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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Last-Minute Appetizers That Look Gourmet

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on January 9, 2025, updated January 9, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When time is short and you need to impress, these 21 last-minute appetizers are perfect for any gathering. Each dish is simple to prepare yet looks and feels gourmet, making them ideal for unexpected guests or last-minute parties. From elegant bites to flavorful dips, these appetizers will have everyone raving.

    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Scampi is a quick dish that comes together in just 10 minutes, featuring the bright flavors of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley. This simple appetizer or meal will fill your kitchen with a wonderful smell.

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    Bacon Wrapped Dates

    Bacon wrapped dates.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Bacon wrapped dates are a great option when you need to entertain quickly. They’re easy to prepare and always a hit with guests.

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    Blistered Shishito Peppers

    Blistered Shishito Peppers.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Roasted shishito peppers are simple to prepare and have a nice salty flavor. They are great for a quick snack when friends drop by unexpectedly.

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    Bruschetta 4 Ways

    Bruschetta 4 Ways.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    Four easy bruschetta variations are perfect for impressing your guests with minimal effort. These appetizers are quick to prepare and will add a nice touch to your gathering.

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    Baked Brie

    A baked brie with bread.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baking brie is a simple way to create a delicious appetizer in under thirty minutes with just a few basic ingredients that you can adjust to your liking. This warm cheese dish goes perfectly with bread or crackers, making it great for casual get-togethers or special events.

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    Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    Chicken lettuce wraps.
    Photo credit: I Heart Nap Time.

    Cashew chicken lettuce wraps are easy to make and come together in just 20 minutes using one pot. This homemade dish is a tasty option that everyone will love, perfect for a quick meal.

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    Caprese Salad

    Caprese Salad.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    Insalata Caprese is a classic Italian salad that comes from the island of Capri. It's an easy dish to prepare, perfect for a quick and fresh addition to any meal.

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    Spicy Garlic Edamame

    Spicy garlic edamame.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Spicy Garlic Edamame is a quick and easy appetizer that’s perfect for unexpected guests. With just four ingredients and ready in 10 minutes, it’s a snack everyone will enjoy.

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    Feta Stuffed Dates

    Feta stuffed dates.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These dates are perfect for when guests drop by unexpectedly. They’re easy to prepare and will be gone in no time!

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    Fried Feta

    Fried feta cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Frying feta cheese is an easy and quick way to impress your guests. This dish is perfect for when you need a tasty appetizer in a hurry.

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    Smoked Salmon Pâté

    Smoked salmon pâté.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick and easy spread with smoked salmon is perfect for last-minute gatherings. This appetizer is simple to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

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    Halloumi

    Air fried halloumi on a blue plate with lemon wedges and chili flakes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi cooked this way turns out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just right. It's simpler than grilling and goes great with a salad or your favorite sides.

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    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp cooks quickly in just 3-5 minutes. Seasoned with garlic, paprika, and fresh parsley, they go well with salads, sauces, or any side dish.

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    Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

    Ham and Cheese Pinwheels.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This recipe is perfect when you need something quick for guests or a simple meal. It's a great way to use up any leftover ham you might have.

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    Apple Brie Crostini Appetizer

    Apple Brie Crostini Appetizer
    Photo Credit: My Wife Can Cook.

    This appetizer is really simple to make and combines cheesy, salty, and sweet flavors perfectly. It's a great choice for when you need something quick and tasty to serve.

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    Cheesy Baked Olive Dip

    Cheesy Baked Olive Dip.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This cheesy olive dip is quick to prepare and full of delicious olive flavor that everyone will enjoy. It can be made in advance and stays fresh for up to 5 days, making it a simple appetizer for any get-together.

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    Pasta Salad Skewers

    Pasta Salad Skewers
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Pasta Salad Skewers bring together all the delicious flavors of pasta salad in a fun, easy-to-eat format. They’re great for preparing ahead of time and serving to a crowd without the need for utensils.

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    Teriyaki Tempura Cauliflower

    Tempura teriyaki cauliflower.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Crispy cauliflower bites are prepared with a baked tempura style in the air fryer, offering a healthier take on a classic snack. This is a great option for quick appetizers when entertaining guests.

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    Cheesy Rotel Dip

    Rotel dip.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This cheesy Rotel dip comes together in just 15 minutes using only one pan. It's loaded with seasoned ground beef, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and creamy Velveeta.

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    Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    This easy side dish is great when you need something quick. It's grilled just right and can be made ahead of time.

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    Air Fryer Dumplings

    A dumpling picked up with chop sticks.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Air Fryer Dumplings are a quick and easy appetizer that can be ready in just 10 minutes. With a little oil, they turn out perfectly cooked and crispy on the edges, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Baked brie.
      17 Easy Appetizers That Will Have Everyone Asking for More
    • Grilled trout topped with citrus.
      17 Grilled Seafood Dishes That Will Make Your Labor Day BBQ Unforgettable
    • 19 Family Friendly Dinners That Are Perfect for Weeknights
    • Meatball casserole.
      22 Dump-And-Go Pasta Dinners So Easy Anyone Can Make Them

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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