No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen while entertaining, and you can still be a great host without spending hours behind the stove. These no-cook appetizers require 10 minutes or less to prep, so you can be relaxed when guests arrive. Whip up a few of these super-easy finger foods, like our Whipped Feta Honey Toast or our Cucumber Salmon Bites, and enjoy time mingling with your friends and family.
Whipped Feta Honey Toast
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling
This whipped feta toast gets a drizzle of honey and a sprinkling of your favorite fresh herbs. This easy appetizer takes only 10 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute guests. Using a food processor gives the feta mixture a light and airy texture. You can mix it by hand for the same great flavor with a coarser texture.
Cucumber Salmon Bites
Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Look no further for your impromptu snack—these 3-ingredient cucumber salmon bites are a surefire hit. Beyond being an ideal choice for midday, this quick and easy recipe doubles as a satisfying appetizer. If you have a bit more time and a few extra ingredients at your disposal, try enhancing the cream cheese with chopped fresh herbs like dill or chives.
Apricot-Stilton Bites
Photographer: Rachel Marek, Prop stylist: Holly Dreesman, Food stylist: Gabriel Greco
Savory blue cheese and sweet-tart dried apricots combine for an impressive last-minute appetizer for any gathering. Light agave syrup has a sweet, neutral taste, whereas dark agave syrup will add more caramel flavor. If you don’t have agave syrup, you can use honey in its place.
Whipped Feta with Pomegranate, Pistachios & Honey
This easy, quick appetizer is perfect for any gathering. Be sure to process the feta and cream cheese together until you see a smooth texture and ribbons start to form. Doing so will ensure any bits of feta are broken down, and you’ll avoid a grainy texture. The drizzle of hot honey adds a pleasant spice and plays well with the salty pistachios, but you could substitute regular honey or date syrup if preferred.
Lemon, Mint & White Bean Dip
EatingWell
This quick, healthy dip is an easy appetizer or snack. If you don’t have cannellini beans, chickpeas work just as well. Serve this tasty dip alongside veggies, crackers, pita or pretzels.
Cheddar-Apple Cracker Bites
This easy recipe comes together in just 5 minutes, making it a quick snack or appetizer. The sweetness of the Fuji balances well with the Cheddar, but you can use another variety of apple if you prefer. This recipe calls for 3 thin apple slices per cracker, but feel free to use just one if you’re craving a more cheesy bite.
Tomato-Zucchini Sauce
EatingWell
This easy, veggie-packed dip makes a healthy snack or appetizer. Capers add a nice brininess to this salsa. Serve with pita chips or tortilla chips or spoon it over grilled chicken or fish.
Cherry & Goat Cheese Crostini
Cooking Light
These flavorful crostini come together in just 10 minutes, making them an easy appetizer for any occasion. When fresh cherries aren’t available, substitute thawed frozen cherries. Gently pat them dry before assembling.
Mini Bell Pepper Pepper
This version of pebre, a Chilean condiment, combines bell peppers, tomatoes, parsley and cilantro for a fresh bite.
Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers
A quick spread of pimiento cheese stuffs these mini bell peppers for an easy, three-ingredient appetizer.
Easy Black Bean Dip
This creamy bean dip is great for a party or picnic. Smoked paprika and ground chipotles add a robust, earthy flavor, but you can also use regular paprika and cayenne if you don’t have the other spices on hand.
3-Ingredient Smoked Fish Dip with Capers
There are two kinds of people when it comes to smoked fish dip—those who love it and those who haven’t tried it yet! Made with cream cheese, herbs and smoked trout, smoked salmon or a mix of both, it’s a creamy, savory dip that takes your appetizer table up a notch. Top it with briny capers and serve with baguette slices and you have yourself a delicious app that is sure to impress.
Tequila Guacamole
Margarita lovers will go crazy for this twist on classic guacamole. Spiking your guacamole with tequila adds an extra layer of flavor and blends deliciously with the fresh lime juice and jalapeño. This guacamole is for grown-ups only, but you can omit the tequila if you’re serving to kids.
Light & Airy Whipped Cottage Cheese
Photography: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Annie Probst
Give this whipped cottage cheese recipe your own spin by making it with your favorite fresh herbs. You can use it as a dip with fresh veggies or as a sandwich spread.
3-Ingredient Kalamata-Olive Hummus
Who doesn’t like hummus? It’s an easy snack or appetizer as is, but jazzing it up with simple toppings can make it feel like a special starter. Here we top store-bought hummus with Kalamata olives and olive oil (a staple ingredient that doesn’t count toward our three!) and serve it with crunchy pita chips.
Apricot, Prosciutto & Parmesan Bites
These 3-ingredient apricot, Parmesan and prosciutto bites are as simple to make as they look, and they taste even better. Simply layer each ingredient on top of the other and secure with a toothpick for an easy bite-size starter.
Classic Hummus
It’s easy to make hummus at home with just a few pantry items. Serve drizzled with your best-quality extra-virgin olive oil and chopped parsley. Mop it up with warm whole-wheat pita bread or cut-up vegetables.
Turmeric-Ginger Tahini Dip
Flavored with turmeric, ginger and garlic, this tahini dip recipe is perfect for dipping vegetables or topping your next falafel.
Avocado Hummus
This vibrant green hummus recipe couldn’t be easier—just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and avocado make this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.
Avocado-Yogurt Dip
Update your guacamole recipe by adding protein-packed yogurt to make a healthy dip recipe. For an extra kick, add minced jalapeño or your favorite hot sauce for some zing! Serve this healthy dip recipe with crunchy vegetables, pita chips or pretzels, or use as a sandwich spread.
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