Award-Winning Appetizers! 17 Recipes to Impress from the First Bite

Starting a meal with a great appetizer sets the mood for the whole dinner, and these 17 award-winning recipes are all about that wow factor. Each one is easy to make but looks and tastes like you’ve worked on it all day. If you want to impress your guests from the first bite, these award-winning appetizers are the way to go!

Image shows an overhead shot of Caprese Bites on a wooden board.
Caprese Appetizer. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lebanese Babaganoush

Lebanese Babaganoush. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Lebanese Babaganoush offers a smoky, creamy dip option that’s hard to resist. It’s made from roasted eggplant blended with tahini and garlic, creating an award-winning appetizer that impresses with its depth of flavor. Pair it with fresh bread or crispy vegetables for a satisfying start.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Babaganoush

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms with crispy shallots and parsley.
Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Try Stuffed Mushrooms if you’re after something rich and savory. These little delights are filled with a delicious mix that melts right in your mouth, making them an award-winning appetizer from the first bite. They pack a punch of flavor in a small package. They’re always a hit at parties.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

Cauliflower Nuggets

Cauliflower Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cauliflower Nuggets are a crunchy, delicious way to start a meal. They’ve earned their place as an award-winning appetizer because they’re not only tasty but also healthier. Dip them in your favorite sauce to kick off your dining experience with flair. They’re a sure crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

Buffalo Jackfruit Dip

Buffalo Jackfruit Dip. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

For a unique and tangy start, Buffalo Jackfruit Dip is the way to go. It’s an award-winning appetizer that brings a new twist to traditional dips. Spicy and packed with flavor, it impresses from the moment you dip your chip. It’s a bold choice for adventurous eaters.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Jackfruit Dip

Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who doesn’t love pizza in bite-sized form? Pizza Rolls are a playful, award-winning appetizer, filled with cheese and tomato sauce. They’re perfect for dipping and sharing, making them a favorite at any gathering. Grab one and you’ll see why they impress from the first taste.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Mozzarella Sticks

Someone pulling a mozzarella stick apart and showing the stretchy cheese.
Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Everyone loves a good mozzarella stick, with its crispy outside and gooey cheese inside. These sticks are a nostalgic, award-winning appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Serve them up with some marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear. They’re a reliable choice to impress from the very start.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks

Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers on a serving dish with balsamic glaze drizzled over.
Caprese Skewers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Think of a tiny, tasty version of a classic salad. Caprese Skewers stack cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a stick, making them easy to grab and enjoy. With a little balsamic glaze, these skewers are a hit and a fun way to present an award-winning appetizer. They’re perfect for a party, impressing guests from the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Skewers

Potato Skins

Potato skins with sour cream and sliced scallions.
Potato Skins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A classic appetizer that never goes out of style, Potato Skins are loaded with cheese, bacon, and a touch of sour cream. They’re a hearty, satisfying choice among award-winning appetizers. Perfect for a casual get-together, they’re sure to impress from the first bite. They bring a bit of indulgence to any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with cranberry sauce on a platter.
Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s something irresistibly classic about Deviled Eggs. This award-winning appetizer is a favorite because it’s creamy and has just the right hint of tang. Each egg is a small bite of delight that impresses from the first taste. They’re as pretty as they are tasty.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Cashew Queso Recipe

Cashew Queso Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Our Cashew Queso Recipe is a dairy-free alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This creamy, spicy queso is an award-winning appetizer that’s sure to impress with its smooth texture. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free start to their meal. Serve it warm for the best experience.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Queso Recipe

Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes on parchment paper, with dollops of sauce and sprigs of dill.
Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These aren’t just any potatoes; Smashed Potatoes are crisped to perfection with a fluffy interior. Seasoned simply, they are a humble yet delicious award-winning appetizer. Pair them with your favorite dip for an extra flavor kick. They’re a straightforward, tasty way to impress your guests right from the start.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Easy Vegan Coleslaw. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

For a light and refreshing option, Easy Vegan Coleslaw is just right. This award-winning appetizer is crisp and fresh, making it a great palate cleanser or side. It impresses with its simplicity and fresh flavors from the first bite. It’s a great way to add a healthy touch to your table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you enjoy a mix of sweet and savory, Sweet Potato Cubes are a fantastic pick. These award-winning appetizers bring a warm, earthy flavor that impresses as soon as you try them. They’re roasted to a perfect crispness. You can count on these to brighten up your appetizer tray.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Gluten-Free Crackers

Gluten-Free Crackers. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Gluten-Free Crackers are a must-have for anyone with dietary restrictions. They’re light, crispy, and an award-winning way to kick off any appetizer selection. These crackers are perfect for pairing with a range of toppings and dips, impressing guests with their versatility from the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Crackers

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

A plate of cauliflower wings with dipping sauce and celery.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking for something that packs a punch? Try our Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, a spicy, crispy option that’s perfect as an award-winning appetizer. It brings the heat and flavor of classic buffalo wings without the guilt. This is one of those recipes that will impress from the first bite, especially for those who love a zesty kick.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Pineapple Cheese Ball

A cheese ball topped with crackers and grapes.
Pineapple Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mixing sweet pineapple with creamy cheese creates a unique and flavorful combination. The Pineapple Cheese Ball stands out in any spread of award-winning appetizers. It’s easy to serve with a variety of crackers and sure to grab attention. This is a recipe that impresses with its sweet and savory notes from the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cheese Ball

Caprese Appetizer

Image shows an overhead shot of Caprese Bites on a wooden board.
Caprese Appetizer. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This one is a fresh, simple start to any meal. Our Caprese Appetizer combines ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a touch of fresh basil. It’s an award-winning recipe that impresses with its clean flavors. A drizzle of balsamic adds just the right touch to lift up the taste.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

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