15 Appetizers You Haven’t Thought of Before But Definitely Should Try

byRenee N Gardner posted
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Great appetizers set the tone for a meal, and sometimes the best ones are the least expected. These 15 recipes bring new flavors and ideas to the table, offering a fresh take on classic starters. Whether you’re looking for something crispy, creamy, or packed with bold ingredients, there’s something worth trying. Skip the usual options and serve an appetizer that surprises and satisfies.

A bowl of hummus topped with spicy red sauce and pieces of chickpeas and carrots, garnished with parsley. The bowl is placed on a wooden board with a partially visible sprig of herbs and flatbread nearby.
Roasted Carrot Hummus. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board

Overhead shot of charcuterie and cheese grazing board.
Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Charcuterie and cheese grazing board is a customizable appetizer featuring a mix of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts. It takes about 20 minutes to assemble and offers a variety of textures and flavors, from salty and creamy to sweet and crunchy. The mix of ingredients makes it perfect for sharing. This board is a simple yet impressive way to serve an appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board

Tomato Burrata Salad

An assembled tomato burrata salad with sliced basil and burrata on a cutting board and a bowl of chopped heirloom tomatoes.
Tomato Burrata Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Tomato burrata salad is a fresh appetizer made with ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and has a mix of juicy, tangy, and rich flavors. The burrata adds a smooth, milky contrast to the bright tomatoes. This salad is a light and refreshing way to start any meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

A serving basket of sweet potato fritters next to a bowl of dipping sauce and a single serving on a plate.
Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Sweet potato fritters are crispy, golden bites made with grated sweet potatoes and a blend of spices. They take about 30 minutes to cook and have a balance of sweet and savory flavors. The dipping sauce adds a mix of heat and sweetness. These fritters are a fun twist on traditional appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

Bacon beer cheese in a dark bowl surrounded by pretzel knots on a cutting board.
Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Beer cheese dip with bacon is a creamy, melty appetizer made with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and a splash of beer. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and has a rich, tangy flavor with a hint of maltiness. The bacon adds a salty crunch that pairs well with the smooth cheese. This dip is perfect for serving with pretzels or bread.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Closeup of steamed artichoke on a white plate with sweet and spicy sauce.
Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Steamed artichokes are a simple appetizer served with a bold, fruity dipping sauce made from peaches, mangoes, and spices. They take about 40 minutes to cook and have a tender, slightly nutty flavor. The sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick that complements the mild artichokes. This dish is a unique way to serve a light starter.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Loaded bruschetta salad on crostini on a white plate.
Loaded Bruschetta Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Loaded bruschetta is a fresh appetizer made with toasted bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, basil, and balsamic glaze. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare and has a crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. The combination of juicy tomatoes and crunchy bread makes every bite satisfying. This dish is a simple but flavorful way to start a meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

The Perfect Brunch Oyster Bake

A hand holding a baked oyster topped with creamy sauce and garnished with parsley. Several similar oysters are placed in a glass tray below. A slice of lemon and a glass are visible in the background.
The Perfect Brunch Oyster Bake. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Brunch oyster bake is a rich, oven-baked appetizer made with fresh oysters, butter, and a mix of herbs and spices. It takes about 30 minutes to cook and has a briny, savory flavor with a slightly crispy top. The buttery sauce enhances the natural taste of the oysters. This dish is a unique way to serve seafood at brunch.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Brunch Oyster Bake

Baked Butternut Squash Chips

A black dish filled with roasted butternut squash slices, resembling baked butternut squash chips, is placed on a wooden platter. The dish sits next to an orange cloth napkin. In the background, a bowl containing small pumpkins and gourds is visible on a dark wooden surface.
Baked Butternut Squash Chips. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Baked butternut squash chips are thin, crispy slices of squash seasoned with simple spices. They take about 40 minutes to bake and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The natural sugars in the squash caramelize, adding depth to each bite. This dish is a great alternative to store-bought chips.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Fried Ripe Sweet Plantains Recipe

A plate of fried plantains, perfect as appetizers, is artfully arranged on a dark gray dish, placed on a marble surface to impress any guest in a hurry.
Fried Ripe Sweet Plantains Recipe. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Fried ripe sweet plantains are golden, caramelized slices of plantain with a naturally sweet flavor. They take about 20 minutes to cook and have a soft, slightly crispy texture. The natural sugars create a rich, caramel-like coating as they cook. This appetizer is a simple and delicious way to serve plantains.
Get the Recipe: Fried Ripe Sweet Plantains Recipe

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Oval platter with baked eggplant slices topped with melted cheese and herbs, perfect for a wooden table setting. These delightful 30-minute appetizers promise to impress, especially when served on cloth napkins underneath for an extra touch of elegance.
Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Vegan eggplant parmesan stacks are layered bites of roasted eggplant, tomato sauce, and dairy-free cheese. They take about 45 minutes to prepare and have a rich, savory taste with a slight crispiness from the eggplant. The sauce adds a tangy balance to the soft layers. This dish is a great meat-free alternative to a classic appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges recipe
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air fryer sweet potato wedges are crispy, golden slices of sweet potato with a light seasoning. They take about 20 minutes to cook and have a mix of soft, fluffy inside and crunchy edges. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs well with savory spices. This dish is an easy, healthier alternative to fries.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip recipe
Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Air fryer carrot fries are crispy, seasoned carrot sticks served with a creamy aioli dipping sauce. They take about 20 minutes to cook and have a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. The aioli adds a smooth, garlicky contrast to the crispy carrots. This dish is a great way to serve vegetables in a fun way.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes recipe
Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crispy smashed red skin potatoes are golden, crunchy bites made by roasting and flattening red potatoes. They take about 40 minutes to cook and have a crispy outside with a fluffy center. A sprinkle of salt and herbs enhances the flavor. This dish is a simple and satisfying alternative to traditional roasted potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

Roasted tomatoes atop toasted bread rounds with feta cheese.
Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Roasted tomato crostini is a crunchy appetizer topped with slow-roasted tomatoes and creamy whipped feta. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and has a mix of tangy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors. The tomatoes bring out a deep, roasted richness. This dish is a flavorful and elegant starter.
Get the Recipe: Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

Roasted Carrot Hummus

A bowl of hummus topped with spicy red sauce and pieces of chickpeas and carrots, garnished with parsley. The bowl is placed on a wooden board with a partially visible sprig of herbs and flatbread nearby.
Roasted Carrot Hummus. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Roasted carrot hummus is a smooth, slightly sweet dip made with roasted carrots, chickpeas, and tahini. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and has a creamy texture with a hint of earthiness. The roasted carrots add natural sweetness and depth. This dish is a fresh take on a classic hummus recipe.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Hummus

Recipe Creator

The food-loving recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind Renee Nicole's Kitchen. When I'm not working with food, you can find me in the garden, traveling, or enjoying the outdoors with my husband, son, and two dogs.

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