The Only 17 Recipes for Quick and Easy Appetizers You'll Ever Need

Get into the festive spirit with an array of delightful appetizers that are easy, quick, and perfect for entertaining guests during this holiday season. From the savory goodness of stuffed mushrooms to the indulgent sweetness of bacon-wrapped dates, these recipes will elevate your holiday gatherings.

Delightful appetizer ideas for all occasions

Here are our seventeen tried and tested super tasty appetizers with detailed steps on how to make them:

Caprese Skewers

This classic appetizer features the traditional Caprese salad elements from Italy.

Take cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves.
Thread one tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf onto small skewers.
Drizzle the skewers with a balsamic glaze made by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens slightly.
Arrange the skewers on a platter and serve.

Cranberry Brie Bites

A delightful appetizer that draws inspiration from French cuisine.

(Short version…)

Preheat your oven and grab phyllo pastry cups.
Place a small piece of brie cheese into each pastry cup.
Top the brie with a spoonful of cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade).
Bake in the oven until the brie is melted and the cups are golden brown.
Serve warm.

For the full recipe and more ideas on how to serve and what you can use as an alternative for the filling, read more…

Stuffed Mushrooms

The Italian-inspired stuffed mushrooms typically feature a filling of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs like parsley or basil, and sometimes sausage or other savory ingredients.

Remove stems from mushroom caps and finely chop them.
Mix chopped stems with cream cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs, herbs, and a bit of parmesan cheese.
Spoon the mixture into the mushroom caps.
Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden.

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Mini Quiches

Quiche originated in France, and mini quiches are a delightful adaptation of this classic French dish.

Take pre-made mini tart shells (or make your own if preferred).
Fill each shell with a mixture of beaten eggs, cream, shredded cheese, and your choice of fillings like spinach, bacon, or mushrooms.
Bake until the filling is set and the crust is golden.

Pigs in a Blanket

“Pigs in a Blanket” is a dish that has variations in different cuisines, but the version most commonly associated with the name originated in the United States.

Wrap cocktail sausages with crescent roll dough.
Cut the dough into smaller pieces and wrap each piece around a sausage.
Bake until the dough is golden and cooked through.
Serve with mustard or other dipping sauces.

Hosting Tip(s)

Labels or Signs: If you have multiple appetizers or any dietary labels (like vegetarian, or gluten-free), labels or small signs can be helpful for guests.

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail has been a classic and well-loved starter in the United States, often served at special occasions, restaurants, and parties.

Steam or boil shrimp until they turn pink and are cooked through.
Mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt for the cocktail sauce.
Serve the shrimp with the sauce on the side.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a popular appetizer, and their origin is believed to be European, with some attributing them to ancient Rome.

Hard-boil eggs and cut them in half lengthwise.
Remove the yolks and mash them with mayonnaise, mustard, a bit of vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg white halves.
Garnish with paprika, chives, or parsley.

Antipasto Skewers

Antipasto skewers, inspired by the concept of antipasto, have their roots in Italian cuisine. “Antipasto” means “before the meal” in Italian, and it refers to a variety of appetizers traditionally served before the main course.

Choose your favorite antipasto ingredients like marinated artichoke hearts, olives, cherry tomatoes, and assorted deli meats and cheeses.
Thread them onto skewers in a colorful and tasty pattern.
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Bruschetta

Another favorite from Italy.

Dice ripe tomatoes and mix them with minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Toast slices of baguette until they’re crisp.
Top each slice with the tomato mixture and serve immediately.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a popular appetizer that is associated with American cuisine.

Combine chopped spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serve warm with bread, crackers, or tortilla chips.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Bacon-wrapped dates are a popular appetizer that has roots in various culinary traditions, but the dish is often associated with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. The combination of sweet dates and savory bacon creates a delightful contrast of flavors.

Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pit dates and stuff them with almonds or cheese.
Wrap each date with half a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
Bake until the bacon is crispy and the dates are caramelized.

Hosting Tip(s)

Chafing Dishes or Warming Trays: If you’re serving warm appetizers, these will help keep them at the right temperature throughout the event.

Cheese Ball with Nuts

Tik-Tok inspired recipe:

Mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, or any favorite cheese with herbs, spices, and chopped nuts.
Form the mixture into a ball and roll it in more chopped nuts.
Chill until firm and serve with crackers or sliced baguette.

Mini Meatballs

From Grandma’s Kitchen:

Combine ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic, and seasoning.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs and brown them in a skillet.
Simmer the meatballs in a sauce made of tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and honey until cooked through.

Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites

While there isn’t a specific country of origin for this dish, similar flavor profiles and combinations can be found in Scandinavian cuisine, where smoked salmon is a traditional ingredient. Additionally, variations of these bites can be seen in Western and modern European cuisines.

Slice cucumbers into rounds and arrange them on a platter.
Top each cucumber slice with a small piece of smoked salmon.
Garnish with dill and a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream.

Hosting Tip(s)

Platters and Serving Dishes: A variety of platters, trays, and serving dishes to display and serve the appetizers attractively.

Spiced Nuts

In the United States, roasted nuts, especially during holidays, are a popular snack and are often associated with festive occasions. Nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts are commonly roasted and seasoned with various spices.

Mix a variety of nuts with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt.
Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and roast until toasted and fragrant.

Vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and cultural richness: Mexican-inspired decor infuses homes with warmth and tradition:

Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts

“Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts” is a dish that draws inspiration from French and Mediterranean cuisines. Brie is a French cheese known for its creamy texture and mild flavor. The practice of baking Brie, especially when paired with honey and nuts, reflects the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region, where the combination of sweet and savory flavors is often celebrated.

Place a wheel of brie on a baking dish and top it with honey and chopped nuts.
Bake until the cheese is soft and gooey.
Serve with bread or crackers.

Stuffed Cherry Peppers

In Italian cuisine, these stuffed peppers might be referred to as “peperoncini ripieni” or “pomodori ripieni,” depending on the region and specific ingredients used. While Italy and the broader Mediterranean region are often linked to stuffed cherry peppers, variations of this dish can also be found in other cuisines.

Remove seeds from cherry peppers and stuff them with a mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and finely chopped salami or prosciutto.
Bake until the peppers are softened and the filling is golden.

Hosting Tip(s)

Space and Seating: Ensure there’s enough space for guests to comfortably move around and enjoy the appetizers. Arrange seating if necessary.
Cleanup Supplies: Have trash bins, extra napkins, and cleaning supplies nearby for easy cleanup.

Effortless convenience

Napkins with a smooth, cloth-like texture

Utensils for easy picking and serving

Create a Festive Feast with These Easy Appetizers

These appetizers will undoubtedly make any celebration a memorable one. Whether you opt for the simplicity of caprese skewers or the richness of mini quiches, these delightful bites are sure to be the star of your festive table. Embrace the joy of the occasion by treating your loved ones to these flavorful and easy-to-make dishes.

Global Flavors: A Multicultural Feast – get ideas for your next dinner party, like samoosas served with Cranberry sauce…

Need more ideas for dinner or Dinner parties?

How about:

Scrumptious Scandinavian Delight: Homemade Kransekake Recipe For Festive Celebrations – read more
Easy Asian-Inspired Salad With Sesame Ginger Dressing – read more

…and when you’re not entertaining, why not try:

Campfire Cooking – How To Zoosh Up Your Leftovers: South African Braai Edition – read more

The Only 17 Recipes for Quick and Easy Appetizers You'll Ever Need

Delightful appetizer ideas for all occasions

Caprese Skewers

Cranberry Brie Bites

Stuffed Mushrooms

Mini Quiches

Pigs in a Blanket

Shrimp Cocktail

Deviled Eggs

Antipasto Skewers

Bruschetta

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Cheese Ball with Nuts

Mini Meatballs

Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites

Spiced Nuts

Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts

Stuffed Cherry Peppers

Suggested Read and more ideas:

Create a Festive Feast with These Easy Appetizers

Need more ideas for dinner or Dinner parties?

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