25+ BEST Cold Appetizers for Entertaining

If you’re in need of a cold appetizer recipe, you’ve come to the right place. Today I’m sharing a collection of my favorite cold appetizers for entertaining. This amazing list is designed for delicious entertaining and may just become your new go-to for cold appetizer choices.

Yes, my friends, you know how much I love appetizer recipes here on Inspired by Charm. I recently had someone reach out asking for some cold appetizer recipe ideas. After sharing the list with them, I thought that others might benefit from it as well. That’s why I rounded up this list of my favorite cold appetizers.

I’ve covered everything from dips to cheeseballs, even bite-sized treats, and everything in-between. It’s a pretty extensive collection and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

• Effortless Entertaining: These cold appetizers are designed to make hosting a breeze. You won’t be spending hours in the kitchen—just quick and easy assembly with minimal prep so you can focus on enjoying the party. Perfect for gatherings where you want to relax and mingle with your guests.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Stress less on the day of your event! Many of these recipes can be prepared in advance, giving you more time to handle last-minute details or simply relax before your guests arrive. No need to rush—just grab them from the fridge when it’s time to serve.
• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt down specialty items or spend extra at the grocery store. Each recipe features everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand, making these appetizers not only delicious but budget-friendly as well.
• Perfect for Any Crowd: Whether it’s a casual backyard BBQ or a more formal event, these cold appetizers are versatile enough to suit any occasion. From dips to finger foods, there’s something here that will please every guest, no matter their preferences.

I hope you find this list helpful and discover a few new favorite treats along the way.

Appetizer Dips

Nothing says “party” like a delicious dip! Whether you’re looking for a classic crowd-pleaser or something with a bit more flair, these easy-to-make dips are guaranteed to get everyone gathered around the snack table. Grab your favorite chips, veggies, or bread for dipping and dive in!

Italian Hoagie Dip

All the ingredients and flavors you love about an Italian hoagie (submarine sandwich) have come together in this unique Italian Hoagie Dip. You’re going to be looking for an excuse to try this tasty dip.

Really Good Chip Dip

This Really Good Chip Dip is a delicious and fresh alternative to store-bought dip. In under 10 minutes, you can stir up a flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with chips as well as veggies!

Really Good Veggie Dip

This vegetable dip is my favorite dip for vegetables! It’s loaded with flavor and you can whip it up in a matter of minutes. I think you’re going to love it as much as I do!

Loaded Veggie Ranch Dip

This Loaded Veggie Ranch Dip will become your new go-to party appetizer recipe. It’s loaded with corn, peppers, cream cheese, sour cream, ranch, and a few other goodies, so as you might guess, it’s really good! Also, it’s quick to make and full of great flavor.

BLT Dip

This layered BLT Dip is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Layered with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheese, this appetizer recipe brings together the classic flavors everyone loves.

Jalapeno Dip

This Jalapeño Dip comes together with just a few ingredients. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. By adding more or less pith and seeds from the jalapeños, you determine the heat. No matter how you make it, you and your guests will love this cold appetizer recipe.

Out-of-this-World Corn Dip

Of all the recipes on IBC, this Out-of-this-World Corn Dip is one I make multiple times a year. It makes a generous portion and is a total crowd-pleaser. I’m confident you’ll love it, too.

Want more delicious dip recipes? I’ve got ’em! Check out my recipe collection with over 20+ delicious dip recipes.

The Best Veggie Pizza Dip

One of your favorite appetizers is now a dip! Classic Veggie Pizza has a new look but still has all the delicious flavor you’ve come to love. Made with cream cheese, ranch, and lots of crisp veggies, this veggie Pizza Dip is so easy to make and will become an instant crowd-pleaser.

The Ultimate Olive Dip

Create the perfect appetizer with this simple olive dip recipe! This dip combines the rich flavors of green olives, cheddar, and spices in a creamy, irresistible spread. You can serve it at your next family dinner or as a sophisticated addition to a charcuterie board at your upcoming party.

Bite-Sized Nibbles

Small bites, big flavors! These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for serving up fun and flavor without the fuss. From mini sandwiches to finger foods on a stick, these easy-to-assemble recipes are ideal for any party or gathering where grazing is the name of the game.

BLT Pinwheel Sandwiches

These delectable BLT Pinwheel Sandwiches feature fresh romaine lettuce, crispy bacon, juicy tomato, and creamy avocado mayo all rolled up into a perfect bite-size package. Get ready to be the talk of the party with this delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Olive Wreath

This Olive Wreath is a delicious and beautiful appetizer idea. I made mine for the holiday season, but you can serve it any time of the year. This cold appetizer can be assembled in minutes, and it adds a tasty and colorful touch to any party spread.

Crostini

If you ever need a beautiful, flavor-packed, all-occasion appetizer, look no further than crostini. In this post, I’ve shared three delicious crostini recipes that you can make for your next celebration.

Avocado Pesto BLT Bites

I decided to take one of my favorite sandwiches, the classic BLT, to the next level by turning it into a delicious cold appetizer recipe. The avocado pesto takes these over the top.

Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Roll-ups

Pretty, flavorful, and easy are three things I want in hors d’ oeuvres ideas, and this recipe checks off each of those boxes. To make these pinwheels, simply spread a mixture of cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic on a flour tortilla, add some fresh basil leaves, and then tightly roll up the tortilla.

If roll-ups / pinwheel are one of your favorite cold appetizers, you’re in luck because I have an entire roll-up recipe collection dedicated to this tasty spiral bites.

Really Good Seasoned Pretzels

These Really Good Seasoned Pretzels (also known as Missy’s Seasoned Pretzels) are loaded with a subtly spicy, bold flavor, and delicious crunch. This recipe will quickly become your new favorite way to make seasoned pretzels.

Prosciutto and Melon Bites

An Italian favorite, these Prosciutto and Melon Bites are an easy and delicious cold appetizer recipe perfect for summer entertaining or afternoon snack. This is a classic combination of salty and sweet that will never go out of style. In addition, a drizzle of balsamic glaze takes this prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe to whole new level. 

Deviled Eggs with Bacon

Want to take deviled eggs to the next level? I’m showing you how to make The Best Deviled Eggs with Bacon. This classic appetizer recipe received a flavorful upgrade with the help of crispy bacon. What’s not to love?

Cheese-Inspired Recipes

Cheese lovers, this one’s for you! These appetizers highlight the rich, creamy goodness of cheese in all its forms. Whether you’re in the mood for a cheese board or a unique cheese-forward creation, these recipes are sure to impress and satisfy.

Mini Pimento Cheese Balls

Adorable, easy, and oh-so-tasty – introducing Mini Pimento Cheese Balls! Elevate your snack game with these bite-sized delights that are perfect for any gathering! 

Marinated Mozzarella

From boring to bold, mozzarella gets a flavor upgrade with fresh herbs and spices. This Marinated Mozzarella is easy to make and adds a flavorful touch to any appetizer spread, cheese board, or charcuterie.

Jarcuteries

Looking for an appetizer that SHINES when it comes to flavor and presentation? Then you need a jarcuterie. These single-serving charcuteries assembled in a small jar are perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or even just a movie/game night with friends. 

Really Good Pimento Cheese

Creamy and packed with flavor, this Really Good Pimento Cheese makes a delicious party dip, a topping for crackers, a filling for a sandwich, and so much more!

Cheese Balls for Every Season

Cheeseballs will forever be a go-to appetizer recipe for me. That’s why I’ve created several unique and delicious cheeseball recipes here on Inspired by Charm. You’re especially going to love my pumpkin-shaped and Christmas-tree shaped cheeseballs.

Unique Hors d’Oeuvre Ideas

Looking for something that stands out? These unique hors d’oeuvres are guaranteed to add a touch of creativity and elegance to your spread. Perfect for when you want to offer something beyond the usual, these appetizers will leave your guests talking long after the party ends.

Wedge Salad Skewers

Are you hosting a party soon and looking for a show-stopping and unique appetizer? Look no further than these Wedge Salad Skewers. These savory and visually stunning skewers are easy to prepare and are certain to impress your guests. 

Tortellini Pasta Salad

Take your pasta salad game to the next level with this Tortellini Pasta Salad. Just combine cheese tortellini, pepperoni, cheese, mixed veggies, and pine nuts and toss all of that with a bold red wine vinaigrette. A new go-to for lunch? Dinner? Get-togethers? Yes, all of the above!

Want more delicious dip recipes? I’ve got ’em! You can check out my recipe collection with over 20+ amazing pasta salad recipes.

Veggie Pizza Wreath

This Veggie Pizza (shaped like a wreath) is a delicious, easy, and beautiful cold appetizer recipe you’ll come to love again and again. It’s been a favorite in my family for years.

Antipasto Skewers

Last, but certainly not least, these Antipasto Kabobs are full of your favorite cold appetizer treats making them a delicious and beautiful hors d’oeuvre that will “wow” your guests!

Charcuterie Cups

If you want to wow your guests with a spectacular cold appetizer, then you need to make these Charcuterie Cups. A winner in both presentation and flavor, these are individual festive charcuterie boards served in a cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cold appetizers ahead of time?

Absolutely! One of the best things about cold appetizers is that many of them can be made in advance. You can prepare dips, assemble bite-sized nibbles, or create cheese boards hours (or even a day) before your event. Just be sure to store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve for the freshest flavors.

What are some good cold appetizers for large crowds?

For larger gatherings, go for recipes that are easy to scale and don’t require a lot of last-minute prep. Dips with chips, crostini, and skewers are excellent choices because you can make big batches ahead of time, and they’re easy for guests to grab and enjoy. Cheese platters and charcuterie boards are also great options because they can be tailored to suit different crowd sizes and dietary preferences.

How long can cold appetizers sit out at room temperature?

Typically, cold appetizers can sit out for about 2 hours before they need to be refrigerated again. If your event will last longer, consider serving the food in smaller portions and replenishing from the fridge as needed to keep everything fresh. You can also use chilled serving trays to help keep dips and other perishables cool.

What ingredients work best for cold appetizers?

Cold appetizers shine when made with fresh, simple ingredients like fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats. You’ll want to choose ingredients that don’t need to be reheated and that taste great when served chilled or at room temperature. Items like cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, cucumbers, smoked salmon, and herbs are perfect for creating fresh and flavorful appetizers.

Are cold appetizers suitable for outdoor events?

Yes! Cold appetizers are fantastic for outdoor events, especially during warm weather when you want to avoid hot, heavy dishes. Just be mindful of how long the food sits out in the heat—using chilled trays or placing dishes over ice can help keep everything at the right temperature, ensuring food safety and freshness for your guests.

Friends, that is one delicious and incredible list of cold appetizers. As you can see, I have attempted to offer many varieties and flavors. I certainly hope you found something to make for your next gathering.

More Recipe Collections You May Enjoy

• The BEST Hors D’oeuvres for Entertaining
• Tasty Margarita Recipes
• Easy Appetizers for a Crowd
• A Collection of Delicious and Easy Dip Recipes
• My Favorite Peanut Butter Desserts
• The Best Pinwheel Appetizers

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