17 appetizers that turn the start into the best part

ByHeidi Bruaw

Sometimes the best part of the meal happens before dinner even begins. These 17 appetizers are the kind that have everyone hovering around the table, grabbing just one more bite. From warm, cheesy favorites to crunchy, savory snacks, they turn the start of the meal into the moment everyone remembers.

A skillet dip topped with melted cheese, chopped onions, and sliced black olives on a wooden surface.
Hot Bean Dip with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Alabama Fire Crackers

A white bowl filled with seasoned square crackers is placed on a wooden surface, with a red and white checkered cloth in the background.
Alabama Fire Crackers. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Alabama Fire Crackers are a bold, snackable favorite that always disappear fast. Buttery crackers soak overnight in a seasoned oil, soaking up plenty of zesty flavor in every bite. They’re the kind of appetizer that turns the start of any gathering into the best part.
Get the Recipe: Alabama Fire Crackers

Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Meatballs in a white bowl on a wooden table.
Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These grape jelly and chili sauce meatballs are a must for any get-together. Just toss everything in the pot and let them simmer into sweet-and-savory perfection. Set them out and watch them vanish before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Chili Popcorn

A wooden bowl filled with Chili Popcorn sits on a red and white checkered cloth, with a red container and white tiled wall in the background.
Chili Popcorn. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Chili Popcorn is a bold, crunchy snack that’s big on flavor and easy to make. Each fluffy kernel gets tossed in a savory mix of chili powder, garlic, and paprika. Every handful brings just the right amount of spice to keep you reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Chili Popcorn

Deviled Egg Dip

A bowl of deviled egg dip garnished with chives and paprika, surrounded by baby carrots on a striped cloth.
Deviled Egg Dip. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This old-school dip won’t last long once it hits the table. Deviled Egg Dip is ultra creamy with chopped eggs, cream cheese, mustard, and a little relish for zip. Set it out with crackers or veggies and watch it disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Dip

Hot Chipped Beef Dip

A bowl of dip with carrots and celery.
Hot Chipped Beef Dip. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This hot chipped beef dip bakes up rich, creamy, and full of melty cheese in every bite. It’s the kind of warm, savory dip that disappears fast once it hits the table. One scoop is all it takes to make the start the best part. Serve it warm so every bite stays smooth and cheesy.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chipped Beef Dip

Guacamole

A bowl of guacamole garnished with a cilantro leaf, surrounded by lime slices and tortilla chips on the side.
Guacamole. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Forget the packaged kind and make it fresh instead. This guacamole comes out creamy and bright with plenty of lime and crisp red onion. A touch of jalapeño adds just enough heat to keep every bite interesting. It’s the kind of dip that disappears fast once the chips hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Firecracker Meatballs

A plate of white rice topped with saucy meatballs, garnished with chopped green onions, sits on a wooden board with a wooden spoon and a drink in the background.
Firecracker Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These Firecracker Meatballs are sticky, sweet, and pack just the right amount of heat. They come together quickly, making them perfect when you need an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer. Each bite is coated in a bold sweet-and-spicy sauce that keeps you reaching for another.
Get the Recipe: Firecracker Meatballs

Fresh Salsa

A bowl of fresh pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, and jalapeños, garnished with a cilantro leaf.
Fresh Salsa. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This fresh salsa makes a bowl of plain chips feel like something worth gathering around for. Juicy tomatoes, a squeeze of lime, and plenty of cilantro keep it bright and zippy. A touch of jalapeño adds just enough kick to keep things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Salsa

Hot Bean Dip with Ground Beef

A skillet dip topped with melted cheese, chopped onions, and sliced black olives on a wooden surface.
Hot Bean Dip with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Hot Bean Dip is warm, hearty, and loaded with bold, comforting flavor in every scoop. Ground beef, seasoned beans, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and savory spices all come together in one irresistible dish. It’s the kind of appetizer that turns the start into the best part.
Get the Recipe: Hot Bean Dip with Ground Beef

Jalapeno Artichoke Dip

A white bowl of dip with chips and cheese.
Jalapeno Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Jalapeño Artichoke Dip is built on a creamy, cheesy base packed with tender artichoke hearts and bits of jalapeño. It comes out of the oven warm, melty, and perfectly golden on top. Every scoop has a little heat that keeps you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Artichoke Dip

Spiced Almonds

A white bowl filled with roasted, seasoned almonds is placed on a white and grey striped fabric.
Spiced Almonds. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Spiced almonds are a bold, savory snack that’s easy to make and hard to stop munching. They’re tossed with chili powder, celery salt, a touch of heat, and a splash of Worcestershire for plenty of flavor. Just a quick turn in the microwave brings everything together and leaves you with warm, irresistible almonds.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Almonds

Dill Pickle Dip

A plate with round crackers, cherry tomatoes, and a bowl of creamy Dill Pickle Dip topped with pickle slices. A bowl of pickles and a colorful floral napkin are nearby on a wooden surface.
Dill Pickle Dip. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Dill Pickle Dip is a quick and easy crowd-pleaser. It’s smooth and creamy with just the right tangy kick. The bold pickle flavor makes it especially hard to stop scooping. You can stir it together in minutes using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Dip

Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps

Overhead view of cream cheese pickle wraps on white plate.
Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps are creamy, tangy, and perfectly bite-sized. The smooth cream cheese pairs with crisp pickles for that classic salty snap in every bite. They’re simple to make and always disappear fast once they hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps

Deviled Eggs with Bacon

Two deviled eggs on a wooden table.
Deviled Eggs with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These Deviled Eggs with Bacon are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that fits right in at any get-together. Crispy bacon and tangy pickles add a bold, savory twist to every bite. They’re simple to make and always the first thing to disappear from the platter.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Bacon

Bacon Curls

A hand holding a partially eaten bacon curl, revealing bacon inside. The background features a white tiled wall and a turquoise surface.
Bacon Curls. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Microwave Bacon Curls are a quick, crunchy snack that’s hard to stop nibbling on. They turn perfectly salty and crispy in just minutes. It’s an easy way to add a little bacon magic to your snack time. They’re great for sharing at parties or munching on whenever a salty craving hits.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Curls

Cowboy Caviar

A bowl of bean and corn salad with diced avocado, red onion, tomatoes, and cilantro surrounded by tortilla chips.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Cowboy Caviar is colorful, fresh, and full of bold flavor. Crisp vegetables and hearty beans come together for a dip that’s both satisfying and refreshing. A tangy dressing ties everything together and keeps each bite lively. Every scoop brings a little crunch and plenty of zesty goodness.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

A plate of jalapeño poppers on a table.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer jalapeño poppers bring the perfect mix of heat and creamy, cheesy goodness. The air fryer gives them a golden, crispy finish without much fuss. They’re bold, flavorful, and hard to stop eating once you start.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers