41 of Our Best Meat Appetizers

Updated on Sep. 18, 2024

The carnivores will definitely be happy when you serve up these tasty meat appetizers at your next get-together.

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Tangy Barbecue Wings

Total Time 4 hours
Servings 2 dozen wings (2 sections each)
From the Recipe Creator: I took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 wing (2 sections): 178 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
2/41

Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

Total Time 50 min
Servings about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These cute little bacon-wrapped smokies are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 90 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.

3/41

Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Total Time 30 min
Servings about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: The secret ingredient in this sassy sauce is the grape jelly. It's a sweet contrast with the chili sauce. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 meatball: 106 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.

4/41

Spicy Butterscotch Wings

Total Time 50 min
Servings 20 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We love big-time-spicy chicken wings. I do a caramel sauce to balance the heat, but you could also glaze the wings with melted brown sugar. —Aaron Salazar, Westminster, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 100 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
5/41

Mini Corn Dogs

Total Time 30 min
Servings about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Fun-sized corn dogs add a little "wow" factor to any cookout or get-together. Kids and adults equally love them, so expect them to disappear fast. —Deb Perry, Bluffton, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 mini corn dog: 68 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
6/41

Coconut Chicken and Shrimp

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I was looking for a fun, easy weeknight dinner based on our favorite shrimp dish that was healthier than fast food. This has become a favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 659 calories, 31g fat (14g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
7/41

Texas Taco Dip Platter

Total Time 1 hour 50 min
Servings 20 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I'm entertaining, this colorful dish is my top menu choice. My friends can't resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 522 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1200mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
8/41

Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: After making little bacon-wrapped sausages for years, I needed a change! I had an extra sweet potato and half a package of bacon on hand, so I put on my thinking cap and came up with this treat. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 60 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
9/41

Cherry-Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I came up with this amazing recipe when I had a load of cherries on hand. My family polished them off fast, and asked for more. Luckily I had enough fruit to make them again the next day! —Melissa Barlow, Fruit Heights, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 2 filled lettuce wraps: 257 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
10/41

Pork Satay

Total Time 30 min
Servings 20 servings (about 3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator: Cilantro layers on the freshness, while the sesame oil and Thai chili sauce add Asian flavors that pair perfectly with peanut butter. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 skewer with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 73 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
11/41

Smoky Jalapenos

Total Time 55 min
Servings 14 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator: When I make these bacon-wrapped appetizers, there are no leftovers. They can also be made with mild banana peppers or yellow chili peppers. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed pepper half: 86 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
12/41

BBQ Chicken Bites

Total Time 25 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Chicken bites wrapped in bacon get a kick from Montreal seasoning and sweetness from barbecue sauce. We love the mix of textures. —Kathryn Dampier, Quail Valley, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 47 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
13/41

Cuban Sliders

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These wonderful little rolls are baked until lightly toasted and the cheese melts. The leftover King's Hawaiian ham sliders keep really well in the fridge, and they make a lovely cold snack. Followers of my blog, houseofyumm.com, go nuts for these! —Serene Herrera, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 slider: 191 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
14/41

Hearty Pork & Black Bean Nachos

Total Time 6 hours 15 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I are both graduate students right now, so we don't have a lot of time to cook dinner. Our family loves coming home to this incredible nacho platter, and I love how easy it is to prepare. —Faith Stokes, Chickamauga, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup meat mixture (calculated without chips and toppings): 469 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 1055mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 33g protein.
15/41

Honey-Mustard Wings

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: For a change from spicy Buffalo sauce, try these sweet and sticky wings. There's a good chance they'll become your new favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 85 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
16/41

Mini Beef Tourtieres

Total Time 1 hour 30 min
Servings about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a twist on the traditional tourtiere recipe. Ground beef replaces pork, and cream cheese pastry takes the place of pie pastry. The filled mini cups make a melt-in-your-mouth addition to a buffet. —Cheryl Bruneau, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 96 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
17/41

Sausage Wonton Cups

Total Time 30 min
Servings 24 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a tasty hot appetizer for all those parties that feature fun finger foods. I’ve made this recipe several times, and these bites always disappear so fast. It’s really easy. —Shirley Van Allen, High Point, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 wonton cup: 68 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 270mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
18/41

Cheeseburger Mini Muffins

Total Time 35 min
Servings 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I invented these cute little muffins so I could enjoy the flavor of cheeseburgers without resorting to fast food. I often freeze a batch and reheat however many I need, including as appetizers. —Teresa Kraus, Cortez, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 mini muffin: 62 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 137mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
19/41

Bacon Roll-Ups

Total Time 45 min
Servings 10 roll-ups
From the Recipe Creator: This family recipe dates back to the 1930s, when my grandmother started making these hearty breakfast rolls. —Janet Abate, North Brunswick, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 roll-up: 164 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
20/41

Orange-Glazed Chicken & Chorizo Meatballs

Total Time 40 min
Servings about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These tasty southwestern meatballs warm up a buffet. I add pomegranate seeds, jalapeno pepper jelly and cilantro to make everything pop with color. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 meatball: 71 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
21/41

Ground Beef Snack Quiches

Total Time 35 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My husband, Cory, farms, so supper can sometimes be quite late. A hearty appetizer like these meaty mini quiches is a perfect way to start the meal. They taste super made with ground beef, but I sometimes substitute bacon, ham, ground pork or sausage. —Stacy Atkinson, Rugby, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts: 1 snack quiche: 93 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 137mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
22/41

Pizza Roll-Ups

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Since getting this recipe from our 4-H club, it's been a regular after-school snack. We like to dunk these bite-sized pizza treats, made with refrigerated crescent rolls, in spaghetti sauce. —Donna Klettke, Wheatland, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 roll-up: 94 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
23/41

Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos

Total Time 35 min
Servings 44 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator: If you like foods that pack a bit of a punch, you’ll love these jalapeno poppers filled with sausage and cheese. This is one of my favorite recipes for parties. —Rachel Oswald, Greenville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 56 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
24/41

Spicy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip

Total Time 2 hours 25 min
Servings 2 dozen (1-3/4 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator: These fall-off-the-bone tender wings have just the right amount of heat, and the cool blue cheese dressing makes the perfect dip. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 237 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
25/41

Australian Sausage Rolls

Total Time 50 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I was born and raised in Australia, but moved to the U.S. when I got married. When I long for some Australian recipes, I bake up a batch of this sausage roll recipe and share them with neighbors or co-workers. —Melissa Landon, Port Charlotte, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 roll: 116 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
26/41

Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze

Total Time 1 hour
Servings about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These smoky-sweet meatballs are a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty. I like setting them out when folks come to visit. —Janet Zeger, Middletown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 meatball: 52 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 113mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
27/41

Ham-Spinach Crepe Cups

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 crepe cups
From the Recipe Creator: Using ingredients you likely already have on hand, these savory crepes will add fun to your celebration for mere pennies. Plus, by changing the filling to something sweet, such as berries and whipped cream you can create a great dessert. —Kathi Grenier, Auburn, Maine
Nutrition Facts: 1 crepe cup: 262 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 963mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
28/41

Turkey Bolognese Polenta Nests

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: This delicious appetizer combines two of my favorite foods, polenta and bolognese meat sauce, uniting them into one incredibly tasty bite! —Lidia Haddadian, Pasadena, California. Next, try this delicious Emily Blunt’s turkey bolognese recipe.
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 80 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
29/41

Steak & Blue Cheese Bruschetta with Onion & Roasted Tomato Jam

Total Time 55 min
Servings 16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator: An appetizer bursting with flavor from bleu cheese, caramelized onion, jam and balsamic vinegar—tasty bites that vanish in a hurry. —Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 185 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.

30/41

Turkey Sliders

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Turkey sliders with ginger, horseradish and cranberry sauce refrigerate well, so I keep them ready for get-togethers when we bake gifts and wrap presents. —Pamela Miller, Big Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 slider: 231 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.

31/41
32/41

Smoked Gouda & Roast Beef Pinwheels

Total Time 35 min
Servings 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Our local deli makes terrific roast beef sandwiches. This pinwheel appetizer re-creates the taste. My family says the pinwheels have so many flavors for such a little treat. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 71 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.

33/41

Buffalo Chicken Calzones

Total Time 40 min
Servings 4 calzones
From the Recipe Creator: I'm always looking for creative ways to jazz up pizza. I created this pizza turnover to incorporate my love of Buffalo chicken wings. —Ruth Ann Riendeau, Twin Mountain, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 calzone: 516 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.

34/41

How to Make Mini Meat Loaves

Total Time 50 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My family and I can't get enough of these little meat loaf muffins topped with a sweet ketchup sauce. They are the perfect portion size. This recipe requires no chopping, so it's quick and easy to make a double batch and have extras for another day. I've given them to new moms, too. —Joyce Wegmann, Burlington, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 2 mini meat loaves: 341 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.
35/41

Fried Chicken and Pulled Pork Cornbread Poppers

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These fun little apps are an instant conversation starter wherever they're served. We love them on game day, but they'd be a hit at brunch too. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 mini muffin: 74 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
36/41

Mini Crescent Burgers

Total Time 35 min
Servings 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: A friend first brought these snacks to a Sunday school party. The original recipe called for pork sausage, but I substituted ground beef with taste-tempting results. —Pam Buhr, Mexico, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 79 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
37/41

Butter Chicken Meatballs

Total Time 3 hours 30 min
Servings about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I love meatballs, and we love butter chicken. Before an appetizer party, we had the brilliant idea to combine these two loves, and the new creation got rave reviews! Want them as a main dish? Just serve with basmati rice. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts: 1 meatball: 40 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
38/41

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Total Time 2 hours 20 min
Servings 6 cups
From the Recipe Creator: If you like spice, you'll love this dip. It's super cheesy and full of rich flavor, and it really has that Buffalo wing taste! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup dip (calculated without chips): 167 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
39/41

Mini Mac & Cheese Dogs

Total Time 40 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: We wanted to get creative with hot dogs, so we made a mac-and-cheesy one. Pile on the extra cheese, relish and even bacon. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 198 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
40/41

Sesame-Beef Pot Stickers

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I enjoy having these potstickers as a late-night snack. They also work well as a quick appetizer for family parties. —Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1 pot sticker: 50 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
41/41

Pork & Rice Meatballs

Total Time 1 hour
Servings about 4 dozen (1 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator: My appetizer meatballs combine two of my favorite Asian dishes —Chinese pork dumplings and steamed chicken balls. —Elizabeth Dumont, Madison, MS
Nutrition Facts: 1 meatball with 1 teaspoon sauce: 61 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.