Looking for quick appetizer recipes? You’re in the right spot. These 17 are perfect for when you’ve got friends coming over and zero time to spend cooking in the kitchen. We’re all about getting you prepped and ready to party without the extra hassle. With these recipes, you’ll whip up something great in no time, so you can kick back, relax, and be the life of the party.
![A cracker being dipped into a dish of jalapeño cranberry dip.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Jalapeno-Cranberry-Dip-1024x723.jpg)
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
![A person holding a cucumber with shrimp and guacamole.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Cold-Shrimp-and-Cucumber-Appetizer-1.jpg)
In just 30 minutes, you can have a light and refreshing appetizer ready for your guests. Crisp cucumber slices topped with spicy Cajun shrimp and smooth guacamole make this a great choice for a simple and impressive starter for your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
![Bacon-wrapped water chestnuts on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Bacon-Wrapped-Water-Chestnuts.jpg)
These bites make the perfect appetizer for those who love a combination of textures. Wrapped in bacon, the water chestnuts take on a great crunch and are coated in a savory sauce. They’re ready in an hour and make a great addition to any dinner, especially when you’re looking to please a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
![A hand holding a slice of cucumber topped with taco dip with cream cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Taco-Dip-with-Cream-Cheese.jpg)
This taco dip is perfect for a quick and easy appetizer at dinner time. In just 15 minutes, layer cream cheese with sour cream and taco seasoning, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and more cheese. It’s a great way to serve a flavorful snack that doesn’t require hours of preparation. This no-bake appetizer is perfect for those spontaneous dinner gatherings where you want to impress without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
Halloumi Fries
![Halloumi fries with dill dip on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Halloumi-Fries-rotated.jpg)
When you’re looking for something different for dinner, these halloumi fries are a great choice. Slice the cheese, coat it, and bake. In 25 minutes, you’ll have a batch of these fries that stay firm when baked, giving you a great crunchy snack without much time spent cooking.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries
Chili Cheese Dip
![Chili cheese dip in a baking dish with toppings.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Chili-Cheese-Dip.jpg)
This hearty dip comes together in 30 minutes. Mix cream cheese, heavy cream, spices, cheddar, chili, and salsa, then bake until it turns a perfect golden color. You can add your own favorite toppings and pair them with chips or sliced vegetables. This dish is a great hit for its creamy and spicy flavors and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip
Whipped Feta with Honey Dip
![A plate of whipped feta with honey dip and crackers on it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Whipped-Feta-with-Honey-Dip-rotated.jpg)
If you’re pressed for time, this whipped feta with honey dip can be prepared in just 10 minutes. It’s an easy appetizer that pairs the sweetness of honey with the saltiness of feta cheese. It’s a perfect choice for those unexpected guests or last-minute dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta with Honey Dip
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
![Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sausage-Stuffed-Mushrooms.jpg)
These stuffed mushrooms are easy to prepare and are filled with a savory mixture of sausage and mushrooms. You can even prepare them in advance and bake them when you’re ready, which makes them a great appetizer for dinner on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip
![A plate with cranberry cream cheese and crackers.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Jalapeno-Cranberry-Dip-1-1024x723.jpg)
This dip is a great pick for dinner because it’s quick to make and combines the heat of jalapeños with the sharp tang of cranberries. Prep for 15 minutes, chill for at least 2 hours or overnight to better infuse the flavors. This dip layers the spicy and sour mix over a smooth, creamy base. It’s perfect for pairing with a variety of snacks and adds a fresh touch to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
![Sausage balls on a plate with a side of dipping sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sausage-Balls-with-Cream-Cheese-rotated.jpg)
These bite-sized sausage balls with cream cheese are a perfect appetizer for dinner when you’re hosting a large group. They’re easy to make, with minimal steps, and are ready in 30 minutes. Bake a big batch all at once and keep your guests full and content.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Loaded Zucchini Boats
![Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Loaded-Zucchini-Boats-rotated.jpg)
Stuffed with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives, these zucchini boats are a creative take on a classic favorite. Bake them until they’re perfectly golden and enjoy a dish that’s great for mingling at parties. They’re ready in less than an hour and add a special touch to any dinner menu, whether it’s a laid-back gathering or a more formal event.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
![A baking sheet with garnished parmesan crusted potatoes on it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Parmesan-Crusted-Potatoes-rotated.jpg)
Ready in under an hour, these Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a great side dish for any dinner. With simple ingredients like potatoes, parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and spices, they bake up to have a perfect crispy outside and a soft inside. They’re a great choice when you’re looking for an easy and impressive addition to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip
![Jalapeño spinach artichoke dip in a white dish with a spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Jalapeno-Spinach-Artichoke-Dip-1024x683.jpg)
This dip is a breeze to make, combining the flavors of parmesan, sour cream, spinach, artichoke hearts, and jalapeños into one savory appetizer. It takes less than an hour to bake to a golden finish. Serve it with your choice of veggies, chips, or crackers for a crowd-pleasing addition to your party.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip
Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers
![A plate of bacon wrapped mini peppers.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bacon-Wrapped-Mini-Peppers.jpg)
Mini sweet peppers stuffed with cream cheese, wrapped in bacon, and baked until crispy are sure to be a favorite. In less than an hour, you’ll have a perfect balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy that’s great for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
![A hand holding a toothpick with a bacon egg and cheese breakfast slider.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bacon-Egg-And-Cheese-Breakfast-Sliders-rotated.jpg)
Transform the classic breakfast sandwich into fun, bite-sized sliders that are ready in 30 minutes. Hard-boiled eggs are used in place of buns, filled with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and mashed avocado, and skewered for easy eating. These are perfect for social events where guests are up and about.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
![Baked tomatoes with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese garnished with parsley.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Baked-Tomatoes-With-Parmesan-And-Mozzarella-Cheese.jpg)
For a dish that’s both refreshing and full of flavor, try these baked tomatoes. In under 30 minutes, top Roma tomatoes with Parmesan and mozzarella, herbs, and a drizzle of oil, then bake and broil to a golden finish. They’re a perfect appetizer for any gathering where you want to impress without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
![A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Chicken-Bacon-Ranch-Poppers.jpg)
These savory chicken bacon ranch poppers are quick to vanish at any party. Ready in an hour, they’re made from a mix of chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spices, rolled into balls, and baked. You can make them ahead of time, freeze, and bake when needed. They’re great for preparing in advance so you can enjoy your party without being stuck in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Cucumber Tomato Bites
![A hand holding a cucumber tomato bite.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cucumber-Tomato-Bites.jpg)
With just a few ingredients and ready in less than 30 minutes, these cucumber tomato bites are a great quick and easy appetizer. Stack slices of cucumber with tomato and a dollop of cream cheese filling for a bite that’s fresh and full of flavor. They’re a great choice when you need to add a simple and great-tasting item to your party spread without any extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites