When you're short on time but still looking to impress, reach for these easy appetizers. Each quick bite requires four ingredients (or less)!
32 Party-Ready Appetizers with 4 Ingredients (or Less!)
Updated on Jan. 31, 2022
1/32
Antipasto Skewers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. —Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 66 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
2/32
Baked Asparagus Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Since I'm from Wisconsin, I thought it was only logical to put together a vegetable and a cheese—two of the foods my state produces in abundance. This cheesy asparagus dip fits the bill. —Sandra Baratka, Phillips, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 120 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
3/32
Barbecue Meatballs
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
Nutrition Facts:
8 each: 474 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 973mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
4/32
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s no faster way to get a party started than with these bacon jalapeno poppers. Make them ahead and bake just before serving. Even the those who are intolerant of hot peppers will love them. —Dawn Onuffer, Crestview, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 66 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
5/32
Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Blanket
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
For New Year’s, I used to make pigs in a blanket with beef and cheddar. But now I like apple and Gouda for an even better flavor celebration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 82 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
6/32
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.
7/32
Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A good friend shared this recipe with me. It is super easy and so delicious. Guests will love it! It's best served with crackers that aren't strongly seasoned. —Linda Alexander, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 117 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
8/32
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I attend a potluck, folks always ask me to make my bacon-wrapped water chestnut recipe—it's become my trademark. I especially like to prepare them for holiday gatherings. —Debi Jellison, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 33 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
9/32
Salami Roll-Ups
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These bite-size appetizers are a cinch to make with just four ingredients—even your kids can help you with them! —Jean Baffuto, Apache Junction, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 49 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
10/32
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.
11/32
Apple Sausage Appetizers
Total Time
50 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making apple appetizers. This no-fuss recipe makes plenty, so it's great for a football party or holiday gathering, just serve with toothpicks. —Dolores M. Barnas, Blasdell, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 117 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1 fruit.
12/32
Prosciutto Pinwheels
Total Time
35 min
Servings
20 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Fancy-looking and filling, these sensational appetizers are a lot easier to make than they look. With just a few ingredients and our easy directions, it'll be a snap! —Kaitlyn Benito, Everett, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetzier: 86 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
13/32
Pizza Oyster Crackers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick and easy snack is a favorite of my kids. I always include a baggie in their lunch boxes. —Carol S Betz, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 135 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 220mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
14/32
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon and shrimp make a great team in this super-easy party appetizer. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 93 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
15/32
Walnut & Fig Goat Cheese Log
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a simple spread that calls for only a handful of ingredients. The tablespoon of honey is optional, but I think that touch of sweetness nicely complements the tang of the goat cheese. —Ana-Marie Correll, Hollister, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 93 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
16/32
Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cute little bacon-wrapped smokies are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 90 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
17/32
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.
18/32
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.
19/32
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.
20/32
Buttery Radish Baguette
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My dad and brother are crazy for radishes, and this peppery baguette appetizer is a big-time favorite. Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley on top. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer (calculated without sea salt): 76 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
21/32
Crab Crescents
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is so good, no one will guess how quickly you put it together. These little bites are delicious and decadent! —Stephanie Howard, Oakland, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 74 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
22/32
Simple Guacamole
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Because avocados can brown quickly, it’s best to make this guacamole just before serving. If you have to make it a little in advance, place the avocado pits in the guacamole until ready to serve. —Heidi Main, Anchorage, AK
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 53 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
23/32
Christmas Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberry sauce and brown sugar create a tangy glaze for moist meatballs that are good Christmas appetizers or Christmas dinner ideas. We love them so much, I prepare them year-round. —Joyce Bentley, Redlands, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 71 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
24/32
Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos
Total Time
35 min
Servings
44 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like foods that pack a bit of a punch, you’ll love these jalapeno poppers filled
with sausage and cheese. This is one of my favorite recipes for parties. —Rachel Oswald, Greenville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 56 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
25/32
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.
26/32
Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The secret ingredient in this sassy sauce is the grape jelly. It's a sweet contrast with the chili sauce. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 106 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
27/32
Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make a bold statement with this simple yet elegant treat. Ripe plums are grilled and then dressed with a balsamic reduction and tangy goat cheese. —Ariana Abelow, Holliston, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 plum half with 1 tablespoon cheese and 2 teaspoons glaze: 58 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
28/32
Smoky Jalapenos
Total Time
55 min
Servings
14 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
When I make these bacon-wrapped appetizers, there are no leftovers. They can also be made with mild banana peppers or yellow chili peppers. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 86 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
29/32
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.
30/32
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 pastries
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up, I loved pocket pastries. Now with a busy family, I need quick bites, and my spin on the classic ham and cheese delivers at snack or supper time. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 144 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
31/32
Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Try these savory bites for a kickin' appetizer that's tasty and healthy, too! —Emily Tyra, Traverse City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 39 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
32/32
Lemony Fruit Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings (1/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
As a way to encourage my kids to eat more fruit, I prepare this fluffy dip several times a month. Partygoers also appreciate a more nutritious snack option. —Sonja Whitchurch, St. Thomas, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 73 calories, 3g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
