These baked appetizers prove that you don’t need a fryer to bring the crunch. Each recipe delivers golden edges, bold flavor, and clever twists that make entertaining effortless. From stuffed mushrooms to crispy bites and pastry-wrapped delights, they’re made to impress. Simple to prepare and even easier to love, these starters will steal the spotlight. Crunchy, creative, and oven-approved—they’re a win every time.

Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers

Baked pastry rolls with cheese and herbs on a decorative green and white plate.
Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers are buttery, flaky, and packed with flavor. Each bite combines creamy Boursin, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and fresh herbs for a perfectly balanced taste. They’re elegant yet easy to make, making them ideal for parties, happy hour, or any casual get-together. Expect them to disappear in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers

Baked Brie in a Bowl

A wooden platter with baked brie in a bowl, cheese, crackers, grapes and bread.
Baked Brie in a Bowl. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baked Brie in a Bowl is a warm, gooey, and indulgent appetizer that never fails to impress. Melty brie cheese is baked until perfectly creamy, then topped with your favorite sweet or savory garnishes. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers for a shareable dish that’s rich, comforting, and effortlessly elegant.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie in a Bowl

Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Pear and cranberry pinwheels on a white board.
Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels blend sweet and savory flavors in the most delicious way. Juicy pears, cranberries, and cheese are rolled in flaky puff pastry for a golden, irresistible appetizer. They’re simple to prepare and make an eye-catching addition to any game day or party spread.
Get the Recipe: Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Juicy mushrooms are filled with a flavorful sausage and cheese mixture, then baked to perfection. They’re savory, satisfying, and easy to prep ahead of time—ideal for stress-free entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Baked ricotta cheese in a blue casserole dish with sliced bread.
Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon is light, creamy, and full of fresh flavor. The hint of lemon brightens the richness of the ricotta, while herbs add a touch of elegance. Pair it with crusty bread, crackers, or olives for an easy yet impressive appetizer that comes together in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

A plate of bacon wrapped mini peppers.
Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers are stuffed with a creamy, seasoned cheese filling and wrapped in smoky bacon. They bake up beautifully crisp on the outside and soft inside, delivering the perfect mix of spicy, salty, and creamy. Great for game day or parties, they’re ready in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

Steak Tartines with Red Peppers and Horseradish Cream

Slices of toasted baguette topped with roast beef, creamy sauce, chopped parsley, capers, and red pepper make for creative appetizers, beautifully arranged on a brown plate.
Steak Tartines with Red Peppers and Horseradish Cream. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Steak Tartines with Red Peppers and Horseradish Cream bring restaurant-worthy flavor to your home table. Juicy slices of steak sit atop crusty bread with a layer of tangy, creamy horseradish sauce. Easy to prepare yet incredibly sophisticated, they make a standout appetizer for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Steak Tartines with Red Peppers and Horseradish Cream

Easy Gougeres

A white plate with six golden-brown cheese puffs sits on a wooden surface, offering irresistible baked appetizers, with a wedge of cheese visible in the foreground.
Easy Gougeres. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Gougères are airy, cheesy French pastries that melt in your mouth with every bite. Made with Gruyère cheese and choux dough, they’re light, golden, and perfectly savory. Serve them warm as an elegant party snack or alongside wine for an irresistible treat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gougeres

Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

Fresh sage leaves piled onto a ricotta crostini with peaches and prosciutto.
Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto are the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and salty. Crispy toasted bread is topped with smooth ricotta, juicy peaches, and savory prosciutto, finished with a drizzle of honey. They’re light, elegant, and take just minutes to assemble.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

Thai Curry Puffs

Thai curry puffs filled with ground chicken, potatoes, peas, onions, garlic and spices are a mouthwatering snack.
Thai Curry Puffs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai Curry Puffs are a flaky, golden pastry filled with spiced chicken, potatoes, onions, and garlic. Each bite bursts with bold, aromatic flavor and a hint of sweetness. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for serving at parties or as a unique appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curry Puffs

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms

Four stuffed mushrooms on a white plate.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

These Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms are hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Tender mushrooms are filled with savory beef, onions, and melted cheese, making every bite a satisfying one. They’re a fun twist on a classic sandwich and perfect for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese garnished with parsley.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella are an easy and flavorful side or appetizer. Juicy Roma tomatoes are topped with melted cheese, fresh basil, and Italian seasoning, then baked until bubbly and golden. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Image shows an overhead shot closeup of Bacon Wrapped Dates.
Bacon Wrapped Dates. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bacon Wrapped Dates are the ultimate sweet-and-savory bite-sized snack. Each soft, sweet date is wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a perfect contrast of flavors and textures. They’re elegant enough for parties yet simple enough for everyday snacking.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Dates

Cranberry Brie Bites

Brie bites filled with jam and chopped nuts, topped with rosemary sprigs, on a white plate.
Cranberry Brie Bites. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

These Cranberry Brie Bites are festive, flaky, and irresistibly delicious. Creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberry, and crunchy pecans are tucked into buttery puff pastry cups for a bite-sized treat. With just 5 ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

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

Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites are a fun and flavorful appetizer bursting with color and texture. Crispy roasted sweet potato rounds are topped with creamy guacamole and a savory bacon piece. They’re bite-sized, wholesome, and absolutely delicious.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Mini chicken taco cups on a silver tray.
Mini Chicken Taco Cups. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Mini Chicken Taco Cups pack all your favorite taco flavors into a fun, bite-sized form. Crispy tortilla shells are filled with seasoned beans, chicken, and melted cheese, then topped with salsa for extra zest. Perfect for game day, parties, or family snacking.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Beef Wellington Bites

Beef Wellington Bites on a white plate with sauce in the middle.
Beef Wellington Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Beef Wellington Bites are a mini version of the classic dish, featuring tender beef wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Each bite is rich, buttery, and full of flavor. They’re an elegant yet approachable appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites

Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart

A plate Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart.
Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart is an elegant appetizer that balances sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. Golden caramelized onions and melted brie sit atop a crisp tart crust, creating a sophisticated yet comforting dish. It’s surprisingly easy to make and beautiful enough for any special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart

The Best Baked Feta Recipe

The Best Baked Feta Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Indulge in the bold, Mediterranean flavors of this creamy Baked Feta. The cheese is baked with Kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and olive oil until melty and aromatic. It’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to be one of the best baked feta dishes you’ll ever try.
Get the Recipe: The Best Baked Feta Recipe

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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