10 High-Protein Appetizers That Will Elevate Your Snack Game

You're looking to boost your snack game with high-protein options. You'll find meatballs, grilled chicken skewers, and shrimp cocktail are great starting points. These protein-rich appetizers can be paired with various dips and garnishes to add flavor.

You're likely wondering what other options are available to take your snacks to the next level, and you're about to discover some surprisingly tasty alternatives.

1. Protein Packed Meatballs

Savory meatballs packed with protein and flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, oats, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, and garlic.
3. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
4. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
5. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.
6. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and gently roll them around to coat evenly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
9. Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.

2. Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer with chilled shrimp and tangy sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup horseradish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

1. Peel and de-vein the shrimp, then rinse with cold water.
2. In a bowl, mix together ketchup, horseradish sauce, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat with the sauce.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Just before serving, season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the shrimp chilled, garnished with lemon wedges.

3. Grilled Chicken Skewers

Grilled Chicken Skewers are a tasty and protein-rich appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 10 bamboo skewers

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and thread onto skewers.
3. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the chicken.
5. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
6. Serve hot and enjoy.

4. Spinach Dip Bites

Crispy pastry bites filled with creamy spinach dip.

Ingredients

• 1 package of puff pastry
• 1 package of frozen spinach
• 1 cup of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Thaw the puff pastry and roll it out to 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Cut out small squares of pastry, about 3 inches per side.
4. In a bowl, mix together spinach, cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and garlic powder.
5. Place a small spoonful of the spinach mixture onto one half of each pastry square.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry square over the filling to form a triangle.
7. Press the edges of the pastry together to seal the bite.
8. Brush the tops of the pastry bites with a little bit of water.
9. Bake the bites for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Serve warm and enjoy.

5. Prosciutto Wrapped Melon

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon is a simple and elegant appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe melon
• 6 slices of prosciutto
• Fresh mint leaves
• Honey

Instructions

1. Cut the melon into bite-sized pieces.
2. Wrap each melon piece with a slice of prosciutto.
3. Secure the prosciutto with a toothpick if needed.
4. Drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy.

6. Crab and Avocado

Crab and avocado combine for a rich and invigorating appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/2 cup jumbo lump crab meat
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit.
2. Scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl and mash with a fork.
3. Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break up the lumps.
4. Stir in the chopped red onion, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. Just before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro.
8. Serve the crab and avocado mixture on toasted bread or crackers.

7. Beef and Mushroom Tart

Savory beef and mushroom tart perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1/2 cup mushrooms
• 1/2 cup beef
• 1/4 cup cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Roll out puff pastry and place on baking sheet.
3. Sauté mushrooms and beef in olive oil until browned.
4. Arrange mushroom and beef mixture on pastry.
5. Sprinkle cheese, salt, and pepper over the top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.

8. Edamame and Mint

Boiled edamame mixed with fresh mint creates an invigorating appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 cup edamame
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the edamame for 3-5 minutes.
2. Drain the edamame and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine cooked edamame, mint leaves, and garlic.
4. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
5. Blend until the mixture is coarsely chopped, but still retains some texture.
6. Serve the edamame and mint mixture chilled or at room temperature.

9. Smoked Salmon Bites

Smoked salmon bites are a delicious and elegant appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 package of smoked salmon
• 1 block of cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of dill
• 1 package of crackers
• 1/4 cup of capers

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix the cream cheese, lemon juice, and dill in a bowl.
3. Arrange the crackers on a baking sheet.
4. Top each cracker with a small piece of smoked salmon.
5. Spread a small amount of the cream cheese mixture on top of the salmon.
6. Sprinkle capers over the cream cheese.
7. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is softened.
8. Serve warm and enjoy.

10. Greek Yogurt Dip

Greek Yogurt Dip is a healthy and tasty appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, bell pepper, and dill.
2. Squeeze lemon juice and sprinkle garlic powder over the mixture.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve chilled and garnish with additional dill if desired.

Conclusion

You've got the ammo to elevate your snack game with these high-protein appetizers. Don't be a rookie, remember "variety is the spice of life" - so ditch the bland and bring on the beef, shrimp, and edamame. Your taste buds will thank you, and don't worry, you won't be winging it, you'll be killing it with these protein-packed options.