These cheese-forward appetizers turn simple ingredients into unforgettable bites. Creamy, crispy, fresh, and flavorful elements come together in recipes that highlight cheese in all its best forms. From melty brie to whipped ricotta and savory, herb-filled snacks, each dish delivers a rich, bright, and irresistible experience perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.

Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This creamy and savory pimento cheese is a timeless Southern favorite that works for any occasion. It’s smooth, flavorful, and perfect as a spread for crackers, sandwiches, or fresh veggies. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your appetizer rotation.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese

Southern Cheese Straws

Southern Cheese Straws. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Crispy, cheesy, and full of Southern charm, these cheese straws are the ultimate party snack. They’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious, disappearing almost as soon as you set them out. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave something savory.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cheese Straws

Herb-Marinated Mozzarella Balls

A pile of herb-marinated mozzarella balls with herbs on a wooden board, next to sliced bread and a bunch of cherry tomatoes.
Herb-Marinated Mozzarella Balls. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Tender mozzarella balls soak up garlic, herbs, and olive oil for a flavorful, bite-sized appetizer. They’re great on skewers, added to salads, or enjoyed straight from the bowl. Easy to prepare and always a hit, they bring bright Mediterranean flair to any spread.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Marinated Mozzarella Balls

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.

Flaky puff pastry wraps around a creamy mix of Boursin, cheddar, Parmesan, and herbs for an irresistible bite. These appetizers bake up golden and buttery, perfect for happy hour or special gatherings. They’re simple to make yet impressive on any table.
Get the Recipe: Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers

Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

Slices of toasted bread topped with roasted tomatoes, creamy cheese, and fresh thyme on a white plate. The tomatoes are glistening, and the thyme adds a touch of green.
Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This crostini pairs sweet roasted tomatoes with smooth whipped feta for a balanced, flavorful appetizer. Fresh herbs and rustic toasted bread bring together French elegance with cozy Southern comfort. It’s a beautiful starter that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

Pomegranate Cheese Balls

A plate with pomegranate cheese balls and grapes on it.
Pomegranate Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These mini cheese balls are creamy, festive, and perfect for parties of any size. Coated in juicy pomegranate arils, they add a pop of color and sweetness to your appetizer spread. They’re simple to make and sophisticated enough for holidays or special gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Cheese Balls

Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels

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

These pinwheels combine juicy pears, cheese, and cranberries wrapped in flaky puff pastry for a sweet-savory treat. They’re ideal for game days, parties, or elegant gatherings. Easy to prepare and beautiful to serve, they deliver big flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels

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.

Creamy ricotta, ripe peaches, and salty prosciutto come together on toasted bread for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. A drizzle of honey and crispy sage elevates every bite. These crostini make a standout summer appetizer with minimal effort required.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

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.

This baked brie in a bowl melts into a rich, gooey appetizer that’s perfect for dipping. It feels luxurious but comes together with very simple ingredients. Serve it with bread, crackers, or fruit for a warm and comforting starter that guests will love.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie in a Bowl

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 is warm, creamy, and brightened with lemon and fresh herbs. It’s a versatile appetizer that pairs well with bread, crackers, fruit, or olives. Quick to prepare and full of fresh flavor, it’s an effortless crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart

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

This savory tart layers sweet caramelized onions with rich, creamy brie inside a tender, keto-friendly crust. It looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for special occasions or dinner parties, it delivers elegant flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart

Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese

A dish of creamy whipped ricotta drizzled with olive oil, garnished with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest
Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Whipped ricotta is smooth, airy, and incredibly versatile, making it a stylish addition to any appetizer spread. It works beautifully with sweet toppings like fruit or savory pairings like herbs and olive oil. Simple yet elegant, it’s a reliable go-to for easy entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese

Garlic Herb Cheeseball

A cheese ball coated with chopped nuts and herbs is served on a plate alongside round crackers.
Garlic Herb Cheeseball. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This garlic herb cheeseball blends cream cheese, Parmesan, and fresh herbs for a flavorful, creamy appetizer. Rolled in crunchy pecans, it offers a satisfying mix of textures. It’s easy to prepare ahead and perfect for serving with crackers or veggies at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Cheeseball

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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