When planning a get-together, it can be a bit stressful when thinking of food ideas. With these twenty-five super simple appetizers, you can get most of them ready in advance, they are quick to make in large quantities, and your guests will love them. They will probably eat most of them before even starting the main meal! All you need to do is choose a couple of options, grab some napkins, and watch the magic happen!
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1) Stuffed Mushrooms
I can’t even keep up with refilling the tray because the two-bite mushrooms keep disappearing.
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Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushroom caps baked until the filling is golden and bubbling and filled with a creamy cheese, garlic, and Parmesan filling.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Gently twist the stems out of the mushrooms, chop the stems finely, and set the caps on the sheet.
- Mix the chopped stems with cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the filling generously into each cap and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- Drizzle with olive oil and bake 20 minutes, until golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool 5 minutes before serving so the filling sets.
Notes
You can stuff these the night before and bake right before guests arrive.
2) Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
You can enjoy all the spiciness of Buffalo wings without having to deal with any messy bones!
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Crispy baked cauliflower florets in a spicy buffalo sauce, and great for dipping in ranch!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Whisk flour, water, garlic powder, and salt into a smooth batter.
- Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until evenly coated, then spread on the sheet.
- Bake 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp at the edges.
- Stir the buffalo sauce and melted butter together, then toss the florets to coat.
- Return to the oven 5 more minutes and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese.
Notes
For extra crunch, broil for the last 2 minutes.
3) Bacon-Wrapped Dates
These snacks are sweet, salty, and a little smoky, and they are always the ones people ask about!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and set a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Tuck an almond inside each pitted date.
- Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange on the rack so the bacon crisps evenly.
- Bake 20 minutes, turning once, until the bacon is crisp.
- Let cool a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
A little drizzle of honey at the end makes them extra special.
4) Caprese Skewers
Pretty, fresh, and ready in just minutes. This is my solution for unexpected guests.
Caprese Skewers
Cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella balls drizzled with balsamic and threaded on skewers.
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the mozzarella balls dry so the skewers don't get watery.
- Thread a tomato, a folded basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto each small skewer.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper just before serving.
Notes
Assemble these no more than an hour ahead so the basil stays bright.
5) Mini Quiches
Even though these mini quiches seem a bit gourmet, they're actually made using common ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Cut the puff pastry into squares and press one into each cup.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together.
- Divide the ham, cheese, and chives among the pastry cups.
- Pour the egg mixture over each until three-quarters full.
- Bake 20 minutes, until puffed and set, then cool 5 minutes before removing.
Notes
Swap the ham for sauteed spinach for a vegetarian version.
6) Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Asparagus has a nutty sweetness that roasting brings out, making it extremely flavorful.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Asparagus spears wrapped in prosciutto and roasted until crispy.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Toss the asparagus with olive oil and pepper.
- Wrap a strip of prosciutto around each spear in a spiral.
- Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast 15 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crisp.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything up.
7) Deviled Eggs
No party platter is really complete without a tray of these iconic crowd-pleasers.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the eggs in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
- Cover, remove from heat, and let sit 12 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.
- Peel the cooled eggs and slice in half lengthwise.
- Pop the yolks into a bowl and mash with mayo, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon or pipe the filling back into the whites.
- Dust with paprika before serving.
Notes
Add a splash of pickle juice to the filling for a tangy twist.
8) Spinach and Artichoke Dip
It’s warm, it’s cheesy, and it’s incredibly dip-able. You won’t be able to resist this winner!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Squeeze every bit of moisture out of the thawed spinach.
- Stir together cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, half the mozzarella, and garlic.
- Fold in the spinach and artichokes until evenly mixed.
- Spread into a baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake 25 minutes, until golden and bubbling, and serve with bread or chips.
Notes
Keep it warm in a small slow cooker so it stays melty all night.
9) Cranberry Brie Bites
These are always nice to eat around the holidays because they feel a little bit fancy and are sweet and gooey.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Cut the puff pastry into squares and press into each cup.
- Tuck a cube of brie into each pastry square.
- Top with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce and a few pecans.
- Bake 15 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the brie is melty.
- Garnish with tiny rosemary leaves and serve warm.
Notes
Let them cool a couple minutes so the cheese doesn't run everywhere.
10) Shrimp Cocktail
Looks great, is a nice classic addition, and is always the first item to be emptied from the appetizer table.
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a pot of water to a boil with the lemon halves and a pinch of salt.
- Add the shrimp and cook 2 to 3 minutes, just until pink and curled.
- Drain and plunge the shrimp into an ice bath to stop the cooking.
- Whisk together ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire, and lemon juice for the sauce.
- Chill the shrimp and sauce until cold.
- Arrange the shrimp around a bowl of cocktail sauce to serve.
Notes
Buy shrimp tail-on so guests have an easy handle.
11) Antipasto Skewers
All of your favorite antipasto platter foods are now available in a grab-and-go format, put on a stick!
Antipasto Skewers
A no-cook crowd favorite snack made by threading together salami, cheese, olives, and peppers.
Ingredients
Method
- Drain the olives and artichokes well so the skewers aren't oily.
- Thread a folded salami slice, mozzarella ball, tomato, olive, and artichoke piece onto each skewer.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving tray.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Use frilly toothpicks for the holidays to dress them up.
12) Jalapeño Poppers
Creamy and cheesy with lingering spice to keep you coming back for more.
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Jalapeño Poppers
Jalepeno pepper halves filled with cheese and bacon, then baked until crispy.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Halve the jalapeños lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and ribs.
- Mix cream cheese, cheddar, half the bacon, and garlic powder together.
- Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture.
- Top with panko and the remaining bacon.
- Bake 20 minutes, until the peppers soften and the tops turn golden.
Notes
Wear gloves while seeding the jalapeños to save your hands.
13) Cucumber Sandwiches
These are perfect for a shower or afternoon tea as they are light, cool, and dainty!
Ingredients
Method
- Stir the cream cheese with dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the herbed cream cheese evenly over each slice of bread.
- Layer thin cucumber slices over half the slices.
- Top with the remaining bread and press gently.
- Cut each sandwich into quarters or triangles and serve chilled.
Notes
Pat the cucumber slices dry so the bread doesn't get soggy.
14) Pigs in a Blanket
An all-time favorite that sparks a nostalgic feeling and makes kids and adults battle for it every time!
Pigs in a Blanket
Small sausages enveloped in crescent roll dough and baked to a golden brown perfection.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Unroll the crescent dough and cut into thin triangles.
- Wrap each cocktail sausage in a strip of dough.
- Arrange seam side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake 15 minutes, until puffed and golden, and serve with mustard.
Notes
Set out both yellow and honey mustard so everyone's happy.
15) BBQ Meatballs
These slow cooker meatballs are sweet, sticky, and saucy. They're basically automated and make themselves!
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk together the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire, and onion powder in a large pan.
- Heat the sauce over medium until the jelly melts and it's smooth.
- Add the frozen meatballs and stir to coat.
- Simmer 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and glazed.
- Transfer to a slow cooker on warm to keep them saucy for the party.
Notes
Serve with toothpicks so guests can grab and go.
16) Cheese and Charcuterie Board
A big part of the enjoyment of being a host is putting together a grazing board that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Method
- Start by placing small bowls of jam and nuts on the board as anchors.
- Arrange the cheeses in different corners and slice or wedge a few pieces.
- Fan and fold the cured meats into ribbons around the cheeses.
- Tuck grapes and crackers into the open spaces.
- Fill any remaining gaps so the board looks full and generous.
Notes
Let the cheeses sit out 30 minutes so they're at their creamiest.
17) Tomato Bruschetta
Fresh tomatoes stacked on crunchy toast is like summer on a slice of bread.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet.
- Toast 6 to 8 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Toss the diced tomatoes with garlic, basil, balsamic, remaining oil, salt, and pepper.
- Let the tomato mixture sit 5 minutes to mingle.
- Spoon the topping onto the toasts right before serving.
Notes
Top each toast just before serving so they stay crunchy.
18) Chicken Satay
Smoky grilled skewers with a creamy peanut sauce vanish in seconds.
Chicken Satay
Skewers of marinated grilled chicken strips, served with a peanut dip.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, and curry powder, then marinate the chicken 15 minutes.
- Thread the chicken strips onto soaked skewers.
- Grill over medium-high heat 4 to 5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Stir peanut butter, coconut milk, and lime juice into a smooth sauce.
- Thin the sauce with a splash of warm water if needed.
- Serve the warm skewers with the peanut sauce for dipping.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers in water 20 minutes so they don't burn.
19) Zucchini Fritters
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, plus a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies!
Ingredients
Method
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out as much liquid as you can in a towel.
- Mix the zucchini with flour, egg, Parmesan, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Scoop the batter into the pan and flatten into small patties.
- Fry 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and serve with yogurt dip.
Notes
Getting the zucchini really dry is the secret to crispy fritters.
20) Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
Pull-apart and cheesy, these never make it to the table fully intact.
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and covered with melted mozzarella.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Stretch the pizza dough into a rectangle on the sheet.
- Stir the melted butter with garlic and brush it over the dough.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Sprinkle with parsley, slice into sticks, and serve with marinara.
Notes
Serve with warm marinara for dunking.
21) Guacamole and Chips
Guacamole with chunks in it and a fresh lime squeeze is always a huge crowd pleaser!
Guacamole and Chips
Dip made from hand-mashed avocado, tomato, onion, and cilantro, served with chips.
Ingredients
Method
- Halve the avocados, scoop the flesh into a bowl, and mash to your liking.
- Stir in the lime juice right away so it stays green.
- Fold in the onion, tomato, cilantro, and garlic.
- Season with salt and taste, adding more lime if needed.
- Serve immediately with a big bowl of tortilla chips.
Notes
Press plastic wrap right onto the surface if making ahead to keep it from browning.
22) Sweet Potato Rounds with Avocado
These little rounds are fresh, pretty, wholesome, and naturally gluten free.
Sweet Potato Rounds with Avocado
Sweet potatoes are roasted and then topped with mashed avocado and seeds.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Toss the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once, until tender at the center.
- Spoon the avocado onto each cooled sweet potato round.
- Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and serve.
Notes
Cut the rounds an even thickness so they roast at the same rate.
23) Baked Brie with Jam
Melted brie with jam is an amazing dish and super easy to make.
Baked Brie with Jam
A wheel of brie that is baked until it's oozy and soft and has warm fruit jam on top.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place the brie wheel in a small oven-safe dish.
- Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until the center is soft and giving.
- Warm the jam slightly and spoon it over the top.
- Sprinkle with walnuts and drizzle with honey.
- Serve immediately with baguette slices for scooping.
Notes
Score the top rind first so the jam melts down into the cheese.
24) Tzatziki with Pita
This dip is cool and refreshing and will give you a nice break from all the rich foods.
Ingredients
Method
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out the excess liquid in a towel.
- Stir the cucumber into the Greek yogurt.
- Add the garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Chill 30 minutes to let the flavors come together.
- Serve with warm pita wedges.
Notes
Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top right before serving.
25) Mini Tacos
These tacos are loaded with flavor and total party fun. They also have a delicious crunchy shell.
Mini Tacos
Mini tortillas that are crispy and filled with seasoned beef, cheese, and fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up.
- Drain the fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water.
- Simmer 5 minutes, until the beef is saucy and coated.
- Warm the mini taco shells in the oven until crisp.
- Fill each shell with beef and a sprinkle of cheese.
- Top with lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream to serve.
Notes
Set out a toppings bar so guests can build their own.
