20 Appetizers That Are Easier To Make Than You Think

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20 Appetizers That Are Easier To Make Than You Think

Appetizers that are easier to make than you’d think can seriously upgrade any party. These 20 recipes are all about breaking down the myth that starters are a hassle. We’re talking about straightforward, no-fuss recipes that pack a punch. Perfect for when you’re crunched for time or just want to add some flair to your dinner without the extra work.

A person is dipping a cracker into a bowl of jalapeño cranberry dip.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Sausage balls on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These sausage balls couldn’t be easier to make. Just add the ingredients to a bowl, mix, roll, then bake. Perfect as a party appetizer for game day or casual gatherings, these are ready in 30 minutes and packed with flavors everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

A plate of whipped feta with honey dip and crackers on it.
Whipped Feta with Honey Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Whipped Feta with Honey Dip is extra easy to make and a perfect party appetizer choice. It comes together with minimal effort in just 10 minutes and is delicious, impressive, and memorable. Serve it alongside with pita bread or buttery crackers.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A plate of parmesan crusted potatoes with a sauce on top.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in less than an hour, these Parmesan Crusted Potatoes will be the highlight of your winter meal. Easily made with ingredients you probably already have, these potatoes are crispy, flavorful, and filling. Serve these alongside your favorite main course for a wholesome and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

A hand holding a cucumber slice topped with taco dip.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’ve got 15 minutes to spare, you can create this flavorful taco dip that’s sure to be the star at any party. Mix the base layer, add the ingredients, top it with a generous serving of cheese, and you’re ready to go. Serve it with your favorite chips or veggies for an appetizer that’s both easy and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are an impressive, flavorful, and memorable appetizer. Made with straightforward ingredients, they can easily be prepared ahead of time for stress-free hosting.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

A plate of jalapeño cranberry dip with a spoon.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dip is the perfect party appetizer for beginner cooks who want to bring an extra easy dish-to-pass to parties and events. With only 15 minutes of prep time, all you’ll do is measure the ingredients, blend the jalapeño cranberry mixture, mix the creamy base mixture, and then arrange everything in a serving dish. You’ll love how it adds a pop of color and flavor to your appetizer table.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

Chili Cheese Dip

A dish of chili cheese dip in a baking dish with toppings.
Chili Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this dip is made with straightforward ingredients and baked in the oven. You’ll just mix together the ingredients, transfer that mixture to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, bake, then top with your desired toppings. It’s a great option for serving at parties and events, especially for beginner cooks.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A plate of chicken bacon ranch poppers with sauce drizzled on top.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For an appetizer that doesn’t skimp on flavor, try these easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Featuring a delicious blend of chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spices, these poppers are easy to make and can be served in an hour. This appetizer also stores well in the freezer, so you can make them beforehand, perfect for those times when you want to impress without the all-day kitchen commitment.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Halloumi Fries

A person pulling apart a halloumi fry.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Halloumi cheese originates from Cyprus and is known for its high melting point, allowing it to be baked, grilled, or fried without melting or losing its shape. This delicious and easy-to-make appetizer comes together in just 25 minutes. These halloumi fries are a game-changer — melty, flavorful, and delicious on their own or with a dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

A dish of jalapeño spinach artichoke dip with a spoon.
Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Ready in under an hour, this appetizer is a stress-free choice for any host. Featuring a mixture of parmesan cheese, sour cream, spinach, artichoke hearts, jalapeños, and a few other ingredients, all you need to do is mix everything and just bake. It’s an easy way to impress and make your menu stand out with minimal effort. Serve it at your next event and watch it become the highlight of the evening.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

Bacon wrapped peppers on a plate.
Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cream cheese, these mini peppers will add an impressive touch to your spread. Prepped and baked in under an hour, this easy appetizer features the perfect combination of flavor and texture. Serve the peppers with your favorite dip in a bowl, or add a spoon to the serving tray for parties so guests can add some dip to their plates.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Mini Peppers

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three zucchini boats with cheese and green onions on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These zucchini boats are a fun take on the classic loaded potato skins. Ready in less than an hour, this delicious appetizer combines bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and more. They’re great for casual gatherings as they’re effortless to make, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your friends. Serve these loaded zucchini boats on a serving platter or enjoy straight from the baking sheet.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Tomatoes stuffed with cheese and basil on a baking sheet.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Made with ingredients like Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and Italian seasoning, these baked tomatoes with cheese are juicy, soft, and flavorful. It only takes 25 minutes to prepare and serve, making it a great go-to for days when you need to whip up something impressive and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

A person holding a skewered bacon egg and cheese breakfast slider.
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and creamy avocado are assembled as a sandwich for a new take on the classic breakfast favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes, these egg sandwiches are very easy to assemble and are perfect for early gatherings or as a fun evening appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

Zucchini Bites

Zucchini bites with sour cream on a plate.
Zucchini Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Featuring shredded zucchini, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, and Italian seasoning, these zucchini bites are extra flavorful. If you’re looking for a way to add extra veggies to your meals — this recipe is the way.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats

An everything bagel seasoning cucumber boat being held.
Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make this easy and refreshing appetizer in just five minutes! Featuring cucumbers topped with cream cheese, avocado, and a sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning, these boats create a crunchy, creamy treat that all your guests will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats

Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites

Bacon wrapped pickles on a plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Made with just five ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes, these Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites are a lifesaver for any last-minute gatherings. They’re a fun and easy choice for your next party, blending the salty and sour flavors of pickles with the smokiness of bacon. They’re fun, flavorful, and a smart way to serve something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites

Cucumber Tomato Bites

A person holding a cucumber with a dip and tomato on it.
Cucumber Tomato Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in less than 30 minutes, these bites are great for those occasions when you want something quick yet refreshing. They’re a straightforward mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, and a refreshing cream cheese filling, which makes this a great choice if you need to whip up something at the last minute.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

A plate of mini spicy canned salmon patties with dill sauce.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 30 minutes, you can create these mini patties made with canned salmon spiced up with jalapeños and cayenne pepper. They’re so easy to make and very versatile. You can use any type of canned protein, customize the spice level to your liking, and serve them with whatever dipping sauce you prefer. They’re a fun choice for any party and will surely be loved by your guests.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Shrimp and guacamole cucumber bites.
Shrimp Cucumber Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 25 minutes, you can serve up a platter of bites featuring shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices atop crisp cucumber slices and finished with a dollop of guacamole. Perfect as a light snack or as a fancy party appetizer, these shrimp cucumber bites will always save the day.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

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