Easy Appetizers for Any Occasion

Our easy-yet-impressive appetizers are perfect for no-fuss get-togethers.

Related To:

Photo By: Renee Comet

Flavor-Packed Bites

Appetizers are small, but that doesn't mean they have to be bland. At your next party, serve any of these flavor-packed bites and watch as your guests keep coming back for more.

Roasted Shrimp with Homemade Cocktail Sauce

Tender leaves of Bibb lettuce make the perfect cups for roasted shrimp and cocktail sauce. Arrange the lettuce leaves and the shrimp on separate platters, with the cocktail sauce on the side, and have guests assemble their own wraps: one shrimp per lettuce leaf, with a healthy dollop of cocktail sauce on top.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Shrimp with Homemade Cocktail Sauce

Pea Pesto Crostini

Giada combines peas, garlic and grated Parmesan in her food processor to create a simple, spreadable pesto for crusty grilled baguette slices. Using defrosted frozen peas will save time without sacrificing flavor.

Get the Recipe: Pea Pesto Crostini

Warm Brie with Fuji Apple, Pear and Melba Toasts

Few appetizers are as irresistible as warm, creamy Brie cheese. Rather than wait for the oven to heat up, simply microwave the Brie for 1 minute. Once it's melted, serve the Brie with a platter of fruit and Melba toasts and watch how quickly it disappears.

Get the Recipe: Warm Brie with Fuji Apple, Pear and Melba Toasts

Pizzette with Gorgonzola, Tomato and Basil

For quick preparation, Giada uses a cookie cutter and store-bought dough. Once baked, the soft pizzette crust makes for a mess-free way to enjoy sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and Gorgonzola.

Get the Recipe: Pizzette with Gorgonzola, Tomato and Basil

Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil

The key to bruschetta's signature crunchy texture is to char the baguette slices under the broiler or on the grill. Rachael rubs the toasts with garlic before piling on the fresh tomato-basil topping.

Get the Recipe: Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil

Spanakopita Chicken Meatballs with Spicy Cucumber and Yogurt Sauce

Rachael gives these one-bite treats a Greek twist by adding spinach and feta to the meatball mix and serving them alongside a tangy Greek yogurt dipping sauce.

Get the Recipe: Spanakopita Chicken Meatballs with Spicy Cucumber and Yogurt Sauce

Cheese-Stuffed Dates with Prosciutto

Sweet dates pair perfectly with Giada's creamy mascarpone-goat cheese mixture. A slice of salty prosciutto balances the flavor.

Get the Recipe: Cheese-Stuffed Dates with Prosciutto

Blini with Smoked Salmon

Nibbling on crunchy toasts and crackers without leaving a trail of crumbs can be difficult — especially while mingling at a party. Blinis, or Russian buckwheat pancakes, are the perfect solution. Ina tops the soft pancakes with a slice of silky smoked salmon, sour cream and dill.

Get the Recipe: Blini with Smoked Salmon

Spanish Tortilla

Traditional Spanish tortilla requires only three staple ingredients: potatoes, onions and eggs (lots of them!). Together, these ingredients create a canvas for various add-ins, like sliced chorizo, roasted piquillo peppers or crumbled goat cheese. Best of all, when cut into small squares, one batch can easily feed a crowd.

Get the Recipe: Spanish Tortilla

Shrimp Cocktail with Quick Remoulade

Ditch the cocktail sauce and serve this classic appetizer with a spicy twist by preparing Rachael's easy remoulade. She combines mayonnaise, Creole mustard, lemon juice and cayenne to create a tangy dip.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail with Rach's Quick Remoulade

Pasta Chips with Alfredo Dip

Here's one more way to love pasta: as a crispy snack. Serve it up golden fried with a smooth and creamy sauce for dipping.

Get the Recipe: Pasta Chips with Alfredo Dip

Tea Smoked Chicken

Our Tea Smoked Chicken is marinated overnight with Chinese black tea and spices, then served on a bed of lettuce with Asian chili sauce, soy-ginger sauce and lime.

Get the Recipe: Tea Smoked Chicken

Star Puffs

Parmesan-topped Star Puffs are an easy and fun way to use puff pastry.

Get the Recipe: Star Puffs

Lemongrass-Cured Salmon Canapes

These fresh-tasting, Asian-inspired canapés are great for wintertime entertaining.

Get the Recipe: Lemongrass-Cured Salmon Canapes

Cornmeal Blini Bites

Use a corn muffin mix to make these easy Cornmeal Blini Bites.

Get the Recipe: Cornmeal Blini Bites

Wrap-Party Apps

Appetizers can't get much simpler than Wrap Party Apps made with mini mozzarella balls.

Get the Recipe: Wrap-Party Apps

Maple Pepper Pecans

Maple syrup, cayenne pepper and butter are mixed with pecans to make Nigella's sticky Maple Pepper Pecans.

Get the Recipe: Maple Pepper Pecans

Fried Pork Dumplings

Skip store-bought dumplings and make these bites from scratch with ground pork and dumpling wrappers. An easy ponzu dipping sauce makes a perfect pairing.

Get the Recipe: Fried Pork Dumplings

Smoked Trout Canapes with Creme-Fraiche and Herb Sauce for Two

Rachael spreads zesty creme fraiche on top of crunchy pumpernickel toasts before laying on a hearty chunk of smoked trout. Another small dollop of the creme fraiche and a dill frond for garnish make these toasts special-occasion-worthy.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Trout Canapes with Creme-Fraiche and Herb Sauce for Two