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22 Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cheesy Appetizers No One Can Resist

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Cheese lovers, we’ve got you covered for your next get-together.

We’re talking dips you can dive into, grab-and-go pinwheels, and melty classics that’ll have everyone saying “cheese, please!”

So, get ready for a cheesy good time.

Beer Cheese Dip

Beer cheese dip in bowl with pretzel bites on a tray surrounding bowl.

Photo Credit: Fun Money Mom

This recipe for Beer Cheese Dip is easy to make and delivers a pub-style taste at home. It’s rich, creamy, and cheesy with a hint of garlic and your favorite beer.

The base is made with cream cheese and tangy ranch dressing. The touch of Dijon mustard gives it a zing!

You can serve it hot or cold with pretzels, chips, or vegetables. Perfect for when you’re hosting a party, this delicious dip will go fast!

Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip

Ranch Chicken Cheese Ball

Ranch Chicken Cheese Ball on a plate.

Photo Credit: Budget Delicious

This Ranch Chicken Cheese Ball is a total winner for your next party. It’s super easy to throw together and just needs time to chill in the refrigerator.

Filled with chicken, bacon, and a kick of ranch flavor. Make it ahead of time and serve it with crackers and pretzels for a delicious and chill appetizer.

Perfect for game days, BBQs, or any casual get-together.

Get the Recipe: Ranch Chicken Cheese Ball

Baked Brie Phyllo Cups

Baked Brie Phyllo Cups with a honey dipper.

Photo Credit: Healthy Foodie Girl

These Baked Brie Phyllo Cups are the perfect party finger food. Easy to make, only needs a few ingredients and a short baking time.

The combo of melty brie, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts is delicious, and the crispy phyllo shells add another layer of texture. Top them off with a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.

The bite-sized portions are ideal for a grab and go appetizer. Guaranteed to disappear fast.

Get the Recipe: Baked Brie Phyllo Cups

Crab, Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Crab, Spinach and Artichoke Dip in a white bowl with a wooden spoon.

Photo Credit: Jam Jar Kitchen

This creamy, cheesy dips is full of crab meat, spinach, and artichoke hearts, then topped with more cheese. It only takes a few minutes to whip up and can even be made ahead of time.

Serve it with pita chips, tortilla chips, or veggie sticks for a delicious and easy appetizer everyone will love.

Get the Recipe: Crab, Spinach and Artichoke Dip  

Baked Brie

Baked Brie on a white plate.

Photo Credit: JCP Eats

This recipe is ridiculously easy to make – just a few minutes of prep and then pop it into the oven.

The creamy brie gets all melty and delicious, and the herbs and honey add a delicious sweet and savory touch. Serve it with crackers, bread slices, or fruit for a fancy-feeling appetizer that’s super simple to pull off.

Get the Recipe: Baked Brie

Homemade Air Fryer Cheese Sticks

Air Fryer Cheese Sticks on a plate with marinara sauce in a small bowl.

Photo Credit: Trop Rockin

Ditch the greasy frozen mozzarella sticks! Make your own healthier version in the air fryer for a quick and delicious appetizer.

These homemade air fryer cheese sticks are filled with gooey cheese and coated in a crispy, golden brown crust.

Whip up a simple breading assembly line, dip your cheese sticks, freeze them for a bit, and let the air fryer work its magic.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Sticks

Cheese Truffles

Cheese Truffles on a white serving plate.

Photo Credit: Delicious Table

Cheese truffles are bite-sized cheese balls packed with flavor and rolled in yummy toppings like herbs, nuts, or even other cheeses.

These little bites are so versatile – you can customize them with whatever toppings you have on hand.  They’re perfect for any party because they look fancy, can be prepped a day before, and everyone loves them! 

Serve them with crackers or pretzels.

Get the Recipe: Cheese Truffles

Homemade Pimento Cheese Pinwheels

Pimento cheese pinwheels on a white plate.

Photo Credit: The Toasty Kitchen

Learn how to make a homemade pimento cheese that you can whip up quickly, then spread a thick layer on your tortillas.

This is very savory, tangy, and creamy in each bite. If you are a pimento cheese fan, you must try this recipe. It takes just a few ingredients and is ready in minutes.

Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Pinwheels

Pretzel Dip

Pretzel Dip in a white bowl.

Photo Credit: Hey Snicker Doodle

This dip is loaded with flavor thanks to a combination of melty cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and savory cream cheese. The recipe is super easy to throw together in just one bowl, taking about 5 minutes of prep.

The creamy texture is addictive, and it pairs perfectly with any pretzel shape or size for easy scooping.

Get the Recipe: Pretzel Dip  

Roasted Figs with Goat Cheese

Roasted Figs with Goat Cheese in a white bowl.

Photo Credit: Just Gimme Fries

A delicious, easy and fairly healthy appetizer that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Simply cut opne fresh figs, stuff them with a creamy herb goat cheese mixture, and roast them in the oven.

Top them with pine nuts for a bit of crunch and a drizzle of honey or agave syrup for a touch of sweetness.

Serve them warm or at room temperature and enjoy these sweet and savory bites.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Figs with Goat Cheese

Cajun Crab Dip

Cajun Crab Dip in a bowl.

Photo Credit: My Therapist Cook

A creamy and flavorful hot dip with a lot of cheesy goodness along with a bit of a kick from the Cajun seasoning and jalapenos.

Use fresh or imitation crab, cream cheese, and spices, then bake until bubbly. Add crackers or veggies for dipping.

Another appetizer you can make ahead of time and simply bake just before serving.

Get the Recipe: Cajun Crab Dip  

Marinated Goat Cheese

Marinated Goat Cheese with a knife on a white serving plate.

Photo Credit: Olivia’s Kitchen

Spread creamy goat cheese on a serving platter or dish, top it with a variety of olives, herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette. That’s it – you’re star appetizer is all put together.

The flavors really come through the longer it sits to marinate, so make it a day ahead and let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Get the Recipe: Marinated Goat Cheese

Cheesy Taco Pinwheels

A white plate with baked cheesy taco pinwheels.

Photo Credit: Dancing Through The Rain

Taco Tuesday just got a bit tastier! These cheesy taco bites are made with seasoned ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, and puff pastry. Roll these up and bake in the oven for a melted cheese pull, and then serve with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or even salsa.

Great for an easy weeknight dinner or party food that will steal the show every single time.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Taco Pinwheels

Goat Cheese & Jam Puff Pastry Appetizers

Puff Pastry Appetizers on a wooden board.

Photo Credit: Gift of Hospitality

These little cheesy appetizers look fancy, but they only require 3 ingredients – puff pastry, goat cheese, and jam.

The puff pastry is the perfect vessel to fill with cheese and jam for a sweet and savory bite. Feel free to mix it up and fill with a variety of different jams.

The great thing is, these look like they came straight from a bakery, but they’ll only take a few minutes to make right at home.

Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese & Jam Puff Pastry Appetizers

Lemon & Roasted Garlic Hot Spinach Dip

Lemon & Roasted Garlic Hot Spinach Dip in a white bowl.

Photo Credit: Salted Mint

Enjoy the creamy texture of this dip without using mayo, making it perfect for anyone who has egg allergies.

Roasted garlic adds a smoky depth of flavor to the two cheese base and it’s topped with more cheese to get this irresistible cheesy finish.

Get the Recipe: Lemon & Roasted Garlic Hot Spinach Dip

Mom’s Baked Ricotta Dip

Mom's Baked Ricotta Dip held by a hand.

Photo Credit: The Cookin Chicks

This baked ricotta dip is a must-try for cheese lovers! Packed with creamy ricotta, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon, it’s warm and savory.

You can customize it with your favorite toppings like red pepper flakes, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar for extra pops of flavor.

You can customize it with your favorite toppings like red pepper flakes, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar for an extra pop of flavor.

Get the Recipe: Mom’s Baked Ricotta Dip

Baked Tomatoes with Mozzarella

Baked Tomatoes with Mozzarella.

Photo Credit: Sprinkled with Balance

Simply slice some tomatoes, season them with herbs, and top them with two kinds of cheese.

The result? Warm, gooey tomatoes bursting with flavor. A simple and delicious appetizer or side dish.

Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Mozzarella

Tater Tot Appetizer Cups

Tater Tot Appetizer Cups on a wooden board.

Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester

A fun party food or game day snack! Made with everyone’s favorite – tater tots – they’re crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside.

Fill them with a classic combination of sour cream and bacon bits, or get creative with your favorite toppings.

They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and way less messy than traditional snacks like nachos.

Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Appetizer Cups

Cream Cheese Board

Cream Cheese Board.

Photo Credit: The Peasant’s Daughter

This recipe is basically a deconstructed jalapeño popper flavored with garlic and onion spices and finished off with all the classic toppings.

Serve it with crackers, bread, or bagels for an appetizer spread that’s perfect for any occasion.

Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Board

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Jalapeno Popper Dip in a black pan.

Photo Credit: Just Dip Recipes

This Jalapeno Popper Dip recipe is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors you love in a party-friendly dip.

Cream cheese, shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapenos come together in a creamy and decadent spread. It’s the perfect balance of spicy and creamy.

Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Dip

Honey Goat Cheese Balls

Honey Goat Cheese Balls.

Photo Credit: A Cedar Spoon

A super easy and festive appetizer. Made with creamy cheese and a sweet and tangy mixture of honey, apricot preserves, and chopped pecan. 

These are totally customizable! Don’t like pecans or apricot preserves? Swap them for your favorite nuts and jams – walnuts with raspberry preserves or cranberries with almonds are just a few ideas.

These will look and taste amazing at a fancy brunch.

Get the Recipe: Honey Goat Cheese Balls

Marinated Cheese & Olive Antipasto

Marinated Cheese & Olive Antipasto in a blue bowl plate.

Photo Credit: Flavorful Eats

Combine all your favorite antipasto ingredients – olives, peppers, cheese, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette into a delicious appetizer.

This easy recipe is totally customizable with your choice of cheeses and olives and can be served in a variety of ways – on a platter, in individual cups, or even on skewers for a beautiful presentation.

Marinate it ahead of time to the flavors fully develop.

Get the Recipe: Marinated Cheese & Olive Antipasto

Up Next: 15 Tried And True Potluck Recipes Everyone Will Love

BLT Pasta Salad in a bowl with two spoons.

Photo Credit: To Simply Inspire

Planning a potluck? Here are some winning recipe ideas to bring your A-game.

Filling dishes such as BBQ shredded chicken sandwiches or a pizza pasta bake to light and refreshing pasta salads.

Don’t forget dessert! A crowd-pleasing no-bake banana pudding and more!

Get the Recipes: 15 Tried And True Potluck Recipes Everyone Will Love

I love easy recipes and delicious desserts and happy to share with you my favorite recipes. My favorite places are tropical, family always comes first and I'm a cocktail enthusiast for sure!
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