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The 21 Best Party Appetizers for Stressed-Out Hosts

Thirty people are coming over tonight, you just finished cleaning the house, you still need to blow-dry your hair and the apps still aren’t done. Relax. Have a glass of wine. These 21 easy, trendy appetizers will lighten your load. 

29 Bite-Size Apps That Prove Everything Is Better Smaller


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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Italian Deli Pinwheel Sandwiches

Everyone loves meat and cheese.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Ketogenic Cherry Tomato Tulips

Keto or not, these four-ingredient cuties make the perfect fancy appetizer. They’re sure to be a hit!

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Brussels Sprout Sliders

Burgers, schmurgers.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Katsu Bites With Chipotle-gochujang Sauce

They’ve got “trendy” written all over them.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Bacon, Onion And Asiago Fondue

Give the people what they want.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Mini Skillet Pizzas With Mushrooms And Roasted Tomatoes

Yep, you’re allowed to use store-bought dough.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Cheesy Polenta Bites With Brussels Sprouts And Pancetta

We like to call these two-bite wonders.

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The Mom 100

All-green Crudités Basket

Trim some veggies and you’re done.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Pimento Cheese Stuffed Shishito Peppers

The classed-up version of jalapeño poppers.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Layered Smoked Salmon Dip With Mini Bagel Chips

This work of art is as easy as chopping and layering.


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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Italian Bruschetta Bar

Store-bought ingredients do the legwork for you.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Mexican Street Corn Deviled Eggs

Whip ‘em up in under an hour.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers With Tzatziki Sauce

Instantly transport everyone to Santorini.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

15-minute Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Rotisserie chicken, we salute you.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Vegetarian Sushi Cups

Assembling them in muffin tins = brilliant.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

The Classiest Cheese Balls In The Universe

The moment you’ve been waiting for.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Carrot Pigs In A Blanket

These are always on our menu.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Brie-stuffed Pretzel Bites

When booze is involved, it’s important to pad everyone’s stomachs.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Julia Turshen’s Skillet Cornbread With Cheddar And Scallions

Set it out with a jar of honey and let people help themselves.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Loaded Baked Potato Chips

Don’t skimp on the fixings.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Baked Gorgonzola Bites

All you need is five ingredients and 30 minutes.



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Food Editor

From 2017 to 2019 Heath Goldman held the role of Food Editor covering food, booze and some recipe development, too. Tough job, eh?