• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Parallel Plates
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
×
Home » Recipe Collections

24 Warm, Cheesy Starters That Will Be Gone in No Time

Published: Nov 17, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Warm cheesy starters are the perfect way to kick off any gathering, whether you're hosting a casual game night or a festive get-together. These bite-sized snacks are all about gooey, melty goodness that’s impossible to resist. They’re great for sharing and easy to whip up, making them a go-to choice when you want something that’s equal parts comforting and crowd-friendly. From quick recipes to impressively simple options, these cheesy bites are sure to disappear before you know it!

An image of cream cheese corn dip in a baking dish with a spoon full of the dip rests on top.
Cream Cheese Corn Dip. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Swirl Garlic Bread

Close-up image of sliced swirl garlic bread on a cutting board.
Swirl Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Swirl garlic bread layers garlic and herbs in a visually stunning loaf that’s ready to impress. This warm, cheesy starter is a crowd-pleaser, offering a rich, savory kickoff to any meal or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Swirl Garlic Bread

Spicy Three Cheese Dip

A horizontal image of queso diablo in a serving bowl.
Spicy Three Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy cheese dip, also called Queso Diablo, blends roasted peppers with creamy cheese in just 20 minutes. As a warm, cheesy starter, it’s perfect for adding bold heat and flavor to gatherings, leaving guests wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Three Cheese Dip

Korean Corn Cheese

An image of Korean corn cheese served in a cast iron skillet.
Korean Corn Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Korean corn cheese pairs sweet corn and gooey mozzarella with a touch of maple for a quick 15-minute dish. This warm, cheesy starter brings a comforting sweetness to any spread, appealing to guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Korean Corn Cheese

Instant Pot Queso

An image of queso in a bowl with nacho chips on the side and an instant pot on the back.
Instant Pot Queso. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot queso creates smooth, creamy cheese dip with bold flavors in just five minutes. This warm, cheesy starter is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for parties, perfectly paired with tortilla chips for effortless snacking.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Queso

Cream Cheese Corn Dip

An image of cream cheese corn dip in a baking dish with a spoon full of the dip rests on top.
Cream Cheese Corn Dip. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cream cheese corn dip combines sweet corn, spicy peppers, and gooey cheese, baked to perfection in just 35 minutes. This warm, cheesy starter adds richness and comfort to your party spread, perfect for pairing with tortilla chips.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Corn Dip

Air Fryer Nachos

A close-up imag of loaded nachos topped with melted cheese, avocado chunks, black beans, diced tomatoes, green onions, and dollops of sour cream.
Air Fryer Nachos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer nachos layer cheese, chips, and classic toppings in a snack that’s ready in less than 10 minutes. This warm, cheesy starter is easy to make and perfect for any gathering, big or small, where guests want a flavorful option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Nachos

Sweet Potato Skins

A horizontal image of baked sweet potato skins.
Sweet Potato Skins. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Loaded sweet potato skins are packed with creamy cheese and savory toppings, finished with fresh parsley for extra flair. These warm, cheesy starters are a perfect choice for gatherings, offering a hearty and satisfying option.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Skins

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Jalapeño Poppers on a platter with a bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer jalapeño poppers stuffed with creamy cheese and crispy bacon combine savory and spicy flavors. This warm, cheesy starter is a crowd-favorite for parties, adding a hint of heat to your appetizer table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Bacon Pickle Boats Stuffed with Cream Cheese

Bacon pickle boats stuffed with cream cheese on a plate next to a bowl of dip.
Bacon Pickle Boats Stuffed with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon pickle boats filled with cream cheese and wrapped in smoky bacon bring bold flavors in bite-sized form. These warm, cheesy starters are perfect for casual gatherings, offering an easy yet flavorful snack.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Pickle Boats Stuffed with Cream Cheese

Sausage Balls

Keto Sausage Balls with dip in the middle.
Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Quick sausage balls, made with just a handful of ingredients, bake in under 30 minutes. These warm, cheesy starters are a classic party favorite, providing savory bites that guests will keep coming back to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Easy Cheese Ball without Nuts

Nut-free cheese ball and crackers on a plate.
Easy Cheese Ball without Nuts. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Nut-free cheese balls are ready in just 15 minutes and packed with creamy, sharable flavor. These warm, cheesy starters are perfect for gatherings, adding a quick and crowd-friendly appetizer to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheese Ball without Nuts

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Overhead image of air fryer pizza rolls on a plate.
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Air fryer pizza rolls deliver golden, cheesy bites with a classic pizza flavor in just minutes. These warm, cheesy starters are perfect for game days or parties, offering a simple option that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Close-up image of homemade mozarella sticks with dip on a plate.
Homemade Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Homemade mozzarella sticks feature crispy breadcrumbs and gooey cheese in every bite, an upgrade from store-bought versions. These warm, cheesy starters are a great choice for any gathering, providing a classic option everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage-stuffed mushrooms combine savory filling with melted cheese for a bite-sized appetizer that’s easy to prep ahead. As a warm, cheesy starter, they’re a standout choice for fall potlucks, game days, or cozy gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

Homemade mini pizza bagel bites on a wooden board.
Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Mini pizza bagel bites pack classic pizza flavors into bite-sized snacks that are ready in no time. These warm, cheesy starters are a perfect pick for parties, ensuring everyone can grab a quick and satisfying bite.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

A plate of bacon wrapped mini peppers.
Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon-wrapped mini peppers filled with cream cheese and Everything Bagel seasoning bring bold, rich flavors. These warm, cheesy starters are a great option for fall gatherings, offering a hearty and quick-to-prepare appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

Fried Cheese Balls

Keto Fried Cheese Balls with parsley.
Fried Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Fried cheese balls are crisp on the outside and filled with rich cheddar flavor, making them a go-to for game nights. These warm, cheesy starters are easy to make and perfect for sharing with a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cheese Balls

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Freshly made jalapeño poppers on a plate.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Baked jalapeño poppers balance crispy, creamy textures with a touch of spice, ready in no time. These warm, cheesy starters are an excellent addition to game days, potlucks, or any gathering where guests want bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Sausage balls on a plate with a side of dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cream cheese sausage balls bake in just 30 minutes, making them a quick and crowd-friendly choice. As a warm, cheesy starter, they’re perfect for game days or fall parties, keeping guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

Blue cheese steak crostini on a metal platter drizzled with balsamic reduction.
Blue Cheese Steak Crostini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Blue cheese steak crostini pairs crisp toast, tangy blue cheese, and tender steak with a balsamic drizzle. These warm, cheesy starters are a sophisticated option for gatherings, providing bold flavors in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

Bacon Cheddar Dip

Bacon cheddar dip with shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chive garnish.
Bacon Cheddar Dip. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Bacon cheddar dip with Ranch seasoning whips up in just five minutes, creating a creamy, flavorful appetizer. This warm, cheesy starter is perfect for chips or veggies, a quick addition to any party spread.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Dip

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed Mushrooms on a plate.
Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Stuffed mushrooms with bolognese sauce and melted cheese are a savory snack that’s perfect for parties. These warm, cheesy starters add a rich, hearty option to any appetizer table, pleasing guests with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded zucchini boats offer a cheesy, lighter take on classic potato skins, baked to perfection in under an hour. These warm, cheesy starters are perfect for gatherings, providing a flavorful and wholesome option.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

Air fryer bacon wrapped cheeseburger bites with fries.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Air fryer bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites combine savory beef and smoky bacon in a bite-sized snack. These warm, cheesy starters are an easy, crowd-friendly option that brings classic burger flavors to your appetizer table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

More Recipe Collections

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Close up headshot

Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

More about me →

Popular

  • Overhead image of cozy bowl of potato and sausage chowder with breads on the side.
    Potato And Sausage Chowder
  • Close-up of a bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup, garnished with parsley, ready to serve.
    Stuffed Pepper Soup
  • A slice of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars on a white plate in the foreground, with another slice on a pile of plates in the background.
    Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars
  • A serving of Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells on a plate.
    Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure & Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up!

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2024 Black Bicycle LLC