Close
Photo: Greg Dupree
These four- and five-star healthy appetizer recipes are so good that you’ll be tempted to serve them as the main course. Get in your veggies with spicy cauliflower bites and cheesy Brussels sprouts, or please a crowd with a spread of flavorful dips. Whichever you choose, you’ll want to build your meal around these recipes. Recipes like our Zucchini Pizza Bites and Loaded Smashed Brussels Sprouts are healthy, delicious bites that will have everyone cleaning their plates.Sometimes, all you need or want are some small bites for dinner. These recipes work well for those occasions, especially when you pair them with a salad and some good bread. Some recipes can be made in 10 to 15 minutes, which is ideal for days when you’re rushing around and popping snacks for energy. Other recipes need to be made a day or two in advance due to marinating chicken or making yogurt cheese. These recipes are best for when you can anticipate your appetite—those days when your calendar shows a late lunch with friends or you’ve promised to make a pit stop at a family’s midday BBQ.
These four- and five-star healthy appetizer recipes are so good that you’ll be tempted to serve them as the main course. Get in your veggies with spicy cauliflower bites and cheesy Brussels sprouts, or please a crowd with a spread of flavorful dips. Whichever you choose, you’ll want to build your meal around these recipes. Recipes like our Zucchini Pizza Bites and Loaded Smashed Brussels Sprouts are healthy, delicious bites that will have everyone cleaning their plates.
Sometimes, all you need or want are some small bites for dinner. These recipes work well for those occasions, especially when you pair them with a salad and some good bread. Some recipes can be made in 10 to 15 minutes, which is ideal for days when you’re rushing around and popping snacks for energy. Other recipes need to be made a day or two in advance due to marinating chicken or making yogurt cheese. These recipes are best for when you can anticipate your appetite—those days when your calendar shows a late lunch with friends or you’ve promised to make a pit stop at a family’s midday BBQ.
01of 19Sriracha-Buffalo Cauliflower BitesView RecipeThis recipe for spicy Buffalo cauliflower bites is a great vegetarian alternative to Buffalo wings. Roasted cauliflower stands in for chicken and provides more fiber and fewer calories. Serve this easy appetizer with carrot sticks, celery and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing.
01of 19
Sriracha-Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
View Recipe
This recipe for spicy Buffalo cauliflower bites is a great vegetarian alternative to Buffalo wings. Roasted cauliflower stands in for chicken and provides more fiber and fewer calories. Serve this easy appetizer with carrot sticks, celery and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing.
02of 19Baked Broccoli-Cheddar Quinoa BitesView RecipePhotography / Fred Hardy, Styling / Jennifer Wendorf / Kay ClarkeThese savory muffin-like quinoa bites are low in carbs and a good source of protein—plus we love their cheesy flavor.
02of 19
Baked Broccoli-Cheddar Quinoa Bites
Photography / Fred Hardy, Styling / Jennifer Wendorf / Kay Clarke
These savory muffin-like quinoa bites are low in carbs and a good source of protein—plus we love their cheesy flavor.
03of 19Zucchini Pizza BitesView RecipeThink of these zucchini pizza bites as a fun gluten-free alternative to bagel bites. Be sure not to overcook the zucchini or the bites may become soggy. We like the classic pepperoni topping, but feel free to experiment with your own favorites.
03of 19
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Think of these zucchini pizza bites as a fun gluten-free alternative to bagel bites. Be sure not to overcook the zucchini or the bites may become soggy. We like the classic pepperoni topping, but feel free to experiment with your own favorites.
04of 19Loaded Smashed Brussels SproutsView RecipeGreg DupreeThe sprouts in this loaded smashed Brussels sprouts recipe are cooked to crisp-tender, then crushed and baked in the oven and smothered in melted Cheddar cheese, bacon and a dollop of sour cream. Serve them as a fun side dish or a party appetizer.
04of 19
Loaded Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Greg Dupree
The sprouts in this loaded smashed Brussels sprouts recipe are cooked to crisp-tender, then crushed and baked in the oven and smothered in melted Cheddar cheese, bacon and a dollop of sour cream. Serve them as a fun side dish or a party appetizer.
05of 19Chicken Parmesan DipView RecipeNo breading and frying here! Layer on the cheese and tomatoes using leftover chicken (or turkey) in this healthy dip recipe. Pair with soft Italian bread and a salad for an easy dinner or serve it as an appetizer for your next party.
05of 19
Chicken Parmesan Dip
No breading and frying here! Layer on the cheese and tomatoes using leftover chicken (or turkey) in this healthy dip recipe. Pair with soft Italian bread and a salad for an easy dinner or serve it as an appetizer for your next party.
06of 19
Loaded Sweet Potato Nacho Fries
07of 19Loaded Black Bean DipView RecipeThis is seven-layer black bean dip simplified: Just heat and season refried beans, then top with fresh vegetables for a texturally exciting dip.
07of 19
Loaded Black Bean Dip
This is seven-layer black bean dip simplified: Just heat and season refried beans, then top with fresh vegetables for a texturally exciting dip.
08of 19Caprese SkewersView RecipePhotographer / Jen Causey, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors HallWe take all the ingredients of a classic Caprese salad and layer them onto skewers for a quick appetizer. These tomato-mozzarella-basil skewers are easy to assemble and perfect for a party.
08of 19
Caprese Skewers
Photographer / Jen Causey, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall
We take all the ingredients of a classic Caprese salad and layer them onto skewers for a quick appetizer. These tomato-mozzarella-basil skewers are easy to assemble and perfect for a party.
09of 19Baked Buffalo Chicken WingsView RecipeJennifer CauseyThese baked Buffalo chicken wings hit the oven, not the fryer, saving on fat and calories. Just like the original Buffalo wings, these baked Buffalo wings are coated in a tangy, spicy sauce and served with carrots, celery and your favorite creamy dipping sauce.
09of 19
Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
Jennifer Causey
These baked Buffalo chicken wings hit the oven, not the fryer, saving on fat and calories. Just like the original Buffalo wings, these baked Buffalo wings are coated in a tangy, spicy sauce and served with carrots, celery and your favorite creamy dipping sauce.
10of 19Garlic HummusView RecipeThis classic hummus recipe couldn’t be easier—just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) makes this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.
10of 19
Garlic Hummus
This classic hummus recipe couldn’t be easier—just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) makes this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.
11of 19Crispy Eggplant Parmesan FriesView RecipeThe cheesy flavor and crispy crust on these eggplant “fries” mimic fried eggplant Parmesan but with a fraction of the oil. They’re the perfect appetizer for Italian night! Dip these crispy fries into a big hot bowl of your favorite marinara.
11of 19
Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Fries
The cheesy flavor and crispy crust on these eggplant “fries” mimic fried eggplant Parmesan but with a fraction of the oil. They’re the perfect appetizer for Italian night! Dip these crispy fries into a big hot bowl of your favorite marinara.
12of 19
Easy Scallion-Salmon Dip
13of 19Easy Stuffed MushroomsView RecipeThis healthy stuffed mushroom appetizer is a nice balance of soft mushrooms, creamy filling and crunchy topping. This combination tastes delicious and happens to also be good for you. Get all of the moisture out of the chopped mushrooms before moving on to the next step. If not, the filling will be soggy and make the mushroom caps watery.
13of 19
Easy Stuffed Mushrooms
This healthy stuffed mushroom appetizer is a nice balance of soft mushrooms, creamy filling and crunchy topping. This combination tastes delicious and happens to also be good for you. Get all of the moisture out of the chopped mushrooms before moving on to the next step. If not, the filling will be soggy and make the mushroom caps watery.
14of 19Cauliflower Chicken NachosView RecipeSwapping in tender-crisp cauliflower slices for chips in these cauliflower nachos ups your veggie servings for the day.
14of 19
Cauliflower Chicken Nachos
Swapping in tender-crisp cauliflower slices for chips in these cauliflower nachos ups your veggie servings for the day.
15of 19Almost Chipotle’s GuacamoleView RecipeMake guacamole at home that tastes just like it came from Chipotle—but don’t worry, our version won’t cost extra! This deliciously fresh guac is perfect for topping burrito bowls or tacos, or serve it as an appetizer or healthy snack with tortilla chips and veggies.
15of 19
Almost Chipotle’s Guacamole
Make guacamole at home that tastes just like it came from Chipotle—but don’t worry, our version won’t cost extra! This deliciously fresh guac is perfect for topping burrito bowls or tacos, or serve it as an appetizer or healthy snack with tortilla chips and veggies.
16of 19
Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dip
17of 19Baked Brie with Jam in Puff PastryView RecipeServe this decadent yet easy appetizer with apple wedges and crackers and watch it disappear in seconds! It’s bound to be your new party go-to.
17of 19
Baked Brie with Jam in Puff Pastry
Serve this decadent yet easy appetizer with apple wedges and crackers and watch it disappear in seconds! It’s bound to be your new party go-to.
18of 19
Butternut Squash Queso Fundido
19of 19Classic Greek SpanakopitaView RecipeThis savory Greek “pie” has a creamy spinach and feta cheese filling layered between sheets of crispy phyllo dough. While phyllo dough seems intimidating, it’s very easy to work with when you get the hang of it! This recipe would make a welcome addition to any party or potluck.
19of 19
Classic Greek Spanakopita
This savory Greek “pie” has a creamy spinach and feta cheese filling layered between sheets of crispy phyllo dough. While phyllo dough seems intimidating, it’s very easy to work with when you get the hang of it! This recipe would make a welcome addition to any party or potluck.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
