Entertaining

5 Super Simple Party Appetizers for Easy Entertaining

Keep your guests happy and you out of the kitchen.

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Published on July 31, 2021

Easy party food makes for happy hosts and happy guests. And isn't that what the best parties are all about? Nicole McLaughlin, aka NicoleMcmom has rounded up five easy appetizers that are simple to make and, when served all together, create a satisfying menu full of flavor and variety to delight the whole party. Watch the video up top and scroll down to get the recipes and Nicole's tips to make these super simple party appetizers.

1. The Surprise Guest Appetizer

a plate of Bacon-Wrapped Pickles with cream cheese — Allrecipes

Get the recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Pickles.

Every good appetizer menu should include the element of surprise — which is why Nicole calls this first appetizer a "surprise guest." Crisp and tangy pickle spears are spread with cream cheese and wrapped with smoky bacon (thin-cut works the best) before being baked. Be sure to pat dry the pickles with paper towels to make them easier to work with. Serve with a ranch dressing dipping sauce and watch them disappear.

2. Slow Cooker Appetizer

overhead view of Outrageous Warm Chicken Nacho Dip in a slow cooker served with corn chips, diced tomatoes, and diced onions — Allrecipes

Get the recipe for Outrageous Warm Chicken Nacho Dip.

Here's an easy slow cooker appetizer that practically makes itself. You just dump everything in, turn it on, and waltz away. Serve it up with chips, diced tomatoes, avocado, and jalapeño, or take a tip from Nicole and set out individual bags of corn chips so party goers can build their own nachos in a bag.

3. No-Cook Appetizer

Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones estilo Mexicano) served in individual shot glasses with saltine crackers on the side — Allrecipes

Get the recipe for Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones estilo Mexicano)

Think of this next appetizer as gazpacho meets shrimp cocktail. Pre-cooked shrimp makes this extra easy to put together without heating up your kitchen, and serving the shrimp in individual shot glasses (as shown) makes for a party-worthy presentation.

4. Appetizer on a Stick

peach wedges, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves threaded on a cocktail toothpick and drizzled with balsamic glace to make Peach Caprese on a Stick — Allrecipes

Nicole puts a fruity twist on Caprese on a Stick by substituting peaches for cherry tomatoes; and instead of drizzling the mini skewers with olive oil, she uses a balsamic glaze to add extra flavor. So fresh and colorful!

5. Hearty and Filling Appetizer

overhead view of Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos topped with hot sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and diced celery — Allrecipes

Get the recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos filled with Buffalo Chicken Dip.

This final appetizer adds a crispy, crunchy, hearty element to the menu with taquitos stuffed with Buffalo chicken dip. (You can use store-bought Buffalo chicken dip or make your own.) The taquitos are air-fried (or you can bake them if you don't have an air fryer). To complete the Buffalo chicken flavor experience, serve with hot sauce, blue cheese, and celery. Set out bowls of ranch dressing for dipping, if that's how you go with Buffalo.