Quick and Easy Appetizer Recipes

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Easy Party Snack Mix

Wasabi peas add color and spice to this simple and quick five-ingredient mix. The ingredients also hold up well in the heat if you want to serve outdoors.

Recipe: Easy Party Snack Mix

Prosciutto-Wrapped Mango Bites

For a simple, fresh appetizer, wrap mango slices and arugula in paper-thin slices of prosciutto. For a slightly different flavor, substitute another fruit, such as pear or cantaloupe, for mango.

Recipe: Prosciutto-Wrapped Mango Bites

Bacon-and-Greens Salsa

This classic salsa gets a decidedly Southern spin by adding bacon and greens. We loved it over cream cheese (a great idea for leftovers). You can prepare the recipe up to a day ahead―just reheat before serving.

Recipe: Bacon-and-Greens Salsa

Pizza Sticks

For a crowd, assemble several pizzas; cover and chill up to two hours. Bake a few at a time, to keep the Pizza Sticks coming out hot and fresh.

Recipe: Pizza Sticks

Mini Caprese Bites

This appetizer version of a caprese salad sandwiches mozzarella slices between grape tomato halves in an elegant skewer presentation. A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil finishes off the tasty bites.

Recipe: Mini Caprese Bites

Peel-and-Eat Shrimp

Set up a serving area for the shrimp and sauces on your kitchen island or breakfast table, and let everyone help themselves. To shortcut prep, ask your seafood monger to steam shrimp for you.

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers

Cantaloupe or honeydew adds refreshing fruity flavor to these meat-and-cheese skewers that are perfect for a hot day. They’re easy to make in advance and pull out of the fridge right before party time.

Recipe: Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers

Jennifer Davick / Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey / Food Styling: Norman King

Mini Crab Cakes

Garlic-Chive Sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice add zesty flavor to Mini Crab Cakes.

Recipe: Mini Crab Cakes With Garlic-Chive Sauce

Jennifer Davick / Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey / Food Styling: Norman King

Fresh-Herb Tomato Crostini

Fresh Herb-Tomato Crostini is a versatile recipe. The tomato topping also serves as an ingredient for tangy tabbouleh salad.

Recipe: Fresh Herb-Tomato Crostini

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Country Ham and Biscuits

This Derby Day classic is a hearty, simple crowd-pleaser for any Southern party. Bake frozen tea biscuits and fill with thin slices of country ham. Have guests dress biscuits with flavored butter and mustard blends.

Recipes:

Roasted Garlic-Edamame Spread

We like to eat this cool, creamy spread on toasted crostini or fresh veggies. It’s packed with the goodness of soybeans and tons of flavor from garlic and basil.

Recipe: Roasted Garlic-Edamame Spread

Beth Dreiling Hontzas / Styling Lisa Powell Bailey

Warm Fennel-Olive Sauté

Take olives purchased from the deli department to the next level with lemon zest and a few seasonings in Warm Fennel-Olive Sauté.

Party Tip: If your olives have pits, be sure to set out a small bowl for your guests to dispose of them.