Bring an appetizer everyone will love. These super cheesy dips, spreads and finger foods are the ultimate way to start a party.
46 Easy Cheese Appetizers for a Crowd
1/46
Bacon, Cheddar and Swiss Cheese Ball
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 cheese balls (4 cups each)
From the Recipe Creator:
When it’s time for a party, everyone always requests this ultimate cheese ball—it’s such an impressive appetizer. And if you’re a party guest, it makes a fabulous gift for your hosts.—Sue Franklin, Lake St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 116 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 194mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
2/46
Olives and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without baguette): 168 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
3/46
Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Wondering how to make potato skins taste great? Both crisp and hearty, this restaurant-quality snack is one that my family requests often. —Trish Perrin, Keizer, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 potato skin: 350 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
4/46
Hot Cheese Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
When a colleague brought this cheesy dip to school for a teachers potluck, I immediately gave it an A+. I had to have the recipe for this irresistibly creamy recipe to make for my family! —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 201 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
5/46
Party Cheese Bread
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can't go wrong with this recipe. The cheesy, butter bread is so simple to make but the taste is sinful. Plus it looks fantastic, and people just flock to it! It's better than the usual garlic bread too. —Karen Grant, Tulare, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 237 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
6/46
Brie Puff Pastry
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband was in the Air Force, so we've entertained guests all over the United States. I acquired this recipe while in California. It's one of my favorite special appetizers. —Sandra Twait, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 328 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 424mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
7/46
Reuben Dip
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
32 servings (about 4 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
This slow-cooked spread tastes just like the popular Reuben sandwich. Even when I double the recipe, I end up with an empty dish. —Mary Jane Kimmes, Hastings, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoon: 58 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
8/46
Ravioli Appetizer Pops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Ravioli on a stick is a tasty appetizer everyone talks about. They’re simple and fun to make and eat. Use packaged dipping sauces, or make your own. Get my recipes on my blog, thehopelesshousewife.com. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer (calculated without marinara sauce and pesto): 32 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 97mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
9/46
Southwestern Nachos
Total Time
7 hours 55 min
Servings
30 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will go crazy when you serve this cheesy nacho casserole with tender chunks of slow-cooked pork. The recipe makes two heaping pans, and you don’t need to worry about filling the chip bowl—the tortilla chips are conveniently baked right in the dish! —Kelly Byler, Goshen, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 288 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
10/46
Caprese Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
11/46
Marinated Cheese with Peppers and Olives
Total Time
10 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cheddar cheese, red peppers and pitted ripe olives make a tasty, rustic appetizer when marinated overnight and served with decorative toothpicks. —Polly Brunning, Thaxton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 155 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 339mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
12/46
Bacon-Cheddar Potato Croquettes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 46 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
13/46
Warm Broccoli Cheese Dip
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
5.50 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
When my family gathers for a party, someone serves this flavorful, creamy dip. Everyone loves its zip from the jalapeno pepper and the crunch of the broccoli. —Barbara Maiol, Conyers, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 47 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
14/46
Cheddar-Veggie Appetizer Torte
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A line forms quickly behind this quichelike torte at family gatherings. The wedges are easy to eat as finger food, and it's delicious hot or cold. — Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 175 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
15/46
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like spice, you'll love this dip. It's super cheesy and full of rich flavor, and it really has that Buffalo wing taste! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip (calculated without chips): 167 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
16/46
Caramel Apple and Brie Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a caterer, and this is one of my best-selling appetizers. The shortcut of using prepared caramel makes these little apple skewers a snap to assemble. —Camille Ellis, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 272 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 303mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
17/46
Marinated Mozzarella
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always come home with an empty container when I bring this dish to a party. It can be made ahead to free up time later. I serve it with pretty frilled toothpicks for a festive look. —Peggy Cairo, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 203 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
18/46
Chili Baked Brie
Total Time
40 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chili and garlic powder shine in this cheesy loaf that’s best right out of the oven. It’s always a favorite when I entertain. —Mary Spencer, Greendale, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 122 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
19/46
Mac and Cheese Bites
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. To my surprise, it was the adults who devoured these mini mac and cheese bites. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
20/46
Loaded Baked Potato Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
I never thought of using waffle-cut fries as a scoop for dip until a friend of mine did at a baby shower. They’re ideal for my cheesy bacon and chive dip, which tastes just like a baked potato topper. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without fries): 149 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
21/46
Three-Cheese Fondue
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this easy recipe from my daughter, who lives in France. It’s become my go-to fondue, and I make it often for our family.—Betty A. Mangas, Toledo, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 191 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
22/46
Goat Cheese Spread in Roasted Pepper Cups
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a similar dish in a restaurant in Seattle, and when I returned home I just had to try my hand at making it. This is the fantastic result. I've taken it to work for parties and my boss once commented, "It's so good, it must be illegal."—Jenny Rodriquez, Pasco, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup spread with 3 toasts: 445 calories, 35g fat (19g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
23/46
Beer-Cheese Appetizers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
80 appetizers (1-3/4 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
Featuring kitchen staples like salsa, refried beans, sour cream and two types of cheese, this crowd-pleasing appetizer comes together faster than a two-minute drill. —Kristy Wilshire, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 triangle with 1 teaspoon sauce : 31 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
24/46
Chicken Nachos
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken nachos recipe is delicious and so simple. Rotisserie (or leftover) chicken keeps it quick, and the seasonings and splash of lime juice lend fantastic flavor. My husband enjoys this snack so much that he often requests it for dinner! —Gail Cawsey, Geneseo, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 221 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
25/46
Herbed Cheese Sticks
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 cheese sticks
From the Recipe Creator:
We love the breadsticks we get hot from the oven at our local pizza parlor. Now I can serve that same wonderful goodness at home. —Heather Bates, Athens, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 cheese stick: 72 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
26/46
Nacho Dip
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
7 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This zesty nacho dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. —Sally Hull, Homestead, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 143 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 484mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
27/46
Walnut & Fig Goat Cheese Log
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a simple spread that calls for only a handful of ingredients. The tablespoon of honey is optional, but I think that touch of sweetness nicely complements the tang of the goat cheese. —Ana-Marie Correll, Hollister, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 93 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
28/46
Marinated Cheese
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
This special appetizer always makes it to our neighborhood parties and is the first to disappear from the buffet table. It's attractive, delicious—and so easy! —Laurie Casper, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce cheese: 121 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
29/46
Zucchini & Cheese Roulades
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 24 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 58mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
30/46
Muffuletta Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I needed a party appetizer and couldn’t find a recipe I liked, I created my own. This savory spread boasts the flavors of a classic Italian muffuletta sandwich. —Helen Flamm, Dayton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice (calculated without crackers): 267 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
31/46
Cheese Fries
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe after my daughter had cheese fries at a restaurant and couldn't stop talking about them. She loves that I can fix them so quickly at home. Plus, the frozen fry packets can be refrigerated and reheated. —Melissa Tatum, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 129 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 255mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
32/46
Curry Cheese Spread
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this creamy spread with my students and it was a big success. It is easy to make and the flavor contrasts make it interesting. Toasty bread slices are the perfect compliment.
Paula Englert, Louisville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 163 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
33/46
Fruit Skewers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
34/46
Appetizer Blue Cheese Logs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 cheese logs (1-1/4 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
Three kinds of cheese and some curry powder make this cheese log a little more lively than most. Swipe it on your favorite cracker with a drizzle of honey for a sensational snack. —Ethel Johnson, North Saanich, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 196 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 243mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
35/46
Southern Pimiento Cheese Spread
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic southern comfort food, this spread is used as an appetizer with crackers, corn chips or celery. It is also smeared between two slices of white bread for sandwiches and as a topping for hamburgers and hot dogs. —Eileen Balmer, South Bend, Indiana.
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 116 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
36/46
Spanakopita Bites
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
For an easy spanakopita, try this version that is made in a pan, then cut into squares. It has all the wonderful taste of the classic version—buttery phyllo with a spinach-cheese filling—but is so simple to do. —Barbara Smith, Chipley, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 21 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
37/46
Beer and Brats Nachos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Head to the Midwest for the big game with a platter of these crunchy snacks enlivened with a beer-laced cheese sauce. —Kelly Boe, Whiteland, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 348 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
38/46
Warm Goat Cheese in Marinara
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Every family has a recipe they pull out time and again when the gang gathers, and goat cheese warmed in a marinara sauce is one of those household favorites. Minced basil and cracked black pepper give it that fresh and alive finish. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3 tablespoons (calculated without baguette): 42 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
39/46
Jalapeno Popper & Sausage Dip
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My workplace had an appetizer contest, and I won it with my jalapeno and cheese dip. Every time I take it anywhere, folks empty the slow cooker. —Bev Slabik, Dilworth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without vegetables): 180 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 399mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
40/46
Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum Jam
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Among my friends I'm known as the pork master, because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
41/46
Holiday Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we offer this cream-cheesy salsa of fresh cranberries, cilantro and a little jalapeno kick, everyone hovers around the serving dish until it’s scraped clean. —Shelly Pattison, Lubbock, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 146 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 71mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
42/46
Chunky Blue Cheese Dip
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings (2 tablespoons dip each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time I make this quick blue cheese dip, someone asks for the recipe. It only requires a few items, so its a snap to put together. I often prepare the thick spread with Gorgonzola cheese and serve it with toasted pecans. —Sandy Schneider Naperville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons dip: 112 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
43/46
Chile con Queso
Total Time
20 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, my husband invented this gooey cheese dip. I may be biased, but I have to say it's excellent. If you like heat, rev it up with finely chopped jalapenos. —Patricia Leinheiser, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 103 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
44/46
Chicken Chili Nachos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a “dash in the pan” dish that’s always a hit. The spicy nachos have plenty of chicken and two kinds of beans, so they make a filling snack. —Karen Horning, Rockford, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 484 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 8g fiber), 26g protein.
45/46
Swiss Cheese Bread
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This bread will receive rave reviews, whether you serve it as an appetizer or with a meal. For real convenience, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it! —Karla Boice, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 187 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
46/46
Beer Dip
Total Time
5 min
Servings
3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 93 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.