From planning the guest list to preparing enough food to keep hungry bellies full, being the hostess with the most-est is no walk in the park. Sure, impressing your guests with beautiful homemade appetizers sounds amazing, but what happens when you don’t have enough time (or energy) to make everything from scratch? This mega-list of mouth-watering appetizers only need 5 ingredients each, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about at your next party.
Cucumber and Cheese Christmas Trees
What’s better than an effortless app that looks AND tastes good? These festive and good-for-you holiday snacks are a tasty treat for little kids and big kids alike.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber and Cheese Christmas Trees
Ragu Nachos with Pickled Onions
Nachos get an Italian twist in this fun, party-ready recipe. Spicy arrabiata sauce and tangy pickled onions pair perfectly with hearty ground beef, creating the ultimate comfort food appetizer. Serve with your favorite baked crackers for utensil-free snacking.
Get the Recipe: Ragu Nachos with Pickled Onions
Cauliflower-Broccoli Tots
Parents and kids alike will love these veggie-packed tots. Riced cauliflower and broccoli create the base for these bite-sized snacks, while ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese and panko breadcrumbs add creaminess and crunch.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Broccoli Tots
Mozzarella, Tomato, and Plum Salad
Transform ripe plums and juicy heirloom tomatoes into an easy, 5-ingredient appetizer that will send your tastebuds soaring. The sweetness of the plums brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, while peppery arugula and a tangy vinaigrette create a perfect balance of flavors.
Get the recipe: Mozzarella, Tomato, and Plum Salad
Air-Fried Beet Chips
Ditch the fried potato chips and give your guests a homemade version of a store-bought treat that transforms a simple root vegetable into a crunchy, nutritious snack. Your guests won’t be able to get enough of these once they dip them into the blue cheese dressing!
Get the recipe: Air-fried Beet Chips
Spanish Tomato Toasts
Sweet tomatoes and tangy sherry vinegar top slices of garlicky grilled bread in this party-ready appetizer (called pan con tomate in Spain). Impress your guests with this international treat!
Get the recipe: Spanish Tomato Toasts
Crostini with Manchego and Fig Spread
The sweetness of fig preserves complements the richness of nutty manchego, one of Spain’s most popular cheeses. Fans of sweet and savory flavor combinations won’t be able to get enough of this appetizer.
Get the recipe: Crostini with Manchego and Fig Spread
Grilled Halloumi Cheese & Fig Crostini
Can’t find Manchego cheese at the grocery store? Opt for halloumi cheese instead, which has a similar nutty taste and is perfect for ooey-gooey cheese pulls. Skip the grill and toast these apps in the oven.
Get the recipe: Grilled Halloumi Cheese & Fig Crostini
Stuffed Tomatoes
Get creative and use your leftover Thanksgiving stuffing in this tasty 5-ingredient treat. Parmesan and chives bring new life to the stuffing, which gets baked in juicy tomatoes instead of a turkey.
Get the recipe: Stuffed Tomatoes
Pork Satay
Asian chili garlic sauce gives these grilled pork skewers a spicy and tangy kick, while sweet peanut sauce helps tame the flame.
Get the recipe: Pork Satay
Baked Camembert with Red Currants
Ooey-gooey melted cheese is topped with sweet jelly and fresh, festive currants in this crowd-pleasing holiday appetizer.
Get the recipe: Baked Camembert with Red Currants
Beef Hand Pie Stars
These savory hand pies are stuffed with a spiced meat mixture and sharp Cheddar cheese. Serve these with some jarred salsa for dipping or make our Fire-Roasted Red Salsa.
Get the recipe: Beef Hand Pie Stars
Fire-Roasted Red Salsa
Inspired by Mexican salsa roja, this sauce gets its deep, smoky flavor from the broiler. Serve it with your favorite chips while you get the rest of your holiday meal ready.
Get the recipe: Fire-Roasted Red Salsa
Garlic Pull-Apart Rolls
A garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese mixture coats premade biscuit dough to create these buttery rolls. Make them hours ahead, then reheat them in a 350°F oven before serving.
Get the recipe: Garlic Pull-Apart Rolls
Smoked Salmon and Matzo Appetizer
Silky smoked salmon and cream cheese top crispy matzo, while peppery radishes and parsley bring a touch of fresh flavor flavors.
Get the recipe: Smoked Salmon and Matzo Appetizer
