19 easy homemade appetizers you can make in an hour or less

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These 19 easy homemade appetizers are great for any kind of gathering. They can all be made in an hour or less and include something for everyone, from light snacks to filling bites. They’re perfect for when you need to whip something up fast so you can spend more time with friends and less time cooking.

A pan of taco dip with cream cheese, vegetables, and shredded cheese.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chili Cheese Dip

Chili cheese dip with toppings on it.
Chili Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chili Cheese Dip is made and ready to serve in only 30 minutes. Made with straightforward ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen, it’s baked in the oven to a melty perfection. Garnish with toppings like tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and hot sauce and serve with tortilla chips.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are an impressive, flavorful, and memorable appetizer that comes together in just 45 minutes. Made with straightforward ingredients, this recipe can easily be prepared ahead of time to make hosting or attending your party as stress-free as possible.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Halloumi Fries

A person pulling apart a halloumi fry.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Only have 25 minutes? These Halloumi Fries are your answer. They’re prepped and baked quickly, so they’re great if you’re running late and need to whip something together fast.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

A hand holding a slice of cucumber topped with taco dip with cream cheese.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’ve got 15 minutes, this Taco Dip is a great choice. Mix cream cheese and taco seasoning, and you’ve got a dip that goes well with anything. Serve with tortilla chips or sliced veggies.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Sausage balls on a plate with a side of dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese are extra easy to make, require minimal steps to prepare, and bake right in the oven — all in just 30 minutes. They are perfect as a party appetizer for game day or holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Jalapeño spinach artichoke dip in a white dish with a spoon.
Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This dip is ready in 50 minutes, and you don’t have to be a kitchen pro to get it right. It’s super easy and includes ingredients like jalapeños, spinach, artichokes, and cream cheese into something you’ll be proud to serve. It’ll make your menu memorable without stressing you out.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

You only need an hour to prepare these Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. They’re made with chicken, bacon, and ranch, and they’re easy to dip. Guests will love them, and you won’t spend all day cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

Bacon Wrapped Peppers ready to enjoy.
Bacon Wrapped Peppers. Photo Credit: Real Balanced.

You can get these Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers made and served in only 45 minutes. They’re stuffed with cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning. They add a simple, yet impressive touch to your appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Mini Peppers

Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Garnished shrimp cucumber bites on a plate.
Shrimp Cucumber Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a fresh and light option that takes 25 minutes to make. It’s a combination of shrimp, Cajun spice, guacamole, and cucumbers. They’re easy to make and a great appetizer option to whip together at home fast.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Zucchini boats stuffed with bacon and sour cream.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

You can get these Loaded Zucchini Boats on the table in less than an hour. They’re a lighter version of the classic potato skins appetizer — filled with bacon and sour cream. Garnish with black pepper and green onions.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with cheese and basil on a baking sheet.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Need something straightforward but still impressive? These Baked Tomatoes take less than 30 minutes and are a great choice for a holiday homemade appetizer. Parmesan and mozzarella cheese meet ripe tomatoes, and it’s a combo that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats

A cucumber boat with tomatoes and bacon on it.
Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 10 minutes, you can assemble these extra easy Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats. They’re quick, crunchy, and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats

Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

A hand holding a toothpick with a bacon egg and cheese breakfast slider.
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’ve got 30 minutes, these sliders are a smart move, especially if you’re attending a brunch party. They mix bacon, egg, and cheese, all skewered together on a toothpick for easy eating.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

Cucumber Tomato Bites

A hand holding a cucumber tomato bite.
Cucumber Tomato Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These are ready in under 30 minutes and are a good pick if you want something light. You may even have everything you need to make them at home right now.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites

Zucchini Bites

A plate of zucchini bites next to a cup of dipping sauce.
Zucchini Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’ve got 30 minutes, these Zucchini Bites are an easy win. They’re seasoned with Parmesan, cheddar, and Italian spices. Good on their own or alongside other appetizers, they’re a nutrient-dense and memorable choice.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats

Four cucumber boats on a white serving platter.
Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Five minutes is all you need to make these cucumber boats. Topped with avocado and cream cheese, they’re quick and easy but still full of flavor. A good choice if you’re looking for something straightforward but impactful.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats

Buffalo Deviled Eggs

Buffalo deviled eggs garnished with paprika and green onions.
Buffalo Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Add a bit of a twist to a classic in just 30 minutes. These deviled eggs feature a buffalo sauce zing. They come together quickly — and are sure to be eaten up just as fast.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Deviled Eggs

Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites

A hand holding a bacon-wrapped pickle bite skewered with a toothpick.
Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With a 30-minute prep time and 5 ingredients, you can have these pickle bites ready to go. All of the flavors in this homemade appetizer come together for an extra flavorful bite that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

Spicy tuna cucumber boats on a plate.
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

A 10-minute recipe that brings some bold and spicy flavors and textures to the menu. Featuring fresh, crisp cucumbers that are cut and de-seeded, each cucumber half is stuffed with softened cream cheese and spoonfuls of tuna before being topped off with a sprinkle of seasoning, coconut aminos, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

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