30 Quick Appetizer Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less

Do take an extra minute to label these quick appetizers. (Guests love a fancy-sounding hors-d'oeuvre.)

bacon wrapped apricots with sage served alongside other quick appetizers
Photo: CON POULOS

Need some speedy appetizer recipes you can use for any season? We've got your back. Whether you have plans to host a weekly book club or need to whip up something in a hurry when company drops by with little warning, these easy (yet tasty) apps will leave guests full while you enjoy a stress-free evening.

We've got recipes for classic appetizers—like hummus and bacon-wrapped dates—but we've also got recipes for meat-free appetizers, dairy-free appetizers, and more. The best part about this bevy of apps is they each take about 20 minutes (or less) to make.

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Pink Hummus

Pink Hummus served in a white bowl with fresh vegetables on a larger plate for dipping
Victor Protasio

Cooked beets help make this magenta hummus as beautiful as it is delicious.

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Orange-Chili Shrimp Cocktail

Orange-Chili Shrimp Cocktail in a White Bowl Served Alongside Tortilla Chips
David Prince

Why make an ordinary shrimp cocktail when you can make this sweet and spicy rendition?

03 of 30

Chickpea and Mint Crostini

Chickpea and Mint mix in a bowl with a side of toasted crostini ready for serving
Mikkel Vang

In this no-cook recipe, combine chickpeas with juicy pomegranate seeds and chopped mint for a bright, fresh topping.

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Quesadillas Poblano

Quesadillas Poblano on a White Plate Garnished with Cilantro, Avocado Slices and Radish
Jen Causey

Whether entertaining a group of kids or adults, these vegetarian quesadillas are sure to please the crowd.

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Bacon-Wrapped Apricots With Sage

Bacon-Wrapped Apricots With Sage Served on a Blue Plate
Con Poulos

Instead of the usual bacon-wrapped dates, serve this twist which pairs dried apricots with salty bacon.

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Endive With Ricotta, Almonds, and Raisins

Endive Leaves Filled With Ricotta, Almonds, and Raisins Served on a Rectangular White Plate
Beatriz da Costa

Dress up crisp endive leaves with a creamy ricotta filling for a beautiful handheld appetizer.

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Tequila Queso Fundido

Tequila Queso Fundido in a Bowl Served Alongside Warm Tortillas
Greg DuPree

Get the party started with a big bowl of irresistible queso that has an extra kick from green chiles, Monterey Jack cheese, and tequila.

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Kale Flatbread Bites

Kale flatbread bites on a gray serving tray with lemon wedges in a bowl
Victor Protasio

Elevate store-bought pizza dough with this thin-crust cheesy kale flatbread.

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Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches With Chutney

4 Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches With Chutney Stacked on a Gray Surface
Con Poulos

The fruit jam brings out the nutty, warm flavors in the melted cheese and cuts through its richness.

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Crispy Homemade Baked Potato Chips

Crispy Homemade Baked Potato Chips in a White Bowl
feelgoodfoodie.net

Say goodbye to unhealthy bagged chips. There's nothing more satisfying than enjoying a delicious, homemade crispy potato chip.

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Fancy Tomato Sandwich

Four tomato sandwiches on a wooden board displayed on a table next to fruit juice, blue sunglasses, and a green plant in a white pot
Greg DuPree

Take sandwiches up a notch with this meat-free option that includes heirloom tomato, Gruyere, arugula, and fried onion.

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Rosemary Pecans

Rosemary pecans are served in a black and white decorative bowl next to two empty wine glasses
Beatriz da Costa

Sugar, cayenne pepper, and chopped rosemary turn ordinary pecans into a party-worthy snack.

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Spiced Pita Chips

Spiced Pita Chips served on a white plate
Beatriz da Costa

Jazz up plain pita chips by sprinkling them with herbs and broiling until crisp.

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Personal Pizzas

Five mini personal pizzas with spinach arranged on a black plate with a gray towel underneath
Anna Williams

Start with a baguette and top with tomato sauce, cheese, spinach, and salami for an Italian appetizer in minutes.

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Pears With Blue Cheese and Prosciutto

Pears With Blue Cheese and Prosciutto on a Blue Plate
Mikkel Vang

If pears aren't in season, you can substitute juicy peaches, cantaloupe, or honeydew to create this simple app.

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Homemade Mild Salsa

Homemade Mild Salsa Served in a White Bowl with Limes in the Background
Ann Stratton

Skip the jarred salsa and make a big, fresh batch at home with this easy recipe.

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Roasted Red Pepper Canapés

Close-up of Roasted Red Pepper Canapés Appetizer
James Wojcik

Use quality thick-cut potato chips to make this five-minute appetizer.

18 of 30

Glorious Green Dip

overhead view of green dip served in a small bowl alongside fresh vegetables and chips for dipping in a cardboard box
Victor Protasio

Spinach and chives help make this creamy dip as vibrant as it is refreshing.

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Vegan Ranch Dressing

Vegan Ranch Dressing in a Bowl served with greens and lettuce
Caitlin Bensel

Now you can make a dairy-free, vegan ranch dressing that tastes just like the original.

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Spicy Parmesan Crackers

Overhead view of Spicy Parmesan Crackers served in a white bowl
RealSimple.com

Making crackers may seem time-consuming, but this perfect snack takes just 15 minutes to whip up and calls for only five ingredients.

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Manchego and Fig Jam Crostini

Manchego and Fig Jam Crostini Served on a Long White Rectangular Plate
Getty Images

This elegant appetizer takes no time to prepare but will surely impress your guests.

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Bacon-Wrapped, Goat Cheese-Stuffed Dates

Bacon-Wrapped, Goat Cheese-Stuffed Dates With Toothpicks Arranged on a White Serving Platter
Getty Images

Satisfy every palette with this sweet, savory, and creamy bite-sized hors d'oeuvre.

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Spicy Corn and Chorizo Nachos

Close Up of Spicy Corn and Chorizo Nachos
Levi Brown

These smoky, spicy nachos take only 10 minutes to make but will be enjoyed by your guests in even less time.

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5-Minute Hummus

5-Minute Hummus Served in a Bowl with Torn Pita Bread Surrounding It
Ditte Isager

Craft a beautiful crudité platter with this smoothy and creamy hummus as the star.

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Easy Guacamole

Guacamole and Pico de Gallo in Rustic Bowls Served Alongside a Large Bowl of Tortilla Chips
Dana Gallagher

Put those ripe avocados to good use in this classic guacamole recipe.

26 of 30

Caprese Skewers With Balsamic Glaze

Four Caprese Skewers With Balsamic Glaze Served on a White Circular Plate
Getty Images

Tomato and mozzarella will always be a fan favorite, so these elegant Caprese skewers are perfect for any party.

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Chimichurri Yogurt Dip

Chimichurri Yogurt Dip in a Bowl Served Alongside Lettuce and Red Cabbage Leaves
Victor Protasio

This garlicky herbed dip is full of flavor and is beyond easy to whip up in a pinch.

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Double Tomato Crostini

Double Tomato Crostini Served on a Circular White Plate
Christopher Baker

Savory sun-dried tomato spread and juicy cherry tomatoes make this crostini devour-worthy.

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Goat Cheese Spread

Goat cheese spread is served in a bowl alongside crackers.
Dana Gallagher

Never underestimate a simple cheese spread, especially one that calls for just three ingredients. This recipe combines rich goat cheese, fresh herbs, and cracked black pepper to create a savory app.

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Creamy Smoked Fish Dip

Creamy Smoked Fish Dip Served in a White Bowl Alongside Crostini Bread for Dipping

The decadent combination of smoked trout, sour cream, and cornichons is perfect for pairing with a crisp glass of white wine.

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