30+ Super Easy Appetizers for a Crowd

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Super easy appetizers anyone can make, perfect for your holiday party. This list of 30+ recipes includes finger food appetizers, quick and easy dips, and more. Who doesn't love the bite-sized deliciousness of a simple appetizer?

The holidays mean loads of holiday parties and events with loads of finger foods. It's a great time to have an arsenal of easy appetizer recipes, like leftover ham and stuffing crescent rolls, you can turn to when you need something quick and easy.

This list of simple appetizers is a list of recipes that aren't just easy; they're really delicious too.

In fact, sometimes we make finger foods and appetizers just because we want to, no party plans in sight. Did I mention they're great for game day too?

I'm definitely adding these appetizers to my lists of favorite Easter recipes, Thanksgiving recipes, and Christmas recipes.

What Can I Bring to a Party Last Minute?

When it comes to easy party foods and finger foods, you want to keep it as simple as possible but still make sure it tastes good. Keep it simple with as few ingredients as possible, and hopefully ingredients you already have on hand.

Great options for simple appetizers and good finger foods include…

… And the list goes on.

easy appetizer recipes, finger foods, and party food, including pinwheels, bacon wrapped apples, and cheese, and cheese and crackers

Planning Easy Appetizers

When planning easy apps for a crowd, there are 4 things you need to think about.

1. Timing

What appetizers can sit out, which ones can you make ahead, can you freeze any ahead of time, and are there appetizers that need to be made last minute right before the party or event? Figuring out the timing of making all the appetizers will help you plan an appetizer menu that works for you, not against you. It'll also help you know how to give people tasks when they ask how they can help.

2. Serving

How much of each appetizer do you need to make? How many people will be in attendance, and how much will you need per person? Think serving sizes; also think about making extra on the most popular appetizers people love the most.

Once you figure out how many and how much, you'll need to think about serving dishes, platters, bowls, and such. Also plates, napkins, and utensils needed.

3. Dietary Restrictions

Yeah, dietary restrictions can be a major bummer, but think about your guests who are living with those food restrictions… Even more of a bummer for them if there's nothing they can eat. Ask your guests if they have any restrictions, and try to plan a few appetizers or snacks they can enjoy, as well. Think about vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.

4. Can You Turn the Party into an Appetizer Potluck?

Instead of doing all the work yourself, ask everyone to bring their favorite snacks, dips, and finger foods. Talk about cheap easy appetizers… Less work for you and everyone involved, and everyone gets to graze on their favorites. It's a win-win!

Finger Food Appetizers

Super simple bites and foods you can eat with your fingers… Sometimes I'd rather have the appetizers over the main meal. Your guests will feel the same with this delicious array.

1. Dill Pickle Ham Roll Ups

Whip up a batch of dill pickle ham roll ups in 10 minutes or less. These easy to make pinwheels make perfect snacks and party appetizers.
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dill pickle ham roll ups on wooden cutting board

2. Apple Cheese and Crackers

Top crackers with apple slices and cheddar to make apple cheese and crackers, an easy snack and basic appetizer idea grown-ups and kids will love!
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apple cheese and crackers on wooden cutting board

3. Bacon Wrapped Apples with Cheese

All you need are 4 ingredients to make bacon wrapped apples with cheese. Insanely delicious, easy appetizer recipe, perfect for a party.
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bacon wrapped apples with cheese on wooden cutting board

4. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Delicious bite-sized bacon wrapped shrimp are the best quick and easy appetizer, perfect for game day, holidays, and special occasions. Made with juicy shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon, then brushed with a sweet and spicy honey Cajun glaze.
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bacon wrapped shrimp on white countertop

5. Smoked Salmon Canapés

Smoked salmon canapés are a quick, easy, and elegant appetizer with only 8 ingredients; and you can make them in about 15 minutes!
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smoked salmon canapes on white countertop

6. Maple Bourbon Shrimp Skewers

Easy recipe for grilled shrimp kabobs marinated with the most delicious, two ingredient, maple bourbon grilled shrimp marinade, then skewered with pineapple chunks and thrown on the grill.
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maple bourbon grilled shrimp kabobs with pineapple on a cookie sheet

7. Maple Sausage Stuffed Pastry Bites

Maple sausage stuffed pastry bites, made with cream cheese and spinach, are the ultimate appetizer and finger food idea for your holiday party.
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maple sausage stuffed pastry bites on white plate

8. Taco Bites

Little taco bites snacks are super easy to make, and they contain fresh ingredients, like tomatoes, lettuce, and shredded cheese.
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taco bites with sour cream

9. Chicken Dip Pinwheels

Chicken dip pinwheels may be bite-sized, but they pack a delicious, flavor-filled punch. Add a little lettuce for a bit of green, and you've got an appetizer your guests will love.
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chicken dip pinwheels on wood cutting board

10. 15 Minute Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry brie bites are the perfect addition to your next holiday party! With a beautiful cranberry sauce over melted brie in Filo shells, these simple cranberry appetizers are so easy to prep, but look like you slaved all day in the kitchen!
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cranberry brie bites on white platter

11. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Enjoy the great taste of Buffalo wings in convenient meatball form!
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buffalo chicken meatballs on white plate

12. Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

Once you know how to make bagel bites, you'll want to rustle up this bite size pizza snack all the time. Homemade mini pizza bagel bites are a great lunch, snack or appetizer. Give these easy DIY pizza bagels a try!
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homemade mini pizza bagel bites stacked on wooden cutting board

13. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

This oven baked bacon wrapped asparagus recipe includes tips to make it extra crispy, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make!
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bacon wrapped asparagus on white plate

14. Leftover Ham and Stuffing Crescent Rolls

Easy appetizer recipe with leftover ham, stuffing, and crescent rolls. Simple and delicious finger foods, perfect for party snacks or lunch with the kids!
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crescent rolls with leftover ham, stuffing, and cheese baked inside, stacked on a white plate

15. Easy Spinach Balls

Get ready for this delectable spinach balls recipe which can be made gluten-free or no-carb, easy peasy.
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spinach balls on white plate

16. Cheesy Puff Pastry Wrapped Asparagus

Cheesy puff pastry wrapped asparagus is a wonderful side dish or great appetizer! This tasty recipe uses just 6 ingredients, including fresh asparagus.
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cheesy puff pastry wrapped asparagus on white platter

17. Easy Ham Roll Ups

This easy ham roll ups recipe is perfect for your next appetizer or snack set up. With only 3 ingredients of sliced ham, cream cheese, and green onion, you can serve retro ham pinwheels for any party or holiday table!
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Sliced ham roll ups on white plate on wooden countertop

18. Brie, Fig, and Prosciutto Crostini

Inspired by a charcuterie, the wonderful flavors of this brie, fig, and prosciutto crostini will delight you and your guests, whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner.
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brie, fig, and prosciutto on crostini on white plate

19. Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Air fryer crab rangoon is a quick and easy appetizer that's ready to eat in less than 20 minutes. The wonton is crispy on the outside with creamy crab filling on the inside. Perfect for parties or game day gatherings.
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air fryer crab rangoon on white plate with dipping sauce

20. Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese make a classic appetizer! Just 4 Ingredients to make this EASY bacon wrapped stuffed dates recipe.
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bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese on white plate

21. Corn Ribs Air Fryer Style

Making corn ribs air fryer style is a fun twist on traditional corn on the cob. This infamous recipe really is the perfect appetizer, party food, snack, or side dish.
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Air fryer corn ribs on white plate with dipping sauce

22. Charcuterie Cups

Charcuterie cups provide a creative twist to the everyday charcuterie board! Load clear plastic cups with assorted snacks of choice for a decorative and fun hand-held party appetizer.
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charcuterie cups on wooden countertop

Easy Party Dips

Don't you just love a good dip? Family and friends will love these hot and cold dips that pair so well with tortilla chips, crackers, potato chips, fresh raw veggies, and more.

23. Easy Chili Cheese Dip

How to make amazing chili cheese dip with cream cheese in the microwave, oven, or CrockPot. Easy, homemade, crowd favorite appetizer recipe!
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chili cheese dip in cast iron skillet, topped with fresh avocado and tomato

24. Creamy BBQ Chicken Dip

BBQ Chicken Dip, made with cream cheese, is an easy appetizer recipe. Pair it with tortilla chips for a delicious snack your friends and family will love!
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creamy bbq chicken dip in cast iron pan

25. Bacon Cheddar BBQ Ranch Dip

Bacon cheddar bbq ranch dip is a tasty appetizer your guests will love. Pair with your favorite snacks, like chips, crackers, and raw vegetables!
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bacon cheddar bbq ranch dip in red bowl

26. Snowman Pimento Cheese Ball

Festive snowman pimento cheese ball you can serve with crackers, pretzels, or a fresh veggie tray. Perfect for a Christmas party!
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snowman pimento cheese ball on bed of parsley on white plate with crackers

27. Fiesta Corn Dip with Rotel

Fiesta corn dip recipe with whole kernels of corn, green onions, and loads of cheddar cheese makes the perfect easy and cold large party dip. It's a no fail Mexican party dip that every one is sure to love!
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fingers holding corn chip with fiesta corn dip over bowl

28. Spinach Dip with Cream Cheese

Creamy spinach dip with cream cheese is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great last minute appetizer that feels anything but last minute.
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spinach dip with cream cheese in white bowl with tortilla chips

29. Copycat Lawson's Potato Chip Dip

If you're a chips and dip junkie, you're going to love this out-of-this-world easy chip dip… AND it doubles as a delicious veggie dip!
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potato chip dip in white serving tray with potato chips

30. 5 Minute Crack Dip

This 5 minute crack dip comes together in 5 minutes and is perfect for serving with crackers. Ideal for holiday party appetizers, game day snacking, or just to serve with cocktails!
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5 minute crack dip in clear mixing bowl

Looking for More Easy Appetizer Recipes?

Here are a few more easy appetizer ideas you can add to party plans…

I love making leftover turkey stuffing crescent roll appetizers, especially after a holiday when I have plenty of leftovers. You can also catch me guest posting over at Around My Family Table, where I shared this super easy recipe for cranberry cream cheese appetizers.

I definitely want to try this recipe from The Salty Side Dish for Pinwheel Sandwiches with Cream Cheese. Yum! If you want a slow cooker dip you can throw together in minutes, CrockPot Buffalo Chicken Dip is just the thing.

easy appetizer recipes, including pinwheels, bacon wrapped apples and cheese, and crackers and cheese with apples

Kitchen Tools You'll Need to Make These Yummy Appetizers

Ninja Food Chopper Express or Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife

Apple Corer, Slicer, and Peeler

Serving Platter

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