Easy appetizers are the secret to hosting a stress-free gathering where you can shine as the host and still kick back like you’re one of the guests. This list of 17 great starters is packed with recipes that are not only simple to make but also perfect for any occasion. Be the host with the most and the guest with the least stress, all at the same time!
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip
This dip is perfect for beginner cooks who want to bring an extra easy dish to pass to parties and events. After blending the jalapeños and cranberries, you’ll mix the creamy base and then arrange everything in a serving dish. This creamy, spicy, and sweet dip is ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for last-minute get-togethers or when you just want to spend more time partying with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip
Loaded Zucchini Boats
Loaded zucchini boats are a fun take on the classic loaded potato skins. Zucchini boats are filled with bacon and cheese and then topped with sour cream and chives once baked. Ready in less than an hour, this flavor-packed and impressive appetizer is perfect for serving at parties because it can be eaten while walking around and talking with guests.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
These bacon-wrapped water chestnuts are crunchy, flavorful and a great go-to for any party. Crisp up the bacon, wrap the water chesnuts, coat them with the savory, sweet sauce and bake until perfectly caramelized. Ready in just an hour, this is a perfect crowd-pleaser that lets you enjoy your own party without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
Ready in just 30 minutes, this appetizer is perfect for anyone who wants to make their guests something delicious. It features crisp cucumbers, spicy Cajun shrimp, and smooth guacamole for a simple yet impressive start to your meal. This combination of flavors and textures makes it easy to impress your guests while still having plenty of time to enjoy the party yourself.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
These sausage balls with cream cheese are a simple yet delicious option to add to your party spread. Ready in just 30 minutes, you’ll add the ingredients to a bowl, mix, roll, and bake — that’s it! They also store well and can easily be made in advance, so you can have more time to relax and enjoy with your guests. Serve this party appetizer for game day or gatherings with your favorite dip and sides.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Whipped Feta with Honey Dip
Try this whipped feta with honey dip for a quick and easy appetizer that still feels special. You can literally whip this up in 10 minutes and enjoy the creamy tang of feta with the sweetness of honey. Serve it with crackers or veggies for an effortless way to impress your guests at last-minute parties.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta with Honey Dip
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
If you need to make an appetizer on the fly, try these Parmesan crusted potatoes. After slicing the potatoes, you’ll coat them with the crispy Parmesan breading and pop them in the oven to bake. They’re quick to prepare, use simple ingredients, and take less than an hour from start to finish. Serve this for an impressive yet effortless appetizer because you deserve to enjoy the party, too.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
Whip up this flavorful taco dip for a no-bake and hassle-free appetizer. You’ll layer cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and cheese for a dish that gets you back to the party faster. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is great for game days or spontaneous gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
Halloumi Fries
These halloumi fries are melty, flavorful, and ready in just 25 minutes. Halloumi originated in Cyprus and is known for its unique high melting point, which means you can bake, grill, or fry it without melting or losing its shape. These fries are a fantastic pick for when you want to serve something a little different but don’t want to spend hours cooking.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries
Chili Cheese Dip
This chili cheese dip is a lifesaver when you need something hearty and comforting but still easy to pull off. Mix the cheeses, chili, salsa, and spices, pop the dish in the oven, and bake until golden — that’s it! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for parties, work events, or game day gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
These sausage stuffed mushrooms are the perfect combination of juicy mushrooms and savory sausage filling. You’ll hollow out the mushrooms, stuff them with the filling, and then bake. They’re also great for prepping in advance, so you can pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Ready in just 45 minutes, these bites are an irresistible and quick appetizer that will give you more time to mingle with your guests.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip
This dip combines the creamy, savory flavors of artichoke and spinach with a spicy kick from jalapeños. It’s all baked together in less than an hour, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your own party. Serve this dip with chips or veggies for a crowd-pleasing appetizer without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip
Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers
Anything with bacon makes for the best party appetizer. Enter — bacon wrapped mini peppers. In this recipe, mini peppers are hollowed out, filled with the cream cheese filling, wrapped with the bacon, and then baked. Taking only 45 minutes to assemble and bake, they’re an excellent option for a no-stress appetizer. Serve these at your next gathering and wow your guests with flavorful bites that make it feel like you spent hours in the kitchen cooking.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
Here’s an appetizer that combines all your breakfast favorites in bite-sized goodies. These sliders use hard-boiled eggs in place of traditional buns, which are then filled with crispy bacon, mashed avocado, and cheese slices. You can also prep them the day before and serve them when you’re ready. They’re ready in 30 minutes and use simple and readily available ingredients that you may have in your kitchen right now.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
These baked tomatoes are a quick and delicious way to start your meal. Juicy Roma tomatoes are topped with melted Parmesan and mozzarella and baked until perfectly golden. Ready in less than 30 minutes, they’re an effortless, flavorful appetizer that all your guests will love.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
These chicken bacon ranch poppers are a flavorful and convenient option for any party menu. Made with a mix of chicken, bacon, cheese, and spices, they are rolled into bite-sized balls, baked until golden, and served with a creamy, homemade ranch dressing. The poppers are ready in just an hour, leaving you plenty of time to mingle with everyone. Additionally, they can be prepared and frozen ahead of time so you can spend even less time in the kitchen on the day of your party.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Cucumber Tomato Bites
These cucumber tomato bites are a quick and refreshing appetizer that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Top crisp cucumber slices with the creamy spread and cherry tomatoes, and you’re all set. Make this when you need something easy, quick, and impressive that won’t keep you in the kitchen all day long.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites