Deviled eggs had their moment and we’re moving on. This Easter, skip the usual suspects and bring something people will actually be excited to eat. These appetizers are bold, easy to make, and hold their own on the table without a sprinkle of paprika in sight. Show up with any of these and the plate will clear before the ham hits the table.

Close-up of bacon-wrapped dates with cream cheese filling, secured with toothpicks. They are served on a light-colored plate, highlighting the crispy texture of the bacon and creamy filling.
Air fryer bacon wrapped dates. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.
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Goat Cheese Tomato Sausage Tart

Goat cheese tomato sausage tart on a cutting board.
Goat Cheese Tomato Sausage Tart. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This tart has enough going on to hold its own on an Easter spread. The goat cheese adds creaminess, the sausage brings the flavor, and the tomatoes balance it out. It’s easy to slice into small squares and set out as a ready-to-go appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Tomato Sausage Tart

Crispy Salmon Bites

Crispy Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These salmon bites cook quickly in a pan and come out crisp and satisfying. You only need a can of salmon and a few basic ingredients. Serve them with a dip or on a plate of greens and they’ll pass for more than just a snack.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Salmon Bites

Melon Mozzarella Prosciutto Skewers

Melon Mozzarella Prosciutto Skewers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These skewers are simple to assemble and don’t require any cooking. The melon adds some sweetness, the prosciutto brings salt, and the mozzarella ties it together. They’re a smart option when you want something light that still feels like real food.
Get the Recipe: Melon Mozzarella Prosciutto Skewers

Spinach Cheddar Cakes

Spinach Cheddar Cakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These cook in one pan and only take one bowl to mix. They’re packed with cheese and greens and work well as an appetizer that doesn’t require utensils. Set them out with a dipping sauce and they’ll disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Cheddar Cakes

Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These bites check a lot of boxes. You get crispy sweet potato, creamy guacamole, and salty bacon in one small package. They’re easy to make in batches and great when you want something people will actually reach for.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

Whipped Burrata Lemon Shrimp Crostini

Whipped Burrata Lemon Shrimp Crostini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These crostini layer burrata, shrimp, and lemon on toasted bread. They look like more effort than they take and hold up well on a platter. They’re a solid addition to an Easter table without falling back on the usual staples.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Burrata Lemon Shrimp Crostini

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These skewers use chicken thighs for extra flavor and cook quickly on the grill or in the air fryer. The sauce is spicy and a little sweet, and it sticks to the meat without making a mess. Serve them hot or at room temperature—they hold up either way.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Creamy Green Olive Dip

Creamy Green Olive Dip. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

This dip comes together fast and holds up well at room temperature. The chopped green olives and sundried tomatoes give it a bold, salty flavor that works with chips, crackers, or cut vegetables. It’s a solid make-ahead option for any Easter table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Olive Dip

Roasted Eggplant Dip

Roasted eggplant dip drizzled with olive oil and topped with pine nuts and parsley in a teal dish.
Roasted Eggplant Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This dip is made from roasted eggplant blended until smooth. It’s rich without being heavy and pairs well with just about anything crunchy. It’s a practical alternative when you want something spreadable but not the same thing everyone always brings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant Dip

Spring Lamb Nachos

Spring Lamb Nachos. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These nachos swap ground beef for lamb and load up on spring vegetables and feta. They’re still cheesy and salty but feel a little more put together. They’re great for casual gatherings when a full meal isn’t happening.
Get the Recipe: Spring Lamb Nachos

Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

Blue Cheese Steak Crostini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These crostini use rare steak, blue cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. They’re easy to prep ahead and assemble just before serving. They make sense on a holiday table when you want something with a little more substance.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

Cheesy Edamame Crostini

Cheesy Edamame Crostini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These crostini come together quickly with frozen edamame, cheese, and a bit of lemon. They hold their shape well, which makes them easy to serve at room temperature. They’re a good way to add something different without making a big production out of it.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Edamame Crostini

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This dip is rich and familiar, and it always gets cleaned out. It heats well, scoops easily, and works with anything from bread to crackers to vegetables. It’s a dependable crowd-pleaser that holds up on a busy holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Buffalo Chicken Nachos. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These nachos are built with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, melted cheese, and a quick yogurt drizzle. They’re bold, easy to throw together, and great when you need something filling that still works as finger food.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Popcorn Shrimp

Popcorn Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These shrimp are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked until crisp. They work well with a dipping sauce and don’t fall apart on a platter. They’re quick to prep and a great pick when you want something hot that still feels like a snack.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Shrimp

Carrot Chips

Carrot Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These carrot chips come in both sweet and spicy versions and bake up crisp in the oven. They’re a smart way to get vegetables on the table without a big salad. Serve them in a bowl and they’ll hold up next to the heavier appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Chips

Warm Marinated Olives

Warm Marinated Olives. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These olives are tossed with herbs, garlic, and a bit of vinegar, then gently heated to bring out the flavor. They’re easy to prep ahead and hold well at room temperature. They work especially well on a snack board when you want variety without too much prep.
Get the Recipe: Warm Marinated Olives

Coconut Pecan Shrimp

Coconut Pecan Shrimp. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These shrimp are breaded with shredded coconut and chopped pecans, then baked or fried until crisp. The coating adds crunch without being heavy. They’re great on their own or with a simple dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Pecan Shrimp

Air Fryer Ravioli

Air Fryer Ravioli. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These ravioli go straight into the air fryer and come out golden and crisp. They’re easy to batch and hold their shape without getting soggy. Set them out with a marinara dip and they’ll be gone fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ravioli

Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket

Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These are wrapped in dough and crisped in the air fryer with bacon, cheese, and jalapeño tucked inside. They’re fast, bold, and easy to eat without a plate. They’re a solid option for a holiday spread that leans more casual.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket

Everything Bagel Dip

Everything Bagel Dip. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This dip is made with cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning, and it works with chips, bread, or vegetables. It holds up well at room temperature and brings something familiar without repeating the usual dips.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Dip

Cranberry and Whipped Feta Puffs

Cranberry and Whipped Feta Puffs. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

These pastry bites are filled with tangy whipped feta and a spoonful of cranberry. They bake up golden and hold their shape well, which makes them easy to serve. They’re a good pick when you want something that looks nice without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Whipped Feta Puffs

Honey & Goat Cheese Endive Bites

Honey & Goat Cheese Endive Bites. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

These bites are made with goat cheese and a drizzle of honey, all served on crisp endive leaves. They come together fast and don’t need any cooking. They’re light, clean, and a great way to balance out heavier options.
Get the Recipe: Honey & Goat Cheese Endive Bites

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

These dates are wrapped in bacon and cooked in the air fryer until crisp. They’re salty, sweet, and hold up well without needing a fork or napkin. Make a batch ahead and reheat before serving.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates

Eggplant Bruschetta

Eggplant Bruschetta. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

These use roasted eggplant instead of tomato and sit on toasted bread. The texture holds well, and the flavor is bold without being too heavy. They’re a great pick when you want something plant-based that still feels like real food.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Bruschetta

Founder and Writer at  | 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.

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