21 Best Appetizers For Prime Rib Dinner

These best appetizers for prime rib dinner are the perfect way to start your upcoming feast; make a big batch for everyone as they’re bound to disappear!

We all know that when a prime rib dinner is on the table, the main course is always the star of the show.

Who doesn’t love a big, juicy prime rib roast, cooked to perfection, after all?

But that doesn’t mean you can’t have some delicious appetizers to start your meal right!

The best appetizers can whet your appetite and make you even more excited for the main event.

Not sure what to serve as an appetizer for your prime rib dinner?

Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with 21 delicious recipes.

From classic Shrimp Cocktails to Mini Cheese Balls, there’s something on this list for everyone.

So, start browsing these recipes and get cooking—#18 is sure to be a hit!

1. Avocado Bruschetta

In this recipe, heaps of fresh avocado are mixed with diced tomatoes, red onion, and a balsamic vinegar dressing.

Serve it on toasted, crunchy baguette slices for a delicious appetizer.

This appetizer complements prime rib perfectly and will surely be a hit with your guests.

2. Marinated Cheese Peppers & Olives

This recipe is an easy, no-cook appetizer that’s perfect for busy hosts. 

Combine your favorite cheese, olives, and peppers with olive oil and herbs, then let it sit in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

It’s the perfect way to get a little bit of everything in one bite, and it pairs well with the prime rib dinner you’re about to eat.

You can be as extravagant in your choice of cheese and olive oil as you like–it’s up to you.

3. Gentleman’s Whiskey Bacon Jam

This rich, flavorful bacon jam is perfect for spreading on crackers or bread.

It’s made with plenty of bacon, onions, garlic, brown sugar, and whiskey—so it might not be for the faint of heart!

But if you’re looking for an appetizer that will really get your guests’ attention, this is it.

A little bit of this whiskey-laden appetizer goes a long way, so don’t be afraid to serve it sparingly.

4. Brie Mushroom Pastries

This elegant appetizer wraps flaky, buttery puff pastry around creamy brie and earthy mushrooms.

It’s the perfect bite-sized treat and will impress your guests.

Don’t be intimidated by the puff pastry—it’s actually relatively easy to work with.

Just be sure to thaw it thoroughly before you start working with it.

These pastries can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving.

5. Baked Oysters With Parmesan

Oysters are a classic appetizer, and they’re incredibly delicious when baked with Parmesan cheese.

This recipe is easy to follow and yields perfectly cooked oysters every time.

Serve them with some fresh lemon wedges and hot sauce, and your guests will be clamoring for more.

Oysters may be a bit of an acquired taste, though, so if you’re not sure your guests will like them, you can always substitute shrimp.

6. Antipasto Bites

These little bites are packed with flavor, and they’re sure to be a hit with your guests.

They’re made with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and peppers, so they have a little bit of everything.

You can throw these together ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Just don’t forget to bring them to room temperature before serving them so the flavors can come through.

These bites are perfect for snacking on before dinner, or you can serve them as an appetizer with some toothpicks.

7. Roasted Beetroot & Feta Cheese

This appetizer is great for adding a pop of color to your table.

It features roasted beetroot, feta cheese, and fresh herbs—all of which come together to create a beautiful and tasty dish.

The sweetness of the beetroot pairs perfectly with the savory feta, and the herbs add a nice touch of flavor.

Don’t skimp on the feta—it really makes this dish.

8. Coronation Chicken Salad

If it’s good enough for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation, it’s good enough for your prime rib dinner!

This salad is made with cooked chicken, a splash of white wine, and grapes.

It’s then finished off with a mayonnaise and curry powder dressing.

This regal salad is perfect for those who want something a little lighter to start their meal.

It’s simple yet elegant and pairs well with just about anything, especially prime rib.

9. Pomegranate Pork Belly Crostini

This unique appetizer is sure to get your guests talking.

It features a crispy pork belly, sweet pomegranate seeds, and a bleu cheese spread.

It’s a little bit sweet, with some savory notes, and it’s absolutely delectable

10. Bruschetta With Mushrooms & Roasted Peppers

This classic Italian appetizer will probably always be at the top of my choices.

It’s made with fresh mushrooms, roasted peppers, and plenty of garlic.

The flavors come together perfectly and pair well with just about anything.

If you’re looking for something a little different, you can add some goat cheese to the mix.

11. Crab Crescent Triangles

These little triangles are filled with a creamy crab mixture and are absolutely perfect for a fancy dinner party.

But they’re also easy enough to make that you could also serve them at a more casual gathering.

You can always use canned crabmeat if you can’t find fresh crab.

Just be sure to drain it well before you add it to the mixture.

12. Salmon Mousse Canapes

These little canapes are made with a salmon mousse and are absolutely mouthwatering.

All the flavors come together to perfection in these little bites, and they’re sure to be a hit with your guests.

This light, airy, and smooth salmon mousse pairs perfectly with the crispy toast, and the dill gives it a nice touch of flavor.

13. Spinach Artichoke Turnovers

Serve these before dinner, and your guests will be begging for more.

They’re made with spinach and artichoke filling and wrapped in flaky puff pastry.

The taste of these turnovers is out of this world, and they’re sure to have you reaching for seconds.

14. Crab Rangoon

Crispy wontons filled with a creamy crab mixture—what’s not to love?

These are always a hit, and they’re so easy to make.

Plus, they look impressive, even though they don’t take very long to put together.

They’re flavorful on their own, but they’re also great dipped in a sweet and sour sauce.

15. Shrimp Cocktail

This classic appetizer is always a good idea.

Fancy or casual, a shrimp cocktail is always a hit.

It’s easy to make, and it can be served with a variety of sauces.

I like to serve mine with a homemade cocktail sauce, but you can also use a store-bought sauce.

16. Cucumber Shrimp Cups

These little cucumber cups are the perfect way to dress up your shrimp cocktail.

They look impressive on a platter and are so easy to make.

All you need is a cucumber, some shrimp, and a little bit of creativity.

These little bites are light and refreshing and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Plus, they’re a great way to use up any extra cucumbers you might have lying around.

17. Honey Thyme Whipped Goat Cheese & Fig Bites

These little bites are sweet, savory, and absolutely delicious.

They feature honey thyme whipped goat cheese, fresh figs, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

The result is a perfectly balanced bite that will tantalize your taste buds.

You’ll want to make a double batch of these tasty starters because they’re sure to go fast.

18. Pea Soup Shooters

These little soup shooters are perfect for a prime rib dinner.

They’re made with a creamy pea soup, and you can garnish them with various toppings of your choice.

I like to top mine with some crumbled bacon, but you could also use shredded cheese or diced tomatoes.

Either way, they’re sure to get your appetite going.

19. Fontina Asparagus Tart

These little tartlets are made with a flaky puff pastry, and they’re filled with a cheesy asparagus filling.

It’s a great way to add a bit of veggie and an hors d’oeuvre that your guests will love.

If you can’t find fontina cheese, you could also use Gruyere or another type of Swiss cheese.

20. Caviar Tartare With Salmon

Dine like a king or queen with this luxurious appetizer.

It’s made with salmon, caviar, and a variety of other delicious ingredients.

There’s no fancier way to start a prime rib dinner than with this.

The delicate flavor of the salmon pairs perfectly with the caviar.

21. Mini Cheese Balls

These little bites are perfect for a pre-dinner snack.

They’re made with a variety of cheeses, and you can roll them in anything from chopped nuts to herbs.

They will surely be a favorite among your guests no matter what you roll them in.

The bottom line

Such a tender, juicy, and flavorful steak deserves only the best appetizers.

And these 21 recipes are definitely some of the best.

So, whether you’re looking for something classic or something a little bit more innovative, you’re sure to find the perfect appetizer recipe on this list.

So, get cooking, and enjoy your prime rib dinner!