Quick 20-Minute Party Appetizers

By Real Simple

Updated June 24, 2018

Maura McEvoy

Recipes for party-worthy appetizers that take 20 minutes or less from start to finish.

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Cheese Quesadillas

Quentin Bacon

Incredibly simple to make, just-from-the-oven cheese quesadillas are always a crowd pleaser.

Get the recipe: Cheese Quesadillas

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Baked Brie With Crackers and Jam

If you’ve got a bunch of hungry guests, this easy appetizer is a crowd pleaser. When placed in the oven for five to 10 minutes, a wheel of Brie cheese becomes deliciously warm and gooey. Serve with a variety of crackers or breads, as well as raspberry, cranberry, or fig jam or preserves.

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Chickpea and Mint Crostini

Mikkel Vang

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

Get the recipe: Chickpea and Mint Crostini

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Shrimp With Tarragon Aïoli

José Picayo

Using pre-cooked peeled shrimp drastically cuts down prep time; just whisk the dip ingredients together and serve.

Get the recipe: Shrimp With Tarragon Aïoli

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Bacon-Wrapped Apricots With Sage

Con Poulos

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

Get the recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Apricots With Sage

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Endive With Ricotta, Almonds, and Raisins

Beatriz da Costa

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

Get the recipe: Endive With Ricotta, Almonds, and Raisins

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Spicy Black Beans and Avocado Canapés

Burcu Avsar

Scoopable tortilla chips are the perfect vehicle for a mixture of black beans, diced avocado, and minced jalapeño.

Get the recipe: Spicy Black Beans and Avocado Canapés

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Smoked Salmon Triangles

Rob Howard

Upgrade the classic smoked salmon-cream cheese pairing with these elegant open-faced mini sandwiches.

Get the recipe: Smoked Salmon Triangles

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Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches With Chutney

Con Poulos

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

Get the recipe: Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches With Chutney

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Provolone and Roasted Red Pepper Crisps

Anna Williams

Garnish crisp pita with roasted red peppers and melted provolone for an easy party appetizer.

Get the recipe: Provolone and Roasted Red Pepper Crisps

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Blue Cheese and Fig Crostini

Grant Cornett

Sweet fig chutney stands up well against the intense, tangy blue cheese.

Get the recipe: Blue Cheese and Fig Crostini

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Rosemary Pecans

Beatriz da Costa

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

Get the recipe: Rosemary Pecans

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Spiced Pita Chips

Beatriz da Costa

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

Get the recipe: Spiced Pita Chips

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Personal Pizzas

Anna Williams

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

Get the recipe: Personal Pizzas

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Pears With Blue Cheese and Prosciutto

Mikkel Vang

If pears aren’t in season, you can substitute juicy peaches, cantaloupe, or honeydew.

Get the recipe: Pears With Blue Cheese and Prosciutto

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Stuffed Sweet Peppers

Christopher Baker

Fresh mozzarella and flat-leaf parsley leaves transform pickled sweet red cherry peppers into pretty hors d’oeuvres.

Get the recipe: Stuffed Sweet Peppers

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Roasted Red Pepper Canapés

James Wojcik

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

Get the recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Canapés

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Cheese Crisps

Maura McEvoy

Brush sliced bread with olive oil, top with grated Gruyère, and broil to create a snack that’s incredibly simple and tasty.

Get the recipe: Cheese Crisps

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