20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (2024)

These hors d’oeuvres recipes are so good, you’ll want to make a meal out of them! They’re quick, easy, beautiful and so delicious!

As a former event planner, caterer and entertaining enthusiast, I believe food should look as good as it tastes and I’m all about the hors d’oeuvres. They’re a deliciously easy way to elevate any holiday or event!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (1)

Table of Contents

  • What are Hors d’oeuvres?
  • Tips
  • Easy Hors d’oeuvres
  • Christmas Inspiration
  • More Thanksgiving Inspiration

This post was originally published November 3, 2020 and updated with fresh content December 22, 2021.

Hors d’oeuvres are a must-have for any co*cktail party. They’re easy to serve and even easier to enjoy! These finger foods are simple, beautiful and delicious!

Whether you’re hosting a large or intimate gathering, these small bites are sure to impress your guests. They’re so good you can even skip the main course!

They’re perfect to serve with co*cktails while guests are waiting for dinner to begin! If you love appetizers, don’t miss this round-up of delicious easy summer appetizers too!

These easy hors d’oeuvre ideas require very little prep. It doesn’t have to be difficult to be amazing! In fact, anything you put on top of my easy crostini is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (2)

What are Hors d’oeuvres?

They’re a one bite appetizer (pronounced or-DERVS) that are often passed but sometimes displayed on a platter. Heavy hors d’oeuvres typically indicates 3-4 or more will be served. They’re sometimes called passed appetizers.

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (3)

Tips

  • Plan ahead! Get organized a week or so in advance, if you can. Order groceries to make it even simpler!
  • Prep early. If possible, do all your chopping, mixing and creating in the 48 hours prior to your event. The more you accomplish ahead of time, the better you’ll feel on the day of your party!
  • Arrange serving platters and glassware ahead, too.I like to think ahead about which dishes, bowls and platters I’ll need for serving and get them lined up on our island or table. Of course, same goes for the bar area!

Click the photos or links to get to the easy recipes!

Easy Hors d’oeuvres

Cheddar Cheese Tarts

Cheese Tarts are bite sized cream cheese pastry filled with rich cheddar cheese and your choice of additions including herbs and caramelized onions.

They are packed with protein making them suitable to serve for a heavy hors d’oeuvres gathering. They come together effortlessly in minutes!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (4)

Baked Brie Bites

Baked Brie Bites are one of the easiest bite sized eats to make! Simply fill phyllo shells, bake and serve! They can be served warm or at room temperature.

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (5)

Guacamole Bites

Guacamole Bites are also made with phyllo shells. They take less than 20 minutes and are no bake, freeing up precious oven space. They’re packed with protein making them filling, too!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (6)

Spinach Dip Bites

Spinach Dip Bites are always a crowd pleaser! It’s your favorite dip in easy to eat form. Rich, creamy and so delicious! These come together easily and are foolproof!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (7)

Pear Crescent Roll Hors D’oeuvres

These Crescent Roll Appetizers are filled with a sweet, salty and savory combination of Baked Cheese, pear and prosciutto.

It’s one of the most delicious Fall Appetizers that will have everyone talking – just four ingredients and you’re all set!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (8)

Handheld Endive Salad

This easy endive appetizer is everything you crave for entertaining! It’s healthy, gorgeous, and simply bursting with fresh flavor. Bonus? Endive lettuce is naturally so easy to hold… your guests will keep coming back for more!

This is an easy and delicious hors d’oeuvre you can feel good about serving!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (9)

Sweet Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Incredibly easy, 5 ingredients sweet bacon wrapped chicken bites that are just as easy to make as they are to eat. Crushed chips make the irresistible crunchy coating that make these chicken bites irresistible!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (10)

Pear Blue Cheese and Walnut Bites

When serving hors d’oeuvres it’s important to have a variety of options to accommodate various diets. These Pear Blue Cheese and Walnut Bites are perfect for gluten-free guests!

They’re full of flavor, quick and easy to make and the pairing is out-of-this-world delicious!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (11)

Caramelized Bacon Skewers

If there was ever a perfectly simple bacon appetizer that guests will love to grab, it’s this one! Caramelized bacon skewers are so easy to make, and so incredibly delicious to eat. It’s hard to stop at just one – I dare you to try!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (12)

Gnocco Fritto

Gnocco Fritto is so easy to make! Puff pastry is brushed with extra virgin olive oil, topped with prosciutto and a few thick flakes of salt. They bake into heavenly pillows that are hard to resist.

They can be served warm or at room temperature.

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (13)

Avocado Deviled Eggs

A fun twist on classic deviled eggs, America’s favorite hors d’oeuvres! It’s a delicious mix of guacamole and deviled egg that make them so flavorful.

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (14)

Mac and Cheese Cups

It’s everyone’s favorite comfort food in the perfect bite-sized portion! Easy to make and even easier to eat, I dare you to try and stop at just one mac and cheese cup!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (15)

Strawberry Brie Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a quick and easy appetizer and can be varied in so many ways. This recipe is great for summer, just throw it on the grill or in the oven and you’ll have a new seasonal favorite!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (16)

Easy Baked Artichokes

Baked Artichoke is one of the easiest side dishes and ways to get your veggies in! These roasted artichoke are so delicious on its own or tossed into a salad.

It’s not only delicious, but a good source of fiber, Vitamin C and Vitamin K!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (17)

Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

These bacon and cream cheese stuffed mushrooms simple and easy to make. They are perfect to serve at parties and require just a few simple ingredients. You won’t be able to have just one!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (18)

Deviled Eggs

Classic deviled eggs are always a hit. They’re beautiful, easy to eat and are another protein packed option which is ideal when you’re serving just a few options or making a meal of them.

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (19)

Bacon Wrapped Dates

These bacon wrapped dates are stuffed with decadent cream cheese… it’s the ultimate combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Textural, creamy and oh-so-delicious, you’re going to love this incredible appetizer!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (20)

Onion Tartlets

Onion Tartlets are one of my absolute favorites! Pillowy puff pastry is topped with caramelized onions, goat cheese and thick flakes of fresh ground black pepper. It’s the most amazing flavor combination!

You can cut them into shapes using cookie cutters to fit your co*cktail party theme or season, too! Serve them warm or at room temperature.

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (21)

Prosciutto Wrapped Peaches

Prosciutto Wrapped Peaches are a sweet and salty summer favorite. They can be made on the grill (or stovetop). They’re light, yet flavorful and will have all your guests talking!

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (22)

Peach Crostinis

Crunchy crostini are topped with fresh cheese, peaches and thyme and drizzled with honey.

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (23)

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

This classic recipe is always a hit! Adults and children alike love Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies! The brown sugar caramelizes with bacon to add amazing flavor.

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (24)

Tequila Lime Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp make the ultimate party pick. They’re light and easy to serve. They’re great passed, but also pretty on a platter. Even more, they’re incredibly simple to make.

20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (25)

When estimating how many hors d’oeuvres to serve, anticipate each guest will consume 6-8 per hour. The pace will be faster earlier in the evening.

I hope you enjoyed these easy hors d’oeuvres ideas and can’t wait to hear your favorites!

Christmas Inspiration

  • Amazing Christmas Cookie Recipes
  • The Best Fall Cookie Recipes
  • Creative Christmas Ideas
  • Christmas Appetizers
  • Thanksgiving co*cktails
  • Christmas co*cktails

More Thanksgiving Inspiration

  • Thanksgiving Appetizers
  • Thanksgiving Recipes (Menu Planning)
  • 20 Thanksgiving Table Settings
  • Thanksgiving Playlist
  • Free Printable Thankful For Cards
  • Thanksgiving Crossword
20 Fast and Easy Hors d'oeuvres Recipes | Julie Blanner (2024)

FAQs

What appetizer is known as a crowd pleaser? ›

From taco dip to cheese balls, deviled eggs to jalapeno popper dip, these appetizer recipes will feed a crowd. We've collected more than 390 trusted crowd-favorite recipes to take along to the party.

What are the most common hors d'oeuvres? ›

Usually presented buffet style, it often consists of cold cuts, cured fishes, mixed salads, kholodets, pirozhki, various pickled vegetables (such as tomatoes, beets, or cucumbers), sauerkraut, pickled mushrooms, deviled eggs, hard cheeses, caviar, canapés, open sandwiches, and breads.

What is the difference between a hors d oeuvre and an appetizer? ›

Time Eaten: Hors d'oeuvres are typically served before the meal even begins, while appetizers tend to indicate the beginning of the meal. An hors d'oeuvre isn't considered to be part of the meal, but appetizers are usually chosen specifically to complement the following courses.

What is the main ingredient of hors d'oeuvres? ›

General hors d'oeuvres include cold preparations such as salad, cold meat, and fish. Classical hors d'oeuvres include fruit juice and soft drinks, grapefruit, shellfish co*cktail, and so on. Typically smaller than a main dish, an hors d'oeuvre is often designed to be eaten by hand.

What is known as the simplest appetizer? ›

Explanation: Fresh Fruits and vegetables are the simplest appetizer.

What is a one bite appetizer called? ›

myz. ɡœl]) is a single, bite-sized hors d'œuvre. Amuse-bouches are different from appetizers in that they are not ordered from a menu by patrons but are served free and according to the chef's selection alone. These are served both to prepare the guest for the meal and to offer a glimpse of the chef's style.

What are the four types of hors d'oeuvres? ›

Types of Hors d'oeuvre
  • Hot- sausages, smoked fish or meat, Potato Napoleon with caviar and sour cream etc.
  • Cold- Pates, oysters, cheeses, crudités etc.
  • Finger food- empanadas, wontons, deviled quail eggs, tea sandwiches.
  • Canapés- 1 or 2 bites- always consists of four parts. Base. Spread. Primary ingredient. Garniture.
Oct 4, 2022

What do the French eat for appetizers? ›

The food that is served at an aperitif varies widely — it can be as small as a bowl of olives or nuts, or a near-buffet of heartier finger fare. Some favorites: pissaladiere (caramelized onion tart), tapenade, small gazpacho shooters, pate and toasted country bread.

What is the basic rule in hors d'oeuvres? ›

Hors d'oeuvre

Hors d'oeuvres are defined as "apart from the main work" and served before sitting down to meal service. They may be hot or cold items. Because they are usually eaten while standing, hors d'oeuvres should be finger food that can be eaten without the use of utensils.

What are fancy appetizers called? ›

If you're having a fancy dinner but appetizer would probably just be called the first course and it wouldn't be something as he. An hors d'oeuvre is something served before meal it might be a bite or two and it might be passed around instead of on the table.

What are considered heavy hors d'oeuvres? ›

Heavy hors d'oeuvres can include a variety of different foods, such as mini quiches, meatballs, stuffed mushrooms, and shrimp co*cktail. These dishes are designed to be filling enough to serve as a meal, but small enough to be eaten while standing or mingling.

What's the most popular appetizer in the world? ›

Top 100 Appetizers in the World
  • Dumplings. Guotie. CHINA. die_genussentdecker. ...
  • Dumplings. Soup buns (Tangbao) CHINA. shutterstock. ...
  • Appetizer. Fattah djaj. SYRIA. Shutterstock. ...
  • Dumplings. Jiaozi. CHINA. ...
  • Appetizer. Saganaki. GREECE. ...
  • Cheese Dish. Provoleta. ARGENTINA. ...
  • Street Food. Antojitos. MEXICO. ...
  • Clam Dish. Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato. PORTUGAL.
Aug 15, 2024

What's trending in appetizers? ›

To help you reevaluate and update your menu, here's a look at today's key trends.
  • Street Tacos. Dishes that are inspired by street foods from the Far East, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Latin America reign supreme. ...
  • OCTOPUS. ...
  • CAULIFLOWER CRAZE. ...
  • VEGAN CUISINE. ...
  • ASIAN CUISINE. ...
  • WINGS ARE STILL A THING. ...
  • SLIDERS. ...
  • SEAWEED.

What are mini appetizers called? ›

Bite-sized finger foods are called canape appetizers. These can be hot or cold, but typically have a base and a spread with a topping or garnish.

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