Need some last minute ideas and recipes for party food? Whether you need to bring something to a potluck or friend’s BBQ or you are hosting a get together and have simply run out of time and ideas, we found some amazing party recipes that you can whip up in a hurry. From dips to salads to the cutest little mini burgers ever, these easy appetizers, snack and desserts are going to be crowd favorites. Check out the easy to follow step by step recipes to learn how to make these impressively easy and quick party pleasers.

Quick Appetizer Recipes

1. Last Minute Mediterranean Feta Cheese Dip

themediterraneandish

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Last Minute Mediterranean Feta Cheese Dip, a last minute party recipe, ready in minutes when guests show up unannounced

Five minutes. That is genuinely all this takes, which is why it is my emergency dip when people are already on their way over. Crumbled feta, crunchy veggies, fresh herbs and sun dried tomatoes, and everyone ends up standing around the bowl. The Mediterranean Dish has the recipe.

2. Veggie Crescent Bites

momontimeout

Veggie Crescent Bites, using ingredients you probably already have and better than a store bought version

This is the appetizer I bring when I have no idea what else to bring, and the pan always comes home empty. Crescent dough goes down as the base, then ranch cream cheese and a rainbow of chopped vegetables on top. Light enough that people go back for thirds. Mom on Timeout has it written up.

3. Artichoke Garden Flatbread Pizza

themediterraneandish

Artichoke Garden Flatbread Pizza, a crowd pleaser that comes together fast and easy to make your own

This quick flatbread pizza features marinated artichokes, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and melted cheese on store-bought flatbread. It bakes up crisp and flavorful, perfect for slicing into easy-to-serve party bites. 15-minutes to make for an appetizer recipe thats ready quick!

8. Chef Salad On A Stick

cupcakesandkalechips

Chef Salad On A Stick, a last minute party recipe, simple enough to make while guests are on the way

Salad does not usually get touched at a party, but put it on a stick and watch what happens. Ham, turkey, cheese, cherry tomatoes and egg threaded onto a toothpick with dressing for dunking. My picky eater eats it, which tells you everything. Cupcakes and Kale Chips has the idea.

10. Parmesan Cheese Crisps

dontwastethecrumbs

Parmesan Cheese Crisps, perfect for a last minute get together and better than a store bought version

Two ingredients and a hot oven give you the crispiest, saltiest little snack, and I keep making them long after the party is over. Shredded cheese and a sprinkle of rosemary is the entire thing. Perfectly salty and herby. Don’t Waste the Crumbs has the method.

12. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Roll Ups

sweetpeasandsaffron

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Roll Ups, great for a potluck or last minute party and a favorite worth repeating

Do you love last minute party recipes foods? This smoked salmon cucumber roll ups recipe is exactly the kind of thing I go looking for. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the cucumber roll ups. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Sweetpeasandsaffron has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

14. Caprese Salad Skewers

stuckonsweet

Caprese Salad Skewers, a last minute party recipe, a reliable option when the party is starting soon

I am a big fan of an easy tutorial, and this caprese salad skewers recipe is one of my favorites. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. You can grab the whole recipe from Stuckonsweet at the link.

15. Greek Salad Skewers

karenskitchenstories

Greek Salad Skewers, an easy appetizer that always disappears fast and better than a store bought version

This greek salad skewers recipe is simple, quick, and exactly the homemade treats I keep coming back to. A friend of mine swears by doubling the batch, since it never seems to last as long as you think it will. Even on a busy night, this one is realistic to actually make. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Get the full recipe from Karenskitchenstories to see every step.

16. Olive Kebabs

reluctantentertainer

Olive Kebabs, ready in minutes when guests show up unannounced and better than a store bought version

Why not try a copycat recipe the easy way? This olive kebabs recipe makes it simple. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Head over to Reluctantentertainer for the complete recipe.

17. Creamy Sriracha Hummus

dadwithapan

Creamy Sriracha Hummus, a last minute party recipe, simple enough to make while guests are on the way

Creamy Sriracha Hummus – yes please. This one delivers on step by step instructions without any fuss. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Check out Dadwithapan’s full tutorial for all the details.

18. 5 Minute Creamy Corn Dip

favfamilyrecipes

5 Minute Creamy Corn Dip, a quick fix when you are short on time and better than a store bought version

This is an easy recipe, and I never get tired of it. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the creamy corn dip. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Favfamilyrecipes has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

19. Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

favfamilyrecipes

Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, using ingredients you probably already have and quick to put together

Whether it is a weeknight or a get-together, this creamy bacon ranch pasta salad recipe fits right in if you love easy recipes. I almost skipped this one the first time around, and I am glad I did not, because it turned into a regular around here. It keeps well too, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. You can grab the whole recipe from Favfamilyrecipes at the link.

21. Greek Lamb Meatballs

nutmegnanny

Greek Lamb Meatballs, a last minute party recipe, a crowd pleaser that comes together fast and worth trying soon

Give this greek lamb meatballs recipe a try the next time you want recipe ideas. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Get the full recipe from Nutmegnanny to see every step.

22. Caramelized Onion And Feta Tartlets

thewimpyvegetarian

Caramelized Onion And Feta Tartlets, perfect for a last minute get together and satisfying to finish

Thewimpyvegetarian nailed it with this caramelized onion and feta tartlets recipe – dinner ideas, no fuss. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the onion feta tartlets. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Head over to Thewimpyvegetarian for the complete recipe.

23. Pesto Bites

garnishwithlemon

Pesto Bites, a reliable option when the party is starting soon and better than a store bought version

My family always asks for seasonal recipe ideas like this, and this pesto bites recipe is one we keep making. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Check out Garnishwithlemon’s full tutorial for all the details.

24. Tortilla Pinwheels

dessertnowdinnerlater

Tortilla Pinwheels, a last minute party recipe, an easy appetizer that always disappears fast and simple to pull off

Ever crave fall recipe ideas? This tortilla pinwheels recipe is the one I keep going back to. A friend of mine swears by doubling the batch, since it never seems to last as long as you think it will. Even on a busy night, this one is realistic to actually make. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Dessertnowdinnerlater has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

26. Mushroom And Mascarpone Tarts

thecurvycarrot

Mushroom And Mascarpone Tarts, great for a potluck or last minute party and easy to fit into a weekend

This mushroom and mascarpone tarts recipe is quick, easy, and a real win for an easy tutorial. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Get the full recipe from Thecurvycarrot to see every step.

27. Super Delicious Cheese Ball

easypeasypleasy

Super Delicious Cheese Ball, a quick fix when you are short on time and better than a store bought version

Why make it complicated? This super delicious cheese ball recipe keeps homemade treats simple. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the delicious cheese ball. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Head over to Easypeasypleasy for the complete recipe.

29. Homemade Margarita Chex Mix

cupcakeproject

Homemade Margarita Chex Mix, a last minute party recipe, ready in minutes when guests show up unannounced

Here is step by step instructions, and I keep coming back to it year after year. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Cupcakeproject has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

31. Shrimp Po Boy Loaded Fries

justputzing

Shrimp Po Boy Loaded Fries, using ingredients you probably already have and an easy one to make again

Try this shrimp po boy loaded fries recipe next time you’re after easy recipes. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Get the full recipe from Justputzing to see every step.

32. Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites

bakerbynature

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites, a crowd pleaser that comes together fast and worth the little effort

Bakerbynature really knows a clear how-to, and this smoked salmon cream cheese cucumber bites recipe shows it. A friend of mine swears by doubling the batch, since it never seems to last as long as you think it will. Even on a busy night, this one is realistic to actually make. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Head over to Bakerbynature for the complete recipe.

33. Salsa Chicken Burrito Bowls

lifeasastrawberry

Salsa Chicken Burrito Bowls, a last minute party recipe, simple enough to make while guests are on the way

Around here, this salsa chicken burrito bowls recipe disappears fast whenever I make an easy tutorial. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Check out Lifeasastrawberry’s full tutorial for all the details.

35. Chili Prawn Noodles

supergoldenbakes

Chili Prawn Noodles, great for a potluck or last minute party and better than a store bought version

I will admit it, I am obsessed with a copycat recipe, and this chili prawn noodles recipe proves it. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the chili prawn noodles. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. You can grab the whole recipe from Supergoldenbakes at the link.

36. Hot Halloumi Slices With Mint Yogurt

lepetitoeuf

Hot Halloumi Slices With Mint Yogurt, perfect for a last minute get together and a nice change of pace

This hot halloumi slices with mint yogurt recipe is fuss free and delivers on step by step instructions. I almost skipped this one the first time around, and I am glad I did not, because it turned into a regular around here. It keeps well too, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Get our full step by step tutorial to try it yourself.

38. Pepperoni Pizza Twists

momontimeout

Pepperoni Pizza Twists, a last minute party recipe, a reliable option when the party is starting soon

No need to overthink an easy tutorial – this pepperoni pizza twists recipe is refreshingly simple. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Head over to Momontimeout for the complete recipe.

39. Smoked Salmon & Goat Cheese Puffs

thecreativebite

Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Puffs, an easy appetizer that always disappears fast and worth a second look

When I want something that looks like I tried much harder than I did, this is it. Flaky puff pastry topped with a tangy smoked salmon and goat cheese spread, and it disappears off the tray first every single time. The Creative Bite has the recipe.

40. Restaurant Style Salsa

acedarspoon

Restaurant Style Salsa, a quick fix when you are short on time and better than a store bought version

Restaurant Style Salsa, and it is a good one. Just homemade treats, no fuss. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the restaurant style salsa. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Check out Acedarspoon’s full tutorial for all the details.

41. Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

anaffairfromtheheart

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs, a last minute party recipe, ready in minutes when guests show up unannounced

I do not think I will ever get tired of a copycat recipe like this. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Anaffairfromtheheart has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

42. Cheesy Chicken Taco Breadstick Dippers

oldelpaso

Cheesy Chicken Taco Breadstick Dippers, using ingredients you probably already have and easy enough to repeat

Weeknight, weekend, or a crowd – this cheesy chicken taco breadstick dippers recipe covers an easy tutorial either way. A friend of mine swears by doubling the batch, since it never seems to last as long as you think it will. Even on a busy night, this one is realistic to actually make. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. You can grab the whole recipe from Oldelpaso at the link.

43. Grilled Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

honeyandbirch

Grilled Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad, a crowd pleaser that comes together fast and a solid pick for later

Put this grilled chicken ranch pasta salad recipe on your list next time you want homemade treats. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Get the full recipe from Honeyandbirch to see every step.

44. Herb And Cheese Scones With Chive Cream

taste

Herb And Cheese Scones With Chive Cream, a last minute party recipe, simple enough to make while guests are on the way

Credit where it is due – Taste really delivers on a copycat recipe, this herb and cheese scones with chive cream recipe included. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Head over to Taste for the complete recipe.

Stephanie Hicks | DIY JOY

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Stephanie

Since I lover experiments, I’ve alwaysnloved to create, paint, as well as cook and style food. I feel in love with DIY as soon as I discovered it and could not have been more excited when I learned I could share projects with people around the world. Taking photos is a passion of mine, as is design and painting with oils. I love holidays and celebrations, crafting cute little gifts and serving up at least one new recipe I am excited about.

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