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Our Food Editors Swear By These Easy Apps For Last-Minute Hosting

Ready to shine in no time.

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fried balls filled with leftover mashed potatoes
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Hosting isn’t easy. No matter how excited I am to throw a birthday party, game night, or dinner, I always seem to find myself rushing to fix something at the last minute, which can really complicate getting an appropriate appetizer and snack spread up in time for guests to arrive. While you always could go the store-bought bag of potato or tortilla chips and jarred dips route, let’s face it, that can really put a damper on all the effort you’ve already extended setting the rest of the night up. These 21 quick and easy appetizer recipes are perfect for a party under pressure, taking 45 minutes or less from start to finish.

In a pinch, dips are always a good way to go. While we’ve got plenty to choose from, I think our guacamole, bacon-spinach dip, pub cheese, and spicy mango whipped goat cheese really shine in (almost) no time.

With everyone milling about, when it comes to party appetizers, the best things come in little packages. Try some of our bite-sized favorites like our fried mashed potato balls, our fried gnocchi bites, our Parmesan bread bites, our caprese bites, and more.

Get-togethers should be a good time. Don’t spend the whole day stressing over a menu. Let us help instead! We’ve got plenty of party starters, dips, and make-ahead appetizers, to help you get your party underway. Looking for drink ideas or something a little bit more filling? Check out our collection of entertaining ideas to make your next party a sure-fire hit.

1

Pub Cheese

pub beer cheese
Andrew Bui

We're big fans of beer cheese in all its forms: in a skillet, with pretzels, even folded into macaroni. But perhaps our favorite form of this classic dip is...cold! This pub-style cheese is not only full of all the delicious flavors of the classic app, but is even easier to make.

Get the Pub Cheese recipe.

2

Pigs In A Blanket

pigs in a blanket with a mustard dippings sauce
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

While this party appetizer might seem straight forward, this recipe truly nails it. We added a little coarse salt to this last-minute app that may seem basic, but really takes this recipe over-the-top in my book.

Get the Pigs In A Blanket recipe.

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3

Bacon-Spinach Dip

bacon spinach dip
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

One of my favorite ways to upgrade a classic spinach & artichoke dip is to add everyone's favorite ingredient: bacon. It bulks up the app, and gives an added smoky, savory flavor that truly takes it to another level.

Get the Bacon-Spinach Dip recipe.

4

Fried Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

fried ham and cheese mozzarella sticks
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Fried mozzarella sticks are a superstar of the appetizer game, but this ham and panko upgrade makes the extra crispy and extra delicious.

Get the Fried Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks recipe.

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5

Garlic Knots

garlic knots
Erik bernstein

Skip ordering out those game day appetizers—these garlic knots are the easiest appetizer you should be making at home. Garlicky, herby and slathered in butter, it's difficult to have just one of these babies.

Get the Garlic Knots recipe.

6

Bang Bang Shrimp

bang bang shrimp in a creamy spicy sauce with chopped cilantro
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

A go-to appetizer for many, bang bang shrimp is irresistibly delicious. The pairing of crunchy shrimp and the signature creamy, spicy-sweet sauce is a combo made in appetizer heaven.

Get the Bang Bang Shrimp recipe.

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7

Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

mini red and yellow peppers stuffed with pimento cheese and baked
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Stuffed mini peppers are such an easy appetizer to throw together and are always a crowd-pleaser. In my opinion, pimento cheese is infinitely better when it’s served warm, and a small pepper becomes the perfect vessel for it in this recipe

Get the Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers recipe.

8

Fried Gnocchi Bites

fried gnocchi bites in a bowl with marinara sauce on the side
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

These crunchy, little pillowy bites are absolute perfection and an excellent bite-sized appetizer. The gnocchi are breaded in seasoned bread crumbs and Pecorino, then fried, giving the soft and slightly chewy dumplings a crispy exterior

Get the Fried Gnocchi Bites recipe.

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9

Antipasto Skewers

antipasto skewers

We can't get get enough of the varied flavors and textures of an antipasto spread. But, this bite-size appetizer just might be our favorite way to enjoy all of the fresh, sharp flavors all in one bite.

Get the Antipasto Skewers recipe.

10

Fried Mashed Potato Balls

fried balls filled with leftover mashed potatoes
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

What better way to use up your leftover mashed potatoes than by turning them into crispy bites full of all the cheesy, bacon-y goodness in bite-sized form, and ready in just 25 minutes.

Get the Fried Mashed Potato Balls recipe.

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11

Guacamole

guacamole with diced red onion, cilantro, and with chips
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: FRANCESCA ZANI

Whether you serve it as a simple dip, load it on top of your tacos, or smear it on a bun as a burger topping, we can all agree—it’s not a party without Mexico’s most famous dip. For this guacamole recipe, we prefer to keep it simple to really let the star of the show—avocados—shine.

Get the Guacamole recipe.

12

Parmesan Bread Bites

parmesan bread bites topped with sage and hot honey
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

If you're a fan of garlic knots, this recipe is basically the bite-sized app version. Covered in gooey cheese, garlic butter, and fresh herbs, these bites are the best way to serve a crowd.

Get the Parmesan Bread Bites recipe.

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13

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

air fryer buffalo cauliflower with homemade dip
PHOTO: JOEL GOLDBERG; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

Another recipe that proves why we love the air fryer so much. This cauliflower is the perfect answer when you have buffalo wings on the brain but you need to eat some vegetables.

Get the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe.

14

Sheet-Pan Green Chile Chicken Nachos

sheet pan green chile chicken nachos
ANDREW BUI

What’s better than a tray of cheesy chicken nachos? Four cheese chicken nachos! Don’t worry, though, a couple cans of chopped green chiles cut the richness of all that cheese.

Get the Sheet-Pan Green Chile Chicken Nachos recipe.

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15

Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Nachos

elote mexican street corn nachos
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: TYNA HOANG

Elote, a Mexican classic of corn, mayo, chili powder, and cotjia cheese, is such an incredible flavor combination, we knew it shouldn’t be confined just to the summer. The solution? Turning it into skillet nachos that can be enjoyed all year long.

Get the Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Nachos recipe.

16

Rice Paper Mozzarella Sticks

mozzarella sticks wrapped rice paper, then bread with parm and basil studded panko and fried until deep golden brown, ooey, gooey, and a little bit chewy
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: SAM SENEVIRATNE

Some recipes are just good plain fun, like these rice paper mozzarella sticks with chili garlic marinara sauce. The classic cheese pull-tastic mozz sticks you know and love get a fun upgrade with chewy rice paper and a homemade chili garlic-spiked sauce.

Get the Rice Paper Mozzarella Sticks.

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17

Buffalo Chicken Biscuit Bombs

biscuits with buffalo chicken inside
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: SAM SENEVIRATNE

If you're craving something that’s equal parts spicy, cheesy, and downright delicious, these buffalo chicken biscuit bombs are about to become your new favorite snack. Picture this: tender, shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, all wrapped in buttery biscuit dough and baked to golden perfection.

Get the Buffalo Chicken Biscuit Bombs recipe.

18

Caprese Bites

tomato, mozzarella, and basil on little skewers drizzled with balsamic glaze
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

If you’re in need of a quick and easy appetizer, then these caprese bites are the simple solution your guests will thank you for. Focusing on three ingredients and requiring no cooking, these bites require very little effort and time

Get the Caprese Bites recipe.

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19

Boursin-Stuffed Mushrooms

boursinstuffed mushrooms
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Stuffed mushrooms are the classic appetizer we make for every party, and this recipe is a fun new spin. Enter: Boursin cheese. It adds a creamy garlic and herb flavor to the filling that’ll have your guests coming back for more

Get the Boursin-Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.

20

Pinwheel Sandwiches

pinwheel sandwiches
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

These pinwheel sandwiches are easy to assemble, look great on a platter, and are ideal for a party. To make them, you'll layer flour tortillas with ranch-flavored mayonnaise, sliced cheese, deli meats, and lettuce. All that's left to do is roll them up tightly and slice.

Get the Pinwheel Sandwiches recipe.

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