Sometimes appetizers are just too good to stop at a “taste.” These picks aren’t here to politely warm you up for the main course; they’re here to steal the show. Loaded bites, rich dips, and snackable favorites that make dinner look like an afterthought.

Popcorn shrimp with a dip on a plate.
Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bites

Buffalo chicken cheddar bites with a bowl of avocado cream dip.
Broccoli Cheddar Buffalo Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These buffalo chicken cheddar bites are packed with flavor. They might fill you up before dinner, but they’re totally worth it.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bites

Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Mexican dip in a black skillet with tortilla chips.
Chipotle Fundido Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cheesy fundido dip with a spicy chipotle hummus kick is hard to resist. Perfect with chips or roasted vegetables, it’s an appetizer that might steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Salt and Vinegar Popcorn Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower on a plate with ketchup and mustard.
Salt and Vinegar Popcorn Cauliflower. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

If you love popcorn shrimp, you’ll enjoy this salt and vinegar popcorn cauliflower. It’s just as addictive and might make you forget about dinner.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Vinegar Popcorn Cauliflower

Air Fryer Gnocchi

Air fryer gnocchi on a white plate.
Air Fryer Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy air fryer cauliflower gnocchi is great as an appetizer or main dish. Easy to make and delicious, it might just outshine your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Gnocchi

Spinach Cheddar Cakes

A wooden cutting board with spinach patties and dipping sauce.
Spinach Cheddar Cakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These spinach and cheddar cakes are delicious as a side dish or appetizer. Serve them with creamy buffalo dip for extra flavor that might make you too full for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Cheddar Cakes

Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

Sweet potato stuffed with guacamole and bacon.
Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These smashed sweet potato guacamole bites have crispy sides and soft centers. Topped with bacon, they’re perfect for filling up before dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Zucchini chips in a bowl on a wooden table.
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These garlic-flavored air fryer zucchini chips are crispy and addicting. They come together quickly and make a great snack or appetizer that might leave you too full for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

BBQ Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas on a plate with a napkin.
BBQ Roasted Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Craving a savory snack? These crispy, roasted BBQ chickpeas are a great option and might just ruin your appetite for dinner.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Roasted Chickpeas

Plantain Chips

A plate of fried banana chips with a bowl of salsa.
Plantain Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy baked plantain chips make the perfect crunchy snack. Great with any salsa, they might fill you up before the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Plantain Chips

Spicy Seasoned Pretzels

A bowl of pretzels with guacamole and guacamole.
Spicy Pretzels. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These spicy seasoned pretzels are an easy homemade snack. Perfect for dipping in guac, salsa, or hummus, they might make you too full for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Seasoned Pretzels

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

A white casserole dish with spinach and artichoke dip in it.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Serve this classic dip warm or at room temperature with your favorite crackers, chips, or veggies. It’s so good, it might just fill you up before dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Garlic white bean dip and pita chips on a table.
White Bean Garlic Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This roasted garlic white bean dip, made creamy with cottage cheese, is perfect with chips or veggies. It’s an appetizer that might leave you too full for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Popcorn Shrimp

Popcorn shrimp with a dip on a plate.
Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Popcorn shrimp combines fresh shrimp with a creamy seasoned mayo mixture and breadcrumbs. Baked until golden and crispy, they’re perfect as snacks or party appetizers that might ruin your appetite for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Shrimp

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

You May Also Like:

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *