There’s something magical about appetizers that kick off a gathering. They set the mood, tantalize the taste buds, and get everyone mingling. Here are five of my favorite party-starting appetizers that I promise your guests will devour!
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Prep & Cook Time
15 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 lime, juiced
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and lime juice.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan.
- Assemble by placing shrimp on the tortillas, topping with cabbage and cilantro.
Servings
Serves 4
Nutrition Info
Approx. 220 calories per serving
Stuffed Mini Peppers
Prep & Cook Time
20 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
Ingredients
- 12 mini sweet peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pepper half with the cheese mixture.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly.
Servings
Serves 6
Nutrition Info
Approx. 180 calories per serving
Caprese Skewers
Prep & Cook Time
10 minutes prep, no cook
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- On skewers, alternate threading cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.
Servings
Serves 8
Nutrition Info
Approx. 120 calories per serving
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Prep & Cook Time
15 minutes prep, 25 minutes cook
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip cauliflower florets into the batter and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then toss in buffalo sauce and bake for another 5 minutes.
Servings
Serves 4
Nutrition Info
Approx. 150 calories per serving
Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
Prep & Cook Time
10 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, sliced
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- In a bowl, mix tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and salt.
- Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes.
- Top each slice with the tomato mixture and serve immediately.
Servings
Serves 6
Nutrition Info
Approx. 110 calories per serving
Final Thoughts
These appetizers are sure to ignite any party! Each recipe is not only easy to prepare but packed with flavors that will have your guests coming back for more. Enjoy the compliments and the fun that follows!