13 Appetizers for Year-Round Entertaining
Let’s be honest—entertaining is a lot of work. To make the next time you have guests over a little bit easier on you, here are 13 easy recipes that you can keep on hand to make hosting stress-free.
Whether you're planning a warm-weather picnic, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, these crowd-pleasing appetizers featuring Dole® products are perfect for any occasion. This list has a little bit of everything—fresh fruit salads, cheesy dips, hearty sliders, and wings with a tropical flair. Some can be made ahead, others come together fast, and all are great for sharing any time of year. Now let’s dive into the 13 recipes!
#1 Aloha Chicken Wings
If you’re looking to add a tropical twist to your appetizer spread, Aloha Chicken Wings are the perfect choice. These savory wings are infused with Hawaiian flavor, giving them a unique twist to your typical wing recipe.
#2 Hula Ham Sliders
For a filling appetizer that’s still quick and easy, try these Hula Ham Sliders that combine ham and pineapple! Ready in just 10 minutes, these sliders are a great option for events like a casual party or game day when you need something delicious and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.
#3 Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
For a savory-sweet snack, Bacon Wrapped Pineapple is the perfect bite-size appetizer. The combination of pineapple and bacon creates a delicious balance of flavors that will have your guests coming back for more. Serving 24, it’s an ideal appetizer for a crowd.
#4 Pineapple Salsa Verde
Mix up your appetizer spread with this Pineapple Salsa Verde. This spicy and sweet salsa combines pineapple and roasted tomatillos for a tasty combo that’s perfect for dipping.
#5 Rosemary Pineapple Mozzarella Bites
For a fun and flavorful appetizer, try these Rosemary Pineapple Mozzarella Bites made with pineapple chunks, mozzarella, and rosemary. It can be put together in less than five minutes, making it the perfect snack for stress-free entertaining.
#6 Black Bean Pineapple Taquitos
For a more filling appetizer option, try these Black Bean Pineapple Taquitos. They’re the perfect hand held snack for year-round entertaining!
#7 Pineapple Hot Cheese Dip
Nothing says delicious-yet-simple party snack more than a cheesy dip. Ingredients in this dish include pineapple, hot sauce, bacon, and plenty of cheese. Serving 12 people, this Pineapple Hot Cheese Dip appetizer is the perfect choice for larger gatherings.
#8 Pineapple Chutney with Baked Cheese
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to impress? This Pineapple Chutney with Baked Cheese is a perfect choice! The sweet and tangy pineapple chutney made with pineapple chunks pairs great with brie, feta, or goat cheese, and it’s delicious served with an assortment of crackers.
#9 Angel Slaw Caribbean
For a fresh twist on classic slaw, try this Angel Slaw with a Caribbean Twist. This easy party appetizer combines angel hair coleslaw, mango, raisins, and Caribbean-inspired jerk seasoning.
#10 Honey Lime Fruit Toss
If you’re craving something fresh and tropical, this Honey Lime Fruit Toss is the way to go. It’s a mix of mandarin oranges, bananas, kiwi, and strawberries, all tossed in a honey-lime drizzle. Ready in less than 10 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick snack or casual gathering.
#11 Party Cheese Ball
The next recipe is the Party Cheese Ball, which, just as the name suggests, is the perfect addition to any party. This cheesy pineapple appetizer is easy, fun to make, and always a hit!
#12 Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Try this Pineapple Cucumber Salad that only takes 10 minutes to whip up and is super refreshing! Requiring only five ingredients, it’s such a simple party snack and a great option if you want to incorporate fruits/veggies into your appetizer spread.
#13 Tropical Meatballs
For a delicious and warm appetizer option, make these Tropical Meatballs for your guests. They are saucy, packed with pineapple, and full of flavor. Pro tip: serve them with some toothpicks for easy pick-and-go!
And that’s a wrap on 13 of the best appetizer recipes that are perfect for any occasion. With these tropical appetizer ideas, you’ll have your guests wowed without the hassle. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or looking to impress your guests, these appetizers are sure to please and transport your guests to the tropics. Give them a try and tag us (@dolesunshine) in your creations—we can’t wait to see what you make!
