35 Cold Appetizer Ideas to Make Your Gathering Unforgettable!

Having a few cold appetizers ready to go can be a total lifesaver when you are hosting a party. I’ve learned over the years that make-ahead appetizers not only save you time, but they also let you enjoy your party (imagine that!).

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So I’ve rounded up 35 of my favorite cold appetizer ideas that are easy, delicious, and require no cooking. These are crowd-pleasing finger foods that are great for holiday parties, family gatherings, or friends’ get-togethers.

And if there’s an appetizer, I bet you’re looking for desserts too! Check out these 50+ single-serve dessert ideas or this Easy No-Bake Desserts to complete your party menu.

Classic Tuna Tea Sandwiches

These Tuna Tea Sandwiches are easy finger sandwiches for an afternoon tea party, special gatherings, or a light lunch. And since they’re no-cook, you can have them ready in less than 30 minutes!

Pepperoni Rose Skewers

These Pepperoni Rose Skewers are an easy, cute, and ready-in-minutes appetizer recipe. No cooking required and make-ahead friendly! Made with only 3 ingredients.

Cheeseball Bites

These Cheeseball Bites are a grab-and-go version that’s perfect as an easy appetizer—no baking required. Just mix, roll, chill, and you’re done!

Salmon Cucumber Bites

These Salmon Cucumber Bites are quick, healthy, no-fuss appetizers that are easy to make. It’s fresh, flavorful, and elegant. They take just 15 minutes to make!

Ham & Cheese Cucumber Sandwich Bites

These Ham and Cheese Cucumber Sandwich Bites are an easy snack recipe that’s fresh, creamy, and easy finger food. Ideal for tea parties (for kids or adults), baby showers, or any kind of gathering.

Mediterranean Feta Bites

These Mediterranean Feta Bites are an easy party appetizer that comes together in just 15 minutes! Crispy, flaky phyllo cups are filled with creamy feta, tomatoes, and fresh herbs — all the bright, bold flavors you love in one easy bite.

Pickle Ham Rolls

These Pickle Ham Rolls are a classic favorite! Tangy pickles wrapped in ham with cream cheese – a bite-sized flavor explosion.

Bagel Cucumber Bites

These scrumptious bites are a perfect combination of crunch and savory goodness, offering a guilt-free snack option.

Cracked Out Cheeseball Bites

These little flavor-packed bites are not only ridiculously easy to make but are also guaranteed to be the talk of your gathering.

Ham and Cheese Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs get an upgrade with creamy cheese and savory ham. These bite-sized delights are as easy to make as they are to devour!

BLT Phyllo Party Bites

This fun twist on the classic BLT dip transforms it into a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for any gathering.

Caprese Skewers

This recipe blends sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with just four simple ingredients. It’s easy to make, uses fresh ingredients, and is customizable to your taste!

Cheesy Bacon Stuffed Mini Peppers

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon. This recipe is perfect for low-carb diets.

Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Celery

These fresh celery sticks are loaded with a creamy, cheesy, and savory filling that will have everyone coming back for more.

Watermelon Feta Skewers

These Watermelon Feta Skewers are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with juicy watermelon chunks and tangy crumbled feta cheese.

Avocado Deviled Eggs

These Avocado Deviled Eggs are creamy, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients. It’s a classic deviled egg, but a lighter, fresher version.

Who doesn’t love pinwheels as appetizers? These cold pinwheel recipes below are absolute crowd-pleasers and the perfect addition to your next gathering.

BLT Pinwheel Sandwiches

These BLT Pinwheel Sandwiches are a no-cook finger food recipe that’s great for lunch or as a party appetizer. Made with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce—all wrapped up with creamy avocado and rolled into bite-sized, crowd-pleasing pinwheels.

Tuna Salad Pinwheels

They’re a classic tuna salad, rolled up in soft tortillas with a creamy, crunchy filling that’s perfect for sharing.

Cucumber Dill Pinwheels

These Cucumber and Dill Pinwheels are sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Light, refreshing, and full of flavor, they’re the perfect finger food for any gathering.

Turkey Hummus Pinwheels

These bite-sized snacks are packed with flavor and just the right amount of crunch.

Crack Chicken Pinwheels

These pinwheels are the perfect bite-sized treat. They’re quick and easy to make, but they pack a punch of flavor that will leave everyone raving.

Southwest Chicken Pinwheels

These flavorful pinwheels combine chicken, cheeses, Rotel, jalapeños, black beans, corn, and spices, all wrapped in tortillas for an ideal party appetizer.

Cranberry Turkey Pinwheels

These Cranberry Turkey Pinwheels are the epitome of easy elegance. Perfect for your next gathering, they’re sure to impress your guests without stressing you out in the kitchen.

Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels

These Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are loaded with all the flavors you love. They are creamy, cheesy, smoky, and with just the right amount of kick.

Seafood Pinwheels

This delightful dish combines the tangy goodness of cream cheese, the briny flavor of seafood, and the melty goodness of mozzarella cheese. It’s a perfect appetizer for any gathering.

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

These Smoked Salmon Pinwheels are a perfect blend of creamy ranch-flavored cream cheese, smoky salmon, and aromatic dill.

Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

This pinwheel is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, sweet, and crunchy, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. The best part? You can whip them up in just 15 minutes (and then let the fridge do the rest).

Check out these 20+ pinwheel recipe ideas!

Dips are also perfect for appetizers, and the recipes below are some of the best cold dips.