Make these quick-and-easy appetizer recipes in advance, and you’ll never be short on snacks when opportunity (to party) knocks. And if your unexpected guests don’t show? That’s cool. These 5-star bites make sensational TV binge-watching snacks, too. Just add a glass of wine on the side.
1. Stuffed Jalapenos I
"A spicy appetizer of jalapeno peppers stuffed with beans, chicken and cheese," says TTAYLOR239. "Topped with sour cream, this appetizer is unbelievably good!"
2. Pizza Moons
"Simple and delicious," says Caroline. "To go along with it, I found Easy Pizza Sauce III. It's great to go with these delicious Pizza Moons!"
3. Chef John's Crab Rangoon
"While not 'authentic,' these crispy crab and cream cheese wontons are one of the most addictive, delicious, and crowd-pleasing appetizers ever created," says Chef John. "That is, if the filling has enough crab in it. I'm using a 1-to-1 ratio of crab to cream cheese."
4. Sweet, Salty, Spicy Party Nuts
"I find this technique much easier than the stovetop pan method," says Chef John. "You'll get beautiful, perfectly frosted nuts that are roasted evenly, with no bitter burned spots."
5. Easy Marinated Artichokes
"Store-bought marinated artichokes are too expensive," says KnifeForkandaSpoon. "I created this recipe with simple ingredients that are already found in the kitchen. Enjoy immediately or chill the marinated artichokes for at least an hour before serving."
6. Mini Cheesecakes
Make, freeze, and thaw in the fridge. "These aren't done with graham wafers but with vanilla wafer cookies," says Ginny. "They're fast, easy, and excellent! Any flavor fruit filling will do."
7. Herman Reunion Cheese Ball
Another recipe to freeze and thaw in the fridge. "The requests for this family recipe never stop, so here it is for everybody to enjoy," says Ann. "These cheese balls freeze well for months and make wonderful holiday gifts."
8. Emily's Pickled Eggs
"This wonderful picked egg recipe is quick and easy," says Cheryl. "Perfect for a nice gift, or just to have on hand for entertaining. Plan ahead though, they need to be refrigerated for at least 3 days before they're ready for eating."
9. Martha's Hot Almond Spread
"Wonderful and so easy," says KELMOM. "I make it for all my holiday get togethers, and it's always the first thing to run out." It's great with buttery round crackers.
10. Perfect Pita Chips
"They take barely any time to prepare and go great with spinach artichoke dip," says Tarryn. "Add Italian seasoning, herbs, or Parmesan cheese for a twist!"
11. Simple Artichoke Dip
Keep a can of artichokes in the pantry so you can chop them up and mix them with mayo and grated Parmesan cheese to create this incredibly easy dip. Serve with sliced baguettes or pita chips.