Hosting a party can be a blast, especially when you have a variety of delicious appetizers to offer your guests. Here are ten quick and easy appetizers that are sure to impress and keep everyone satisfied.
1. Caprese Skewers
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Assemble Skewers: On small skewers or toothpicks, alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
- Drizzle: Arrange on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
2. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Bake: Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
3. Stuffed Mini Peppers
Ingredients:
- Mini bell peppers
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped chives or green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Peppers: Cut mini bell peppers in half and remove seeds.
- Fill: Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chives, salt, and pepper. Spoon or pipe into the pepper halves.
4. Bruschetta
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf baguette, sliced
- 4 tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Toast Bread: Lightly toast baguette slices.
- Mix Topping: Combine tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Serve: Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted bread just before serving.
5. Guacamole and Chips
Ingredients:
- 3 avocados, peeled and pitted
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
- Tortilla chips
Instructions:
- Mash Avocados: Mash avocados in a bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add onion, tomato, lime juice, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Serve: Serve with tortilla chips.
6. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Ingredients:
- 24 dates, pitted
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
- Wrap Dates: Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Bake: Arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bacon is crispy.
7. Mediterranean Hummus Platter
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hummus
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- Cucumber slices
- Pita bread, cut into triangles
Instructions:
- Arrange Platter: Spread hummus on a large platter.
- Top: Arrange olives, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and cucumber slices around the hummus.
- Serve: Serve with pita bread triangles.
8. Pigs in a Blanket
Ingredients:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dough
- 1 package cocktail sausages
Instructions:
- Prepare Dough: Unroll crescent dough and cut into small strips.
- Wrap Sausages: Wrap each cocktail sausage in a strip of dough.
- Bake: Arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Shrimp Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cocktail sauce
Instructions:
- Chill Shrimp: Chill shrimp in the refrigerator.
- Serve: Arrange shrimp on a platter with cocktail sauce for dipping.
10. Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Ingredients:
- Assorted cheeses (cheddar, brie, gouda)
- Assorted cured meats (salami, prosciutto)
- Crackers and bread
- Fresh fruit (grapes, apple slices)
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
Instructions:
- Arrange Board: Artfully arrange cheeses, meats, crackers, bread, fruit, and nuts on a large board or platter.
- Serve: Provide cheese knives and small forks for easy serving.
These appetizers are perfect for any gathering, offering a range of flavors and textures to please your guests.