Wing

Looking for a sweet and spicy appetizer that will be well appreciated among chicken lovers? Look no further than this spicy cranberry wing.

They feature spiced wings marinated in a sweet pineapple juice and cranberry sauce and then baked to perfection.

You’ll need to line the baking pan with parchment paper and turn these wings a few times while they cook to prevent the sweet sauce from burning, but they are really easy to make.

Calories Per Serving: 152

Preparation Time: 47 Minutes 

8. Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

With a perfectly sweet and crispy combination of canned water chestnuts and glazed bacon, these bacon-wrapped water chestnuts are the perfect handheld appetizers to serve at any event.

You’ll need to make a warm glaze sauce from Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar and ketchup, but this appetizer will be ready in no time.

You can also make these ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating then baking when they’re ready to be served.

Calories Per Serving: 80

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 minutes 

9. Hot Corn Dip Wonton

These hot corn dip wontons are crispy baked appetizer cups loaded with corn, sour cream, celery, jalapenos, onions and cheese.

They are the perfect way to elevate your regular corn dip and turn them into bite-sized treats that everyone will love.

Top these delightful wontons with crushed chili cheese corn, and you’ll be surprised at how much everyone falls in love with them.

Calories Per Serving: 155

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

10. Spinach Puff Pastry Pinwheels

A puff pastry pinwheel with perfect flakiness and creamy artichoke spinach filling, these spinach puff pastry wheels are delicious appetizers that are sure to wow even the toughest crowd.

All you’ll need is a cream filling made from artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, spinach, cheese, onion, and garlic powder rolled up into puff pastry sheets and baked till a perfect shade of golden brown.

These are also great to make ahead and store in the freezer as you can easily pop them in the oven and serve as a quick starter when you have guests over.

Calories Per Serving: 125

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

RELATED: 31 Yummy Crockpot Appetizers In An Easy Cooking Way

11. Twice-Baked Potato Bites

These twice-baked potato bites are quite easy to make, taste amazing and will be a hit at any occasion.

All you’ll need are hollowed potatoes baked with a filling made from cheese, chives, crumbled bacon, sour cream, and cream cheese.

If you plan to make these ahead, be sure to scoop out the potatoes and combine them with the filling before storing them in the fridge to get a perfectly creamy and well-combined mixture.

Calories Per Serving: 186

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes 

12. Little Smokies

With a mix of cocktail franks slow-cooked in a sweet sauce made from honey bbq sauce, raspberry jelly, apple cider, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce, these little smokies are going to be a favorite with everyone from kids to adults.

They’re great to make ahead and can be kept warm by leaving them in the slow cooker until serving time.

Feel free to use regular hot dogs and cut them into quarters if you’re in a rush and can’t get your hands on cocktail franks.

Calories Per Serving: 211

Preparation Time:  2 Hours 5 Minutes 

13. Bacon Wrapped Scallops

These bacon-wrapped scallops are decadent, full of flavor, and surprisingly easy to whip up.

They are a classic appetizer consisting of crisp bacon wrapped around tender baked scallops and held together with toothpicks for a bite-sized appeal.

Scallops cook very quickly and end up tough when overcooked, so pay attention to the timing and avoid leaving these for too long in the oven.

Calories Per Serving: 169

Preparation Time:  22 Minutes 

14. Cheesy Shrimp Dip

A cheesy dip with a combination of three different kinds of cheese, this cheesy shrimp dip is a hot appetizer that’s perfect for any season.

It features a creamy blend of cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, pepper, sour cream, and shrimp scampi. Serve with pita chips or crackers, and you’ll be amazed at the taste of this dip.

For a chunkier dip, feel free to use more shrimp and bake for a little longer.

Calories Per Serving: 172

Preparation Time:  45 Minutes 

15. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

If you’re looking for an appetizer that both kids and adults will love, these air fryer mozzarella sticks are the way to go.

They feature a crispy exterior and perfectly gooey interior made from mozzarella string cheese coated with panko bread crumbs seasoned with onion powder, paprika, oregano, parsley and garlic powder.

They can be easily reheated by baking in an oven or refrying in the air fryer, so if you have leftovers, don’t hesitate to store them for later.

Calories Per Serving: 45

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 45 Minutes 

16. Creamy Bruschetta Stuffed Mushrooms

A creamy appetizer loaded with fresh tomatoes and rich herbs, these creamy bruschetta stuffed mushrooms are sure to delight any crowd.

They feature white button mushrooms stuffed with cream cheese, tomatoes,  mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, thyme, garlic, oregano, and parsley and baked to perfection.

They’re really easy to make and can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Calories Per Serving: 573

Preparation Time:  33 Minutes 

17. Baked Feta With Olives

A creamy appetizer that can be served with anything from crackers to baguette slices, these baked feta olives are the perfect appetizer to serve to a small crowd.

They’re also easy to make ahead as you can assemble the ingredients and  refrigerate until you’re ready to bake and serve them.

They are made from a baked mixture of feta cheese, olive oil, kalamata olives, roasted peppers, oregano, and black pepper.

Calories Per Serving: 221

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

18. Garlic Butter Shrimp And Grits Cups

A cute and delicious appetizer that is sure to attract attention, these garlic butter shrimp and grits cups are the perfect way to transform a classic dish into bite-sized handheld starters.

They’re quick to make and consist of a creamy base of buttery grits topped with delicious shrimp bites.

To up the ante, top with a sprinkle of bacon crumbles and chopped parsley for garnish and additional flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 245

Preparation Time:  20 minutes

19. Hot Loaded Baked Potato Dip

With a perfect balance of creaminess and gooey cheese, this hot-loaded baked potato is an appetizer that everyone will love.

All the familiar flavors of classic potato skins are packed into this much easier  variation consisting of cottage cheese, bacon, shredded cheddar, chives, and black pepper.

The best thing about this dip is that you can serve with it a variety of potato sides, like potato chips, french fried, and potato wedges.

Calories Per Serving: 185

Preparation Time:  25 Minutes

20. Tomato Peach Crostini

This tomato peach crostini seriously has all the right mix of flavors, from sweet and tangy to spicy and slightly salty.

It features sweet and refreshing peach slices and tomatoes tossed in tasty bacon dressing served over garlic bread and goat cheese.

It is an appetizer that looks fancy and gourmet but is super easy to make.

Calories Per Serving: 283

Preparation Time:  30 Minutes 

RELATED: Mexican Appetizers Recipes – 25 Easy And Delicious Recipes To Try

21. Hot Italian Sub Sliders

Need a delicious sandwich sub you can serve as an appetizer? These hot Italian sub-sliders are the perfect dish for you.

It consists of mini slider buns topped with ham salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, Italian seasoning, roasted pepper slices, banana peppers, and baked till perfectly browned.

Serve with a marinara sauce, and these sliders will disappear very quickly.

Calories Per Serving: 289

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes 

22. Crispy Potato Skins

These potato skins are easy to make and very affordable if you’re on a budget.

Russet potatoes are loaded with butter, sour cream, bacon and pepper and baked until crisp and perfectly brown.

Calories Per Serving: 125

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes 

23. Nashville Hot Fried Pickles

A spicy and tangy appetizer with a crisp texture, these Nashville hot fried pickles will definitely be the start of the show when served.

Pickle spears are coated in a batter of buttermilk, flour, and eggs and deep fried before being drizzled with a Nashville hot sauce made from butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika and garlic powder.

Dill pickles are the best choice for this appetizer but don’t hesitate to use pickle chips if you prefer.

Calories Per Serving: 545

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

24. Cajun Shrimp Sweet Potato Bites

With a perfect balance of creamy guacamole and crispy sweet potatoes, these cajun shrimp sweet potato bites will surely earn your a few requests for the recipe.

They feature a mix of pan-seared shrimp coated in cajun seasoning and served over guacamole and sweet potato fried.

These bites are quite easy to make and will up your appetizer game.

Calories Per Serving: 70

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes 

25. Hot Seafood Appetizer

An appetizer that is sure to delight seafood fanatics, this hot seafood appetizer is loaded with flavor and just the right kick of heat.

It features a delicious mix of crab, shrimp, tomatoes, cheese, jalapenos, scallions and dill.

Serve this seafood mixture over french bread and lightly toast in the oven, and you have an even better combination.

Calories Per Serving: 112

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

26. Cheddar Cheese Tart

These cheddar cheese tarts are easy to make and packed full of rich cheddar flavor.

All you’ll need is a pie crust filled with shredded cheddar cheese, whipped cream, and eggs.

Feel free to use any homemade or store-bought crust for these tarts. Phylo dough or  cream cheese pie crust are great options to use.

Calories Per Serving: 176

Preparation Time:  15 Minutes 

27. Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms

With garlic butter, parsley, and cheesy filling, this recipe is the perfect way to enjoy mushrooms.

They can be easily made ahead and popped in the oven to bake before your guests arrive if you intend to serve them at a party.

Calories Per Serving: 38

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

28. Parmesan Asparagus Tart

This parmesan asparagus tart is a beautiful and flaky appetizer that’s great to serve to a small crowd. It is the ideal starter to wow guests at your next get-together.

It features a golden baked puff pastry base loaded with ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, cooked asparagus, black pepper, olive oil and lemon zest.

It is a fairly easy dish to make. Just make sure to use authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano to get the right flavor. 

Calories Per Serving: 225

Preparation Time: 1 Hr 30 Min

29. Spicy Chorizo Cheese Bite

Classic sausage balls with a Mexican twist, these spicy chorizo sausages are fun appetizers that are sure to make meat lovers happy.

They’re quite easy to make and only require a baked mix of chorizo sausage, Mexican sargento cheese, Bisquick, cumin and Chili Powder.

Feel free to make a large batch of these cheese bites and freeze them for events in the future. All you’ll need to do is pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Calories Per Serving: 145

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

30. Puff Pastry Pigs In A Blanket

Pigs in a blanket are a classic appetizer that always makes everyone happy, and these puff pastry versions make them so simple and hassle-free to make.

All you’ll need are sliced beef hot dogs slathered in dijon mustard and rolled into pastry sheets before being baked to flaky golden brown perfection.

Feel free to use any other sausage you prefer to make these delightful appetizers.

Calories Per Serving: 217

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes 

RELATED: 27 Gluten Free Appetizers To Make Healthy Eating For Occasions

31. Polenta Mushroom Canapes

A rich and filling appetizer that looks incredible when assembled, these polenta mushroom canapes are the perfect dish to serve at a fancy party.

They consist of buttery cooked polenta with a sauteed mushroom ragout made from rosemary, sliced mushrooms, balsamic vinegar and garlic. This already perfect combination is made better with the addition of sweet caramelized onions.

Calories Per Serving: 155

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

32. Jalapeno Popper Bites

A crispy and spicy bite-sized appetizer that you’ll find yourself nearly finishing while you make them, these jalapenos popper bites are incredible hot appetizers to serve on any occasion.

These delightful treats are loaded with cream cheese, bacon, jalapenos, garlic, coated in a flour and breading mixture, and deep fried till golden brown.

Calories Per Serving: 126

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 18 Minutes 

33. Meatball Bombs

These meatball bombs are the perfect way to enjoy cheesy meatballs in a delightful appetizer that everyone will devour with satisfaction.

Cooked meatballs and mozzarella cheese are wrapped in buttermilk biscuits and baked till golden brown.

Serve these meatball bombs with a marinara sauce, and you’ll be absolutely floored by the incredible taste.

Calories Per Serving: 175

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

34. Spicy Crispy Kung Pao Cauliflower

A spicy vegan appetizer that even meat lovers will enjoy, these crispy kung pao cauliflowers are loaded with flavor.

Cauliflower florets are coated in batter and fried before being tossed in a kung pao sauce that is both spicy and delicious.

Feel free to use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this delicious appetizer suit a gluten-free diet.

Calories Per Serving: 189

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes 

35. Toasted Ravioli

This toasted ravioli is super easy to make and tastes amazing.

All you’ll need are store-bought ravioli coated in a breading and egg mixture before being fried till flaky and golden brown.

You’ll need to make a dipping sauce from tomatoes, olive oil, basil, and tomato paste to serve with these delicious ravioli bites.

Calories Per Serving: 222

Preparation Time:  1 Hour 10 Minutes 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Describes A Hot Appetizer?

A hot appetizer is a starter that’s oven served warm or hot on a napkin or small plate. The appetizer can be bite-sized finger food, dips, or miniature portions of common main dishes like sandwiches or wings.

How Do You Keep Appetizers Hot?

The best way to keep appetizers hot is to cover them in aluminum foil sheets, this will preserve the warmth of the food until they are ready to be served.

However, if you want your appetizers to still have steaming hotness when served or they aren’t going to be served for a long time, and you’ve made them ahead of time, then you can wrap them in foil sheets and place them in the oven set to the lowest temperature.

Doing this will ensure the food stays warm without further overcooking. 

Some other non-traditional means of keeping your appetizers hot if you’re outdoors and don’t have access to an oven is to place them on towel-covered heating pads or serve them in a slow cooker.

What Are The Different Types Of Appetizers?

Appetizers are generally grouped into three categories, namely cocktails, canapes, and hor d’ oeuvres. Cocktails are typically served in glasses and consist of vegetable fruit or seafood mixtures.

Canapes are bite-sized portions of savory topping served on edible bases like crackers, bread, and biscuit. Meanwhile, Hor d’oeuvres are small savory dishes served before a meal begins.