13 Fresh and Festive Easter Appetizers

Spring Starters for Your Holiday Feast

By
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
A freelance journalist and avid home cook, Cathy Jacobs has more than 10 years of food writing experience, with a focus on curating approachable menus and recipe collections.
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Updated on 09/17/20
Savory Spinach and Mushroom Strudel

The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

Start your Easter holiday feast with easy crowd-pleasing recipes that celebrate seasonal spring ingredients. These starters are delicious, look great on your holiday table, and most can be prepared ahead of party time to make hosting a breeze.

  • 01 of 13

    Beet Hummus

    Beet Hummus

    Westend61/Getty Images

    Seasonal fresh beets add gorgeous color and a pleasant earthy sweetness to traditional hummus, making it a celebration-worthy spread. Use your food processor to whip up a batch of bright-pink hummus by combining boiled beets, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt into a smooth, creamy party spread.

  • 02 of 13

    Parmesan-Stuffed Mushrooms

    Parmesan-Stuffed Mushrooms

    Diana Rattray

    Mushrooms stuffed with a savory filling of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and fresh and dried herbs make a satisfying finger food to enjoy before the Easter meal. This recipe is vegetarian, but if you crave a meatier appetizer, go ahead and add some crumbled cooked bacon or sausage to the stuffing.

  • 03 of 13

    Cream of Artichoke Soup

    Cream of Artichoke Soup

    Molly Watson

    With just a little cream for richness, this elegant, velvety artichoke soup is a fantastic way to enjoy the special, spring-like flavor of this vegetable. It needs only a few ingredients, including garlic, lemon juice, and sea salt, to make the flavor of artichokes sing.

  • 04 of 13

    Vegan Cucumber Spring Rolls

    Vegan Cucumber Spring Rolls

    sbossert/Getty Images

    We can imagine the Easter bunny munching happily away on these light vegan spring rolls that feature cucumber, carrots, bean sprouts, rice noodles, and optional cilantro. They are a cinch to make in about 20 minutes and the recipe is easily multiplied for larger gatherings.

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  • 05 of 13

    Smoked Salmon Dip

    smoked salmon dip

     Leah Maroney

    This bright and flavorful smoked salmon dip only takes minutes to whip up and can be made ahead of time for a last-minute appetizer. Serve the creamy spread chilled with crackers or bagel chips.

  • 06 of 13

    Basil Walnut Spread

    Basil Walnut Spread

    Diana Rattray

    Aromatic fresh basil leaves, walnuts, Parmesan, and cream cheese give this party spread a pesto-like flavor and great texture. It's quick and easy to make, and can be prepped a day ahead, for storing in the fridge until guests arrive. Serve with whole wheat crackers, pumpernickel flat breads, or fresh veggies.

  • 07 of 13

    Cheesy Muffin Tin Potato Stacks

    Cheesy Muffin Tin Potato Stacks

    Vera Lair/Stocksy United

    Cheesy, crispy, buttery potato stacks are a potato lover's dream. Prepare them easily in muffin tins for a winning potato appetizer, layering thinly-sliced Russet rounds into cute little stacks topped with garlic-infused butter, cheddar cheese, seasonings, and a little heavy cream, and baking until golden.

  • 08 of 13

    Smoked Salmon Crostini

    Smoked Salmon Crostini

    Leah Maroney

    A trio of garden-fresh herbs adds flavor and freshness to a classic smoked salmon crostini in this essential appetizer recipe. Brush baguette slices with a little olive oil, and toast in the oven, before spreading with fluffy ricotta cheese mixed with lemon and herbs. Top with smoked salmon slices, and garnish with dill sprigs to serve.

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  • 09 of 13

    Vegan and Gluten-Free Carrot and Coriander Soup With Ginger

    Vegan and Gluten-Free Carrot and Coriander Soup With Ginger

    16minuteseast/Getty Images

    This spiced carrot soup is full of fresh carrots and makes a great Easter dinner starter. The thick, sweet, pureed soup is gluten free and gets wonderful flavor from Indian spices. Blend it smooth, or leave it a little chunky, depending on your preference.

  • 10 of 13

    Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

    ham and cheese pinwheels

     Leah Maroney

    Made with refrigerated pizza dough, these pretty ham and cheese pinwheels are quick and easy to throw together. The spiral of salty ham and gooey cheese makes this simple snack an attractive addition to your spread.

  • 11 of 13

    Savory Spinach and Mushroom Strudel

    Savory Spinach and Mushroom Strudel

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

    When mushrooms are abundant in spring, that's the time to make this savory vegan strudel for entertaining. It looks impressive, but is easy to assemble with prepared puff pastry. Silken tofu, tahini, and vegan cream cheese add delightful creaminess to a tasty, mixed vegetable filling of mushrooms and spinach.

  • 12 of 13

    Vegan Scallion Pancakes

    Vegan Scallion Pancakes

    James Baigrie/Getty Images

    Amazing scallion pancakes are a fantastic party snack that you shallow-fry in oil, so they get crispy and golden-brown on the outside, but the scallions inside remain tender and zingy. Cook up a batch in minutes, and serve with soy sauce for dipping, as a vegan-friendly appetizer that is sure to disappear quickly.

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  • 13 of 13

    Thai Mini Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

    Thai Mini Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

    Darlene A. Schmidt

    Bite-sized, Thai-style lettuce wraps with a scrumptious, spicy shrimp and peanut filling are always crowd-pleasers. Wrap up a batch and secure with toothpicks for guests, or set out the shrimp mixture and lettuce leaves side by side, so your family and friends can have the fun of assembling their own wraps.