As someone who manages a food menu for a living, I can tell you — appetizers are more than just a warm-up act. They set the tone for the entire meal. And few chains understand that better than Applebees menu. From saucy wings to creamy, indulgent dips, their appetizer menu is engineered for flavor, variety, and that all-important shareability.
Whether you’re in the food industry like me or just love a good bite to snack on, let’s explore Applebee’s top appetizer picks — complete with prices, real-world appeal, and why these starters are stealing the spotlight.
Applebee’s Appetizers Menu With Prices
Applebee’s hits the sweet spot between affordable and crave-worthy. As someone who’s priced countless items myself, I can confidently say they do a great job balancing value with portion size. Here’s a look at their go-to appetizer favorites (prices may vary slightly by location):
- Classic Bone-In Wings – $13.99
- Brew Pub Pretzels & Beer Cheese Dip – $9.99
- Spinach & Artichoke Dip – $10.99
- Crispy Cheese Bites – $9.49
- White Queso Dip & Chips – $8.99
These items aren’t just popular — they’re built to satisfy across different tastes. When I’m crafting my own menu, I always look for items that balance rich, salty, creamy, and crunchy. Applebee’s lineup checks all those boxes.
Classic Bone-In Wings
Wings are a staple for any appetizer menu. As a menu owner, I can tell you firsthand — if your wings aren’t good, guests notice. Thankfully, Applebee’s gets it right.
Their bone-in wings are tender and meaty, tossed in your choice of sauce. Buffalo? Sweet Asian Chile? Garlic Parmesan? There’s something for every palette. Each order comes with celery sticks and your pick of ranch or bleu cheese — because details matter.
In my own kitchen, I’ve seen how the right sauce can elevate a wing from “just okay” to “order another round.” Applebee’s understands that balance of heat, sweetness, and acidity perfectly.
Pro tip from the business side: Offering multiple sauce options and dipping sides gives guests a sense of control — and keeps them coming back.
Brew Pub Pretzels & Cheese Dip
Now we’re talking comfort food. These soft-baked pretzel rods are golden, chewy, and lightly salted — the kind of simple perfection that’s surprisingly hard to nail. But what really sets them apart is that beer cheese dip. Rich, melty, and just sharp enough to cut through the carbs.
As a menu planner, I appreciate how Applebee’s pairs two dips (cheese and mustard) to cater to different taste preferences. This is something I’ve incorporated into my own business — variety without overcomplicating the offering.
And let’s face it: pretzels + cheese dip = instant crowd-pleaser. It’s approachable, familiar, and downright addictive.
Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Here’s a little insider truth: any time I add spinach artichoke dip to my own menu, it flies off the shelves. Why? Because it taps into nostalgia and indulgence in one go — and Applebee’s has nailed the formula.
Their version is served hot and creamy, with plenty of cheesy pull and a perfectly seasoned tortilla chip to scoop it up. It’s not just about the flavor, though. The texture matters — and here, it’s velvety without being soupy, cheesy without being greasy.
From my experience, this dish brings people together. It’s a “center-of-the-table” kind of starter — and that social aspect keeps it relevant in today’s dining culture.
Crispy Cheese Bites
Cheese bites are proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a fan favorite — just great execution. These little golden nuggets are everything a fried cheese snack should be: crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside.
When we added a version of this to our own appetizer section, I was surprised how quickly it became a customer favorite — especially for families with kids. Applebee’s version hits the sweet spot between snackable and satisfying.
Plus, the buttermilk ranch they serve it with? That’s a classic pairing that always works. Behind the menu note: Bite-sized items are low-risk, high-reward for customers — they try it once, and if it delivers, it becomes a go-to order.
White Queso Dip & Chips
There’s something universally comforting about warm queso and salty chips. It’s simple, familiar, and totally addictive when done right.
Applebee’s white queso hits the mark — smooth texture, gentle spice, and a generous basket of tortilla chips for dipping. As someone who’s developed a few cheese dips myself, I appreciate the subtle depth here. It’s not just cheese — there’s a whisper of heat, a dash of seasoning, and a richness that doesn’t overpower.
Offering the option to add seasoned beef (at some locations) is a brilliant upsell move — I’ve used that strategy in my own menus and seen how it boosts both flavor and ticket size.
Why Choose Applebee’s Appetizers Over Other Items
Here’s where I’ll share a bit of real talk from the menu owner’s seat: appetizers are where you win over your customers. They’re the first impression. And when done right — like at Applebee’s — they can steal the show.
Applebee’s appetizers are designed for grazing, sharing, and variety. That makes them incredibly versatile, whether you’re dining solo, with a date, or with a whole crew. They’re also some of the most cost-effective items on the menu in terms of guest satisfaction.
When building my own menus, I always make sure the starters are bold, approachable, and easy to love. Applebee’s takes the same approach, and the results speak for themselves. So if you’re the type who likes to sample and share — or just prefers smaller portions packed with flavor — appetizers are where it’s at.
FAQs – Applebee’s Appetizers
Q: Can I order Applebee’s appetizers for takeout or delivery?
Yes! Most locations offer the full appetizer menu for both. This is great for parties or casual nights at home.
Q: What are the best appetizers to mix and match?
As a food menu owner, I suggest pairing something crunchy (like cheese bites) with something creamy (like spinach dip) for a perfect balance.
Q: Are there healthier options on the appetizer menu?
While many are indulgent, look for dips like spinach and artichoke that include veggies, or check if seasonal lighter options are available.
Q: Which appetizers are best for kids?
Crispy Cheese Bites and the Pretzels are kid-friendly favorites — simple flavors, easy textures, and very snackable.
Q: How many people can one appetizer serve?
Most can easily serve 2–3 people — or just 1 very hungry guest. No shame either way.
Conclusion
Appetizers at Applebee’s aren’t just a warm-up act — they’re a showcase of bold flavors, clever pairings, and reliable comfort food. From a menu-owner’s perspective, I can honestly say they know how to craft starters that keep people talking (and reordering).
Whether it’s their saucy wings, melty dips, or crispy bites, these dishes offer an experience that’s satisfying and social. And in today’s world, that kind of relaxed, delicious familiarity is exactly what people crave.
So next time you visit Applebee’s, skip the second-guessing. Order a few apps, dig in, and enjoy the flavors that are making this menu a fan favorite across the country. Because sometimes, the starters are the main event.
