It happens: You get a last-minute party invitation and you have absolutely nothing at all prepared to bring as appetizers. Don't panic yet. There are solutions to this conundrum, and they all only require five ingredients and little prep time. That's right, with five simple ingredients and a little kitchen know-how you can throw together a mouth-watering, perfect appetizer. No one will even know you managed it an hour before.
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So where are these fabled best appetizer recipes? Here are 20 of them to keep in your recipe box.
1. Cream Cheese Wonton Dip
Think of it as a deconstructed wonton in the form of a dip. This is a win-win when it comes to finger foods.
Get the recipe here.
2. Crab Dip
Fewer ingredients means fewer distractions from the succulent crab meat in this dip. Serve on top of crackers or flatbread and garnish with fresh chives.
Get the easy appetizer recipe here.
3. 3-Ingredient (Idiot Proof) Appetizer
With only three ingredients, this recipe claims to be idiot-proof, but how truthful is this claim? You know you want to test it out.
The addition of parsley makes four ingredients, and if you want to put a buffalo chicken spin on this, add cooked shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. That's still only six ingredients. Get the recipe here.
4. Mushrooms Stuffed with Cheese + Tomatoes
Mushrooms that are breaded and stuffed with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. There are so many textures in one bite!
You can even substitute juicy grape tomatoes if you prefer the taste of them to cherry tomatoes! Get the recipe here.
5. Peanut Butter Energy Bites
You could use them for a dessert, for a snack, or for a healthier party appetizer. The opportunities are endless.
Get the recipe here.
6. Baked Brie
If you eat it with apples, it's technically healthy. Maybe put a smear on jam on each bite, too?
Get the recipe here.
7. Pizza Dip
Think about it. You could use this layered pizza dip to make a pizza nachos. All you need is a fifth ingredient: tortilla chips.
Or you could go for the full pizza effect and top with parmesan cheese as soon as it comes out of the oven. No doubt a crowd pleaser.
Get the recipe here.
8. Mango Salsa
Fruit in salsa is actually a very good idea. Trust us.
Get the recipe here.
9. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
How could a cheese spread and bacon possibly get better? Right, fill a jalapeño with these ingredients. You could even substitute the cream cheese for blue cheese for an interesting twist.
Does it get any better than jalapeno poppers? Get one of the easy appetizer recipes here.
10. Pesto Cheese Crescents
Pull apart, cheese-filled, pesto-infused croissants. You will probably have to make a double batch.
So much easier than whipping up casserole recipes! If you want to add a protein, add sliced ham or prosciutto for a savory twist. Get the recipe here.
11. Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are always a good choice, but have you tried them stuffed with pesto yet? Top with cheese and nuts like pine nuts or pecans.
Get the recipe here.
12. Mini Cheese Balls
Crunchy, stackable, and full of cheese. That says appetizer all over it.
Get the recipe here.
13. Brie + Cranberry Phyllo Turnovers
Creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberries are tucked into a crispy shell.
This is one of the easy ways to fake a fancy appetizer. Get the recipe here.
14. Roasted Red Pepper Artichoke Dip
It only takes five ingredients to pack a wallop of texture into this dip.
A sprinkle of cayenne pepper on top makes this artichoke dip a winner. Get the recipe here.
15. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
A classic that you can easily throw on the grill and have ready in minutes. These also make an excellent holiday appetizer or side dish.
Get the recipe here.
16. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
You won't believe what makes them sweet and caramelized.
Skip Pinterest and get the recipe here.
17. Bacon Cream Cheese Roll Ups
Aren't you curious to see what all your breakfast favorites taste like rolled up into one bite?
These remind us of a treat from the Texas State Fair. Get the recipe here.
18. Chili Cheese Dip
This recipe is a great way to use up those weird pantry staples you don't know what to do with. Plus, it's creamy, satisfying and loaded with cheddar cheese and sour cream.
Turn this into a taco dip by adding seasoned ground beef and serve with veggies or tortilla chips! Get the recipe here.
19. Beer Cheese Dip
Beer and cheese are required at every party. So why not combine them into a creamy dip? Serve with pretzels, tortilla chips or pita chips for the ultimate experience.
Get the recipe here.
20. Baked Goat Cheese
You only need four ingredients if you count your crackers or crostini for dipping. Or you could just use a spoon.
This always is a treat, whether it's a summer barbecue or a holiday party. Get the recipe here.
This post was originally published on May 24, 2017.
