19 Simple Yet Irresistible Appetizers My Family Begs Me to Make

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Deliciousness can be simple! These 19 tried-and-true appetizer recipes are guaranteed to be a hit. These are the ones my family constantly requests, the ones that disappear in a flash!

Crock pot little smokies on a spoon over the slow cooker.
Crockpot Little Smokies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Pretzel Bites

Closeup of someone dipping a pretzel bite in mustard sauce.
Air Fryer Pretzel Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turn canned biscuits into Air Fryer Pretzel Bites, an uncomplicated appetizer the whole family enjoys. They’re a easy to make and perfect for pairing with your favorite mustard when you need a quick bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pretzel Bites

Ham and Cheese Pizza Rolls

ham and cheese pizza rolls on a white plate.
Ham and Cheese Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Ham and Cheese Pizza Rolls are a simple, crowd-pleasing snack, combining cheesy goodness with savory ham. They’re effortless to make and serve as a great appetizer or quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Pizza Rolls

Classic Deviled Eggs

Holding a deviled egg sprinkled with paprika.
Classic Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Classic Deviled Eggs are a family favorite, featuring a hint of pickle relish. They’re easy to whip up and are sure to be a hit for any meal or snack.
Get the Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

A person dipping fried shrimp into a bowl of dip.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Serve up Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp, an easy appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at your next family movie night. This crispy, spicy shrimp is a simple yet irresistible snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Garlic Cheese Balls

Pulling apart a garlic cheese ball filled with stringy mozzarella cheese.
Garlic Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Garlic Cheese Balls, filled with melty mozzarella and made from refrigerator biscuits, are a straightforward snack for any occasion. Enjoy these as a side dish or an after-school snack.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Cheese Balls

Pasta Chips

Crispy pasta chips on a plate with sauce.
Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Pasta Chips made in the air fryer are a crunchy, kid-friendly snack that’s simple to make. Boil, season, and air fry for an easy appetizer everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Chips

Sausage Cheese Dip

Sausage cheese dip in a cast iron skillet topped with tomatoes and jalapenos.
Sausage Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sausage Cheese Dip, with just 5 ingredients, is an effortless and creamy dip that’s a hit for any occasion. Quick to make and universally loved, it’s a go-to for easy entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Cheese Dip

Crockpot Little Smokies

Crock pot little smokies on a spoon over the slow cooker.
Crockpot Little Smokies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crockpot Little Smokies are a classic, no-hassle appetizer with just 3 ingredients. They’re a simple, beloved snack that’s been a family staple for years.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Little Smokies

Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with bacon in a glass deviled egg platter.
Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs are a simple twist on a classic, adding a savory ranch flavor and bacon topping. They’re an easy, beloved appetizer for any family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeño Poppers on a platter with a bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are a straightforward, spicy appetizer filled with cream cheese and bacon. They’re a simple choice for an appetizer spread that the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Meatball Crescent Rolls

Meatballs wrapped in dough on a wooden cutting board.
Meatball Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Meatball Crescent Rolls are an easy appetizer, wrapping savory meatballs and cheese in buttery dough. They’re a hit for game day or any casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Crescent Rolls

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritter getting dipped into sauce.
Zucchini Fritters. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Zucchini Fritters, made in the air fryer, are a simple and health-conscious appetizer. Grate zucchini, mix, and air fry for an easy snack that the whole family can appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters

Lemon Pepper Wings

Air fryer lemon pepper wings on a cutting board with celery.
Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Lemon Pepper Wings come out perfectly crispy in the air fryer, making them a straightforward and flavorful appetizer or main dish. This simple, three-ingredient recipe is a hit for casual dining.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Puff pastry pinwheels on a round wooden cutting board.
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels are simple to make in the oven or air fryer. Puff pastry filled with a creamy, bacon-laced mixture creates an easy appetizer that’s guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Mac and Cheese Bites

Mac and cheese bites with broccoli on a wooden cutting board.
Mac and Cheese Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turn kid-friendly mac and cheese into an appetizer! Mac and Cheese Bites are a simple, bite-sized treat with crispy edges and a creamy center. Topped with bacon and fried onions, they’re sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Bites

Air Fryer Ravioli

Crispy air fryer ravioli on a plate with one dipping into a sauce.
Air Fryer Ravioli. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Ravioli are crispy, bite-sized, and breaded, making them a straightforward appetizer perfect for dipping in marinara. They’re a simple choice for an enjoyable snack on family game night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ravioli

Ranch Chicken Wings

Plate of air fryer ranch wings with tongs in the background.
Ranch Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Ranch Chicken Wings from the air fryer are an easy, flavorful snack. Crispy and tender, they’re a straightforward appetizer that’s great for dipping and loved by the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Chicken Wings

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Bacon wrapped little smokies with toothpicks on a plate.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are a simple, family-pleasing appetizer. This classic recipe is effortless to prepare, making it perfect any time you need a quick, flavorful snack.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Air Fried Pearl Onions

Air fried pearl onion on a toothpick with more fried onions on a plate in the background.
Air Fried Pearl Onions. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fried Pearl Onions are an easy appetizer, offering a taste similar to a bloomin’ onion with much less effort. Breaded and air fried to crispy perfection, they’re a simple snack that’s great for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Air Fried Pearl Onions

anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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