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    Home » Trending

    19 Tasty Starters That Steal the Show Before Dinner

    Published: Apr 7, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Dinner can wait a little longer. These 19 tasty starters bring all the flavor up front. First bites never felt so good.

    Crispy Hot Sauce Smashed Potato Bites

    Crispy Hot Sauce Smashed Potato Bites. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Add a little spice to your starter lineup with Crispy Hot Sauce Smashed Potato Bites. These are crunchy on the outside with just the right amount of kick. Perfect for those who like a bit of heat.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Hot Sauce Smashed Potato Bites

    Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

    Cheese Puffs in a bowl with fresh parsley.
    Cheese Puffs Air Fryer. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Air fryers make everything better, including Cheese Puffs Air Fryer. These light and fluffy puffs are a great snack. Perfect for munching on before dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

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    Easy Mango Salsa Recipe

    Easy Mango Salsa Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Whip up Easy Mango Salsa Recipe for a fresh, tangy starter. It’s perfect with chips or as a topping for your grilled meats. Ideal for those who love a mix of sweet and savory.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Mango Salsa Recipe

    Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

    Blue cheese steak crostini on a metal platter drizzled with balsamic reduction.
    Blue Cheese Steak Crostini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Blue Cheese Steak Crostini combines savory steak with the bold flavor of blue cheese. This starter is perfect for fancy dinners or casual gatherings. Ideal for impressing guests with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

    Smoky and Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    Smoky and Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Make a batch of Smoky and Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges as a crowd-pleaser. These wedges are perfectly seasoned and crispy. Ideal for pairing with your favorite dip or sauce.
    Get the Recipe: Smoky and Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    Garden Fresh Salsa

    A closeup side shot of garden fresh salsa in a white bowl.
    Garden Fresh Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

    Fresh and zesty, Garden Fresh Salsa is a go-to starter. Perfect with tortilla chips or as a topper for other dishes. Great for those who love fresh, homemade flavors.
    Get the Recipe: Garden Fresh Salsa

    Best Cream Cheese Fruit Dip Recipe

    Best Cream Cheese Fruit Dip Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Best Cream Cheese Fruit Dip Recipe is perfect for a light and sweet starter. It pairs wonderfully with various fruits and is always a hit. Perfect for those who prefer something on the sweeter side.
    Get the Recipe: Best Cream Cheese Fruit Dip Recipe

    Zucchini Pizza Bites

    An overhead image of Zucchini Pizza Bites on a baking tray.
    Zucchini Pizza Bites. Photo credit: The Honour System.

    Zucchini Pizza Bites are a healthy and fun twist on traditional pizza. These small bites are perfect for serving at gatherings. Great for those looking for a lighter appetizer option.
    Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pizza Bites

    Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower

    Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Crispy and delightful, Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower will be a hit. This healthier alternative to fried snacks is perfect for dipping. Great for those looking for a light yet satisfying starter.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower

    Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

    Image shows an overhead shot of Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas on a white tray with a bowl of guacamole to the left of them.
    Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

    Try Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas for a rich and satisfying starter. These are filled with a savory beef mixture and wrapped in flaky pastry. Great for making ahead and reheating when needed.
    Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

    The Best Baked Feta Recipe

    The Best Baked Feta Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Looking for an easy yet impressive appetizer? The Best Baked Feta Recipe is a perfect match. With creamy feta baked to perfection, you’ll keep coming back for more.
    Get the Recipe: The Best Baked Feta Recipe

    Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dogs

    Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dogs. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dogs take the classic fair food up a notch. These are perfect for any gathering and deliver a cheesy and slightly spicy kick. Great for satisfying cravings.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dogs

    Crockpot Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs

    A plate with turkey meatballs coated in sticky honey sriracha sauce sitting next to green beans and soba noodles.
    Crockpot Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

    Crockpot Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs are a great mix of sweet and spicy. These meatballs are tender and full of flavor. Perfect for a warm and hearty starter.
    Get the Recipe: Crockpot Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs

    Ground Turkey Potstickers

    Ground Turkey Potstickers. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    For a flavorful starter, try Ground Turkey Potstickers. These little dumplings are packed with deliciousness and great for dipping. Perfect for a casual get-together.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Potstickers

    Refreshing Colombian Ceviche with Pear, Fennel, and Mango

    A bowl of Colombian ceviche with pear, fennel, and mango.
    Refreshing Colombian Ceviche with Pear, Fennel, and Mango. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Refreshing Colombian Ceviche with Pear, Fennel, and Mango offers a fresh and tangy start to any meal. This dish is light yet satisfying and great for summer gatherings. Perfect for those who enjoy vibrant, fresh flavors.
    Get the Recipe: Refreshing Colombian Ceviche with Pear, Fennel, and Mango

    Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls

    Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls combine the best of both worlds: crispy egg rolls and sweet cheesecake filling. This unique starter will be a conversation piece at any gathering. Great for adding a bit of excitement to your appetizer spread.
    Get the Recipe: Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls

    Spicy Cauliflower Bites

    A plate of baked spicy cauliflower bites with red sauce next to it.
    Spicy Cauliflower Bites. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

    For those who love a little heat, Spicy Cauliflower Bites are a great choice. These bites are flavorful and perfect for dipping. Ideal for adding some variety to your appetizer table.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Cauliflower Bites

    Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball

    Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball is both simple and tasty. This combo of cranberries and cheese makes for a perfect balance of flavors. Great for spreading on crackers and serving at parties.
    Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball

    Peperonata

    Peperonata. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Peperonata brings a burst of Italian flavors to your table. This mix of sweet peppers and tomatoes is a great starter with some crusty bread. Perfect for a light and tasty beginning to your meal.
    Get the Recipe: Peperonata

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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