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…
- Pinwheels
- Bacon wrapped anything
- Cheese and crackers
- Apples and cheese
- Meatballs – These baked Italian cauliflower meatballs are my favorite.
- Little Smokies
- Raw vegetables and dip
- Easy dips – like this creamy bbq chicken dip.
… And the list goes on.
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
2. Apple Cheese and Crackers
3. Bacon Wrapped Apples with Cheese
4. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
5. Smoked Salmon Canapés
6. Maple Bourbon Shrimp Skewers
7. Maple Sausage Stuffed Pastry Bites
8. Taco Bites
9. Chicken Dip Pinwheels
10. 15 Minute Cranberry Brie Bites
11. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
12. Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites
13. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
14. Leftover Ham and Stuffing Crescent Rolls
15. Easy Spinach Balls
16. Cheesy Puff Pastry Wrapped Asparagus
17. Easy Ham Roll Ups
18. Brie, Fig, and Prosciutto Crostini
19. Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
20. Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
21. Corn Ribs Air Fryer Style
22. Charcuterie Cups
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
24. Creamy BBQ Chicken Dip
25. Bacon Cheddar BBQ Ranch Dip
26. Snowman Pimento Cheese Ball
27. Fiesta Corn Dip with Rotel
28. Spinach Dip with Cream Cheese
29. Copycat Lawson's Potato Chip Dip
30. 5 Minute Crack Dip
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.
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
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Looking forward to try out all of the recipes.
Thanks for stopping by, Sonja!