Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Food and Recipes
  3. Party Food and Drink
  4. 30 Quick and Easy Appetizers Built for Hassle-Free Hosting

30 Quick and Easy Appetizers Built for Hassle-Free Hosting

Southern Living May 2021 Cover
By Southern Living Editors
Skip gallery slides
FB
Spinach-Artichoke Dips
Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Throwing a party shouldn't be stressful. Start your easiest party ever with quick recipes for easy dips, simple spreads, and pick-up bites that can be made ahead or assembled in minutes. This selection of quick and easy appetizers will have you out of the kitchen in no time, enjoying the fun with your friends and family. Most of these recipes come together in under 30 minutes (some of them in under 15).

Hosting a tailgate or a watch party? Country Ham & Biscuits are a delicious way to start the party, and guests can munch throughout the game on easy appetizers like Sheet Pan Nachos and Fire Crackers. An outdoor picnic calls for fresh appetizers showcasing garden produce; whip up a batch of Black-Eyed Pea Hummus and serve with fresh veggies, or choose Black Bean and Corn Salsa use what's in your pantry. If you need a recipe that you can make ahead or just assemble minutes before your guests arrive, check out this medley of quick and easy appetizers. The next time you're entertaining in a pinch, just turn to these quick and easy appetizer recipes. 

Start Slideshow

1 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sheet Pan Nachos

Sheet Pan Nachos
Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Sheet Pan Nachos

If you're searching for a substantial appetizer that'll satisfy a crowd, look no further than simple Sheet Pan Nachos. You can dress them up with chorizo and refried beans, or you can stick to the classic.

1 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Homemade Onion Dip

Homemade Onion Dip
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Homemade Onion Dip

Put away the flavoring packets: This homemade onion dip is just as quick, and it'll be your new go-to.

2 of 30

3 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Texas Caviar

Texas Caviar
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Texas Caviar

When it comes to this classic Southern app, there's no cooking required. Talk about the ultimate summertime dish.

3 of 30

Advertisement

4 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

Spoon a mixture of goat cheese and cream cheese into little endive "cups" and your appetizer is as good as done.

4 of 30

5 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas
Credit: Stephen DeVries

Recipe: Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

Dress up flour tortillas by baking them in a muffin tin to create cute-as-can-be mini enchilada cups.

5 of 30

6 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cornmeal Popovers

Cornmeal Popovers
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Cornmeal Popovers

Didn't think you could pull off homemade bread in time for the party? Think again: These popovers come together in just 30 minutes.

6 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Baked Brie Bites

Baked Brie Bites
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Baked Brie Bites

There are a few appetizers that you really can't beat, and these Baked Brie Bites are one of them. Your guests would never guess how easy they really are to make.

7 of 30

8 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Warm Cheese and Spicy Pecan Dip

Warm Cheese-and-Spicy Pecan Dip
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Warm Cheese and Spicy Pecan Dip

This dip combines two of our favorite things—warm cheese and spiced pecans—in one epic appetizer. An added bonus: It only requires 5 minutes of active time.

8 of 30

9 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Fire Crackers

Fire Crackers

Recipe: Fire Crackers

The South's most beloved appetizer is one of its simplest—all it takes is a few seasonings and a package of saltine crackers. Baking optional.

9 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Basic Deviled Eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs
Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Basic Deviled Eggs

Mama always said not to mess with the classics. These flavorful eggs have been on our appetizer spreads for as long as we can remember.

10 of 30

11 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Spinach-Artichoke Dips
Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Has the party really started until there's a bowl of Spinach-Artichoke Dip on the table? No, we didn't think so.

11 of 30

12 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cheddar Cheese Straws

Cheddar Cheese Straws
Credit: Photo: Lee Harrelson

Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Straws

Keep a batch of this cheesy dough on hand at all times and bake just before your guests arrive.

12 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Buttery Toasted Pecans

Buttery Toasted Pecans
Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Buttery Toasted Pecans

No Southern gathering is complete without a bowl of toasted nuts on the table, and these fan-favorite pecans only call for 4 ingredients.

13 of 30

14 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Rotel Sausage Dip

Rotel Dip
Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Rotel Sausage Dip

This 6-ingredient appetizer comes together in your slow cooker. Plus, who can resist a big bowl of melty cheese?

14 of 30

15 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Buttery Garlic Shrimp

Buttery Garlic Shrimp
Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Recipe: Buttery Garlic Shrimp

One of the many virtues of seafood is its quick cook time—this Buttery Garlic Shrimp will be on the table in 15 minutes.

15 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pimiento Cheese

Basic Pimiento Cheese
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Pimiento Cheese

Pimiento Cheese has always been there for us, and when you're entertaining, store-bought is simply not an option. Once you make this Southern classic once, you'll be whipping it up every week.

16 of 30

17 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Back Bean Corn Salsa
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Ditch the jarred stuff and go a more creative route with this refreshing Black Bean and Corn Salsa.

17 of 30

18 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bacon-Pimiento Guacamole

Nashville Hot Chicken Dip
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Bacon-Pimiento Guacamole

Give your guac a Southern spin with the addition of bacon and pimientos. It'll become your new signature appetizer.

18 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Creamy Crab Dip with Peppadews

Creamy Crab Dip with Peppadews
Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Creamy Crab Dip with Peppadews

As if making this crab dip could get any easier, you can put it together ahead of time and store it in your freezer. Just bake for 15 minutes and serve.

19 of 30

20 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

You may be used to classic chickpea hummus, but any Southern crowd will rave over this black-eyed pea version.

20 of 30

21 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ham Biscuits

Ham-Stuffed Biscuits With Mustard Butter
Credit: Photo: Tina Cornett

Recipe: Ham Biscuits

Leftover ham has never looked so good. These simple Ham Biscuits take well to big-batch preparation.

21 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ranch Snacker Crackers

Ranch Snacker Crackers
Credit: Sheri Castle

Recipe: Ranch Snacker Crackers

Your guests will be munching on these addictive, ranch-seasoned oyster crackers all night long.

22 of 30

23 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Tami Hardeman

Recipe: Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

The key to a great appetizer is simplicity; with only 2 ingredients—bacon and butter crackers—this recipe has snacking down to a science.

23 of 30

24 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pizza Pepper Poppers

pizza pepper poppers
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Recipe: Pizza Pepper Poppers

Say "Pizza Pepper Poppers" three times fast. By the time you're through, the whole plate will be picked clean.

24 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cheesy Garlic, Herb, and Ham Bites

Cheesy Garlic-Herb-and-Ham Bites
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Cheesy Garlic, Herb, and Ham Bites

These petite bites may look extra-elegant, but thanks to frozen puff pastry and garlic-and-herb cheese, they take less than 30 minutes to make.

25 of 30

26 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Smoky Snack Mix

Smoky Snack Mix
Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Smoky Snack Mix

A homemade snack mix instantly elevates any party spread, and this smoky version may just be our favorite ever.

26 of 30

27 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Blue Cheese-and-Pecan Stuffed Peppers

Blue Cheese-and-Pecan Stuffed Cherry Peppers
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: William Smith

Recipe: Blue Cheese-and-Pecan Stuffed Peppers

Pull together these bite-sized stuffed peppers without even turning on your oven.

27 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Olive Oil Popcorn with Garlic and Rosemary

Olive Oil Popcorn with Garlic and Rosemary
Credit: Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Olive Oil Popcorn with Garlic and Rosemary

Seasoned with olive oil, rosemary, and fresh Parmesan, this is certainly not your average bowl of popcorn.

28 of 30

29 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches
Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

We'd pick this timeless appetizer out of the lineup any day.

29 of 30

30 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Creamy Feta and Herb Dip

Creamy Feta-and-Herb Dip
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Creamy Feta and Herb Dip

This bright, tangy dip is the ideal companion for crudité or flatbreads.

30 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Southern Living Editors

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 30 Sheet Pan Nachos
    2 of 30 Homemade Onion Dip
    3 of 30 Texas Caviar
    4 of 30 Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese
    5 of 30 Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas
    6 of 30 Cornmeal Popovers
    7 of 30 Baked Brie Bites
    8 of 30 Warm Cheese and Spicy Pecan Dip
    9 of 30 Fire Crackers
    10 of 30 Basic Deviled Eggs
    11 of 30 Spinach-Artichoke Dip
    12 of 30 Cheddar Cheese Straws
    13 of 30 Buttery Toasted Pecans
    14 of 30 Rotel Sausage Dip
    15 of 30 Buttery Garlic Shrimp
    16 of 30 Pimiento Cheese
    17 of 30 Black Bean and Corn Salsa
    18 of 30 Bacon-Pimiento Guacamole
    19 of 30 Creamy Crab Dip with Peppadews
    20 of 30 Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus
    21 of 30 Ham Biscuits
    22 of 30 Ranch Snacker Crackers
    23 of 30 Bacon Bow Tie Crackers
    24 of 30 Pizza Pepper Poppers
    25 of 30 Cheesy Garlic, Herb, and Ham Bites
    26 of 30 Smoky Snack Mix
    27 of 30 Blue Cheese-and-Pecan Stuffed Peppers
    28 of 30 Olive Oil Popcorn with Garlic and Rosemary
    29 of 30 Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches
    30 of 30 Creamy Feta and Herb Dip

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    30 Quick and Easy Appetizers Built for Hassle-Free Hosting
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.