If you’re looking for some inexpensive cold appetizers for a crowd to serve at your next party, you’ve come to the right place!
I’ve gathered the best easy cold appetizers that can all be made ahead of time and stored in your fridge until you are ready to serve.
From flavorful dip recipes that taste great with some tortilla chips to healthy appetizer ideas with fresh veggies, these easy appetizers are sure to be a crowd pleaser and won’t break your party budget!
They are perfect for any party such as a cocktail party, baby showers, summer party, or even cheap birthday party food.
Inexpensive Cold Appetizers For a Crowd
These easy party food for a crowd cheap recipe ideas are all guaranteed winners and are so simple to make! So pick your favorite cold finger foods from this list of my favorite cold appetizers and let’s get started!
1. Cold Cucumber Bites
Looking for an affordable and easy appetizer for your party? Try these cucumber bites! They’re made with simple ingredients, require no cooking, and feature a delicious combination of crunchy cucumbers, creamy cheese topping, and cherry tomatoes.
Recipe: Best Served Vegan
Related: BEST Easy Cucumber Bites Appetizer Recipe
2. Baked Sushi Cups
Make a crowd-pleasing batch of baked sushi cups using a muffin tin! These simple treats feature imitation crab and are a breeze to prepare. They can be served cold or at room temperature and are sure to be loved by all of your party guests!
Recipe: OhClary
Related: 21 Breakfast Potluck Appetizers to Bring to Work
3. 5-Minute Ritz Rolo Treats
A sweet and salty delight – indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with my Ritz Rolo treats. These delectable snacks feature the irresistible combination of Rolo caramel and crunchy Ritz crackers, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Recipe: OhClary
4. Dill Pickle Wraps
Create a tasty and budget-friendly low-carb snack or appetizer by wrapping cream cheese and ham slices around whole dill pickles to make a delightful treat known as “redneck sushi” – it’s easy, quick, and incredibly delicious!
Recipe: Beyer Beware
Related: 35 No-Cook Potluck Ideas to Bring
5. Marinated Mozzarella
Get the party started with this effortless and crowd-pleasing appetizer! Simply arrange marinated mozzarella cheese balls on a beautiful Charcuterie Board alongside crackers, crusty bread, and drinks for an irresistible cheese platter.
Recipe: Delicious Table
Related: 17 Make Ahead Appetizers To Bring to a Party
6. Hosomaki
Enjoy the simplicity of Hosomaki, a thin sushi roll that features only one ingredient alongside rice. These rolls are ideal for lunch boxes, party appetizers, or a convenient snack!
Recipe: The Rice Chick
7. Caprese Crostini
Whip up these easy and delicious Caprese Crostini appetizers for your next party. They are quick to make and perfect for last minute preparations. These delightful canapés not only look great but also satisfy the taste buds, making them the perfect finger food!
Recipe: Recipe Pocket
8. Cheese Straws
Try these super easy and delicious cheddar cheese straws that are perfect for parties, dipping in soup, or as a quick snack. You’ll love this baked cheese straws recipe because it’s tasty, simple, and requires only four cheap ingredients.
Recipe: My Morning Mocha
9. Mini Baked Potatoes
Enjoy the tasty goodness of these baked mini potatoes with dill sour cream, perfect for a quick appetizer or snack. Enhance the flavor by adding bacon bits, green onions, and fresh dill on top, creating a mouthwatering treat that everyone will enjoy.
Recipe: Wordly Treat
10. Charcuterie Skewers
Bring your snacks on the go with these convenient and simple Charcuterie Skewers. These customizable and tasty antipasto skewers will fulfill your meat appetizer cravings and are so easy to make!
Recipe: The Oregon Dietitian
Related: 17 Easy Toothpick Appetizers for Parties
11. Fennel Cucumber Bites With Tuna
Get ready to savor this simple canned tuna appetizer that’s both crispy and creamy, offering a delightful mix of salty and naturally sweet flavors. With the addition of fresh vegetables like cucumber and raw fennel, you’ll experience a delicate sweetness and hints of anise. Topped with a Mediterranean-inspired blend of Brie cheese, tuna, parsley, olive oil, and capers, this dish becomes a hearty and delicious treat.
Recipe: My Chefs Apron
12. Korean Rice Balls
This easy Korean rice ball recipe requires only 5 ingredients and results in a delicious and satisfying snack.
The delectable rice balls bring together seaweed and rice to create the perfect finger food recipe on a budget, costing just a few cents per serve. For extra flavor and satisfaction, you can include fillings like canned tuna or vegetables.
Recipe: The Rice Chick
Related: 31 Cheap & Easy Leftover Rice Recipes
13. Shrimp Cocktail
Impress your friends and family with this delicious shrimp cocktail featuring a flavorful red sauce. The shrimp’s taste is enhanced by infusing them with aromatic ingredients, preserving their crispness with ice, and pairing them with a delectable sweet, sour, and spicy dip. It’s a delightful recreation of a classic appetizer!
Recipe: Healthy Recipes101
Cheap Easy Party Food For a Crowd: Dips
Dips are one of the best inexpensive appetizers and they can usually be made days ahead of time.
Simply serve your dip in a bowl with some of your favorite chips, pita bread, crackers, or tortilla chips, and watch how everyone will be delighted by this simple yet delicious appetizer.
14. Cold Spinach Dip
Whip up this simple dip recipe using spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, ranch powder, and water chestnuts. With just five ingredients, this cold spinach dip is a party favorite! Serve it with a variety of options like vegetables, French baguette slices, crackers, or in a bread bowl.
Recipe: Modern Honey
Related: 13 Cheap & Easy Crockpot Dip Recipes for Parties
15. Imitation Crab Dip
Create a delicious and budget-friendly imitation crab dip that will tantalize your guests’ taste buds. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up this mouthwatering dip using a handful of simple main ingredients.
Recipe: Cup Of Flour
17 Easy Ritz Cracker Snack Ideas & Appetizers
16. Cowboy Caviar
Prepare a crowd-pleasing appetizer by combining black beans, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, and peppers in a zesty dressing. Serve alongside pita chips for a fantastic last-minute appetizer option.
Recipe: Modern Honey
17. Mango Pico De Gallo
Add a tropical twist to your Pico de Gallo with this Mango Pico de Gallo recipe! Juicy mangoes, fresh tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno peppers, and cilantro are combined with zesty lime juice to create a vibrant and flavorful salsa. This naturally vegan and gluten-free dish can be prepared in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for serving as a party appetizer when you’re in a hurry.
Recipe: J Cooking Odyssey
18. Avocado Greek Yogurt Dip
This versatile creamy avocado Greek yogurt dip is perfect as a spread on toast, a dipping sauce for fresh veggies, or tortilla chips. The combination of vibrant avocado and smooth yogurt creates a flavorful and delicious dip that’s bursting with bold flavors.
Recipe: Flavours Treat
17 Easy Inexpensive Cold Appetizers For a Crowd
Ingredients
- Cold Cucumber Bites
- Baked Sushi Cups
- Dill Pickle Wraps
- Marinated Mozzarella
- Hosomaki
- Caprese Crostini
- Cheese Straws
- Mini Baked Potatoes
- Charcuterie Skewers
- Fennel Cucumber Bites With Tuna
- Korean Rice Balls
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Cold Spinach Dip
- Imitation Crab Dip
- Cowboy Caviar
- Mango Pico De Gallo
- Avocado Greek Yogurt Dip
Instructions
- Pick your favorite cheap make ahead party food for a crowd recipe from the post above.
- Click through to the recipe and make the easy appetizer recipes!
So which of these easy cold appetizer recipes will you be making for your next special occasions? Let me know in the comments and enjoy!