Throwing a party doesn’t have to be stressful. 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. Hosting a tailgate event? Country Ham & Biscuits are a delicious way to start the party, and guests can munch throughout the game on easy appetizers such as Easy Party Snack Mix and Peel-and-Eat Shrimp. An outdoor picnic calls for fresh appetizers using garden produce. Whip up a batch of Green Pea Hummus and serve with fresh veggies, or choose Fresh Herb-Tomato Crostini as a tasty way to use what is in your garden. 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.
Easy Party Snack Mix
Recipe: 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.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Mango Bites
Recipe: 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.
Bacon-and-Greens Salsa
Recipe: 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.
Pizza Sticks
Recipe: 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.
Mini Caprese Bites
Recipe: 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.
Peel-and-Eat Shrimp
Recipe: 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. Try them with Tangy Garlic Tartar Sauce, Rémoulade Sauce, or Spicy Cocktail Sauce.
Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers
Recipe: 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.
Mini Crab Cakes
Recipe: Mini Crab Cakes With Garlic-Chive Sauce
Garlic-Chive Sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice add zesty flavor to Mini Crab Cakes.
Fresh-Herb Tomato Crostini
Recipe: Fresh Herb-Tomato Crostini
Fresh Herb-Tomato Crostini is a versatile recipe. The tomato topping also serves as an ingredient for tangy tabbouleh salad.
Country Ham and Biscuits
Recipe: Country Ham and Biscuits
Recipe: Blackberry Mustard
Recipe: Lemon-Herb Butter
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.
Roasted Garlic-Edamame Spread
Recipe: 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.
Warm Fennel-Olive Sauté
Recipe: 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.
Bacon-Cheese Dip
Recipe: Bacon-Cheese Dip
Crumbled bacon is the crowning glory of this creamy cheese dip that features cream cheese, blue cheese, and sour cream. You're guaranteed not to have any leftovers when you bring this dip to a party.
Creamy Herb Dip
Recipe: Creamy Herb Dip
To cut herbs in a snap, try a pair of specialty scissors, such as Norpro Triple Herb Scissors.
Spinach-and-Parmesan Crostini
Recipe: Spinach-and-Parmesan Crostini
For super-quick preparation, measure out all of your ingredients, drain the spinach, and cut the bread while the cream cheese softens.
Black-Eyed Pea-and-Ham Dip
Recipe: Black-Eyed Pea-and-Ham Dip
Serve Black-eyed Pea-and-Ham Dip atop cornbread crackers for a unique regional pairing.
Green Pea Hummus
Recipe: Green Pea Hummus
This easy appetizer dip is delicious in a grilled lamb pita. You can also use it as a spread for burgers or a crudité platter.
Ham Salad
Recipe: Ham Salad
Classic Ham Salad gets a new look atop toasted crostini, but it's just as delicious sandwiched between two slices of bread.
