When you’re throwing a party casual get-together appetizers are key. Main dishes are great and all, but few will go for a second helping. However, people love finger foods, and they’re likely to reach for more than one. So the key to appetizers is to make them quick and easy, so that you can make a lot in a short period of time. Let’s take a look at some quick but impressive party appetizers that you can make in 20 minutes or less.
1. Antipasto
Antipasto, cheese platter, meat platter, or however you like to call it, is the easiest appetizer in the world. All you have to do is get a bunch of ingredients and arrange them on a board or a platter. However, if you want your antipasto to not only look great, but also actually have great flavor combinations follow the link above.
2. Halloumi Fries
Halloumi fries make a great appetizer, because no one can really resist the temptation of deep fried cheese. They’re everyone’s favourite finger food, they’re easy to make, it only takes 10 minutes and you can always serve them with some lemon or lime wedges for a fancy presentation.
3. Savory Mini Cheese Balls
If you don’t want to mess around with hot oil and deep frying – mini cheese balls are a great alternative. They’re easy to make, and take even less time and effort, but still look hella impressive. You can serve them on little skewers, or with pretzels.
4. Cheese Ball With Crackers
An even easier option is to make a large cheese ball and serve it with crackers. This way you don’t have to make individual portions and instead people can just dip the crackers into the cheese ball. You can even make vegan cheese balls if you have vegan friends coming over.
5. Hummus and Caramelized Onion Crostini
This one is super easy and requires only a handful of ingredients, but the result is surprisingly delicious. Basically the only thing you have to do to make this appetizer is caramelize the onions, from there it’s all about arranging the ingredients one on top of the other.
6. Blackberry Cucumber Caprese Skewers
Classic caprese skewers are so “been there – done that”. Surprise your guests with a new and refreshing flavor combo by making these blackberry cucumber caprese skewers. It’ll only take you 10 minutes but the impression they will make – will last forever.
7. Dried Fruit and Pistachio Baked Brie
This is possibly the most impressive looking appetizer. You’d expect something like this to be served at a very expensive restaurant or some fancy event, but you can totally make this dried fruit and pistachio baked brie at home, and it’ll only take you 20 minutes.
8. Goat Cheese Grape Balls
This appetizer is so easy and quick to make you can literally whip it together last minute. All you need is some goat cheese and grapes. This won’t take you more than 10 minutes to make, and you can be sure your guests will eat it up in even less time.
9. Dried Apricot and Blue Cheese Canapes
These little canapes are all about layering the flavors. You’ll be surprised at how well dried apricots go with blue cheese, and that crunch from the hazelnuts adds a lovely nutty flavor as well as some much needed texture to the dish.
10. Asparagus, Pancetta and Puff Pastry Bundles
This appetizer has everything you need for a satisfying dish – salty ham, some green vegetables, melty cheese and it’s all wrapped in delicious puff pastry. What’s not to like? And it only takes 20 minutes.
11. Chicken, Cranberry and Pecan Salad Wraps
Wraps are some of the easiest and quickest things to prepare. You just take a bunch of ingredients and wrap them in a fresh tortilla. They’re great for lunch, but they can also make an amazing appetizer. Just cut that wrap up into small rolls and voila – it’s now a delicious appetizer.
12. Bacon Wrapped Grilled Peaches
This might sound weird, but bacon and peaches actually go very well together, especially if you grill it and sprinkle it with some balsamic vinegar. Seriously, this unusual looking appetizer is absolutely delectable and only requires 4 ingredients.