5-Ingredient Appetizer Recipes to Get The Party Started in No Time

Cast-Iron Salsa Recipe
Photo: Hector Sanchez

When we're hosting, we like to be prepared. We'll spend hours planning even the smallest of gatherings, deciding on every last detail of the meal and the decor. But sometimes, life happens and you've got unexpected company. Say the kids need a venue for an after-school pool party, or your husband spontaneously invited his entire recreational softball team over for a post-game barbecue. No need to worry. For occasions like these, we keep an arsenal of easy, quick recipes in our back pocket.

Whether you're hosting an elegant supper club or a large and rowdy bunch of tailgaters, we have the recipes to get your party started. These appetizer recipes all have one thing in common: they're made with 5 ingredients or less. From Cast-Iron Salsa to Grilled Royal Reds with Lemony Garlic Butter, these appetizer recipes with few ingredients are simple and effective, so you can spend a little less time on prep and a little more time enjoying the company.

01 of 13

Muffuletta Deviled Eggs

Muffuletta Deviled Eggs
Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Recipe: Muffuletta Deviled Eggs

This easy appetizer melds the flavors of olives, egg, and salty salami.

02 of 13

Easy Summer Appetizer Board

Easy Summer Appetizer Board
Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Easy Summer Appetizer Board

No Southern appetizer board is complete without spicy-sweet pickled okra.

03 of 13

Candied Jalapeños

Candied Jalapeños
Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Candied Jalapeños

This is our new go-to summer condiment. Chill at least 48 hours ahead so the jalapeños have time to take on a fiery-sweet crunch.

04 of 13

Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches
Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

Indulgent, fresh, and easy as pie, this summer version of baked Brie won raves in the Southern Living Test Kitchen. Can't find Brie packed in a wooden box? Simply bake the cheese in a small pie plate or baking dish.

05 of 13

Orange-Basil Baked Brie

Orange-Basil Baked Brie
Alison Miksch

Recipe: Orange-Basil Baked Brie

Serve on a pretty cutting board with a cheese knife, and let guests cut their own portions.

06 of 13

Crispy Sweet Potato-Green Onion Cakes

Cast-Iron Salsa Recipe
Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato-Green Onion Cakes

This recipe blends the delicate flavor of sweet potatoes and green onions with the spicy zest of chopped red jalapeño peppers.

07 of 13

Pimiento-Stuffed Summer Squash

Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches
Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Pimiento-Stuffed Summer Squash

Here's a cute idea: Hollow out baby pattypan squash and fill with goat pimiento cheese. Can't find pattypans? Pipe the filling on thinly sliced squash rounds, or stuff it into squash blossoms.

08 of 13

Pickled Tiny Tomatoes

Orange-Basil Yogurt Dip
Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Pickled Tiny Tomatoes

Use a mixture of baby tomatoes such as 'Sweet 100,' 'Yellow Pear,' or 'Sun Gold'—all are available at farmers' markets in summer months. This dish uses 3 pints of tomatoes, but feel free to halve the recipe.

09 of 13

Herbed Goat Cheese-Melon Party Bites

Herbed Goat Cheese-Melon Party Bites
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Herbed Goat Cheese-Melon Party Bites

Indulge in the warm days of summer with this refreshing watermelon and goat cheese combination.

10 of 13

Grilled Royal Reds with Lemony Garlic Butter

Grilled Royal Reds with Lemony Garlic Butter
Photo Credit: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Grilled Royal Reds with Lemony Garlic Butter

Ready in just 15 minutes, this quick appetizer is perfect for last-minute company.

11 of 13

Caramel Apple Dip

Caramel Apple Dip
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Caramel Apple Dip

A sugary spin on a cream cheese classic with a crisp bruléed topping.

12 of 13

Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Pickled Okra

Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Pickled Okra
Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Pickled Okra

Two Southern favorites come together to create one delicious recipe.

13 of 13

Cast-Iron Salsa

Cast-Iron Salsa
Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cast-Iron Salsa

If there's one appetizer that's universally loved, it's chips and salsa. The perfect introduction to a delicious meal, the Mexican-inspired starter pleases anyone and everyone who dips into the fresh, smoky sauce

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