25 Quick and Easy Appetizers For The Best Party

Need some quick and easy appetizers examples for the best party ever? I’ve got you covered!

I’m often accused of serving to many appetizers before a big dinner. Or even a simple dinner.

But when guests arrive I love to welcome them with something that gets them excited for the next course.

And appetizers are often the lead-in to what comes next.

I mostly make easy appetizers, which in my mind, make them the perfect appetizer.

If I plan on sitting awhile before the meal is served, I might make my appetizers more filling.

If appetizers are actually supposed to be the meal, I often serve them as courses.

Perhaps I begin with a cold appetizer, and then work up to a hot appetizer, and in that case I might even end with a light, sweet dessert or cookies!

If I want a fancy appetizer for special occasions, I tend to make them served portions or bite-sized finger foods, rather than just a creamy dip.

When it comes to hosting the perfect gathering, a selection of delectable appetizers is key to setting the tone for a memorable experience. 

Whether you’re planning a game day party, a dinner soiree, or a casual get-together, having an arsenal of easy appetizer recipes can make you the star of the culinary show.  

Get ready to impress your guests and elevate your entertaining game with these mouthwatering and easy-to-make appetizers.

And don’t forget that how you serve your appetizers determines the mood of the event.

Yes, plating does count! Please don’t serve your favorite cheesy dip straight from the container you stored it in.

Try to find some cute napkins and even set out a few candles.

Good food deserves to look good!

Need some appetizers examples? 

1. Creamy Delights:

Cheesy Artichoke Dip:A classic favorite that never fails to please, this 3 ingredient easy-to-make dip, combines mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, and a can of drained artichoke hearts in a blender. Bake to perfection, it becomes a warm and gooey delight, best served with potato chips or a sliced baguette.

Some people like to blend in chopped spinach and cream cheese, but I am perfectly happy with this tasty appetizer just the way it is.

Spicy Feta Dip: It’s a good idea to always keep a block of feta in the fridge, along with an orange. Yes, just a few simple ingredients make great party appetizers. Don’t forget to top this warm feta with spicy honey and watch your dinner guests drool.

Boursin and Roasted Tomato Cheese Dip: Better than a classic cheese ball, this dip is perfect for any cocktail party and only requires a few simple ingredients. If you love Boursin cheese and roasted tomatoes, than this is one of the easiest and best hot dips I know of.

Green Chile Pimento Cheese is a Southern classic. This recipe makes a lot and is a great way to use your food processor! This stuff keeps well, which means if you want to jazz up your burger during the week, feel free to slather this on your bun!

2. Puff Pastry Perfection:

Chicken Curry Puffs: An easy recipe that is often found on a dim sum cart, these are perfect party foods. More filling than a dip, these puff pastry gems would be great on game day or when you aren’t serving a main dish. Everyone loves puff pastry!

Puff Pastry Pinwheels: Create elegant and flaky appetizers with puff pastry. Roll out the pastry, spread a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and smoked salmon, then roll it up and slice into pinwheels. Bake until golden brown for a sophisticated appetizer that’s as easy, as it is impressive.

3. Delicious Dips and Chips:

Peppery Crack Onion Dip: There are many ways to make onion dip and this is one of my favorites. Made with just 5 main ingredients, this is a great choice for lovers of onion dip. Served warm, this is one of my favorite appetizers.

Better Than Store Bought Onion Dip: This family favorite is made with cream cheese, sour cream and onions. So good! Serve with parmesan garlic potato chips!

Buffalo Chicken Dip: For a spicy kick, try this buffalo chicken dip featuring shredded chicken, cream cheese, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, along with Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. Serve it with celery sticks, tortilla chips, or even pita chips for a game day crowd-pleaser. And find out other great ways to use it when you go to the post!

Salsa: Pico de gallo, Tomatillo, Grilled Tomato? Take your pick and there are more. Enjoy!

4. Finger Foods and Small Bites:

Deviled Pickled Eggs: Everyone loves hard-boiled eggs, so why not make deviled eggs? And if you don’t want to make those, just serve egg salad with crackers. So good!

Baked Bay Scallops: A very elegant small bite perfect for a fancy occasion. These are incredibly good and with little effort.

​5 Simple One Bite Appetizers: I created these simple bites with what I had on hand. A Caesar salad bite, a bacon bite, a salmon bite and more. Check them out before they disappear!

Bacon Date Appetizers: If you have never made these, you should. This combo of salty and sweet is one of the best appetizers I know of.

Mini Mac and Cheese Bites: Transform the beloved mac and cheese into bite-sized portions by baking them in mini muffin pans. Creamy and indulgent, these mini mac and cheese bites are a crowd-pleaser at any party, offering the perfect way to indulge in everyone’s favorite comfort food.

5. Most Popular Appetizers:

Party Quesadillas: Made with mini flour tortillas or corn tortillas, these should be at your next party. There is a reason they disappear so fast and when you taste them you will know why. Not your standard cheese quesadilla, these are WAY better.

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread: This garlic cream cheese stuffed sourdough round garnished with green onions may not be healthy eating, but it is a delicious way to make game night extra special. Serve it with beer like they do in Korea!

Real Hummus: So if you really want to show off-make your own hummus. From the garbanzo beans. It is so much better than store bought!

Chile Con Queso: This should probably be under dips and chips, but it is very popular, so it is here. One taste and you will see why.

6. Hors d’oeuvres and Charcuterie Magic:

Cheese Board Extravaganza: Take your party to the next level with a carefully curated cheese board. Arrange an assortment of cheeses, such as blue cheese, cheddar cheese, and creamy brie, alongside cured meats, olives, and crusty bread. I also love to add in some dried fruit such as apricots and raisins and nuts. Keep in mind though that a cheese board just contains cheese and such, but charcuterie boards are meat. Not that I care if you combine!

I love this Spanish chorizo dried sausage that is delicioso on a Spanish cheese board with olives and dates.

And if you are still looking for gifts, even for yourself, this Spanish food board looks incredible.

Brie and Blue Cheese Savory No-Bake Cheesecake: This very elegant appetizer is perfect during the holiday season with a glass of champagne. Just sayin’!

Olive Biscuits: I love to include these on a cheese board. Many have never had them and they kind of say, “Hey! I didn’t just go to the trouble to put out some cheese. I went out of my way to make you feel special, so I made my own crackers!”

7. Easy and Quick Options or More Appetizer Examples!

Guacamole: For a last-minute party, whip up quick and satisfying guacamole with dried pineapple and tequila. A great twist on a classic.

Last-Minute Party Pleasers: When time is of the essence, I take all the olives in my fridge, chunks of feta, sun-dried tomatoes, slices of pepperoni or salami, red onions, pepperoncini, artichoke hearts or hearts of palm and whatever else I have that may need a home-drizzle with olive oil, liberally sprinkle on oregano, some chile flakes and place in the toaster oven to warm up. People love it! Serve with crackers or just hand out little forks and watch it disappear. No, I don’t have a recipe because it changes with whatever I have in the fridge. Try it. You will like it and the bonus is that you are also cleaning out the fridge!

8. Snack Mixes: Want to serve things from bowls? Everyone loves the biscuit croutons in this Chex mix and corn nuts also hold great appeal, so if you want people to go for it, try these!

Spicy Sweet Oyster Crackers  are fabulous too!

Tips for Appetizer Parties:

• Prepare in Advance: Many of these appetizers can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy your party without the stress of last-minute cooking.
• Mix and Match Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors. Combine sweet and savory elements to surprise and delight your guests.
• Consider Dietary Preferences: Keep in mind any dietary restrictions or preferences your guests may have. Offer a variety of options to accommodate different tastes.
• Presentation Matters: The visual appeal of your appetizers is just as important as the taste. Arrange them on platters, garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers, and always have candles!
• Have on Hand: I always have a can of artichokes on hand, dates, nuts and cheese, along with tortillas. This way I can almost guarantee that I’m ready for a party at a moment’s notice. So come on by!

When it comes to appetizers, the possibilities are endless. 

From gooey cheese dips to elegant puff pastry creations, there’s something for every palate and occasion. 

Whether you’re hosting a casual game day get-together or a formal dinner party, these easy appetizer recipes are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more. 

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to elevate your entertaining with any one of these appetizers examples, that are as easy to make as they are delicious. 

Cheers to good food, good company, and unforgettable moments!

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