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  5. Quick 20-Minute Party Appetizers

Quick 20-Minute Party Appetizers

Real Simple Author
By Real Simple Editors Updated June 24, 2018
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Cheese Crisps
Credit: Maura McEvoy

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

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1 of 18

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Cheese Quesadillas

Cheese Quesadillas
Credit: 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.

Get the recipe: Baked Brie With Crackers and Jam

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Chickpea and Mint Crostini

Chickpea and Mint Crostini
Credit: 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

Shrimp With Tarragon Aïoli
Credit: 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

Bacon-Wrapped Apricots With Sage
Credit: 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

Endive With Ricotta, Almonds, and Raisins
Credit: 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

Spicy Black Beans and Avocado Canapés
Credit: 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

Smoked Salmon Triangles and Herbed Bay Shrimp With Rye Crackers
Credit: 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

Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches With Chutney
Credit: 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

Provolone and Roasted Red Pepper Crisps
Credit: 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

Blue Cheese and Fig Crostini
Credit: 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

Rosemary Pecans
Credit: 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

Spiced Pita Chips
Credit: 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

Personal Pizzas
Credit: 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

Pears With Blue Cheese and Prosciutto
Credit: 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

Stuffed Sweet Peppers
Credit: 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

Roasted Red Pepper Canapés
Credit: 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

Cheese Crisps
Credit: 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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    1 of 18 Cheese Quesadillas
    2 of 18 Baked Brie With Crackers and Jam
    3 of 18 Chickpea and Mint Crostini
    4 of 18 Shrimp With Tarragon Aïoli
    5 of 18 Bacon-Wrapped Apricots With Sage
    6 of 18 Endive With Ricotta, Almonds, and Raisins
    7 of 18 Spicy Black Beans and Avocado Canapés
    8 of 18 Smoked Salmon Triangles
    9 of 18 Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches With Chutney
    10 of 18 Provolone and Roasted Red Pepper Crisps
    11 of 18 Blue Cheese and Fig Crostini
    12 of 18 Rosemary Pecans
    13 of 18 Spiced Pita Chips
    14 of 18 Personal Pizzas
    15 of 18 Pears With Blue Cheese and Prosciutto
    16 of 18 Stuffed Sweet Peppers
    17 of 18 Roasted Red Pepper Canapés
    18 of 18 Cheese Crisps

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