While heated snacks are the norm for most parties, there are a lot of reasons to choose cold appetizer recipes instead. For one, they're easier to make up ahead of time. For another, cold appetizers are a lot easier to serve. Most of them can be kept at room temperature or be left sitting on a bowl of ice. Easy as could be

Cold appetizer recipes are also good for summer appetizers, when you don't want to be heating up your entire kitchen cooking up tartlets and meatballs and all that stuff. But one of the downfalls of some cold appetizers are that they tend to be overly simple. And while I love good, simple appetizer recipes, I hate almost any appetizers that come from an envelope, a can, or a package. So if that's what you're looking for, you're not going to find it here.

The cold appetizers on this page are all relatively simple to make (and some are very simple) but use real ingredients instead of flavoring mixes and canned soups. Which means they taste phenomenal and are better for you.

Ready to get cooking?

Cold Crab Dip Recipes

Hot crab dip is great! But served cold, crab dip allows the sweet and subtle flavor of the crab to shine through. These three recipes are some of my favorites!

Simple, Easy Cold Appetizers

As far as appetizers go, these ones take the cake! They're easy. They're tasty. They're served at room temperature. Oh, and they're super impressive, too!

Summer Appetizer Recipes

These tasty summer appetizers are sure to satisfy your guests, keep them cool, and delight their overheated taste buds.

Edible Centerpieces

While not all of these are strictly appetizers, many of these edible centerpieces can make a great --and really pretty!-- first course for your dinner or holiday party.