31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (2024)

Here are some quick appetizer recipes you can use for any season. Whether you have plans to host a weekly book club or need to whip up something in a hurry when company drops by with little warning, these simple (yet tasty) apps will leave guests full while you enjoy a stress-free evening.

We've got recipes for classic appetizers—like bacon-wrapped dates—but we've also got meat-free and dairy-free options, too. The best part about this bevy of apps is they each take about 20 minutes (or less) to make. Read on to see what they are.

01of 31

Pink Hummus

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (1)

Why make regular hummus when you can make it pink? Cooked beets help make this magenta hummus as beautiful as it is delicious. Pair it with crackers or whatever veggies you have on hand.

Get the Recipe

02of 31

Chickpea and Mint Crostini

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (2)

Looking for a quick dip that's sophisticated and packed with nutrients? Look no further. In this no-cook recipe, combine chickpeas with juicy pomegranate seeds and chopped mint for a bright, fresh topping. Pair with well-toasted bread for the perfect added crunch.

Get the Recipe

03of 31

Quesadillas Poblano

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (3)

Whether you're entertaining a group of kids or adults, these vegetarian quesadillas are sure to please the crowd. They aren't your typical quesadillas—the addition of poblano chiles gives the dish a delicious kick that will make you never want to prepare it without them again.

Get the Recipe

04of 31

Manchego and Fig Jam Crostini

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (4)

If you want your guests to say, "This looks so fancy!" these Manchego and fig jam crostinis will do the trick. Plus, this elegant appetizer takes virtually no time to prepare, making it a perfect dish for entertaining last-minute guests.

Get the Recipe

05of 31

Bacon-Wrapped Apricots With Sage

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (5)

Instead of the usual bacon-wrapped dates, serve this quick appetizer, which pairs dried apricots with salty bacon. This flavor combination offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, and the contrast between the crispy bacon and tender apricots is simply irresistible. Plus, the sage pulls everything together with its earthy flavor.

Get the Recipe

06of 31

Kale Flatbread Bites

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (6)

Elevate store-bought or homemade pizza dough with this thin-crust cheesy kale flatbread. The sauce is made of sour cream and mustard, and then the pizza is topped with mozzarella and kale—our mouths are watering already. As its name implies, this delicious sheet-pan pizza is perfect for sharing, too.

Get the Recipe

07of 31

Glorious Green Dip

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (7)

Sneak some extra veggies into your diet with this glorious green dip. Spinach and chives help make this creamy dip as vibrant as it is refreshing. It's so good you'll want to eat the whole thing in one sitting.

Get the Recipe

08of 31

Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches With Chutney

Looking for an easy hors-d'oeuvre that's elevated and kid-friendly? Enter these mini grilled cheese sandwiches with chutney. The fruit jam brings out the nutty, warm flavors in the melted cheese and cuts through its richness.

Get the Recipe

09of 31

Crispy Homemade Baked Potato Chips

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (9)

Say goodbye to unhealthy bagged chips. There's little more satisfying than enjoying delicious, homemade crispy potato chips. Not only are these chips better for you, but they're also tastier.

Get the Recipe

10of 31

Fancy Tomato Sandwich

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (10)

In need of a meat-free dish? We've got you covered. Take mini sandwich appetizers up a notch with this option that includes heirloom tomato, Gruyere, arugula, and fried onion. Who knew something so simple could be this tasty?

Get the Recipe

11of 31

Rosemary Pecans

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (11)

Sugar, cayenne pepper, and chopped rosemary turn ordinary pecans into a party-worthy snack. Just mix your seasonings with melted butter and pop 'em into the oven. You'll end up with a pecan that's sweet and salty with a herby kick.

Get the Recipe

12of 31

Spiced Pita Chips

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (12)

There's no question that paprika and oregano make just about anything taste better, including plain 'ol pita chips. Sprinkle these magic herbs on your pita chips and broil until crisp for a delightful bite. Eat them on their own, or pair them with your favorite dip.

Get the Recipe

13of 31

Personal Pizzas

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (13)

Ditch the frozen pizzas and make your own personal masterpiece in minutes. Start with a baguette and top with tomato sauce, cheese, spinach, and salami for a classic Italian appetizer. Just make sure you don't eat the entire thing for yourself!

Get the Recipe

14of 31

Pears With Blue Cheese and Prosciutto

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (14)

A classic dish featuring juicy pears, salty prosciutto, and creamy blue cheese, it's sure to be a crowd favorite. If pears aren't in season, you can substitute juicy peaches, cantaloupe, or honeydew to create this simple appetizer. Be sure to open up a bottle of white wine while you're at it, too.

Get the Recipe

15of 31

Homemade Mild Salsa

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (15)

Skip the jarred salsa and make a big, fresh batch at home with this easy recipe. All you need are tomatoes, onion, lime juice, and a few spices. You'll be surprised at how simple and delicious this is.

Get the Recipe

Vegan Ranch Dressing

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (16)

Now you can make a dairy-free, vegan ranch dressing that tastes just like the original. It's perfect for serving with crudites. Or you can use the leftovers as a topping on Buffalo cauliflower.

Get the Recipe

17of 31

Bacon-Wrapped Goat Cheese-Stuffed Dates

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (17)

Treat your guests to something decadent with these bacon-wrapped goat cheese-stuffed dates. Not only are they bite-sized, but they're sweet, savory, and creamy—they'll satisfy any palate!

Get the Recipe

18of 31

5-Minute Hummus

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (18)

Craft a beautiful crudité platter with this smooth and creamy hummus as the star. Five simple and inexpensive ingredients come together with the help of some spices like cumin and paprika. You'll be glad you didn't opt for store-bought.

Get the Recipe

19of 31

Easy Guacamole

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (19)

"I don't like homemade guacamole," said no one, ever. Put those ripe avocados to good use in this classic (and fast) guacamole recipe. Trust us—You won't regret making this.

Get the Recipe

20of 31

Caprese Skewers With Balsamic Glaze

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (20)

These Caprese skewers are perfect for holding guests over until the main meal. Tomato and mozzarella are light yet tasty—so, no, they won't ruin anyone's appetite. Plus, who doesn't like food on a stick?

Get the Recipe

21of 31

Chimichurri Yogurt Dip

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (21)

This garlicky herbed dip is full of flavor and is beyond easy to whip up in a pinch. It features fresh oregano leaves, parsley leaves, garlic, and greek yogurt, so you know it's going to taste delightful. As an added bonus, it's pretty good for you.

Get the Recipe

22of 31

Double Tomato Crostini

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (22)

We can't get enough of toasts, and for good reason. Savory sun-dried tomato spread and juicy cherry tomatoes make this crostini devour-worthy. The burst of flavors and textures will leave the crowd asking for a second helping.

Get the Recipe

23of 31

Goat Cheese Spread

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (23)

Never underestimate a simple cheese spread when you need a quick appetizer, especially one that calls for just three ingredients. This recipe combines rich goat cheese, fresh herbs, and cracked black pepper to create a savory app. Be prepared to whip up a big batch, as it's bound to disappear in minutes.

Get the Recipe

24of 31

Creamy Smoked Fish Dip

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (24)

The decadent combination of smoked trout, sour cream, and cornichons is perfect for eating on top of a toasted slice of bread or your favorite kind of crackers. It's creamy, tangy, and a smoked fish enthusiast's dream. Pair it with a crisp glass of white wine for the full experience.

Get the Recipe

25of 31

Caramelized Onion Chutney

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (25)

This Indian-inspired onion chutney is a great accompaniment to grilled and roasted meats. But thanks to the sweetness of the caramelized onion, it also works well as an appetizer. Try toasting slices of baguette, slathering them with soft goat cheese, and placing a spoonful of the chutney on top.

get the recipe

26of 31

Orange-Chili Shrimp co*cktail

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (26)

Impress all your guests by making this sweet and spicy rendition of shrimp co*cktail. Not only is it easy to make, but it's also bursting with flavor. With the addition of jalapeno, red onion, and chopped cilantro, this tasty app delivers the perfect amount of heat.

Get the Recipe

27of 31

Endive With Ricotta, Almonds, and Raisins

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (27)

If you're feeling fancy, you'll love this exquisite starter dish that features crisp endive leaves and a creamy ricotta filling. The outcome is a handheld appetizer that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

Get the Recipe

28of 31

Tequila Queso Fundido

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (28)

Get the party started with a big bowl of irresistible queso that will be sure to make your guests feel like they hit the jackpot. The dish has an extra kick from green chiles, Monterey Jack cheese, and tequila, which we can't get enough of. Oh, and be sure to serve with warm corn tortillas.

Get the Recipe

29of 31

Roasted Red Pepper Canapés

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (29)

Roasted red peppers, scallions, and toasted walnuts come together to create a flavorful topping for your chips. To achieve the best crunch, make sure to use high-quality, thick-cut potato chips. The best part about this appetizer recipe is that it takes just 5 minutes to prepare.

Get the Recipe

30of 31

Spicy Parmesan Crackers

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (30)

Say goodbye to bland crackers with these spicy Parmesan ones. Making crackers may seem time-consuming, but this perfect snack takes just 15 minutes to whip up and calls for only five ingredients. Pair it with your favorite cheese or veggie.

Get the Recipe

31of 31

Spicy Corn and Chorizo Nachos

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (31)

These smoky, spicy nachos take only 10 minutes to make but will be enjoyed by your guests in even less time. Switch up the toppings with what you have on hands to save yourself a trip to the grocery store.

Get the Recipe

31 Simple Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less (2024)

FAQs

Which of the following appetizers is the simplest appetizer? ›

Explanation: Fresh Fruits and vegetables are the simplest appetizer.

What appetizer is served in a small portion intended to be eaten immediately? ›

Explanation: Tapas - a small food item intended to be eaten with wine or other drinks usually in bars. They are served in a small portion intended to be eaten immediately.

What is a fresh fruit and vegetable appetizer? ›

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – are the simplest appetizer. Fruits are good appetizers because they give an attractive appearance, fragrance, appealing taste and delicious flavor. For example, you could serve a platter of thinly sliced cucumbers, chunks of red bell pepper and baby carrots.

What was the first appetizer? ›

Rooted in ancient origins

However, it was the Athenians, in particular, who truly began the tradition of appetizers as we know them today. The wealthy of Athens would begin their long, rambling feasts with small portions of specific foods. Snails, sea urchins, and pickled cabbage were some typical fare.

What are common appetizers? ›

Mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, fried shrimp, fried pickles, potato skins, boneless wings, conch fritters, fried calamari, crab cakes, shrimp co*cktail, nachos, bruschetta, meatballs & marinara, dips & bread, hummus & pita chips, etc.

What is a one bite appetizer called? ›

An amuse-bouche (/əˌmuːzˈbuːʃ/; French: [a.myz.buʃ]) or amuse-gueule (UK: /əˌmuːzˈɡɜːl/, US: /-ˈɡʌl/; French: [a.myz.ɡœl]) is a single, bite-sized hors d'œuvre.

What is small savoury titbits usually served as an appetizer called? ›

hors d'oeuvre, a small portion of savory food that is usually served as an appetizer. Hors d'oeuvres are typically eaten before the main course of a meal or on their own with beverages, such as at a co*cktail party.

What to bring for finger food? ›

Best Finger Food Ideas on a Budget
  • Parmesan Bread Bites. Bake addictive parmesan bread bites for delicious finger food ideas. ...
  • Tomato Bruschetta Bites. ...
  • Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts. ...
  • Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
  • Cheese Puffs. ...
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
  • Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus.
3 days ago

What is a finger food appetizer? ›

Finger foods are small, individual portions of food that are eaten out of hand. They are often served at social events. The ideal finger food usually does not create any mess (such as crumbs or drips), but this criterion is often overlooked in order to include foods like tacos.

What are the two basic types of appetizers? ›

There are nine main classifications of appetizers: canapes, chips and dip, co*cktails, finger foods, fruits and vegetables, hors d'oeuvres, petite..

What is vegetable appetizer called? ›

Crudités (/ˈkruːdɪteɪ(z)/, French: [kʁydite]) are French appetizers consisting of sliced or whole raw vegetables which are typically dipped in a vinaigrette or other dipping sauce.

What is the difference between an appetizer and a Horderves? ›

Time Eaten: Hors d'oeuvres are typically served before the meal even begins, while appetizers tend to indicate the beginning of the meal. An hors d'oeuvre isn't considered to be part of the meal, but appetizers are usually chosen specifically to complement the following courses.

Do you eat soup before or after appetizer? ›

Present the soup course.

This course is usually served before the appetizer or in place of an appetizer. This dish is served in a small soup bowl and eaten with a rounded soup spoon. Your soup choice may vary by season.

What is the difference between a starter and an appetizer? ›

They both mean the same thing : a small amount of food that comes before the first course. Appetizer as a term is more used in the USA, starter in the UK.

What is a small appetizer called? ›

Hors d'oeuvres are small items served before dinner, often accompanied by co*cktails. They're most commonly found at co*cktail parties or during the co*cktail hour of a reception or gala. Most of the time, hors d'oeuvres are considered 'finger foods' and can be eaten while standing and mingling.

Is hors d oeuvres a starter? ›

This is a list of notable hors d'oeuvre, also referred to as appetizers or starters, which may be served either hot or cold. They are food items served before the main courses of a meal, and are also sometimes served at the dinner table as a part of a meal.

Is a tiny appetizer or hors d oeuvres? ›

Answer: Amuse Bouche (ah mews boosh) – a tiny appetizer or hors d' oeuvres offered to guest seated at their tables either before or after they have ordered from the menu.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Cheryll Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 6598

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Cheryll Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1997-12-23

Address: 4653 O'Kon Hill, Lake Juanstad, AR 65469

Phone: +494124489301

Job: Marketing Representative

Hobby: Reading, Ice skating, Foraging, BASE jumping, Hiking, Skateboarding, Kayaking

Introduction: My name is Cheryll Lueilwitz, I am a sparkling, clean, super, lucky, joyous, outstanding, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.