Whether you’re having a small gathering, heading to a big bash, or want something special for a movie night with the kids, we have a few easy appetizer recipes that’ll come in handy. From finger foods to veggie appetizers, keep reading to check out our favorite appetizer recipes all made using three ingredients or less.
Bacon Twisters
With a combo of cream cheese and bacon nestled in puff pastry, you don’t need much else. Talk about an easy appetizer recipe from Frederikke Wærens!
Baked Brie with Jam
Savory, gooey cheese, sweet fruit preserves, all served warm, what’s not to love? Get the recipe from America’s Test Kitchen.
Avocado Dip
Serve this 3-ingredient no-cook appetizer with crackers or veggies, either way, it’ll be a hit. Get the recipe from All Things Mama.
3-Ingredient Hawaiian Meatballs
This 3-ingredient appetizer is ready in just 20 minutes, and it’s perfect for little hands! Get the recipe from When Salty and Sweet Unite.
Proscuitto-Wrapped Pears with Balsamic Glaze
This is the definition of an easy appetizer recipe! The key is the balsamic reduction, and if you want to get fancy, consider throwing in a slice of cheese.
Monkey Bread
This cheesy monkey bread from Brit + Co is literally as easy as 1, 2, 3... ingredients. Kids will love the soft bread and parents will love how easy it is to make.
Caprese Skewers
Quite possibly one of the easiest appetizers to whip up, simply grab fresh mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and pesto; skewer, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette, and go!
Tomato and Cheddar Palmiers
These pretty palmiers from The Suburban Soapbox will definitely impress your guests. Buttery puff pastry and tart tomatoes meld perfectly with rich cheddar cheese—delish!
Crock Pot Chili Cheese Dip
Break out your slow cooker for this crowd-pleasing dip from Julie’s Eats and Treats. With just two ingredients, it’s definitely the simplest thing you’ll make all day.
Related: 18 Finger Foods Easy Appetizers You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
This appetizer from Averie Cooks is kid-approved and super easy to make. You get the crunchy, melty effect of mozzarella sticks without the mess and hassle of deep frying.
Instant Pot Wings
Everybody loves chicken wings, and Mom Advice has a foolproof method for making them in the Instant Pot. A quick pass under the broiler gives them a crispy finish.
Pesto Yogurt Dip
This light and fresh dip from Melanie Makes is an ideal appetizer to serve before a heavy holiday meal. Pair it with plenty of fresh veggies, cheese, and crackers, and you’ll be ready to entertain a crowd.
Best Breadsticks Ever
How fancy do these breadsticks from Kiwi & Carrot look?! Using a pre-made puff pastry makes them super easy to pull off, even if you’re not a master baker.
Crock Pot Glazed Kielbasa Bites
This genius recipe from Julie’s Eats and Treats is totally hands-off, thanks to the magical Crock Pot. It’s made with kielbasa, brown sugar, and one unexpected ingredient.
Bacon Wrapped Cherries with Thyme
It might sound strange, but stay with us: these bacon-wrapped cherries from We Are Not Martha are delicious. The savory bacon makes a perfect contrast for tart, juicy cherries.
Related: 13 Trader Joe’s Appetizers to Serve During the Holidays This Year
Quick Dinner Rolls
Start your meal off with these yummy dinner rolls from Life, Love and Good Food. No rising required—just mix up the three ingredients, and bake the rolls in a muffin tin.
Everything Parmesan Crisps
This inventive take on a crispy cracker from The Suburban Soapbox is bound to be a hit with cheese lovers. Even better, they come together in less than 10 minutes, leaving you more time to obsess over the rest of the menu.
Creamy Salsa Dip
For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, whip up a batch of this super easy dip from Simply Stacie. Paired with fresh veggies and tortilla chips, don’t be surprised if this one disappears fast.
Classy Pigs in a Blanket
Make your party extra magical with an appetizer that only uses two (count ‘em, two!) ingredients. These pigs in a blanket are the definition of simple—and you can even add a touch of sesame seeds to up the wow factor. Get the recipe over at Culinary Hill.
Blue Cheese Bites
Serving something warm to take the chill off is also the perfect way to welcome guests. This easy appetizer recipe from A Wicked Wisk combines a couple of our favorite things—flaky biscuits and flavorful blue cheese—to make a melty, bubbly appetizer perfect for a crowd. Drooling yet?
Honey-Roasted Pecans
If you’re worried about dinner timing or want something festive (and deceptively simple) on your snack tray, make a batch of these honey-roasted pecans from Trial and Eater for guests to graze on throughout the day. The recipe couldn't be easier, but it’s way more delicious than the store-bought kind.
Bacon-Wrapped Potato Wedges
Potato wedges just got even tastier, thanks to this recipe from A Calculated Whisk. How? Why, wrap them in bacon, of course! Now you’ve got an appetizer fit for a hungry crowd of grown-ups and kiddos alike.
Baked Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups
For an appetizer that’s a bit more filling, try these yummy roll-ups from Pumpkin ‘n Spice. It’s easy to customize them with your favorite meats, cheeses, and seasonings. As a bonus, you can keep this recipe in rotation for school lunches.
