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You know it’s serious when the appetizer hits the table and everyone forgets what they ordered. From cheesy, crispy bites to bold, flavor packed starters, some apps come in hot and steal the whole night. Dinner? Suddenly, it’s just background noise to whatever magic just landed in front of you.
Texas Roadhouse Cactus Blossom
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It’s fried, golden, and practically the size of your head, meant for sharing, but hard not to keep to yourself. Each crispy petal is made for dipping in that spicy sweet sauce that keeps you reaching for more. It shows up early and somehow steals the whole meal.
Cheesecake Factory Avocado Egg Rolls
These are creamy, crunchy, and come with a tamarind sauce so good you’ll be side eyeing anyone who double dips. It’s one of those rare bites that feels indulgent but still kind of fresh. Before your entrée arrives, you’ll already be planning a second round.
Applebee’s Brew Pub Pretzels & Beer Cheese
Soft pretzels brushed with butter and served with warm beer cheese? Yes, please. They disappear fast and somehow taste even better when you’re starving. By the time your burger arrives, you might be too full or too focused on licking the cheese bowl clean.
Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Cauliflower Wings
Cauliflower gets the MVP treatment here, crispy, spicy, and glazed in a zingy sauce that’s pure magic. They’re so good, even die hard wing lovers can’t resist going back for more. Appetizer? Try the main character’s energy.
Olive Garden Toasted Ravioli
Crunchy on the outside, warm and cheesy on the inside, and made for dunking in that signature marinara. These bite sized raviolis feel like a hug in food form. You’ll forget all about soup, salad, and yes, even the never ending breadsticks.
TGI Fridays Loaded Potato Skins
A classic for a reason, crispy shells packed with melty cheese, bacon, and green onions in every bite. Dip them in sour cream and try not to smile like it’s the ‘90s again. They’re nostalgic, messy, and worth filling up on.
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Red Lobster Lobster & Langostino Pizza
Think thin crust, bubbling cheese, and tender chunks of lobster, it’s fancier than your average starter. Drizzled with garlic butter and loaded with flavor, this appetizer eats like a full-on meal. One slice in and your seafood dinner might be forgotten.
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Chili’s Southwestern Eggrolls
Spicy chicken, black beans, and corn rolled up and fried until crispy, with a creamy avocado ranch on the side. It’s crunchy, creamy, zesty, and addictive. You didn’t come here for eggrolls, but now you’re wondering why you ever ordered anything else.
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Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp
Crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that hits the sweet-heat sweet spot every time. It’s got crunch, kick, and just enough richness to keep you hooked. By the time dinner shows up, you’ll be team Bang Bang for life.
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Carrabba’s Zucchini Fritte
Thinly sliced zucchini fried until golden and served with a lemony aioli that tastes like summer. It’s light enough to feel guilt free, but addictive enough to keep you from slowing down. Warning: your fork may never return to the pasta.
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Outback Bloomin’ Shrimp
It’s all the flavor of their iconic Bloomin’ Onion, just with shrimp getting the crispy spotlight this time. Tangy, spicy, and packed with bold seasoning, this one’s a flavor bomb. You came for steak, but this appetizer might change your plans.
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BJ’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Creamy, cheesy, and bubbling hot, this dip comes with warm, buttery chips that never seem to last long enough. It’s rich, indulgent, and way too easy to demolish before your entrée even hits the table. Honestly, once you start scooping, dinner doesn’t stand a chance.
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Sometimes the best part of the meal shows up before the main course even gets a chance. These appetizers don’t just warm up your appetite; they take over the spotlight. So next time you’re dining out, feel free to skip the main dish… and double down on the apps.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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