50 Last-Minute Appetizers That Are Ready In 25 Minutes

01 of 50

Fried Pickle Chips

Everyone's favorite bar snack is a cinch to make at home, and in just 25 minutes! A cornmeal batter gives the fried pickle chips a satisfying crunch, and the spicy stir-together dipping sauce is the perfect pairing.

get the recipe

02 of 50

Pulled Pork Nachos

With a tub of shredded pork from your favorite local restaurant, these nachos check off all your appetizer musts—easy, delicious, and perfect for a crowd. Serve extra toppings on the side so guests can customize to their liking.

get the recipe

03 of 50

Million Dollar Dip

If the name of this dish doesn't immediately make you want to make it, the ingredient list will. Bacon, mayo, chive-and-onion cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, almonds, and scallions combine to make a crave-able savory dip that will keep everyone coming back for more.

get the recipe

04 of 50

Pepper Sauce Watermelon Wedges

We love appetizers that combine sweet and savory. Give watermelon a punch or heat and a nice a nice vinegary bite with a drizzle of pepper sauce. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it.

get the recipe

05 of 50

Creamy Spinach-Ricotta Crostini

These crostini look so fancy that guests will never know they come together in a matter of minutes. A food processor takes all the legwork out of this recipe so you can skip all the chopping and simply combine all these ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and pulse.

get the recipe

06 of 50

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

This one is for serious cheese lovers. This recipe is made with sharp Cheddar cheese, pepper Jack cheese, cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and ranch dressing to create its rich, creamy consistency.

get the recipe

07 of 50

Charcuterie-Board Snack Mix

This crunchy, salty snack mix is a no-brainer because it comes together so easily. Prosciutto, dried figs, and smoked almonds give this quick snack a decidedly gourmet spin.

get the recipe

08 of 50

Beer-Cheese Fondue

Rosemary-Bacon Nut Mix — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This creamy fondue is infused with mustard, Gruyère, Cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, and a lager beer. It will be the centerpiece of any appetizer spread, with sliced bratwurst, pretzels, and potatoes for dipping.

get the recipe

09 of 50

Tomato-Sandwich Toasts

Add a pop of summery flavor and color to the party. Tomato sandwich fans won't be able to stop eating these toasty, bite-sized triangles spread with mayo and topped with cherry tomatoes.

get the recipe

10 of 50

Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

Melty cheese? At a party? It's a no-brainer. The brie bakes for only 15 minutes and the spicy peach topping is an unexpected touch that everyone will love.

get the recipe

11 of 50

Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers

We'll never tire of finding new ways to enjoy pimiento cheese. Sweet-spicy jarred Peppadew peppers make this no-cook appetizer a snap.

get the recipe

12 of 50

Crispy Cheese Wafers

You'll love the snappy crunch on these cheese straws that get a flavorful punch from hand-grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese. Serve alongside pepper jelly for spreadable flair.

get the recipe

13 of 50

Smoky Snack Mix

Good thing it's easy to double or even triple this smoky mix recipe because people won't be able to stop munching on it. From game days to birthdays, it fits in anywhere.

get the recipe

14 of 50

Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

We can justify adding black-eyed peas to just about anything, and this hummus is no exception. The recipe blends a country-cooking staple with a traditional Middle Eastern dip and turns it into a real crowd-pleaser.

get the recipe

15 of 50

Baked Brie Bites

Five ingredients and 18 minutes later, these melty baked Brie bites will start showing up every other appetizer around. Red pepper jelly, pecans, and flaky sea salt add major texture and flavor.

get the recipe

16 of 50

Creamy Crab Dip

Sometimes a recipe is a classic for a reason. Fresh lump crabmeat, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and scallions combine to make a cool, no-cook dip for any Southern get-together.

get the recipe

17 of 50

Mini Caprese Bites

On a table of dips and spreads, these fresh skewers will stand out with the combo of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic. They're almost too easy to pop into your mouth without missing a beat at the party.

get the recipe

18 of 50

Cranberry Brie Bites

This takes everyone's favorite appetizer—baked brie—and turns it into the perfect bite of creamy cheese, sweet cranberry, crispy phyllo, and roasted salty pistachios. Those four ingredients are all it takes.

get the recipe

19 of 50

Basic Pimiento Cheese

Is it really a party without this spread? We think not. The two game-changing steps to perfect pimiento cheese: hand-shredding the cheese and using diced jarred pimientos (not sliced).

get the recipe

20 of 50

Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Cherry tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls add a fun twist to the usual Caprese salad. This is a great option for potlucks and picnics because it travels well.

get the recipe

21 of 50

Texas Caviar

This classic party-perfect dip gives a little twist with green tomatoes. They bring a bright, almost citrusy note to the mix. This 20-minute appetizer is always an easy option when in a pinch.

get the recipe

22 of 50

Picnic Egg Salad

These elegant egg toasts turn a picnic staple and into a party appetizer. Chopped radishes add a surprising spicy note and hint of color.

get the recipe

23 of 50

Butter-Baked Saltine Crackers

Inspired by fond memories of munching on saltines with a hunk of butter as an after-school snack, these simple crackers are as delicious as they are nostalgic. Serve with a variety of quick dips for an easy party spread.

get the recipe

24 of 50

Creamy Avocado Dip

Short on avocados, but still craving guacamole? This light and tangy dip made with sour cream only requires two avocados, but it is a similarly creamy compliment to tortilla chips or crudit��s.

get the recipe

25 of 50

Smoked-Fish Dip

Simply stir together all the ingredients for this tasty dip and it's ready to go. It can be served with your favorite crackers, but it also happens to be a great gluten-free dip served with crudités or rice crackers.

get the recipe

26 of 50

Guacamole

This fresh guacamole recipe combines all of them and turns a classic dip into something special.

get the recipe

27 of 50

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

Frozen mini phyllo pastry shells are the unsung hero of entertaining. The flaky cups can be filled and baked with anything on hand for an impressive-looking appetizer. This version has a delicious blend of gourmet mushrooms, fresh herbs, and Gruyère.

get the recipe

28 of 50

Lump Crab Mornay

This dip comes together in one pot on the stovetop. The base is a French Mornay sauce, their term for a rich, velvety cream sauce made with Gruyère, that has a pound of sweet lump crab meat folded in.

get the recipe

29 of 50

Crudités Platter

Curdités Platter — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Katie Jacobs

Sure, you could buy a pre-made crudités platter from the grocery store, but it won't beat this seasonal spread. The trick to this inexpensive snack for a crowd is color: select a variety of in-season veggies in all the colors of the rainbow for the most stunning presentation.

get the recipe

30 of 50

Austin Diner-Style Queso

Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

It will be hard for guests not to fill up on this melty bowl of queso. Canned chopped green chilies and sliced jalapeños add the right amount of heat to this rich, creamy dip.

get the recipe

31 of 50

Caesar Salad Bites

Caesar is always a crowd-pleaser, but this finger-food version makes it easier to eat at your next gathering. Bottled salad dressing takes the stress out of prepping this salad, boiling down the prep work into just a bit of chopping.

get the recipe

32 of 50

Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

Alternating layers of yellow and red tomatoes make for a beautiful take on a BLT in this appetizer. In this mini version of the classic sandwich, bacon is folded into the mayo and like a club sandwich, there is a third layer of bread in the middle.

get the recipe

33 of 50

West Indies Crab Salad

This little-known Southern salad (it is believed to have originated in Mobile, Alabama) is one to add to your appetizer rotation. Serve over crunchy Bibb lettuce leaves for a portable, but also light appetizer that doesn't spoil dinner.

get the recipe

34 of 50

Herbed-Goat Cheese Spread

No need to pull out fancy equipment to make this 5-minute spread. Combine chopped fresh herbs with goat cheese and serve with baguette slices and radishes.

get the recipe

35 of 50

Shrimp with Honey-Garlic Sauce

This 15-minute shrimp dish makes a speedy supper when served with rice, but it's an easy party appetizer. Want to spice it up? Add a kick by stirring grated fresh ginger or diced jalapeño chile in the pan along with the garlic.

get the recipe

36 of 50

Baked Brie with Pomegranate and Pistachios

This brie recipe doesn’t require a puff pastry wrap. Top the cheese round with a delightfully orange-spiked mixture of pomegranate seeds and juice and chopped pistachios.

get the recipe

37 of 50

Tomato Tea Sandwiches

These mini tomato sandwiches will delight any Southern crowd. The cream cheese spread features a fresh herb sauce. Toasting the bread provides a crunch, while red onion adds bite. Trim the crusts for a more elegant presentation.

get the recipe

38 of 50

Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapés

Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapes — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

These simple appetizers are fancy enough for a dinner party and easy enough for life’s small celebrations. Guests won’t get enough of these bites made with smoked salmon, potato chips, and crème fraiche.

get the recipe

39 of 50

Ham Salad

Use this ham salad as a spread on crackers or use it as a filling for croissants. This dish is a great way to use leftover ham.

get the recipe

40 of 50

Tomato-And-Watermelon Salad

Southern Living Watermelon Tomato Salad in a bowl to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

A five-star recipe that comes together in no time? We're here for it. Juicy tomatoes and sweet watermelon star in this summer appetizer that's perfect when you're in a pinch.

get the recipe

41 of 50

7-Layer Salad

If only everything was as easy and delicious as this layered salad that stars bacon, cheese, eggs, tomatoes and more.

get the recipe

42 of 50

Jalapeño Dip

Southern Living Creamy JalapeÃ±o Dip in a bowl to serve with vegetables. — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

In just 6 minutes (yes, 6!), you can make a speedy, no-fuss dip that has quite the kick. Pair this creamy dip with chips or veggie sticks at your next gathering.

GET THE RECIPE

43 of 50

Ham Salad

This old-school salad will be welcomed back by friends and family because it's creamy. meaty, and satisfying. Plus, it comes together in no time and is perfect paired with crackers.

get the recipe

44 of 50

Best Waldorf Salad

Southern Living Waldorf Salad in a bowl to serve — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Don't forget about all the delicious salads that make great starters. This recipe. which comes together in just 15 minutes includes celery, apples, grapes, raisins, and pecans in a delightful dish for warm weather hosting.

get the recipe

45 of 50

Corn And Tomato Salad

Corn and tomato shine in this salad that will be bursting with flavor in this 15 minute recipe.

get the recipe

46 of 50

Cantaloupe Salad With Chile-Lime Dressing

In 20 minutes, refreshing cantaloupe stars in this salad that gets a kick from a chile-lime dressing.

get the recipe

47 of 50

Arabic Salad

A 15-minute salad that stars refreshing chopped cucumber and tomatoes, which is ideal for summer.

get the recipe

48 of 50

Cucumber Sandwiches

These classic cucumber sandwiches are made with cream cheese, lemon zest, fresh dill, and fresh chives. A delicious assortment perfect for warm-weather potlucks.

get the recipe

49 of 50