Looking for party appetizers that go beyond a bowl of chips? Think colorful tomato skewers, golden pastry bites and little sliders with cheese peeking out.
These ideas give you plenty to choose from, whether you’re setting out a few plates or planning a whole snack table.
You can keep things simple or go all out with a packed grazing board.
Appetizer ideas worth saving
tomato and mozzarella skewers
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous circle of tomato and mozzarella skewers. I love the little basil leaves tucked between the red tomatoes and herb-speckled cheese.
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Arrange yours around a central bowl like this, with the handles pointing outward. You could fill the bowl with a balsamic dip to go with your skewers.
bacon-wrapped jalapeños
If you love a stuffed pepper, this one is for you. These jalapeño halves have pale filling peeking out from beneath wide strips of browned bacon.
There’s no extra garnish here, just a big platter piled with the little wrapped peppers.
golden pastry cups
These pastry cups may just be one of my favorites here. I love the folded edges around the pale filling and leafy greens.
Each one has a slightly different shape, so don’t feel like your serving plate needs perfectly matching bites.
mushrooms with green herbs
I love these browned mushrooms with all the chopped green herbs. The glossy coating and golden liquid at the bottom of the plate make this such an inviting little dish.
For your own table, set a serving spoon and small plates beside them rather than treating every appetizer as finger food.
golden shrimp and lime
The shrimp fans are going to love this one! These tail-on shrimp have a shaggy golden coating, with an orange dipping sauce tucked into the middle of the plate.
Don’t forget the lime wedges if you want to follow this presentation. I especially like how they sit right beside the dip.
tomato topping and toast
If you’re looking for a pretty way to serve a tomato topping, go with this arrangement. The chopped tomatoes and herbs stay in a bowl while golden toast slices fan out around it.
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Add a little serving spoon so your guests can build their own bites.
little cheeseburger sliders
Okay, those layers of melted cheese look so good! These little sliders have crumbled meat filling tucked into golden buns with sesame seeds on top.
I’d put these beside a simpler vegetable platter if you’re mixing a few different party appetizers. Keep napkins close for that generous filling.
savory pastry spirals
I am obsessed with the golden layers on these pastry spirals. You can see browned filling and melted white cheese right through the centers.
Serve yours with the cut sides facing up, just like this. Those swirls deserve to be seen.
baked dip and chips
Don’t want to arrange lots of individual bites? Look no further than a big dish of dip.
This orange-red version has a melted cheese top, browned patches and scattered green onion rings.
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Set your chips in a separate bowl alongside it so there’s room to scoop.
a loaded grazing board
If you are looking for lots of variety, then this one is for you. There’s so much to choose from, including folded cured meats, cheese wedges, grapes, figs and a bowl of green olives.
I love the little tomato skewers along the side. Start your own arrangement with the bowls, then group the larger pieces around them.
pastry bites with pistachios
How pretty are these little pastry bites? The deep red topping sits between folded golden corners, with chopped pistachios and tiny herb sprigs over the top.
This is a lovely presentation to borrow for a cranberry-and-cheese version. Keep the garnish light enough that you can still see the filling.
glazed cocktail meatballs
Sometimes a platter of meatballs is all the inspiration you need. These have a glossy reddish-brown coating and little flecks of green herbs.
The small forks are a detail worth copying. Set extras beside your platter so people can help themselves without reaching for a full-size fork.
mini bites with looped picks
This is such a pretty way to dress up a tray of small bites. The little golden rounds have green flecks throughout, with a tall looped pick in each one.
I especially love the neat rows on the silver-colored platter. You could borrow this setup for your favorite mini savory cakes.
vegetable rolls and dip
Want a little more color on your table? These translucent rolls show off orange carrot strips, leafy greens and pale green vegetable pieces inside.
The cut ends are my favorite part of this presentation. Serve your rolls in halves beside a dipping sauce so those colorful layers stay on show.
loaded potato rounds
How cute are these little loaded potatoes? Each thick round has melted yellow cheese, a white dollop, bacon pieces and chopped chives on top.
Keep yours in a single layer when you move them to a serving platter. There’s too much going on up top to hide them in a stack!
whipped feta with tomatoes
This whipped feta dip may just be my favorite serving idea here. I love the tomatoes, green leaves and scattered pine nuts across one side.
The other side stays mostly white with a golden drizzle.
Try a shallow bowl for your own dip, then tuck a few toasted bread triangles along the edge.
prosciutto-wrapped melon
If you are looking for something with a simple presentation, this one is for you. Bright orange melon wedges are wrapped with thin slices of prosciutto, with basil leaves tucked around them.
Leave the ends of the melon showing when you arrange yours. That gorgeous orange is a big part of the appeal.
golden breaded ravioli
Last but definitely not least, we have these golden breaded ravioli. I love the little crimped edges and the sprinkle of grated cheese over the top.
The red dipping sauce sits right at the edge of the platter. Add a small bowl of marinara to your own version if you want a similar setup.
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