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15 Easy Appetizer Ideas for Hosting Any Kind of Occasion

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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

15 Easy, Elegant Appetizer Ideas for Your Oscars Viewing Party: Bacon-Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese
Image: Pinch of Yum.

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

15 Easy, Elegant Appetizer Ideas for Your Oscars Viewing Party: Honey and Pistachio Goat Cheese Appetizer
Image: A Southern Soul.

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

15 Easy, Elegant Appetizer Ideas for Your Oscars Viewing Party: Easy, Cheesy Garlic Bread
Image: Cafe Delites.

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

15 Easy, Elegant Appetizer Ideas for Your Oscars Viewing Party: Mini Quiche
Image: Culinary Hill.

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

15 Easy, Elegant Appetizer Ideas for Your Oscars Viewing Party: Ahi Tuna Cucumber Bites
Image: Paleo Leap.

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

15 Easy, Elegant Appetizer Ideas for Your Oscars Viewing Party: Asparagus Pancetta Puff Pastry Bundles
Image: Completely Delicious.

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

15 Easy, Elegant Appetizer Ideas for Your Oscars Viewing Party: Smoked Salmon Sandwiches
Image: Recipe Tin Eats.

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

15 Easy, Elegant Appetizer Ideas for Your Oscars Viewing Party: 3-Ingredient Cranberry Brie Bites
Image: Tablespoon.

Another great way to put puff pastry to use? Three-ingredient cranberry-brie bites.

Get the full recipe from Tablespoon.

Crab-stuffed potatoes

15 Easy, Elegant Appetizer Ideas for Your Oscars Viewing Party: Crab-Stuffed Potatoes
Image: Life Currents.

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

15 Easy, Elegant Appetizer Ideas for Your Oscars Viewing Party: Spinach Dip Bites
Image: Lil’ Luna.

Love spinach dip, hate the mess? These spinach dip bites are perfect.

Get the full recipe from Lil’ Luna.

Cranberry-prosciutto crostini

15 Easy, Elegant Appetizer Ideas for Your Oscars Viewing Party: Cranberry Prosciutto Crostini
Image: Pizzazzerie.

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

15 Easy, Elegant Appetizer Ideas for Your Oscars Viewing Party: Skillet Black Bean Queso Dip
Image: Peas and Crayons.

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

15 Easy, Elegant Appetizer Ideas for Your Oscars Viewing Party: Bacon and Spinach Four-Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Image: Will Cook for Smiles.

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

15 Easy, Elegant Appetizer Ideas for Your Oscars Viewing Party: White Pizza Dip
Image: How Sweet Eats.

No matter what kind of party you’re throwing, white pizza dip deserves an invitation.

Get the full recipe from How Sweet Eats.