When you’re up against the clock and need last-minute appetizers, we’ve all got those fail-safe recipes that are perfect for any party. They’re quick to make with ingredients that may already be in your kitchen, making you fully prepared when guests show up unannounced, or you’re pressed for time.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip
Mixing the bold flavors of jalapeños with the tartness of cranberries, this dip is prepped in 15 minutes and is always a favorite for anyone who tries it. It’s very easy to make — make the jalapeños and cranberries mixture, top it on the creamy base, and serve. It pairs well with various snacks and is a simple way to bring something new and exciting to the table.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
These Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts come together in just 1 hour and feature crisp bacon, tender water chestnuts, and a flavorful sauce — all wrapped up for a perfect bite every time. This recipe is a great choice for holiday parties, family gatherings, and game-day events.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Halloumi Fries
When you need something quick and different for your party, try this cheesy and melty appetizer. You’ll slice the Halloumi cheese, coat it in the breading mixture, and then bake it — it’s that easy. And because of halloumi’s texture, it doesn’t melt, making it perfect for a crispy, oven-baked treat. Ready in just 25 minutes, these fries are a great way to serve something a bit out of the ordinary without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries
Chili Cheese Dip
Get this hearty dip ready in 30 minutes for your next gathering. It’s a simple combo of cream cheese, heavy cream, spices, cheddar, chili, and salsa, all baked until it’s perfectly golden. Feel free to add your favorite toppings and serve it with chips or sliced veggies. This dish is creamy, delicious, spicy and will keep your guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
You can get these potatoes ready in under an hour with ingredients you likely already have on hand, like potatoes, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and a mix of spices. They are baked in the oven and yield perfectly crispy outsides with soft, fluffy insides. Make this when you need to add an easy but impressive appetizer to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Whipped Feta with Honey Dip
If you have 10 minutes, you can easily and literally “whip” up this party dip. It’s an effortless appetizer with the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors. Perfect when you need a simple but impressive appetizer at last-minute gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta with Honey Dip
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Welcome your guests with these easy-to-make stuffed mushrooms. Filled with a mix of sausage and mushrooms, this appetizer is both savory and flavorful in every bite. You can also prepare them beforehand and bake them once you’re ready, making them a great option for those hectic party days.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
For a light and refreshing party app, try these shrimp cucumber bites at your next gathering. They combine crisp cucumber slices with spicy Cajun shrimp and smooth guacamole for a straightforward yet impressive appetizer. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for parties when you want to serve something simple, impressive, and flavor-packed.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
This homemade appetizer combines sausage with creamy cheese into bite-sized balls. They bake in the oven, which means you can prepare a big batch all at once. Ready in 30 minutes, they’re a great choice when you’re expecting a lot of guests. They are extra easy to make, require minimal and straightforward steps, and will keep all your guests full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
This taco dip is a hit for any party, especially when you’re short on time. Start with a layer of cream cheese mixed with sour cream and taco seasoning, then top it with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and cheese. It’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for those last-minute gatherings. This easy, no-bake appetizer is a great way to serve your guests a flavorful snack without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
Loaded Zucchini Boats
These zucchini boats are a creative and delicious take on the classic loaded potato skins. Filled with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives, these boats are baked in the oven until golden. They can be easily served and eaten while walking around and talking with guests. Ready in less than an hour, these boats are great for casual get-togethers or a more formal affair, especially when you need something to make your menu stand out.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip
If you’re looking for a party appetizer that’s easy to make with savory and creamy flavors, try this one. You’ll just mix parmesan cheese, sour cream, spinach, artichoke hearts, and jalapeños and bake until golden. It’s simple to whip up and ready in less than an hour. Serve it with veggies, chips, or crackers for the next crowd-pleaser at your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip
Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers
Wrap anything in bacon, and you’ll always have a hit appetizer on your hands. Ready in less than an hour, this recipe takes mini sweet peppers filled with cream cheese, wraps them in bacon, and bakes them until the bacon is crispy. They’re the perfect mix of flavors and textures — sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy, and tender — making them a great choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
In this recipe, the classic breakfast sandwich is turned into bite-sized goodies. Ready in 30 minutes, hard-boiled eggs substitute as buns, and you’ll fill them with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and mashed avocado. These sliders are skewered for easy handling, making them perfect for parties where guests are mingling.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
These baked tomatoes are a great choice when you want to serve something refreshing and packed with flavor. Taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll top Roma tomatoes with shredded Parmesan and mozzarella, herbs, seasonings, and a bit of oil before baking and then broiling to golden-brown perfection. This dish is perfect for any get-together, perfect when you need something impressive and delicious without missing out on the fun.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
You’ll love how quickly these savory poppers disappear at your next party. Ready in just an hour, you’ll mix chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spices, form them into balls, and then bake until golden. You can even prepare them in advance, store them in the freezer, and bake them once you’re ready. They’re a great make-ahead party app, perfect for impressing your guests without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Cucumber Tomato Bites
Ready in 30 minutes and requiring just a few simple ingredients, these cucumber tomato bites are the perfect quick and easy addition to your party menu. Just stack cucumbers, tomato, and cream cheese filling for a refreshing and flavorful appetizer. They’re exactly what you need when looking for something simple yet delicious to round out your spread.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites