Easy Sides and Appetizers To Please a Crowd

This list of easy sides and appetizers has something for everyone. There are easy Thanksgiving sides, easy BBQ sides, and everything in between. No matter what recipe you choose, people will be going back for seconds. Keep scrolling to get all the recipes!

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Welcome to Hungry Blonde Round Ups! This where I round up some of my simplest, most popular, and most delicious recipes — all in one place (:

Crowd-Pleasing, Easy Sides and Appetizers

So, I firmly believe that a good side or appetizer *makes* a meal. In fact, sometimes I make them the meal. These dishes are especially key when it comes to holidays and parties. Undoubtedly, if you make one of these easy sides and appetizers, then you’ll be the hit of the party. As with all of my recipes, I try to make them as simple and nourishing as possible.

Easy Appetizers

1: Roasted Butternut Squash Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Crisps

This is one of my favorite, easy Thanksgiving appetizers — and it looks so impressive. Your guests will be blown away by these Roasted Butternut Squash, Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Crisps and have no idea that all you had to do was roast and assemble! Under an hour and you’ll have the most popular app at the party.

2: Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Who doesn’t love a Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip? This is the best appetizer to make for a party — especially a sports viewing one — or during the summer. It’s super cheesy with just the right amount of spice. And if you have leftovers, then I suggest putting them in an avocado boat or wrap for an easy meal. Now, if you’re vegetarian or looking for a diet-friendly version, then I have both Vegetarian Cheesy White Bean Buffalo Dip and Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip!

3: Easy Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce

Easy Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce can have so many different uses. I love using it as a dip for soft pretzels and tortilla chips. It’s great alongside some guacamole, too! It can also be a topping for tacos, nachos, and pretty much anything else you like to enjoy cheese sauce with. Plus, the recipe is Whole30 approved, Paleo, soy-free, and gluten-free!

4: Air Fried Parmesan Cauliflower Gnocchi

If you’ve never tried having a pasta(ish) appetizer, then you must make this. Air Fried Parmesan Cauliflower Gnocchi are perfectly crispy and oh-so-good when dipped in marinara. They’re a bit reminiscent of mozzarella sticks. The key to this recipe is roasting the cauliflower gnocchi at a high temp to get that desired crunch.

5: Mini Eggplant Pizzas

So, continuing on with the Italian appetizer kick: Mini Eggplant Pizzas. These are *so good* and *so simple*. You need less than 1 hour and just 6 ingredients to make them! Plus, they can easily be made vegetarian by using your favorite plant-based pepperoni and/or sausage alternative.

6: Low Carb Nachos

Who doesn’t love snacking on nachos before a meal? No one will know that my Low Carb Nachos are made with better-for-you ingredients. And the best party about this recipe is that you can totally customize it. If you’re looking for some flavor inspiration check out my Vegan Greek Nachos and Shrimp & Chorizo Nachos.

7: Bacon Wrapped Avocado Bites

Everyone knows bacon and avocado are a match made in heaven, so why not just cut everything else out of the equation? These Bacon Wrapped Avocado Bites do exactly that. They’re super simple, easy to make, and a total crowd-pleaser while also being Paleo/low carb.

Easy Side Dishes

1: Life-Changing Herbed Vegan Potato Salad

My Life-Changing Herbed Vegan Potato Salad is the perfect, easy summer side. It’s light, loaded with bright flavors, and entirely plant-based. To get that creaminess without the heaviness, I use Hellmann’s Vegan mayo spread because it honestly tastes just like regular mayonnaise.

2: The Best Vegetable Bake

Now, in my opinion, this recipe is one the best ways to get your dose of veggies. My Loaded Veggie Bake is made with just a few simple ingredients, coming together in less than hour! If you’re serving a larger crowd, then I recommend doubling the recipe.

3: Spinach and Artichoke Cheese Fries

Cheese fries have my heart, but these Spinach and Artichoke Cheese Fries have my soul. They’re just a teeeeeny tiny bit on the healthier side by using Greek yogurt (instead of cream cheese) and sweet potato fries, but trust me – there’s no shortage of cheesy, flavorful comfort food going on here. Everyone will love them.

4: Keto Garlic Herb Biscuits

When I first released this recipe, everyone went crazy. And with good reason, because honestly these Keto Garlic Herb Biscuits taste quite close to the real thing! As a huge bread fan, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The recipe is super simple to make, with just 3 main ingredients. And if you’re looking for another flavor, then try out my Keto Everything Biscuits.

5: Honey BBQ Cauliflower

What can’t cauliflower do? Here I make it into crispy, flavorful bites that are perfect to serve at a summer party. Honey BBQ Cauliflower comes together in 30 minutes and requires little cooking! A total win, if you ask me. Now, if you’re feeding a crowd, then definitely double this recipe.

6: Easy Summer Shrimp Quinoa Salad

Looking for a light salad to bring to your next party? This Easy Summer Shrimp and Quinoa Salad is for you! This recipe is light, refreshing, and gluten-free. Plus, it stores very well and can be made ahead of time for added simplicity. If you are not a fish eater, then you can replace the shrimp with your favorite protein.

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As always, if you make these Easy Sides and Appetizers or any of my other recipes, then please leave a comment or review! You can also tag me on Instagram @hungry.blonde so I can see how they turned out  xoxo GG

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