11. Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
These smokies should come with a warning. People need to know that if you eat one, you won’t be able to stop until the plate is licked clean. It’s hard to believe that you can make such magic with just three ingredients – brown sugar, bacon, and tiny smokie sausages. Serving these in summer? Add a chunk of pineapple to give them a beautiful tropical taste!
12. Sweet Potato Bites
The perfect Fall appetizer, these sweet potato bites are ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings. They’re small rounds of baked sweet potato, topped with creamy avocado and salty bacon. Garnish these with fresh cilantro and you’ll have a delightful snack that also manages to be healthy and light.
13. Guacamole
Every cook needs a good guacamole recipe, and this gluten-free version will soon become a family favorite. It’s modeled on the legendary Chipotle dip, so you can make restaurant-style guac in your own kitchen.
14. Cowboy Caviar
Don’t worry, cowboy caviar doesn’t actually contain any fish eggs. Instead, it’s a delicious yet healthy dip, loaded with plant-based goodness. This satisfying mix of beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, and onion is more like a salsa. The ingredients come together beautifully with a tangy dressing that’s just the right amount of sweet and sour. Keep this one for family picnics, potlucks, and summer parties. Your guests will thank you.
15. Orange Walnut Stuffed Dates
Sometimes, you need sweet treats to get the party started. These decadent dates will do the trick. They’re stuffed with a rich orange and cream cheese filling and topped with crunchy walnuts. You’ll love the tastes and textures of this one. The gooey citrus filling perfectly complements the chewy treacle-like date coating and nutty crunch. And you can keep any leftovers for a healthy snack when you’re craving something sugary.
16. Veggie Tray
This colorful platter is a great appetizer when you’ve lots of guests and not much time. It’s a vibrant blend of crunchy vegetables and creamy dips. There are crisp bell peppers, crunchy beans, spicy radishes, and sweet carrot sticks. Some of the veggies are raw, and some are blanched, but they’re all delicious when dipped in the accompanying hummus and/or ranch dressing. Simply serve, and let everyone dive in. This is a fuss-free appetizer that gets you out of the kitchen and back to the party.
17. Caramelized Onion Dip
Spoons at the ready! This divine dip is good enough to eat straight from the bowl. It’s a dreamy blend of rich, caramelized onions, garlic, sour cream, and mayo. This thickens as it chills to become a chunky, dense dip that’ll satisfy your hunger as you wait for the next course.
18. Chocolate Hummus
Hummus is one of those recipes that’s endlessly versatile. This inventive recipe sweetens things up by blending in cocoa powder and maple syrup. You can’t taste the beans here, just all the joy of a silky, smooth, chocolatey puree. Serve this with fresh fruit to really lean into the dessert-as-appetizer theme.
19. Almond Flour Crackers
Gluten-free baking can be a little tricky, so start with this crazy easy recipe. They’re made with just four ingredients – almond flour, flaxseed, water, and salt. Simply stir the ingredients together until they form a dough, roll it out, cut into squares, and bake. The hardest part is trying to decide which dip to dunk them in!
20. Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce is your friend when you’re gluten-free. The right leaves can do double duty as both salad and bread. Filled with a fragrant chicken filling, these lettuce wraps are a showstopper. Salty, sweet, and very light, they’re a delicious mix of tastes and textures.
