18 Last-Minute Party Appetizers That are Beyond Easy

Posted by Allison Day on December 15, 2017

Get the holiday cheer going and whip up these last-minute holiday appetizers, all in less than 30 minutes. Keep things simple with one recipe or keep the party going well into a cold winter’s evening with a few different and delicious dishes. This list of appetizing bites ranges from simple dips that can be whipped up in minutes to versatile mock blinis and speedy skewers and so much more. It’s going to be a great night!

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Tortellini Skewers

Festive colours combine for a pasta course and appetizer rolled into one. Switch up the presentation with your favourite filled pasta, cheese and tender vegetable. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tortellini-skewers/15026/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Tortellini Skewers</a>
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Mezze Plate

If you have a tub of cottage cheese, a holiday mezze spread is a mere 10 minutes away. Dress up the dip with olive oil and surround with pita chips, grape tomatoes, prepared dolmades and olives. Get the recipe for a <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cottage-cheese-tzatziki-mezze-plate/20325/" target="_blank">Mezze Plate</a>
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Goat Cheese with Fresh Dill

A log of goat cheese gets an evergreen makeover with fresh herbs. Use a mix of seasonal favourites, like fresh thyme, rosemary and sage, or keep it fresh and bright with fragrant dill. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/goat-cheese-with-fresh-dill/19458/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Goat Cheese with Fresh Dill</a>
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Manchego Quince Skewers

Take a note from speedy Spanish tapas with these four-ingredient skewers. Manchego cheese, quince paste rolled in almonds and watercress create a sweet, salty, crunchy, cool combo that pairs spectacularly with a Spanish Tempranillo wine or sherry-based cocktail. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/manchego-quince-skewers/18508/" target="_blank">Tyler Florence’s Manchego Quince Skewers</a>
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Charred Hot Pepper Dip

White beans add creamy body to this verdant, smoky dip that can be served with anything from crudités to crackers. Get Anna Olson's recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/charred-hot-pepper-dip/12556/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Charred Hot Pepper Dip</a>
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Cheese-Stuffed Dates With Prosciutto

This minimal ingredient bite pairs salty and sweet flavours for an elegant appetizer that can be assembled in minutes. No need to stop at the store: Use any cheese or cured meats handy for filling and wrapping the dates. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cheese-stuffed-dates-with-prosciutto/10979/" target="_blank">Giada de Laurentiis' Cheese-Stuffed Dates With Prosciutto</a>
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Tapenade Crostini

Pair this quick, salty tapenade on crostini with a chilled bottle of sparkling wine to cut those rich, briny flavours, and let the party begin! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tapenade-crostini/16617/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Tapenade Crostini</a>
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Brie and Cranberry Bites

Keeping a package or two of puff pastry in your freezer this holiday season for a chic appetizer that’s dressed to impress in less than 30 minutes. Guests won’t be shy about being the first to slice into an oozing round of cranberry baked brie with this recipe because it’s tidily portioned for them in festive bundles. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/brie-and-cranberry-bites-from-the-hot-plate-2938/" target="_blank">Brie and Cranberry Bites</a>
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Baked Brie

Cheese will always be the quickest way to win the hearts of hungry guests. A wedge of top-notch Brie needs little more than a drizzle of honey, a fan of sliced apples and a package of crackers to make it sing. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/baked-brie/17327/" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Baked Brie</a>
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Pretzel-Mustard-Crusted Pork Tenderloin Sliders

Introduce something new to your seasonal snack menu with these mini sliders made from pretzel-crusted pork tenderloin. A fresh take on a brewpub snack, this appetizer comes together in just 30 minutes. Definitely keep some cold beers on hand to pair with this salty treat. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pretzel-mustard-crusted-pork-tenderloin-sliders/20128/" target="_blank">Pretzel-Mustard-Crusted Pork Tenderloin Sliders</a>
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Mini “Blini” Pancakes with Lemon and Chives

One-bite blinis made in way less time than their traditional counterparts, you can dress these perfectly portioned party bites to your taste. Stick to this simple recipe or try sour cream with dill and caviar, mango chutney with Serrano ham and manchego cheese, or shaved turkey with cranberry sauce and goat cheese. With a glass of bubbly in hand, any variation is sure to be gobbled up. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mini-blini-pancakes-with-lemon-and-chives/19277/" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Mini “Blini” Pancakes with Lemon and Chives</a>
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Hummus Trio

Classic, spinach-artichoke, and sweet pepper hummus whip up quickly and give guests three delicious dipping options. The best part? They take just minutes each to prepare. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hummus-trio/20287/" target="_blank">Hummus Trio</a>
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Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Soy Sauce, Fresh Ginger and Toasted Sesame Seeds

Replace that rubbery shrimp ring with these fresh, tender Asian-inspired shrimp skewers. The quick-cooking protein can be made on an indoor grill pan or in a non-stick skillet, and comes together in under 20 minutes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-shrimp-skewers-with-soy-sauce-fresh-ginger-and-toasted-sesame-seeds/15860/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Soy Sauce, Fresh Ginger and Toasted Sesame Seeds</a>
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Florentine Meatballs

Skewer these festive meatballs and serve with prepared cranberry sauce or your favourite spiced fruit preserves for dipping. Or, nestle them inside a dinner roll and call them a “slider.” This homey-meets-gourmet appetizer pairs well with everything from cocktails to red wine. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/florentine-meatballs/19515/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Florentine Meatballs</a>
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Stovetop Spinach and Artichoke Dip

A spinach dip that doesn’t take an hour to cook up in the oven is made possible with this party-ready appetizer made on the stovetop. Fresh and hot, it’s ready for dunking cubes of bread, chips or veggies in a flash. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/stovetop-spinach-and-artichoke-dip/17400/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Stovetop Spinach and Artichoke Dip</a>
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Roasted Spiced Almonds

Skip the nutcracker for tonight and use shelled almonds to make this salty, addictive cocktail snack. While the nuts are roasting, crack open the wine, take out some napkins and turn on the holiday tunes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-spiced-almonds/14723/" target="_blank">Roasted Spiced Almonds</a>
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Guacamole with a Kick

No matter the time of year, guacamole remains a favourite amongst hosts and guests alike. It’s fresh, fast and happens to be healthy. This crowd-pleaser does have a kick, so be sure to keep some sour cream handy to cool things down. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/guacamole-with-a-kick/18458/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Guacamole with a Kick</a>
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Savoury Baked Brie

Baked Brie is a holiday appetizer classic, often topped with sweet preserves or honey. This version takes a savoury Italian inspired route instead, topped with jammy sundried tomatoes, peppery arugula and buttery pine nuts. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/savoury-baked-brie/6916/" target="_blank">Savoury Baked Brie</a>
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