40 Appetizers for an Unforgettable Galentine's Day Party (2024)

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40 Appetizers for an Unforgettable Galentine's Day Party (1)Annamarie HigleyUpdated: Oct. 31, 2019

    Chock full of dips, small bites and spreads, this list of delicious appetizers will have you and your friends wishing it was Galentine's Day every day.

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    40 Appetizers for an Unforgettable Galentine's Day Party (2)

    Artem Varnitsin/Shutterstock

    Galentine’s Day, an unofficial holiday celebrated on Valentine’s Day eve invented by Amy Poehler’s character in Parks and Recreation, is an ode to gal pals in all their glory. Celebrate your BFFs this year with irresistible food and drinks (like these16 co*cktails to Make for Your Galentine’s Day Party.)

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    Best Deviled Eggs

    Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

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    Queso Fundido

    Dig in to this one-skillet dip and enjoy the gooey cheese and the spicy kicks from chorizo and pepper jack. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

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    Taste of Home

    Appetizer Blue Cheese Logs

    Three kinds of cheese and some curry powder make this cheese log a little more lively than most. Swipe it on your favorite cracker with a drizzle of honey for a sensational snack. —Ethel Johnson, North Saanich, British Columbia

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    Taste of Home

    There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington

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    Slow-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Beer Dip

    My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize in our office party recipe contest. Other beers can work for this, but be sure to steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

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    7/41

    Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites

    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

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    Marshmallow Fruit Dip

    You can whip up this sweet and creamy dip in just 10 minutes. I like to serve it in a bowl surrounded by fresh-picked strawberries at spring brunches or luncheons. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

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    Nacho Tots

    This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can't find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are wonderful, too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin

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    Baked Crab Dip

    We enjoyed this exquisite dip at my grandson's wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You can even make this crab dip recipe ahead of time by filling the bread bowl early in the day and chilling it until serving. Just remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri

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    Cilantro Tomato Bruschetta

    This is an easy tomato appetizer that all of my family and friends love. The garden-fresh ingredients capture summer and meld together for a delightful hors d’oeuvre recipe that goes well with many different main dishes. —Lisa Kane, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    Slow-Cooker Pizza Dip

    I created this dip for my daughter's pizza-themed birthday party. It was an instant hit and I've continued to take it along to other gatherings. Everyone loves it! —Stephanie Gates, Waterloo, Iowa

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    Taste of Home

    Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Everyone will simply devour this savory and delicious dip with shredded chicken throughout. The spicy kick makes it a perfect football-watching food, and the recipe always brings raves. —Janice Foltz, Hershey, Pennsylvania

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    Blue Cheese Potato Chips

    Game day calls for something bold. I top potato chips with tomatoes, bacon and tangy blue cheese. I make two big pans, and they always disappear. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

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    Dill Dip

    Be prepared—you'll likely need to make a double batch of this delightful dill dip recipe. One batch is never enough when we have a get-together! It tastes fantastic with just about any vegetable, so you can use whatever you have on hand as a dipper. —Kathy Beldorth, Three Oaks, Michigan

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    Taste of Home

    Swiss Cheese Bread

    This bread will receive rave reviews, whether you serve it as an appetizer or with a meal. For real convenience, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it! —Karla Boice, Mahtomedi, Minnesota

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    Crispy Sriracha Spring Rolls

    While in the Bahamas, friends suggested a restaurant that served amazing chicken spring rolls. When I got home, I created my own version. Such a great appetizer to have waiting in the freezer! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba

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    TMB studio

    Roasted Eggplant Spread

    Black pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a crisp cracker or toasted bread slice. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.

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    Taste of Home

    Taco Tater Skins

    I wanted to make a version of these with ingredients most people have on hand. We make a meal out of these skins, but they're also great for parties as appetizers. —Phyllis Douglas, Fairview, Michigan

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    We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

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    Taste of Home

    Korean Wontons

    Korean wontons (called mandoo) are not hot and spicy like many of the traditional Korean dishes. Filled with inexpensive vegetables and beef, the fried dumplings are very easy to prepare and so tasty!. —Christy Lee, Horsham, Pennsylvania

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    Taste of Home

    Soft Giant Pretzels

    My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado

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    Taste of Home

    Jalapeno Popper Spread

    I've been told by fellow partygoers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia

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    Taste of Home

    Sicilian Nachos

    Crispy bread replaces the classic tortilla chips and savory meat sauce tops things off. This hearty appetizer easily doubles as a main dish. Add a salad and you have dinner. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

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    Taste of Home

    Garlic-Parmesan Cheese Ball

    This is one of our entertaining mainstays. It complements most meals and is so easy to prepare and dress up with a variety of garnishes. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York

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    Mini Zucchini Pizzas

    This simple snack is the perfect, low-carb way to satisfy your pizza cravings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    Taste of Home

    Homemade Guacamole

    I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

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    Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

    This festive dip is a snap to make, taking only 10 minutes from start to finish. Thanks to its hint of sweetness, both kids and adults will gobble it up. —Frankie Robinson, Lockhart, Texas

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    Slow-Cooker Mexican Dip

    My husband and I love to entertain, and we make this hearty seven-ingredient Mexican dip often. Using our slow cooker leaves us free to share quality time with our guests. After all, isn't that the purpose of a party? —Heather Courtney, Ames, Iowa

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    Party Cheese Bread

    You can't go wrong with this cheese bread recipe. The cheesy, butter bread is so simple to make but the taste is sinful. Plus it looks fantastic, and people just flock to it! It's better than the usual garlic bread with pasta, too. —Karen Grant, Tulare, California

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    Taste of Home

    This great-tasting beer cheese fondue is my mom's favorite, so I make it for her birthday every year. I like to serve this cheddar cheese fondue recipe with apple slices, rye bread cubes, and chunks of carrots, mushrooms, celery, zucchini, squash and broccoli. —Amanda Wentz, Virginia Beach, Virginia

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    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Reuben Spread

    My daughter shared this recipe with me for a hearty spread that tastes just like a Reuben sandwich. Serve it from a slow cooker set to warm so the dip stays at its most tasty temperature. —Rosalie Fuchs, Paynesville, Minnesota

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    Mini Pizza Cups

    Served hot or cold, these little pizzas are wonderful. Their small size makes them ideal for an after-school snack or a kid-friendly party. Plus, they’re so easy to make that little ones can help you in the kitchen! —Jane Jones, Cedar, Minnesota

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    Cider Cheese Fondue

    Cheese lovers are sure to enjoy dipping into this creamy quick-to-fix fondue cheese dip that has just a hint of apple. You can also serve this appetizer with pear wedges. —Kim Marie Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois

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    Taste of Home

    Layered Asian Dip

    Guests are quick to dig into this delectable dip. With tender chunks of chicken and Asian seasoning, it's a nice switch from traditional taco dip.— Bonnie Mazur, Reedsburg, Wisconsin

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    Buffalo Wing Poppers

    These buffalo chicken poppers combine the flavor of hot wings and jalapeño appetizers to make a snack greater than the sum of their parts. —Barbara Nowakowski, Mesa, Arizona

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    Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience—I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and cleanup are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

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    Chicken Pot Stickers

    Chicken and mushrooms make up the filling in these pot stickers, a traditional Chinese dumpling. Greasing the steamer rack makes it easier to remove them once they're steamed. —Jacquelynne Stine, Las Vegas, Nevada

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    Taste of Home

    Hot Bacon Cheese Dip

    I've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with tortilla chips or sliced French bread. —Suzanne Whitaker, Knoxville, Tennessee

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    Originally Published: December 14, 2018

    40 Appetizers for an Unforgettable Galentine's Day Party (41)

    Annamarie Higley

    Annamarie is Taste of Home’s Shopping Editor and previously worked on the brand’s magazine and special issues. It was during this time she tapped into her love language, gifts, and spearheaded the print holiday gift guides in 2021 and 2022. She’s thrilled to continue creating gift guides full time for the shopping team, in addition to testing and reviewing products, spotlighting viral gadgets and editing freelanced content. A midwestern transplant from the San Francisco Bay Area, she enjoys hiking, crafting and—you guessed it!—shopping and cooking.

    40 Appetizers for an Unforgettable Galentine's Day Party (2024)

    FAQs

    How many appetizers do I need for a party of 40? ›

    If you are serving just appetizers and not a main course, you need a selection for your guests to choose from which if it's 40, best to go with 6–8 different items. Having said that, the selection would also be from cold, room temperature to hot food items.

    What do you bring to a Galentines day party? ›

    Pack your picnic basket with enough food and refreshments. To make the occasion more special, you can prepare themed snacks such as pink lemonade, a charcuterie board, a fruit platter, and of course, anything pink, red, heart-shaped or chocolate-covered.

    What is the maximum number of appetizer will you serve for a group of 40 or more? ›

    If you're inviting 10 to 20 guests, offer five different choices. When your guest list ranges between 20 and 40 guests, offer seven selections. If your guest list exceeds 40 guests, provide nine different choices. You do not need to provide more than nine different appetizers, no matter how large your guest list grows.

    How do you throw the best Galentines party? ›

    35 Galentine's Day Party Ideas Your Girls Will Absolutely Obsess Over
    1. Get excited about a theme. ...
    2. Arrange your own flowers.
    3. Make fondue.
    4. Plan a "my favorite things" product swap. ...
    5. Pick a signature co*cktail.
    6. Invest in (themed, duh) balloons.
    7. Make personalized goodie bags.
    8. Host an at-home mani-pedi night.
    Feb 9, 2024

    How do you calculate appetizers for a party? ›

    You want to have enough variety so that everyone can eat something before dinner is served.
    1. 10 guests or less: serve 3 different appetizers.
    2. 10 - 20 guests: serve 5 different appetizers.
    3. 20 - 40 guests: serve 7 different appetizers.
    4. 40 guests or more: serve 9 different appetizers.

    How many appetizers to feed 50 people? ›

    If you're hosing 25 -35 guests, plan 3-4 bites per person if a full dinner is to be served afterwards, or 5-7 bites per person if a lighter meal will be served. If you're hosting a party of 50, then you can offer 6 to 9 different items.

    How to host a Galentines day party? ›

    There are so many fun ways to celebrate Galentine's Day with your girlfriends—some of my go-to activities are spa nights, rom-com movie marathons, or game nights. You could also make it a gift swap and have each guest bring a book, a bottle of wine, or their favorite beauty product to exchange.

    What color do you wear on Galentines day? ›

    A pink and red printed dress is the perfect choice for a Galentine's Day celebration. The playful combination of pink and red is both feminine and fun, making it the perfect choice for a day spent with your besties.

    What are the rules for Galentines day? ›

    Grown out of the success of Galentine's Day to include everybody, there are no rules or particular customs, it's just a day to appreciate platonic love and the friends in your life by spending time together and doing things you like.

    How do you make an appetizer attractively? ›

    Place each appetizer on its own plate for an elegant look. Arrange all of the little dishes on a large serving platter in a circular pattern or a uniform pattern in which all of the plates are spaced the same amount of distance from each other.

    What is the dress code for Galentine's Day? ›

    There's obviously no strict dress code for Galentine's Day— it's all about however dressed up or casual your friends want it to be. So whether you're looking for the best pair of sweatpants, or a fun sparkly-skirt outfit, we have some ideas for you.

    What is Galentine's Day quote? ›

    You'll always be my Galentine. There's nothing better than best friends. Except best friends with chocolate and wine. Making memories with you is my favorite thing to do.

    How many appetizers do I need for 45 guests? ›

    If the guest list has fewer than 45 people, plan on using roughly 6 different appetizers. For more than 45 guests, approximately 8 different appetizers. The rule of thumb for smaller gatherings is that 3 types of appetizers are suitable for 8 to 10 guests; 4 or 5 types of appetizers for 14 to 16 people.

    How do you cater for 40 guests? ›

    Think about style and theme

    Finger foods, canapes, and grazing tables are great options that can feed a crowd and are easy to shape around any style. From gourmet cured meats and cheeses to catering classics like mini pies and pastries, there is bound to be something for any theme.

    How to feed 40 people? ›

    1. Hearty Baked Penne Pasta. This recipe feeds an army. ...
    2. Tasty Taco Bar. Everything you need to make your own Taco Bar at home. ...
    3. Baked Potato Bar. ...
    4. Crockpot Ham. ...
    5. Killer Carnitas. ...
    6. Chicken Spaghetti. ...
    7. Ham and Cheese Sliders. ...
    8. Shredded Beef Tacos.
    Apr 2, 2024

    How many pieces of finger food for a party? ›

    Type of Event:

    co*cktail Party: For a stand-up co*cktail party where finger foods are the main focus and no other substantial meal is served, plan for 10-12 pieces per person per hour. Mixed Event: If your event includes finger foods as appetisers before a meal, aim for 3-5 pieces per person.

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