Quick and easy doesn’t have to mean boring! In fact, even with only a handful of ingredients each (sometimes even less), these super-easy appetizers are always superstars!

I’ve catered everything from family dinners to holiday celebrations to Hollywood events, and my appetizer spreads have always been the biggest hit of the night.

I’ve spent many years perfecting these quick and easy appetizer recipes; now they can be your hits too!

Whether you’re looking for delicious dips for game day, healthy snacks for a family gathering, festive finger food for a holiday party, or some fancy appetizers for a special occasion, you’ll find exactly what you need on this list.

Quick and Easy Appetizers

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates

This showstopper is based on one of my favorite Spanish Tapas! I’ve made this appetizer more than any other because everyone always loves it.

With only 3 ingredients, these bacon-wrapped stuffed dates are certainly one of the easiest hot appetizers ever.

The combination of salty, smoky bacon with sweet dates stuffed with nutty cheese is so addictive!
Bacon-Wrapped Dates Recipe

Maryland Crab Cakes

I learned this recipe from my mother-in-law who lived in Maryland.

Granted, lump crab meat is not cheap. But since these crab cakes are baked, there’s no muss or fuss, and that helps justify the added expense. Just mix, shape, and pop them in the oven.

Plus, they taste amazing! Make them larger and you have a quick main course for family gatherings!
Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe

Asparagus Prosciutto Puff Pastry

Everyone in my family has a different favorite appetizer, and this one is my husband’s.

I serve them all year long, but I especially like serving these during the Christmas holidays. They have the red and green colors of the prosciutto and asparagus, and the puff-pastry wrap is like a candy cane.

Stick a couple of extra asparagus in the bundle to turn this app into a stunning side dish.
Asparagus Prosciutto Puff Pastry Recipe

Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups

Who can resist creamy, melty brie in crunchy phyllo?

Add some cranberries and pecans and you have the perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving dinner or a Christmas party.

Made in a mini muffin pan, cranberry brie bites take just a few minutes to assemble and only about 10 minutes to cook.
Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups Recipe

Charcuterie Board

Let’s face it, some boards are more simple than others.

Generally speaking, there’s no cooking or complex construction happening. Just some slicing and strategic placing. Even salami roses are easy and can be made ahead of time.

Another benefit: Boards work just as well at a posh dinner party or a backyard barbecue. Once it’s ready, take a photo of your pretty board and use one of these Charcuterie quotes to post your creation on social media.

For cheese selections and board tips, click the links below.
Ultimate Charcuterie Boards
Christmas Charcuterie Boards
Best Charcuterie Board Condiments
French Cheese Board
Popular Italian Cheeses

Cretan Dakos Salad

More like a Greek Bruschetta than what Americans call a “salad,” this traditional Cretan dish is loaded with the fresh flavors of tomatoes, onions, and capers.

The white of the Greek cheeses makes the color scheme predominantly red and white—perfect for Fourth of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Valentine’s Day, and of course, Christmastime.
Cretan Dakos Salad Recipe
More Greek Appetizers

Watermelon-Feta Appetizer Bites

A few simple ingredients combine perfectly for another sweet and salty combo!

Watermelon-feta bites are so pretty and elegant and one of the quickest apps on our list to make. This easy recipe is a real crowd-pleaser and makes a great potluck finger food!
Watermelon-Feta Appetizer Recipe

Smoked Fish Dip

This is one of the best easy cold appetizers!

Put it on crostini to make it easy for guests to pick up and eat. Or serve it dip-style with fresh veggies or crackers.

Whichever way you choose to serve it, this fish dip will make a big splash, and your guests will be asking for the recipe!
Smoked Fish Dip Recipe

Prosciutto-Wrapped Cantaloupe

Every time I serve prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe, someone thinks I’m a genius—even though this idea dates back to 2nd-century ancient Rome and is one of the most common appetizers of traditional Italian cuisine.

It’s so simple and takes very little effort—it doesn’t even need a recipe. Just wrap a piece of prosciutto around a chunk or wedge of cantaloupe: Done!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Serving buffalo wings can be messy for guests to eat. The solution? Buffalo Chicken Dip!

Serve it with carrots and celery sticks and no one will ever miss the bones! Kick things up a notch by topping your dip with a drizzle of ranch, chopped green onion, blue cheese crumbles, or all of the above.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Classic Guacamole

When it comes to savory dips, guacamole is certainly one of the most popular—especially if there’s a football game to be enjoyed while digging in.

It’s also a great appetizer for the holiday season if you color theme things up by serving it with red cherry tomatoes or raw red pepper strips. If you’re a stickler for tortilla chips, try red ones for a change.
Classic Guacamole Recipe

Garlic Hummus

Need a last-minute appetizer? Grab a can of chickpeas and this recipe. You don’t even need tahini for this delicious treat!

Serve it with a drizzle of olive oil on top and pita chips or veggies on the side.
Garlic Hummus Recipe

Appetizer Serving Tips

If you have enough small bites, they can make a great meal, and you can skip the main course! Here are a few tips on creating the perfect appetizer table.

Focus on Variety

Choose a flavorful combination of hot appetizers and cold appetizers.

Vary textures, ingredients, shapes, and colors.

Prepare Ahead

Even if you’re limiting yourself to these quick-and-easy dishes, making a bunch of them still adds up to a sizeable chunk of time. So, whatever can be done ahead, do it.

The first four apps on this list can even be cooked and frozen weeks before your event. Simply defrost them in the fridge overnight, then on the day your guests arrive, just reheat your already-made delights.

Decorate

A great way to perk up your platters is to add some fresh herbs and/or edible flowers for garnish.

Decorate the table with a few seasonal objects. These can be vases of flowers, candles, pumpkins, green and red peppers, ornaments, Mardi Gras beads, or whatever fits your theme.