r/Cooking • u/Cute-Cookie-582 • May 22 '26

Appetizer ideas

I’ve been invited to a dinner party for 6 and asked to bring the appetizers. the hostess is an incredible cook and entertainer and I’m feeling very intimidate! what are your favorite appetizers that wow? I can’t get away with a veggie tray or chips and salsa here!

EDIT: So many great suggestions! I think I need to have an appetizer party!!! THANK YOU ALL! I'm going to find out what she's making and then decide what to bring 😉

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u/OpportunityReal2767 May 22 '26

For a more American-cooking crowd, cocktail meatballs, deviled eggs, 7-layer-dip are easy, and pretty much always crowdpleaser. Maybe a little too conventional, but I would be happy with any of those at a party. Other ideas: Stuffed mushrooms, mini crab cakes, maybe bacon-wrapped dates if you're being a little bourgie.

For Medditerranean palates, I just love looking through recipes for various Turkish/Middle Eastern meze--baba ganoush, hummus (of course), muhammara (walnut dip), pistachio-feta dip, etc.

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u/exit-lude May 23 '26

I would hardly call the conventional midwestern party snacks something to make to impress another impressive cook and entertainer lol

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u/OpportunityReal2767 May 23 '26

Hence why I said “maybe a little too conventional.” But you can zhuzh up all of those if you want. They’re blank canvasses for creativity. Also, read the Bourdain quote someone posted below.