Party Starters You’ll Want to Make on Repeat

Party starters set the tone for any gathering, whether it’s a casual hangout or something more festive. These quick bites are meant to be shared and enjoyed with little fuss. They’re the kind of recipes people ask about after just one bite.

From cheesy dips and finger foods to fresh skewers and crispy snacks, there’s something here for every type of guest. Many can be prepped ahead or made in batches, which makes entertaining easier. You’ll find a good mix of flavors and textures without overcomplicating things.

These starters work well for game days, birthdays, holidays, or any get-together. They’re simple, crowd-pleasing, and easy to make again and again. Keep a few favorites on hand—you’ll want to make them more than once.

Sausage balls in a cast iron skillet.
Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Sausage Balls

These are quick to make and perfect for snacking or parties. Made with sausage, cheese, and baking mix, they come together with just a few ingredients. They’re bite-sized, filling, and always one of the first to go on the snack table.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

Everything you love about a cheeseburger—ground beef, cheese, pickles—wrapped in a crispy shell. Great for dipping in your favorite sauce and easy to prep ahead. These make a fun twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

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Bacon wrapped pickles on a platter with dipping sauce.
Bacon Wrapped Pickles in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Bacon Wrapped Pickles in the Air Fryer

Salty, smoky, and a little tangy, these are a bold snack with just the right crunch. Air frying keeps the bacon crispy without the mess. You only need a few ingredients, and they’re ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Pickles in the Air Fryer

Spicy Pimento Cheese Recipe

A creamy, spicy mix that works as a dip or spread. It’s bold, cheesy, and has a kick from jalapeños or hot sauce. Great with crackers, sandwiches, or even veggies.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Pimento Cheese Recipe

Tightly rolled turkey pinwheels with crisp lettuce and diced tomato in the center.
Clubhouse Pinwheels. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Clubhouse Pinwheels

These are layered with deli meats, cheese, and a creamy spread, then rolled up for easy slicing. They look great on a platter and work well for lunches or small bites. A simple, no-fuss option that tastes great cold.
Get the Recipe: Clubhouse Pinwheels

Deep Fried Mac and Cheese

Crunchy on the outside, creamy inside—this is a comfort food favorite turned into a handheld snack. Use leftover mac and cheese or make a batch just for this. Best served hot with dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Deep Fried Mac and Cheese

Stack of buffalo chicken egg rolls on a plate.
Buffalo Chicken Air Fryer Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Buffalo Chicken Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Spicy, crispy, and easy to throw together with shredded chicken and hot sauce. These cook quickly in the air fryer and are great for game day. Don’t skip the ranch or blue cheese dip on the side.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

These are juicy, quick to cook, and go with everything from pasta to wraps. Made with ground chicken and seasoning, they’re a lighter option that still delivers on flavor. Great for meal prep or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

Bowlog roasted eggplant baba ganoush dip with broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cherry tomatos, and tortilla in a plate.
Roasted Eggplant Baba Ganoush Dip. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Roasted Eggplant Baba Ganoush Dip

Smoky and smooth, this dip is all about the roasted eggplant. It pairs well with pita, veggies, or flatbread. A simple recipe with just a few pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant Baba Ganoush Dip

Taco Dip with Ground Beef

Layered with seasoned beef, sour cream, cheese, and all your taco favorites. It’s hearty, scoopable, and great for feeding a crowd. Best served with tortilla chips and eaten right away.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Ground Beef

Crispy air fried lemon pepper wings served with a dipping sauce on a plate.
Crispy Air Fried Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Crispy Air Fried Lemon Pepper Wings

These wings come out crunchy and coated in a bright, peppery seasoning. The air fryer gives them a crisp finish without deep frying. They’re bold enough to serve on their own, no sauce needed.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fried Lemon Pepper Wings

Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings

Spicy, smoky, and full of bold seasoning. These wings pack flavor from a jerk marinade and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Ideal for people who like heat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings

Jalapeno Popper Dip. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Creamy cheese meets spicy jalapeños in this warm dip. It’s rich and gooey with a little crunch from breadcrumbs or bacon on top. Serve it hot with chips or bread slices.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Dip

Gardetto Mustard Pretzels Recipe

These have a tangy, savory coating and a good crunch. Super simple to toss together and bake. Perfect for snacking, parties, or road trips.

Get the Recipe: Gardetto Mustard Pretzels Recipe

Spicy wings in a paper basket and with dips in bowls.
Spicy Barbecue Wings. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Spicy Barbecue Wings

Sticky, smoky, and a little hot, these wings bring the heat with a sweet-savory glaze. Bake or air fry until crispy and brush on extra sauce before serving. Always a favorite at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Barbecue Wings

Air Fryer Pizza Egg Rolls

All the pizza flavors—cheese, sauce, pepperoni—wrapped in a crispy shell. Fast to make and perfect for dipping in marinara. A fun way to switch up pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Egg Rolls

Plates of stuffed banana peppers.
Stuffed Banana Peppers. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Stuffed Banana Peppers

These are filled with a savory mix of cheese and sausage or ground meat. Roasted or baked until tender, they’ve got a little heat but aren’t overwhelming. Great as a side or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Banana Peppers

Crab Pinwheels Recipe

Creamy crab filling wrapped in tortillas and sliced into bite-sized rolls. They’re chilled, easy to prep ahead, and great for seafood lovers. Add fresh herbs or lemon for a little lift.

Get the Recipe: Crab Pinwheels Recipe

Crispy air fryer zucchini fries in a dish with aioli.
Zucchini Fries. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Zucchini Fries

A crisp, lighter option that’s still big on texture. Breaded and air fried or baked, these pair well with marinara or ranch. A nice alternative to potato fries.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fries

Mouth-Watering Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe

Thin steak, onions, and melty cheese all wrapped in a crispy shell. These are hearty and easy to dip in cheese sauce or ketchup. A fun way to serve a classic in snack form.
Get the Recipe: Mouth-Watering Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe

Close up of stuffed mushrooms.
Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Stuffed Mushrooms

These are filled with breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, or sausage—whatever combo you like. Bake until golden and juicy. They work well as party bites or side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

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