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    Home » Trending

    Dinner’s Late? These 27 Appetizers Buy You Time

    Published: May 23, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Running late getting dinner ready? No need to worry because there's a whole list of 27 tasty appetizers that will keep everyone happy while waiting. Each one is designed to be quick and delicious so the wait for dinner feels a lot shorter.

    Chipotle Chili Corn Salsa

    Chipotle Chili Corn Salsa. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    A smoky flavor with a crunch of fresh goodness handles the initial waiting around with ease. Chipotle Chili Corn Salsa pairs up well with chips or on its own in small heaps. A nice option to keep energy up while the main course simmers.
    Get the Recipe: Chipotle Chili Corn Salsa

    Air Fryer Lumpia

    Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce.
    Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crunchy little wraps filled with flavor that are excellent for holding attention at the table. Air Fryer Lumpia combines ease and taste beautifully, giving you time for finishing up your dinner. Keep them warm for even more table-friendly snacking.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

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    Sweet and Spicy BBQ Cauliflower Wings

    Sweet and Spicy BBQ Cauliflower Wings. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Sweet, sticky bursts of BBQ goodness packed into a crispy vegetable twist. Sweet and Spicy BBQ Cauliflower Wings are a quick appetizer with bold flavors that everyone enjoys without hesitation. They give you room to breathe while your main dishes simmer.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy BBQ Cauliflower Wings

    Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

    Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts cut into half.
    Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Bite-sized snacks that combine the smoky taste of bacon with the crunch of veggies. Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are small but packed with enough flavor to keep everyone reaching for more. These little bites create a perfect pause before dinner's main course gets served.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

    White Cheddar Quinoa Bites with Hot & Spicy Buffalo Sriracha Sauce

    White Cheddar Quinoa Bites with Hot & Spicy Buffalo Sriracha Sauce. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Packed with cheese and just the right touch of spice, they’re a tidy little snack everyone enjoys. White Cheddar Quinoa Bites with Hot & Spicy Buffalo Sriracha Sauce bring bold flavors to your table instantly. These bites help stretch the wait for your main dish.
    Get the Recipe: White Cheddar Quinoa Bites with Hot & Spicy Buffalo Sriracha Sauce

    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

    Bacon wrapped pineapple on a white plate.
    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Sweet and smoky wrapped into a crispy, bite-sized snack that’s hard to resist. Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer brings a burst of flavor that'll hold attention while dinner takes its time. It’s a perfect way to keep everyone munching.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

    Baked Broccoli Tots with Garlic and Parmesan

    Baked Broccoli Tots with Garlic and Parmesan. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Small, crispy bites packed with veg-friendly goodness that everyone loves to grab. Baked Broccoli Tots with Garlic and Parmesan make for a great finger food option before dinner hits the table. The mix of textures keeps the craving cycle going strong.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Broccoli Tots with Garlic and Parmesan

    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.

    Flaky pastry wrapped around warm, seasoned beef is the perfect way to calm your hunger. Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas are tidy little pockets bursting with flavor. Great for entertaining or holding off late-night cravings.
    Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

    The Best Baked Feta Recipe

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

    Soft, melted cheese combined with bold toppings is the ultimate comfort food. The Best Baked Feta Recipe is all set to keep guests munching while the main spread comes together. Perfect for dipping or spreading until dinner hits the table.
    Get the Recipe: The Best Baked Feta Recipe

    Spinach Salmon Roulade with Caviar

    Spinach Salmon Rolls on a wooden board.
    Spinach Salmon Roulade with Caviar. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Rich layers combine effortlessly in a dish that feels special from the first bite. Spinach Salmon Roulade with Caviar has elegance packed into every roll. Ideal for a fancy hold-over before dinner is served.
    Get the Recipe: Spinach Salmon Roulade with Caviar

    Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

    Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Refreshing crunch with bold spices brings quick relief when dinner isn’t ready yet. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad balances fiery flavors with cool textures. An easy snack that keeps everyone happy while they wait.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crispy and salty hits the mark while everyone waits patiently for more. Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings add a bit of a wow factor and great texture to any table spread. These treats buy a few moments to finish up everything else.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Best Cream Cheese Fruit Dip Recipe

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

    A smooth and sweet option to nibble while keeping things light for the next course. Best Cream Cheese Fruit Dip Recipe offers a change of pace without much fuss at all. Pairing this with fruit delays dinner just a bit longer.
    Get the Recipe: Best Cream Cheese Fruit Dip Recipe

    Beef Quesadillas

    Stack of beef quesadillas on a plate.
    Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Warm and cheesy insides tucked within crispy edges—what’s not to enjoy? Beef Quesadillas bring hearty satisfaction when dinner prep drags on. A quick win with simple flavors that satisfy the wait time rush.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

    Smoky and Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

    Crunchy edges with soft insides make snack time effort-free yet flavorful. Smoky and Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges become crowd-pleasers without putting in too much work. This plate keeps the hangry moments away while you cook longer.
    Get the Recipe: Smoky and Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

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

    Bold flavors in neat bite-size portions keep interruptions at bay. Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon combine creamy heat and crispy bites while waiting for more food to hit the table. A quick appetizer that's hard to put down.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

    Quick and Easy Air Fryer Shishito Peppers

    Quick and Easy Air Fryer Shishito Peppers. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Lightly charred with a surprise burst of flavor, these bite-sized peppers handle any situation. Quick and Easy Air Fryer Shishito Peppers offer something different without overthinking. A quiet win while everyone patiently waits.
    Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Air Fryer Shishito Peppers

    Low Carb Sausage Balls

    Keto Sausage Balls with dip in the middle.
    Low Carb Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Hearty, meaty, and quick to put together, these bites are an easy go-to for busy evenings. Low Carb Sausage Balls make the perfect stopgap for when dinner needs a little more time. Serve them warm to keep everyone happy while you finish up.
    Get the Recipe: Low Carb Sausage Balls

    Easy Mango Salsa Recipe

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

    These bite-sized fruity bursts of flavor pack a punch with a vibrant mix of ingredients. Easy Mango Salsa Recipe comes together quickly for a refreshing kick to your evening lineup. Pair it with chips or use it as a topper to stretch your dinner prep.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Mango Salsa Recipe

    Cheesy Low Carb Bread Bites

    Cheesy bread bites in a basket ready for snacking.
    Cheesy Low Carb Bread Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Gooey insides meet crunchy bites in this simple appetizer. Cheesy Low Carb Bread Bites balance both worlds and keep things moving during dinner delays. Served warm, they’re easy to enjoy in seconds.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Low Carb Bread Bites

    Chile Relleno Casserole

    Casserole dish with chile relleno casserole topped with sliced jalapenos.
    Chile Relleno Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

    The soft, cheesy warmth wrapped in layers of flavor makes it stand out on the table. Chile Relleno Casserole works as both an appetizer and comfort food for dinner prep delays. This dish will keep everyone engaged while you finish up.
    Get the Recipe: Chile Relleno Casserole

    Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower

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

    Crunchy florets with a kick of subtle flavor fill the gap when schedules run tight. Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower works well as a shareable appetizer without the mess. A quick plate option while you finish up cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower

    Sauerkraut Balls

    Sauerkraut Balls in a skillet on a white background.
    Sauerkraut Balls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

    Tangy bites wrapped in golden crisp shells help hold off hunger in style. Sauerkraut Balls hit the spot when guests might be restless. A compact snack to bridge the time till dinner appears.
    Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Balls

    Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries

    Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    These crispy, golden fries pack a bold bite that's sure to keep everyone reaching for more. Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries offer a comforting crunch to satisfy early-evening cravings. Perfect for sharing while the main feast is still in progress.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries

    Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

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

    Creamy and spicy in every bite, rolled into neat little pinwheels that are perfect for sharing. The Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels give you everything you need to keep hands full and mouths happy. They’re a great way to keep everyone occupied while finishing dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

    Crispy Hot Sauce Smashed Potato Bites

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

    A crispy bite of potatoes coated in tangy heat brings a bold touch to your table. Crispy Hot Sauce Smashed Potato Bites are the perfect distraction for anyone anticipating the main course. Serve them up hot for instant crowd appeal.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Hot Sauce Smashed Potato Bites

    Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

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

    Light, crispy, and coated with a flavorful punch, it’s a quick way to fire up appetites. Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is the kind of dish everyone loves to snack on. It’s your secret weapon to buy time while dinner finishes cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

    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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