Diabetes-Friendly Appetizer Recipes

Find healthy, delicious diabetes-friendly appetizer recipes, from the food and nutrition experts at Eating Well.

Staff Picks

Oven-Fried Panko-&-Parmesan-Crusted Zucchini

Rating: 4 stars 2
These oven-fried panko- and Parmesan-crusted zucchini rounds are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a hint of Parmesan cheese in the crust. Dip them into marinara, pesto or ranch dressing for an irresistible snack or appetizer.
By Carolyn Casner

Mini Crustless Caramelized Onion & Cheese Quiches

These crustless mini quiches are packed with savory caramelized onions and flavorful cheese. This technique for making caramelized onions uses way less fat, and by using sweet onions (like Vidalia, if you can find them), you don't need to add the sugar some recipes call for.
By Stacey Ballis

Garlic-Butter Steak Bites

Rating: 5 stars 1
These protein-boosting garlic-butter steak bites are great to pull together for a party or gathering. Serve these tasty bites skewered with toothpicks alongside skewered veggies.
By Carolyn Casner

Garlic Hummus

Rating: 5 stars 10
This garlic hummus recipe couldn't be easier--just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away!
By Devon O'Brien

Avocado Hummus

Rating: 5 stars 12
This vibrant green hummus recipe couldn't be easier--just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and avocado make this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.
By Devon O'Brien

Smoked Tuna Spread Canapés

Try this easy canapé recipe for your next cocktail party. Made with canned tuna, cream cheese and cucumber slices on crunchy almond crackers, this is an appetizer that your guests will be reaching for first.
By Diabetic Living Magazine

Air-Fryer Crispy Chickpeas

Rating: 3 stars 3
Air-fried chickpea snacks are intensely flavored and incredibly crunchy. Drying the chickpeas is essential to a good crunch, so don't skip this step. If you have time, leave them out on the counter to dry for an hour or two before frying.
By Adam Hickman

Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Thinly sliced sweet potatoes fry to a crispy crunch in the air fryer. These homemade chips also use much less oil, which cuts down on calories and fat. They're a naturally sweet side for sandwiches, burgers, wraps and more.
By Sarah Epperson

3-Ingredient Blue Cheese & Fig Bites

Rating: 5 stars 2
Salty-tangy blue cheese pairs beautifully with sweet fig jam in these easy appetizers, which are perfect for a holiday party. The optional minced chives add a nice pop of color, but these are just as tasty without herbs. Keep the ingredients on hand and you can whip these up for impromptu holiday cocktail parties.
By Carolyn Casner

Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta

Rating: 5 stars 1
Make this simple festive appetizer for your holiday guests. Toasted baguette slices with creamy, melted brie are topped with an orange-cranberry-pomegranate mixture--each bite delivers an explosion of flavor and texture!
By Diabetic Living Magazine

Homemade Trail Mix

Rating: 3 stars 1
Try this with portable mix with any combination of dried fruits and nuts.
Joyce Hendley, M.S.
By Joyce Hendley, M.S.

Air-Fryer Green Bean Fries

These crispy air-fryer green bean fries come with a zesty dipping sauce flavored with harissa paste and roasted red peppers. Panko breadcrumbs give them a crunchy outer coating, and smoked paprika adds a smoky flair.
By Laura Kanya
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Inspiration and Ideas

Medium-Boiled Eggs
Rating: Unrated 1
Medium-boiled eggs have a jammy texture that's delicious on toast, salads and so much more.
Air-Fryer Blooming Onions
These air-fryer blooming onions are tender on the inside with a combination of spices and a slight amount of heat adding to the crispy outside. The creamy sauce is perfect for dipping.
Air-Fryer Beets with Feta
Rating: 5 stars 1

This air-fryer beets with feta recipe is a great way to enjoy beets. It's super easy to throw together, and it's just as good eaten cold as part of a salad as it is warm on its own.