These last-minute appetizers come together with 5 ingredients or less and are all things you might already have in your pantry.
40 Super-Easy 5-Ingredient Appetizers
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
I like to dunk these appetizer meatballs in blue cheese or ranch salad dressing. If I make them for a meal, I often skip the dressing and serve with blue cheese polenta on the side. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
1/39
2/39
Chutney-Topped Cream Cheese Spread
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-3/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I've had the pleasure of introducing many of my friends and family to chutney, that sweet and savory fruit sauce. Prepare this spread even faster by using chive-flavored whipped cream cheese. —Michelle Torkelson, Ham Lake, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 146 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
3/39
Jalapeno-Pecan Cheese Spread
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to shape this pepper jelly spread like a Christmas tree around the holidays, but this is a recipe I make year-round. —Charolette Westfall, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons (calculated without crackers): 139 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
4/39
Goat Cheese Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Stuffed mushrooms are superstars in the hot appetizer category. I use baby portobello mushrooms and load them with creamy goat cheese and sweet red peppers. —Mike Bass, Alvin, Texas. Don’t forget to try our favorite fall appetizers.
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 19 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
5/39
Feta Bruschetta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
You won't believe the compliments you'll receive when you greet guests with these warm appetizers. Every crispy bite offers the savory tastes of feta cheese, tomatoes, basil and garlic. They're terrific for holiday parties or most any gathering. —Stacey Rinehart, Eugene, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 296 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
6/39
BBQ Chicken Bites
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken bites wrapped in bacon get a kick from Montreal seasoning and sweetness from barbecue sauce. We love the mix of textures. —Kathryn Dampier, Quail Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 47 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
7/39
Buffalo Chicken Calzones
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 calzones
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always looking for creative ways to jazz up pizza. I created this pizza turnover to incorporate my love of Buffalo chicken wings. —Ruth Ann Riendeau, Twin Mountain, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 calzone: 516 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
8/39
Southern Pimiento Cheese Spread
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic southern comfort food, this spread is used as an appetizer with crackers, corn chips or celery. It is also smeared between two slices of white bread for sandwiches and as a topping for hamburgers and hot dogs. —Eileen Balmer, South Bend, Indiana.
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 116 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
9/39
Asparagus Tart
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This lemony tart is loaded with fontina cheese and fresh asparagus. It's a snap to make but looks really impressive. Be advised your guests will be vying for the last piece. —Heidi Meek, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 142 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
10/39
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.
11/39
White Chocolate Brie Cups
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Try these unique little tarts as an appetizer before a special meal, or save them for a surprisingly different dinner finale. They’re sweet, creamy and crunchy—and very addictive! —Angela Vitale, Delaware, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 66 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
12/39
Yogurt & Honey Fruit Cups
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt, this is guaranteed to disappear fast from your breakfast table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 97 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
13/39
Chicken Puffs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
32 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My guests peel rubber getting to the table to munch on these chicken puffs. The tender bites are made with hassle-free refrigerated crescent rolls and a flavorful chicken and cream cheese filling. —Amber Kimmich, Powhatan, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 puff: 67 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
14/39
Slow-Cooked Smokies
Total Time
5 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to include these little smokies smothered in barbecue sauce on all my appetizer buffets since they're popular with both children and adults. —Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 331 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 1694mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
15/39
Warm Feta Cheese Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We’re big on appetizers, so this dip is a mashup of our favorite tastes, like cream cheese, feta, basil and sweet peppers. Serve with bread or chips. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without chips and baguette slices): 155 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
16/39
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.
17/39
Glazed Chicken Wings
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this easy wing recipe from a cousin on Vancouver Island during a visit there a few years ago. They're an appealing appetizer, but also a favorite for Sunday lunch with rice and a salad. —Joan Airey, Rivers, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 86 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
18/39
Toasted Ravioli
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
While visiting a friend who had just moved to St. Louis, Missouri, I tried toasted ravioli at almost every restaurant! When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and this recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 73 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
19/39
Reuben Dip
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
32 servings (about 4 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
This slow-cooked spread tastes just like the popular Reuben sandwich. Even when I double the recipe, I end up with an empty dish. —Mary Jane Kimmes, Hastings, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoon: 58 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
20/39
Bacon-Encased Water Chestnuts
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
32 appetizers
Nutrition Facts:
3 each: 155 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 363mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
21/39
Pepperoni Rolls
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here is a fast recipe that always goes over well at my house. Each bite has gooey melted cheese and real pizza flavor. Try serving them with pizza sauce for dipping. —Debra Purcell, Safford, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 roll-ups: 282 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
22/39
Sage & Prosciutto Pinwheels
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love, love, love to make appetizers and I especially like this recipe because I can make the rolls ahead, freeze them, and then slice and bake when needed. —Kate Dampier, Quail Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 90 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
23/39
Caramel Apple and Brie Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a caterer, and this is one of my best-selling appetizers. The shortcut of using prepared caramel makes these little apple skewers a snap to assemble. —Camille Ellis, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 272 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 303mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
24/39
Blue Cheese-Stuffed Strawberries
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
I was enjoying a salad with strawberries and blue cheese when the idea hit me to stuff the strawberries and serve them as an appetizer. It worked out great, and the flavors blend so nicely. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed strawberry: 36 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat.
25/39
Bacon Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It's hard to resist a crescent roll, bacon and cream cheese in one bite! Kids, friends, everyone will scarf down these cream cheese pinwheels. Now I bake a double batch whenever we have a get-together. —Krista Munson, Sharpsburg, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 58 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
26/39
Asparagus with Horseradish Dip
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a great hot weather party dip. Serve asparagus on a decorative platter with lemon wedges on the side for garnish. A great flavor variation is to use chopped garlic in place of the horseradish. —Mildred Lynn Caruso, Brighton, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 asparagus spears with 1 tablespoon dip: 63 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
27/39
Sun-Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Spread
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple spread combines sweet and savory sun-dried tomatoes, tangy goat cheese and fresh herbs to make a truly magnificent spread. This flavorful spread is perfect with a glass of red wine.—Sarah Agrella, Mountain View, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 55 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
28/39
Mini Party Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love finger foods in the South. For parties, I make mini burgers in advance and then wrap them in pastry, bake them and serve them with assorted sauces. —Monica Flatford, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 271 calories, 16 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 54 mg cholesterol, 488 mg sodium, 20 g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2 g fiber), 11 g protein.
29/39
Pastrami Roll-Ups
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
For a book club event, I created pastrami roll-ups with cream cheese and a pickle. Those tasty bites quickly pulled a disappearing act. —Merritt Heinrich, Oswego, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 25 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
30/39
Slow-Cooker Cheese Dip
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
32 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I brought this slightly spicy cheese dip to a gathering with friends and it was a huge hit. The spicy pork sausage gives the dip plenty of zip! —Marion Bartone, Conneaut, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 139 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 486mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
31/39
Savory Potato Skins
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
32 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
For a simple hot snack that really hits the spot on a cool fall evening, put together a plate of these crisp potato skins. —Andrea Holcomb, Torrington, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 56 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
32/39
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Raspberry Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilling the prosciutto with the asparagus gives this appetizer a salty crunch that's perfect for dipping into a sweet glaze. When a delicious appetizer is this easy to prepare, you owe it to yourself to try it! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 asparagus spear with 1-1/2 teaspoons sauce: 50 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
33/39
Peanut Butter Granola Pinwheels
Total Time
10 min
Servings
16 pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
I came across this easy and tasty snack while searching online for healthy munchies for kids. Great for after school, it's really quick to make and filling enough to hold the kids until dinner. To satisfy heftier appetites or to serve as a power lunch, cut each tortilla into fewer pieces or provide one per child. The recipe is easy to increase as needed. —Mary Haluch, Ludlow, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 60 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
34/39
Shrimp Salad Appetizers
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing hors d'oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 31 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
35/39
Shallot-Blue Cheese Dip
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Perfect party fare, this five-ingredient dip is a treat on baked potatoes too. —Alisa Pirtle, Browns Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons (calculated without vegetables): 116 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
36/39
Thanksgiving Wontons
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
We get creative with leftovers and make them into wontons. With a little turkey, cream cheese, cranberry sauce and wrappers, you’ve got appetizers. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 65 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
37/39
Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime Glaze
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Requested every year by my family during the holidays are these shrimp appetizers. We're all familiar with bacon-wrapped shrimp bites, but our version uses pancetta and a honey-lime cilantro glaze. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 pancetta-wrapped shrimp: 55 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
38/39
Puff Pastry Christmas Palmiers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Palmiers (pronounced palm-YAY) come from France. They're usually sweet, but to make them savory, I swirl in pesto, feta and sundried tomatoes. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 121 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
39/39
Apricot Turkey Pinwheels
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
I created these unique pinwheels for a football game snack using ingredients I had on hand. They were a huge hit! I appreciate how quick and easy they are to prepare. —Melanie Foster, Blaine, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 108 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.