
Parents are alreday juggling a million things on any given day, so when it comes to hosting a for a crowd, they need recipes that work with them, not against them. Whether you’re planning a last-minute play-date, hosting book club, or having some friends over to watch the big game, you want to have some ridiculouslye asy appetizer ideas in your back pocket that you can whip up in no time and with minimal effort. We’re talking about recipes that look worthy of an Ina Garten dinner party, but without any fuss or labor-intensive instructions.
From finger foods kids and adults will want to chow down on, to more elevated apps for kid-free events, we’ve curated a list of appatizer recipes that are so easy, they almost don’t need recipe instructions. So browse through our top easy appetizer picks and enjoy eliminating the stress of menu planning for your next gathering.
Bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese

Bacon-wrapped dates are that elusive combination of super-fancy and super-easy.
Get the full recipe from Pinch of Yum.
Honey & pistachio goat cheese appetizer

Want something a little more involved than a cheese plate? Try this honey and pistachio goat cheese, which guests can spread on crackers, apple slices or whatever other vessels you serve.
Get the full recipe from A Southern Soul.
Easy, cheesy garlic bread

Cheesy garlic bread may not be the most elevated appetizer, but its flavor is definitely award-winning.
Get the full recipe from Cafe Delites.
Mini-quiche

This recipe gives four suggestions for mini-quiche filling. Try all four or pick ~The Favourite~ and just make one.
Get the full recipe from Culinary Hill.
Ahi tuna cucumber bites

These next-level tuna cucumber bites call for high-quality fish but are really easy to throw together once you have the ingredients.
Get the full recipe from Paleo Leap.
Asparagus-pancetta puff pastry bundles

Store-bought puff pastry is the ultimate secret weapon when it comes to simple, classy appetizers. Here, it gets some vegetable treatment with asparagus-pancetta puff pastry bundles.
Get the full recipe from Completely Delicious.
Smoked salmon sandwiches

Serve smoked salmon sandwiches at you’re parties and we’ll RSVP yes every time.
Get the full recipe from Recipe Tin Eats.
3-ingredient cranberry-brie bites

Another great way to put puff pastry to use? Three-ingredient cranberry-brie bites.
Get the full recipe from Tablespoon.
Crab-stuffed potatoes

The cool thing about these crab-stuffed potatoes is that you can use small potatoes for the appetizer version or make giant ones with baking potatoes.
Get the full recipe from Life Currents.
Spinach dip bites

Love spinach dip, hate the mess? These spinach dip bites are perfect.
Get the full recipe from Lil’ Luna.
Cranberry-prosciutto crostini

Breaking news: Cranberry sauce is not just for Thanksgiving. Keep a can or two on hand to whip up these super easy crostinis.
Get the full recipe from Pizzazzerie.
Skillet black bean queso dip

This elegant skillet queso will be the star of your spread.
Get the full recipe from Peas and Crayons.
Bacon & spinach 4-cheese stuffed mushrooms

These bacon-spinach-cheese-stuffed mushrooms are even more stacked than this year’s best picture category.
Get the full recipe from Will Cook for Smiles.
White pizza dip

No matter what kind of party you’re throwing, white pizza dip deserves an invitation.
Get the full recipe from How Sweet Eats.