When you need party food fast, these 3-ingredient apps and treats come to the rescue. These recipes are so easy, you might just want to make two!
3-Ingredient Party Recipes
Updated on Jan. 05, 2022
Potato Chip Clusters
Just three offbeat ingredients add up to one unique, delectable, no-bake treat. These super-easy, sweet-and-salty candy clusters make for merry munching during holiday trips or parties. They travel well in containers without melting or getting soft. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
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Barbecue Meatballs
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
Nutrition Facts:
8 each: 474 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 973mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
3/34
Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Try these savory bites for a kickin' appetizer that's tasty and healthy, too! —Emily Tyra, Traverse City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 39 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
4/34
Chocolate-Covered Cheese with Black Sea Salt
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time I make these for guests or for a cooking demo about real food made simply, people rave about them. They're surprising as an addition to an appetizer table—or even served after dinner paired with a nice cabernet or port. —Dorothy McNett, Pacific Grove, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 24 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
5/34
Sausage Bacon Bites
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty morsels are perfect with almost any egg dish or as finger foods party guests can just pick up and pop into their mouths. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 51 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Chocolate Truffles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since these smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. —Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 truffle: 77 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Grilled Jalapenos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When barbecuing for friends at home, I also use the grill to serve up hot appetizers. These crowd-pleasing stuffed peppers have a bit of bite. They were concocted by my son. —Catherine Hollie, Cleveland, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 97 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
8/34
Sausage Chive Pinwheels
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These spirals are simple to make but look special on a buffet. Our guests eagerly help themselves—sometimes the eye-catching pinwheels don't even make it to their plates! —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 132 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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Pecan Caramel Candies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Salty and sweet, these candies are the perfect little snack. Form a kitchen assembly line with your kids, and the making becomes just as fun as the eating. —Julie Wemhoff, Angola, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 44 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
10/34
Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cute little bacon-wrapped smokies are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 90 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
11/34
Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
With only three ingredients, these chocolate-swirl treats take just moments to whip up! If you have little ones visiting for the holidays, have them help you with the stirring. —Holly Demers, Abbotsford, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 ounces: 316 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
12/34
Poutine
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The ultimate in French-Canadian junk food, poutine commonly features warm fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. This side dish is quick to fix with frozen potatoes and packaged gravy but has all the traditional greasy spoon comfort. —Shelisa Terry, Henderson, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 244 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
13/34
Cheesy Quesadillas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 111 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
14/34
Easy Elephant Ears
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor of these crispy bite-size treats. Even more, you’ll love that they call for just three ingredients and are so simple to assemble. —Bob Rose, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 elephant ear: 87 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
15/34
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It is amazing how much flavor is in these simple 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies without brown sugar. I make them very often because I always have the ingredients on hand. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 99 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
16/34
Mushroom Bacon Bites
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the perfect appetizer for most any occasion. The tasty bites are easy to assemble and brush with prepared barbecue sauce. When we have a big cookout, they're always a hit...but they make a nice little "extra" for a family dinner, too. —Gina Roesner, Ashland, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 82 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
17/34
Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m a busy schoolteacher and pastor’s wife and I wouldn’t dare show my face at a church dinner or bake sale without some of these tempting peanut butter treats. They’re quick and easy
to make and always a hit. —Kristi Tackett, Banner, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie cup: 119 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
18/34
Roasted Carrot Fries
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Turn carrot sticks into fun "fries" with a happier health profile by popping them in the oven and serving them fry-style. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 53 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable.
19/34
Chocolate Butterscotch Haystacks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother used to make this haystacks recipe to give to my cousin Vonnie and me when our parents didn't want us to have any more sweets. —Christine Schwester, Divide, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 haystack: 160 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
20/34
Apple and Peanut Butter Stackers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The best way to get kids interested in cooking and eating right is to let them help. These apple and peanut butter "sandwiches" are one fun way to pique their interest and kitchen creativity. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 110 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
21/34
Jalapeno-Lime Chicken Drumsticks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bottled hot sauce isn't my thing, so I developed a fresh pepper glaze for grilled chicken. These drumsticks practically fly off the plate. —Kristeen DeVorss, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken drumsticks: 361 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 494mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
22/34
Chocolate-Mint Popcorn
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
I wrote a book called “20 New Ways to Enjoy Popcorn.” When I poll friends, they favor this recipe, a delicious treat for after-dinner coffee. — Polly Brunning, Thaxton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 145 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
23/34
Chocolate-Hazelnut Butter
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Store varieties of chocolate-hazelnut butter just can’t compete with the homemade kind. Slather it on everything from toast and pretzels to banana chunks and shortbread cookies. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 232 calories, 18g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
24/34
Bacon Crescent Rolls
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The mouthwatering aroma of warm bacon from these three-ingredient rolls will draw folks to the table. These are fun for children to prepare and such a cinch to assemble with ready-cooked bacon. —Jane Nearing, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 140 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
25/34
Cheesy Chili Fries
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is all about chili fries, but restaurant versions pile on the calories. For a healthier approach, bake the fries and serve them with green onions and avocado. —Beverly Nowling, Bristol, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 435 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1001mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein.
26/34
Frozen Banana Cereal Pops
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 pops
From the Recipe Creator:
When we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 106 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fruit.
27/34
Pigs in a Blanket Wreath
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This charming plate of piggies looks like a holiday wreath when I drape fresh rosemary in the center. It’s a cute display for merry get-togethers. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 72 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 181mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
28/34
S'more Pops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughters and I came up with this treat when planning a candy-making party. The pops also make adorable hostess gifts, are perfect for potlucks and would sell out quickly at a bake sale. —Lisa Haboush, Geneva, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 42 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
29/34
Pesto Twists
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 twists
From the Recipe Creator:
Use pesto made straight from your garden if you make these in the summer or purchase it prepared from the grocery store to fill these easy appetizers. —Jaye Beeler, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 twist: 265 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 270mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
30/34
Chocolaty Chips
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My two little guys can't get enough of this sweet and salty snack that uses just three ingredients and is ready to eat in 15 minutes. The boys like to drizzle on the melted chocolate. Sometimes we replace the potato chips with apple slices. —Jami Geittmann, Greendale, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 140 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
31/34
Texas Tumbleweeds
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Tumbleweeds blow across the roads in some parts of Texas, and I think these cute stacks look like them. I've been making these sweets with my sister for years. —Karen Lemay, Seabrook, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 76 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
32/34
Lemon Bark
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-3/4 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
I wasn't a fan of white chocolate until I made this candy. It's tangy, sweet and creamy all at the same time. The bark was a lovely treat during a springtime shower but would be nice year-round. —Diana Wing, Bountiful, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce: 122 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
33/34
PBJ on a Stick
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
Take the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the go with these skewers. They also make easy snacks. —Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 skewers: 415 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
34/34
Frozen Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 sandwich cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes only three ingredients to make these chilled sandwich cookies. You'll love the pretty pink filling. —Mary Ann Irvine, Lombard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 110 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
