My favorite kind of chaos is Easter brunch. I love pastel decorations at crowded tables and just enough food to keep people happy until the main event, carving the ham. I collected twenty three of my favorite spring appetizers, ranging from traditional deviled eggs to some fun new ideas that kids will enjoy. Grab a few and your gathering will be festive.
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1) Deviled Eggs with Smoked Salmon
Classic deviled eggs are elevated with smooth smoked salmon and fresh dill.
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Deviled Eggs with Smoked Salmon
Ingredients
Method
- Place the eggs in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil, then cook for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the eggs to an ice bath, then peel and slice in half lengthwise.
- Scoop the yolks into a bowl and mash with the mayonnaise, Dijon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pipe or spoon the filling back into the egg whites.
- Top each with a little smoked salmon and a sprig of fresh dill.
Notes
2) Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Asparagus wrapped in prosciutto is a spring classic dish that has a bottomless appeal.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment.
- Wrap each asparagus spear with a strip of prosciutto, leaving the tips peeking out.
- Arrange on the pan, drizzle with olive oil, and grind black pepper over the top.
- Roast for 12 to 15 minutes, until the prosciutto is crisp and the asparagus is tender.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
3) Mini Quiches with Spinach and Feta
These little fluffy quiches are perfect for spring and are great to take along to any brunch.
Mini Quiches with Spinach and Feta
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and place the tart shells in a muffin tin.
- Whisk the eggs with the milk, salt, and pepper.
- Divide the chopped spinach and crumbled feta among the shells.
- Pour the egg mixture over the filling, leaving a little room at the top.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the centers are set and the tops are lightly golden.
Notes
4) Easter Bunny Cheese Ball
An adorable bunny-shaped cheese ball that's bound to make the kids squeal and the adults grab the crackers.
Easter Bunny Cheese Ball
Ingredients
Method
- Beat the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and ranch seasoning together until smooth.
- Scoop most of the mixture into a ball for the body and a smaller ball for the head, then chill 1 hour.
- Press the two balls together on a platter and shape slivered almonds into ears.
- Add peppercorns for eyes and use a few almonds for whiskers and feet.
- Surround with crackers and serve.
Notes
5) Lemon Herb Goat Cheese Spread
When I want an easy dip but want to impress, I make this bright, creamy and herby dip.
Lemon Herb Goat Cheese Spread
Ingredients
Method
- Beat the goat cheese and cream cheese together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chives, and parsley.
- Spread into a shallow bowl and create swirls with the back of a spoon.
- Drizzle with olive oil and serve with crostini or crackers.
Notes
6) Prosciutto and Melon Skewers
These little skewers are sweet, salty, refreshing and easy to please any crowd.
Prosciutto and Melon Skewers
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the cantaloupe into bite-size cubes.
- Wrap each melon cube with a half-slice of prosciutto.
- Thread each wrapped cube onto a skewer with a folded basil leaf.
- Arrange on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Notes
7) Stuffed Mushrooms with Garlic and Herbs
These warm and savory snacks are stuffed with garlicky breadcrumbs and disappear in seconds off the tray.
Stuffed Mushrooms with Garlic and Herbs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and arrange the mushroom caps on a sheet pan.
- Mix the minced garlic, breadcrumbs, parmesan, parsley, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Spoon the filling generously into each mushroom cap.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden.
- Serve warm.
Notes
8) Carrot Chips with Hummus
Crunchy carrot coins and creamy hummus is a fresh and healthy bite that will go perfectly with any Easter theme.
Carrot Chips with Hummus
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the carrots into thin rounds and set aside.
- Blend the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a splash of water until smooth.
- Stream in the olive oil while blending until creamy.
- Spread the hummus in a shallow bowl and swirl the top, then drizzle with extra olive oil.
- Serve surrounded by the carrot chips.
Notes
9) Bacon-Wrapped Dates
These small bites have a huge flavor, being sweet, salty, and a little gooey!
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with foil.
- Stuff each pitted date with a little goat cheese.
- Wrap each date with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange on the pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the bacon is crisp.
- Drizzle with honey and serve warm.
Notes
10) Mini Caprese Salad Bites
Tiny bursts of flavor like the freshest part of spring form the delightful combination of mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes.
Mini Caprese Salad Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Thread a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a folded basil leaf onto each small skewer.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with a little salt and serve at room temperature.
Notes
11) Hot Cross Bun Sliders
A delicious take on a holiday favorite, these tiny ham and cheese slider buns use soft spiced buns as their base.
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Hot Cross Bun Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and slice the buns in half horizontally.
- Layer the ham and Swiss cheese on the bottom halves and replace the tops.
- Whisk the melted butter with the Dijon and brush over the bun tops.
- Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake 5 minutes more until the cheese melts.
- Serve warm.
Notes
12) Cucumber Sandwiches
These dainty tea sandwiches are cool and spring is the perfect time to make them!
Cucumber Sandwiches
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the cream cheese with the chopped dill and a pinch of salt.
- Spread a generous layer onto each slice of bread.
- Arrange thin cucumber slices over four of the slices, then top with the remaining bread.
- Cut each sandwich into triangles or fingers.
- Cover with a damp paper towel until ready to serve.
Notes
13) Spinach and Artichoke Dip
With its warm, cheesy, and bubbling nature, it’s no wonder this dip disappears before the appetizer hour is up!
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- Mix the spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and most of the parmesan.
- Spread the mixture into the baking dish and top with the remaining parmesan.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve warm with chips or bread.
Notes
14) Peeps Popcorn Balls
Sticky, sweet marshmallow bunnies are a treat everyone will love! Everyone gets to help make this edible craft.
Peeps Popcorn Balls
Ingredients
Method
- Place the popped popcorn in a large greased bowl.
- Melt the butter and marshmallows together in a saucepan over low heat until smooth.
- Pour the melted marshmallow over the popcorn and stir to coat, then fold in the sprinkles.
- With buttered hands, press the mixture into balls, tucking a marshmallow chick on top of each.
- Let the balls set on parchment for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
15) Avocado Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are made fresh and creamy with a buttery and elegant green spin thanks to avocado!
Avocado Deviled Eggs
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the eggs for 10 minutes, then cool in an ice bath, peel, and halve lengthwise.
- Scoop the yolks into a bowl and add the avocado, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Mash everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Pipe or spoon the green filling back into the egg whites.
- Dust with paprika before serving.
Notes
16) Smoked Salmon Crostini
These elegant little toasts silky salmon and a creamy dill spread, and they look fancy, but take little time to whip up!
Smoked Salmon Crostini
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, brush the baguette slices with olive oil, and toast for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Mix the cream cheese with the chopped dill.
- Spread the dill cream cheese onto each toasted slice.
- Drape a piece of smoked salmon over each crostini.
- Top with a few capers and an extra sprig of dill.
Notes
17) Cheese and Charcuterie Board
The best no-cook option for any event — stack it up and let everyone help themselves!
Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
Method
- Place small bowls of olives and nuts on a large board first to anchor the layout.
- Arrange the cheeses in different spots and fan out the cured meats nearby.
- Fill the gaps with clusters of grapes and a pile of crackers.
- Tuck in extra herbs or fruit to fill any bare spots for a lush look.
Notes
18) Spring Radish Toasts
Buttery toast with crunchy radishes is simple and surprisingly addictive!
Spring Radish Toasts
Ingredients
Method
- Toast the bread slices until golden and crisp.
- Whip the softened butter until light and spreadable.
- Spread a thick layer of butter onto each toast.
- Arrange thin radish slices over the top in an overlapping pattern.
- Sprinkle with chives and flaky salt before serving.
Notes
19) Cranberry Brie Bites
The most popular appetizer at every event is Brie and cranberry in a pastry cup. It has a warm, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth filling that leaves you wanting more!
Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Cut the puff pastry into squares and press one into each muffin cup.
- Place a cube of brie into each pastry cup and top with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the brie is melty.
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with rosemary before serving warm.
Notes
20) Zucchini Fritters
Perfect for dipping because they are crunchy outside and soft inside!
Ingredients
Method
- Grate the zucchini, sprinkle with salt, and squeeze out as much liquid as you can.
- Mix the drained zucchini with the egg, flour, parmesan, and dill until a thick batter forms.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the pan and flatten slightly, frying 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with a yogurt dip.
Notes
21) Classic Shrimp Cocktail
Delightfully cool shrimp paired with zesty cocktail sauce never disappoints!
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a pot of water to a boil with the halved lemon squeezed in.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until pink and curled.
- Drain and plunge the shrimp into an ice bath to chill.
- Stir together the ketchup, horseradish, and Worcestershire to make the cocktail sauce.
- Arrange the chilled shrimp around the sauce with lemon wedges.
Notes
22) Pesto Chicken Pinwheels
Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, these spirals have savory and herby flavors.
Pesto Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the cream cheese with the pesto until smooth and green.
- Spread the pesto cream cheese evenly over each tortilla.
- Layer with shredded chicken, baby spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Roll each tortilla up tightly, wrap in plastic, and chill for 20 minutes.
- Slice into 1-inch pinwheels and arrange cut-side up on a platter.
Notes
23) Savory Palmiers
Bakery-fancy looking, but these flaky, buttery pastry swirls with savory filling could not be simpler!
Savory Palmiers
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment.
- Spread the pesto evenly over the puff pastry and sprinkle with the parmesan.
- Roll both long edges of the pastry inward to meet in the middle, then chill for 10 minutes.
- Slice the log into 1/2-inch pieces and place on the pan, brushing the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until puffed and golden, then cool slightly before serving.