Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      Can an avocado a day keep your health at bay? What does the research have to say? Read More
    • 7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      Skip the added sugar and bump up the protein to keep yourself full on this 7-day meal plan. Read More
    • 20 Low-Carb, High-Protein Dinners Ready in 3 Steps or Less

       If you're looking for low-carb, high-protein dinners that don't require cooking for hours, these recipes got you covered. These dinner options are ready to serve in 3 steps or less so you can meet your nutrition goals easily. Each recipe l meets our nutrition parameters, with less than 14 grams of carbs and more than 15 grams of protein, without wasting on flavor. Recipes like 20-Minute Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Pesto Sauce and Cheesy Ground Beef Cauliflower Casserole are delicious options for you to get a healthy meal on your table in no time.  Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Cooking Methods & Styles
  4. Quick & Easy Healthy Recipes
  5. Healthy, Quick & Easy Appetizer Recipes
  6. 23 Healthy, 20-Minute Appetizer Recipes That Are So Good You'll Want Them for Dinner

23 Healthy, 20-Minute Appetizer Recipes That Are So Good You'll Want Them for Dinner

Alex Loh
Alex Loh Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD April 15, 2021
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Red Peppers
Credit: Victor Protasio

Switch things up and make a spread of these delicious appetizers for dinner tonight. Whether it's a creamy dip, a slice of toast with all the toppings or a twist on popular appetizers, these healthy recipes are ready in 20 minutes. Recipes like Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Red Peppers and Buffalo-Chicken Celery Sticks make for a fun and tasty dinner.

Start Slideshow

1 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Red Peppers

Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Red Peppers
Credit: Victor Protasio
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This super-creamy whipped feta dip is savory with just a hint of sweetness from honey. This healthy dip is perfect for veggies, whole-grain crackers or bread.

1 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Black Bean Hummus

Black Bean Hummus
Credit: Casey Barber
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For a slightly Southwestern spin on hummus, swap in black beans for the traditional chickpeas. It's just as fiber-rich and filling, but with a taste that pairs well with tortilla chips and crisp bell peppers.

2 of 23

3 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tomato-Cheddar Cheese Toast

a slice of toast with cheese and tomato
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A perfect soup pairing or an easy snack, this healthy cheese toast recipe features fresh tomatoes, salty Cheddar cheese and cracked pepper atop slices of crusty bread.

3 of 23

Advertisement

4 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Scallion-Salmon Dip

<p>Inspired by the classic combination of smoked salmon and cream cheese, this spread is perfect for slathering on a bagel or serving as a dip with bagel chips. This salmon dip recipe is a great way to use up leftovers from Miso-Maple Salmon (see Associated Recipes).</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Inspired by the classic combination of smoked salmon and cream cheese, this spread is perfect for slathering on a bagel or serving as a dip with bagel chips. This salmon dip recipe is a great way to use up leftovers from Miso-Maple Salmon (see Associated Recipes).

4 of 23

5 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Air-Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

<p>The perfect football-party food, classic jalapeño poppers get a crispy upgrade in an air fryer. Cream cheese tempers the just-right hint of heat from the pepper and Buffalo sauce. To save time, you can stuff the peppers ahead of the party and fry them just before serving.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The perfect football-party food, classic jalapeño poppers get a crispy upgrade in an air fryer. Cream cheese tempers the just-right hint of heat from the pepper and Buffalo sauce. To save time, you can stuff the peppers ahead of the party and fry them just before serving.

5 of 23

6 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Buffalo-Chicken Celery Sticks

Buffalo-Chicken Celery Sticks
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These stuffed celery sticks, packed with zesty Buffalo chicken and tangy blue cheese, make a perfect low-carb game-day snack. The kick of flavor from tangy Buffalo sauce is tempered by creamy Neufchâtel (reduced-fat cream cheese), but you can cut back if the hot sauce is too much for sensitive palates. Drizzle a few drops on the sticks before serving for those who can handle the heat.

6 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Apricot, Prosciutto & Parmesan Bites

Apricot, Prosciutto & Parmesan Bites
Credit: Jamie Vespa, M.S., R.D.
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These 3-ingredient apricot, Parmesan and prosciutto bites are as simple to make as they look, and they taste even better. Simply layer each ingredient on top of the other and secure with a toothpick for an easy bite-size starter.

7 of 23

8 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toasts

<p>They would have been canapés back in 1979--today they're trendy avocado toasts. Let your guests creatively customize their nibbles by setting out an array of garnishes for this healthy appetizer.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

They would have been canapés back in 1979--today they're trendy avocado toasts. Let your guests creatively customize their nibbles by setting out an array of garnishes for this healthy appetizer.

8 of 23

9 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Strawberry & Brie Bites

Strawberry & Brie Bites
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Strawberries, Brie cheese, fresh basil and balsamic vinegar come together in this addictive one-bite appetizer recipe.

 

9 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Beet Hummus

<p>This vibrant hummus recipe couldn't be easier--just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Roasted beets make this healthy dip extra flavorful. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This vibrant hummus recipe couldn't be easier--just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Roasted beets make this healthy dip extra flavorful. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.

10 of 23

11 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Smoked Gouda & Giardiniera Charcuterie Sticks

Smoked Gouda & Giardiniera Charcuterie Sticks
Credit: Jacob Fox
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Crunchy pickled vegetables pair perfectly with creamy Gouda with a hint of smoke.

11 of 23

12 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Air-Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi with Marinara Dipping Sauce

Air-Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi with Marinara Dipping Sauce
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These tasty bites are perfect for anytime you need an easy appetizer or side dish. Cauliflower gnocchi get a crispy, cheesy coating on the outside and a tender middle in an air fryer. Marinara is the perfect complement for dipping.

12 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado-Yogurt Dip

<p>Update your guacamole recipe by adding protein-packed yogurt to make a healthy dip recipe. For an extra kick, add minced jalapeño or your favorite hot sauce for some zing! Serve this healthy dip recipe with crunchy vegetables, pita chips or pretzels, or use as a sandwich spread.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Update your guacamole recipe by adding protein-packed yogurt to make a healthy dip recipe. For an extra kick, add minced jalapeño or your favorite hot sauce for some zing! Serve this healthy dip recipe with crunchy vegetables, pita chips or pretzels, or use as a sandwich spread.

13 of 23

14 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Salami, Cheddar & Pepperoncini Charcuterie Sticks

Salami, Cheddar & Pepperoncini Charcuterie Sticks
Credit: Jacob Fox
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Salami, Cheddar cheese and pepperoncini deliver flavor in every bite in this easy appetizer.

14 of 23

15 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Baked Brie with Blackberry Jam

Baked Brie with Blackberry Jam
Credit: Jamie Vespa, M.S., R.D.
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Baked Brie is a classic, crowd-pleasing party appetizer, whether it's wrapped up in a pastry, in bite-size form or covered in a fruity jam, like in this recipe. In this easy 3-ingredient appetizer, we top a wheel of Brie with blackberry jam, bake for 10 minutes and serve with crisp apple slices (or crackers). It's so simple yet so delicious, you'll wonder why you don't make it more often!

15 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Loaded Sheet-Pan Nachos

<p>This quick and easy Super Bowl recipe has been referred to as "the best nachos people have ever had." With easy-to-find ingredients, an optional pop of tang and spice from the pickled jalapeños, and the salsa verde and sour cream for serving, we think it's earned its title!</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This quick and easy Super Bowl recipe has been referred to as "the best nachos people have ever had." With easy-to-find ingredients, an optional pop of tang and spice from the pickled jalapeños, and the salsa verde and sour cream for serving, we think it's earned its title!

16 of 23

17 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Smoked Salmon Cheese Toast

<p>Perfect with soup or as an easy snack, this healthy cheese toast recipe pairs reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), smoked salmon and dill on top of crusty bread.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Perfect with soup or as an easy snack, this healthy cheese toast recipe pairs reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), smoked salmon and dill on top of crusty bread.

17 of 23

18 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Manchego, Pepper Drop & Chorizo Charcuterie Sticks

Manchego, Pepper Drop & Chorizo Charcuterie Sticks
Credit: Jacob Fox
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Manchego cheese pairs perfectly with sweet and tangy pepper drops. If you can't find small pickled peppers, a larger one cut into pieces will work well too.

18 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Reuben Pickle Bites

stacks of pickles, bread, pastrami and cheese with a toothpick
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This pickle-on-a-stick appetizer has all the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in one small bite. Watch this crowd-pleasing no-cook appetizer disappear in a snap at a party, game-watch or tailgate.

19 of 23

20 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spinach-Feta Dip with Dill

<p>Try this spinach dip, spiked with fresh dill and briny feta cheese, as a sandwich spread--or serve alongside crackers or crudité.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Try this spinach dip, spiked with fresh dill and briny feta cheese, as a sandwich spread--or serve alongside crackers or crudité.

20 of 23

21 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Goat Cheese Crostini with Mushrooms & Brown Butter

Goat Cheese Crostini with Mushrooms & Brown Butter
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Serve these savory herbed crostini with a big green salad. Looking for a heartier meal? Top each toast with a poached or fried egg.

21 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chile Con Queso

<p>Our healthier version of chile con queso will have ooey-gooey-cheese lovers celebrating. Now you can enjoy this Tex-Mex dip without all the fat and calories. We replaced some of the cheese with a low-fat white sauce and used sharp Cheddar plus a splash of beer to boost the flavor. Our version cuts the calories in half and reduces total fat and saturated fat by nearly 60 percent.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Our healthier version of chile con queso will have ooey-gooey-cheese lovers celebrating. Now you can enjoy this Tex-Mex dip without all the fat and calories. We replaced some of the cheese with a low-fat white sauce and used sharp Cheddar plus a splash of beer to boost the flavor. Our version cuts the calories in half and reduces total fat and saturated fat by nearly 60 percent.

22 of 23

23 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon-Thyme Whipped Ricotta

<p>This stunning yet easy appetizer recipe infuses creamy ricotta with fresh herbs and lemon. Serve with whole-grain crackers and cut-up vegetables or use as a spread for sandwiches or sauce for pasta.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This stunning yet easy appetizer recipe infuses creamy ricotta with fresh herbs and lemon. Serve with whole-grain crackers and cut-up vegetables or use as a spread for sandwiches or sauce for pasta.

23 of 23

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Alex Loh

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 23 Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Red Peppers
    2 of 23 Black Bean Hummus
    3 of 23 Tomato-Cheddar Cheese Toast
    4 of 23 Easy Scallion-Salmon Dip
    5 of 23 Air-Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
    6 of 23 Buffalo-Chicken Celery Sticks
    7 of 23 Apricot, Prosciutto & Parmesan Bites
    8 of 23 Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toasts
    9 of 23 Strawberry & Brie Bites
    10 of 23 Roasted Beet Hummus
    11 of 23 Smoked Gouda & Giardiniera Charcuterie Sticks
    12 of 23 Air-Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi with Marinara Dipping Sauce
    13 of 23 Avocado-Yogurt Dip
    14 of 23 Salami, Cheddar & Pepperoncini Charcuterie Sticks
    15 of 23 Baked Brie with Blackberry Jam
    16 of 23 Loaded Sheet-Pan Nachos
    17 of 23 Smoked Salmon Cheese Toast
    18 of 23 Manchego, Pepper Drop & Chorizo Charcuterie Sticks
    19 of 23 Reuben Pickle Bites
    20 of 23 Spinach-Feta Dip with Dill
    21 of 23 Goat Cheese Crostini with Mushrooms & Brown Butter
    22 of 23 Chile Con Queso
    23 of 23 Lemon-Thyme Whipped Ricotta

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2023 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    23 Healthy, 20-Minute Appetizer Recipes That Are So Good You'll Want Them for Dinner
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.