Our 17 favorite appetizers that are extra easy to make

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These 17 appetizers are extra easy to make and happen to be our favorites. They’re all about simplicity and flavor, making them great for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a more formal gathering. We’ve focused on selections that promise to impress without needing a lot of time or complex ingredients. So, if you’re looking for perfect ways to kick off your meal with minimal fuss but maximum impact, you’re in the right place.

A person holding up a cucumber slice topped with taco dip.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

A cracker being dipped into a dish of jalapeño cranberry dip.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Perfect for any occasion, you can easily make this creamy appetizer in 15 minutes. This dip combines the spiciness of jalapeños with the tang of cranberries for a fun and unique appetizer that all of your guests will love. It’s a simple yet standout choice that goes well with so many different snacks.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

Halloumi Fries

A person pulling apart a halloumi fry.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These halloumi fries are a game-changer — melty, flavorful, and delicious on their own or with a dipping sauce. Known for its high melting point, halloumi cheese is a versatile ingredient you can bake, grill, or fry without melting or losing its shape. Ready in just 25 minutes, these baked cheese fries are an easy and quick addition to your party spread, perfect for impressing your guests with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A plate of parmesan crusted potatoes with a sauce on top.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For an easy yet impressive appetizer, try these Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Ready in just an hour, they are super easy to make, and bake the potatoes until crunchy with a soft and fluffy center. They’re simple to make and perfect for hosts looking for something simple but impressive.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

A plate of whipped feta with honey dip with crackers and herbs.
Whipped Feta with Honey Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you have 10 minutes, you can easily and literally “whip” up this Whipped Feta with Honey Dip. It’s an effortless appetizer with the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors. Perfect when you need a simple but impressive appetizer at last-minute gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Sausage stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Welcome your guests with these easy-to-make stuffed mushrooms. Filled with a mix of sausage and mushrooms, this appetizer is both savory and flavorful in every bite. You can also prepare them beforehand and bake them once you’re ready, making them a great option for those hectic party days.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Sausage balls on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These bite-sized treats are a quick and delicious way to start your gatherings. They are easy to make and use simple ingredients you may already have on hand. Just add the ingredients to a bowl, mix, roll, then bake. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re the perfect party appetizer to serve on game day or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Chili Cheese Dip

A white baking dish with a dip and tortilla chips.
Chili Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, you can serve this warm and hearty Chili Cheese Dip. It’s an easy-to-make starter featuring a mix of cream cheese, heavy cream, spices, cheddar, chili, and salsa, baked until golden. Serve this at your next gathering and watch it disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Cheesy taco dip in a white baking dish.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get your party started in just 15 minutes with this creamy dip. Mix the base layer, add the ingredients, top it with a generous serving of cheese, and you’re ready to go. Serve with chips or veggies, and you have a party favorite that keeps everyone busy until the last bite.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a fun take on the classic loaded potato skins. Bacon, shredded cheese, and sour cream are stuffed into zucchini boats and then baked for a cheesy and flavorful dish. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, leaving you more time to mingle with your guests.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Jalapeño spinach artichoke dip in a white dish with a spoon.
Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This dip is a must-have for your menu. You’ll combine parmesan cheese, sour cream, spinach, artichoke hearts, and jalapeños and bake them until golden for a dip that’s easy to make and impressive. It’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for hosts who want to wow their guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

Bacon Wrapped Peppers ready to enjoy.
Bacon Wrapped Peppers. Photo Credit: Real Balanced.

Anything wrapped in bacon makes for a great starter at any party. Prepped and baked in under an hour, you’ll stuff peppers with cream cheese, wrap them in bacon, and then bake. Serve them with your favorite dip in a bowl, or add a spoon to the serving tray for parties so guests can add some dip to their plates.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Mini Peppers

Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

A hand holding a toothpick with a bacon egg and cheese breakfast slider.
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These sliders feature hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and creamy avocado, assembled as a sandwich for a new take on the classic breakfast favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes, they are skewered for easy handling and perfect for early gatherings or even as a fun evening appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with cheese and basil on a baking sheet.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish features Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and Italian seasoning, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, and baked until bubbling and golden. They are juicy, soft, and flavorful, making them a great go-to for days when you need to whip up something impressive and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats

Four cucumber boats on a white serving platter.
Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This appetizer is a great choice if you need to whip up something at the last minute. Featuring cucumber boats filled with cream cheese, avocado, and a sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning, these are a great way to impress your guests with minimal effort. The best part — you can quickly whip this up in just five minutes.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Featuring a delicious blend of chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spices, these poppers are easy to make and can be served in an hour. Plus, if you’ve got a busy day ahead, you can prep them the day before. They store well in the freezer and can be baked when you’re ready, perfect for those times when you want to impress without the all-day kitchen commitment.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Garnished shrimp cucumber bites on a plate.
Shrimp Cucumber Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Add a refreshing touch to your gatherings with these easy-to-make Shrimp Cucumber Bites. Ready in just 25 minutes, Cajun-spiced shrimp and guacamole are topped on crisp cucumber slices for an elegant and flavorful starter. These fancy bites are extra easy to assemble, making them a great choice when you need something simple, delicious, and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Cucumber Tomato Bites

A hand holding a cucumber tomato bite.
Cucumber Tomato Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This easy appetizer features the perfect combination of flavor and texture. Ready in less than 30 minutes, all you need to do is top the cucumber slices with tomatoes and a refreshing cream cheese filling, and you’re ready to serve. Make these bites for those occasions when you want something quick, flavorful, and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites

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