Papa John’s garlic knots were my go-to comfort food, but once I tried leveling up at home, there was no turning back. These appetizer recipes have way more flavor, zero delivery fees, and no mystery grease puddles. You’ll probably still eat too many—but at least now you’ll have bragging rights. They’re perfect for lazy weekends, spontaneous hangouts, or pretending you’re feeding guests when it’s just you and your couch. Honestly, garlic knots could never compete.
Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Skip the deep fryer and still get that crispy, pull-apart goodness. It’s crunchy, sharable, and honestly way easier to make than it looks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Bruschetta Rolls
You get soft rolls, melty cheese, and a sweet kick from the Thai sauce. Great for parties where you want the snacks gone before halftime.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Rolls
Weight Watchers Whipped Feta Dip
Creamy, salty, and surprisingly light. This one’s great when you need something fast but still want to act like you planned ahead.
Get the Recipe: Weight Watchers Whipped Feta Dip
Bagel Cheese Ball
Loaded with seasoning and easy to shape, this one’s got the crunch of an everything bagel and the creaminess you want from a cheese ball. Your snack table just got less boring.
Get the Recipe: Bagel Cheese Ball
Sourdough Garlic Knots
Soft, golden knots that hit the garlic-butter spot without being greasy. These work great when you need something that feels homemade but doesn’t take all day.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Garlic Knots
Guacamole Bites
Tiny tomatoes stuffed with guac that actually tastes fresh. They’re a good pick when you want something colorful on the plate that’s not just for looks.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Bites
Smoked Salmon Appetizer Canapes
Creamy, salty, and bright with lemon—these have the fancy look without the work. Keep these on hand for when you want to impress without trying too hard.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Appetizer Canapes
Mussels Fra Diavolo
Spicy tomato sauce and briny mussels make this feel a little extra. It’s a solid pick for seafood fans who aren’t afraid of a little heat before dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mussels Fra Diavolo
