Our 17 favorite quick appetizers that are extra easy to make

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These 17 recipes are our top picks for quick appetizers that are super easy to make and perfect for any last-minute gathering. They’re all about saving time and impressing your guests without the need for hours in the kitchen or hard-to-find ingredients.

A person holding a cucumber with shrimp and guacamole.
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer. 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.

This dip is perfect for when you need something easy to make but still want to impress. It mixes spicy jalapeños with the sharp taste of cranberries for a great snack option. It’s a simple way to bring a bit of excitement to the table and goes well with a variety of snacks. A top pick for effortless entertaining.
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 quick, no-stress addition to any gathering, ready in just 25 minutes. The cheese’s ability to cook without melting means you get melty, flavorful fries that are great on their own or with a dip. This easy-to-make appetizer is sure to impress your guests with hardly any effort.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

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.

In just 10 minutes, whip up this Whipped Feta with Honey Dip. It’s super easy and perfectly balances sweet with salty, making it great for any last-minute get-together. Definitely a go-to for a quick and impressive appetizer.
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.

These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are straightforward and pack a savory punch. Prep them early, pop them in the oven when you’re ready, and you’ve got a killer appetizer that didn’t take all day to make. Great for when you’re juggling a million things but still want to serve something awesome.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

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

Ready in an hour, these Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are about as easy as it gets for something that feels a bit fancy. They bake up crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. This recipe is a simple way to add a delicious and impressive dish to your appetizer spread without much work.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

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

This Taco Dip gets the party started fast. In only 15 minutes and you’re good to go. Just layer, top with cheese, and serve. Whether it’s with chips or veggies, this dip’s a no-hassle crowd-pleaser that’ll keep everyone happy and coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

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

Ready in 30 minutes, these Sausage Balls are a no-brainer for any gathering. Mix, roll, bake, and boom — you’re done. They’re easy, quick, and the kind of thing you throw together when friends are over to watch the game or just hang out.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer

Guacamole and shrimp appetizers.
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer is an easy option that comes together in 30 minutes. With Cajun-spiced shrimp and guacamole on crisp cucumber slices, they’re not only simple and quick to assemble but also add a burst of flavor to any gathering. A fantastic pick for when you need something easy and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer

Chili Cheese Dip

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

This Chili Cheese Dip is your 30-minute ticket to being the host with the most. It’s got everything — cream cheese, cheddar, chili, and spices, all melted together into something you’ll want to dive into. Easy to make and always a hit, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip

Loaded Zucchini Boats

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

Switch up the classic with these Loaded Zucchini Boats. They’re just as easy as they are delicious, stuffed with all the good stuff and baked. It’s the kind of appetizer you whip up when you want to chill with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
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 Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip is a must-have. Mix everything, bake, and you’ve got an impressive dip in under an hour. It’s the perfect pick for when you want to wow without the all-day kitchen marathon.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

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

Wrap mini peppers in bacon, stuff them with cream cheese, and bake. It’s that easy and always a hit at parties. Ready in under an hour, these make a great starter that pairs well with any dip. Just add a spoon to the serving tray, and guests can help themselves to some extra flavor.
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.

Get your morning or evening started with these Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders. They’re a creative take on the breakfast classic, combining hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, cheddar, and creamy avocado in a neat little sandwich. Skewered for easy eating and ready in 30 minutes, they’re perfect for grab-and-go at any gathering.
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.

These Baked Tomatoes come together in just 25 minutes and are a surefire way to impress with minimal effort. With Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and Italian seasoning under a layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, they’re bubbly, golden, and packed with flavor. Great for those moments when you need something quick yet impressive for your table.
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.

In just five minutes, you can have these Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats ready. Filled with cream cheese, avocado, and sprinkled with Everything Bagel seasoning, they’re a quick and effortless way to add a fresh spin to your appetizer selection. Perfect for impressing your guests without spending much time in the kitchen.
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.

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers mix chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spices into a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Ready in about an hour, or prep them a day ahead and just bake when needed. They’re freezer-friendly too, making them perfect for those busy days when you still want to serve something homemade and great.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Cucumber Tomato Bites

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

Get these Cucumber Tomato Bites ready in less than 30 minutes for a quick, flavorful, and refreshing appetizer. Just top cucumber slices with tomatoes and a creamy filling, and they’re good to go. Perfect for those times when you’re looking for something simple yet delicious to add to your snack lineup.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites

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