8 Top-Rated Appetizers for Any Occasion

Candied Mixed Nuts with Rosemary

These nuts are easy to prepare and make a satisfying snack when guests gather for dinner.

French Onion and Blue Cheese Dip

Guess what’s better than French onion dip or blue cheese dip? That’s right: our insanely delicious French onion blue cheese dip.

Cucumber and Avocado Summer Rolls with Mustard-Soy Sauce

Think of these wholesome rolls as a tart, sweet and savory salad that can be eaten easily out of hand.

Chicken Meatballs with Ginger and Lemongrass

Meatballs make for a wonderful finger food. Make them Asian-inspired, with lemongrass, soy and fish sauce, or try the Greek version in the recipe headnote, which calls for feta, mint and walnuts instead.

Gravlax with Mustard-Dill Sauce

Gravlax sounds exotic, but it’s simply salmon that’s been cured with spices and vodka or aquavit. Serve pieces of it speared by toothpicks for dipping, or with simple crackers or toasted rye bread.

Baked Brie en Croûte with Apple Compote

It’d be mighty hard to pass up an appetizer like this one, a puff pastry pouch brimming with oozy melted brie and served with a sweet apple compote. As an incredible bonus, it can made up to two weeks ahead.

Every party needs an easy, elegant appetizer to keep guests satisfied until the main event. This adaptable is just the thing, as it’s attractive, delicious and made easy thanks to puff pastry.

Cremini Mushrooms Stuffed with Spanish Ham

Thanks in part to the addition of serrano ham, these stuffed mushrooms are unlike any other. We’d recommend making an extra-large batch; these bites will go fast.