20 Easy Party Snacks for Low-Stress Entertaining

These quick appetizers are ready in a flash.

board of Tex-Mex Cheese Dip with salsa, guacamole, and various chips
Photo: Jason Donnelly

Nothing kicks off a gathering like a showstopping snack table. Use one (or more) of these easy party snacks to complete your menu. Many of these simple party snacks can be made in advance or use shortcut ingredients to keep the prep as stress-free as possible.

01 of 20

Rosemary Roasted Nuts

Rosemary Roasted Nuts
Jason Donnelly

Taste these herb- and spice-coated nuts and you'll never settle for a can of mixed nuts again. This party snack recipe is irresistible when served warm from the oven, but can be made ahead and served at room temperature, too.

02 of 20

Mango Pico de Gallo

Mango Pico de Gallo
Blaine Moats

Make this colorful fresh salsa one day ahead, and it will be even yummier on your snack table. Allowing the salsa to chill overnight gives this easy party snack's unique flavors time to meld and become more balanced.

03 of 20

Party Crostini Bites

assortment of crostini toasts with toppings
Dera Burreson

This party snack recipe can be customized to whatever flavors you wish. Start with your favorite crostini base (bread, mini naan, or party rye), then go to town by piling them up with one of our 10 tantalizing toppers including shrimp cocktail, hot honey apple, and layered chutney.

04 of 20

Warm Potato Chips with Parmesan and Herbs

Warm Potato Chips with Parmesan and Herbs
Victoria Pearson

Elevate a plain bag of potato chips into a simple party snack that will have everyone raving over. Kettle chips are dressed in an irresistible combo of Parmesan, herbs, garlic, and lemon zest. Warmed for just a few minutes in the oven, it's one of the easiest party snacks you'll ever make.

05 of 20

Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted Garbanzo Beans
Blaine Moats

A healthful alternative to chips, these crunchy, slightly spicy beans make a perfect party snack. Plus, they pack in some plant-based protein! Double the recipe to feed a larger crowd.

06 of 20

Gluten-Free Tex-Mex Cheese Dip

board of Tex-Mex Cheese Dip with salsa, guacamole, and various chips
Jason Donnelly

Make a double batch of this party snack for a crowd-pleasing appetizer everyone can enjoy. This creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy dip is perfect for chips and veggies. Be sure to use a gluten-free taco seasoning mix (or make your own), as some purchased versions might contain wheat ingredients.

07 of 20

Sweet Potato Fritters with Yogurt-Chive Dipping Sauce

Sweet Potato Fritters with Yogurt Chive Dipping Sauce
Jason Donnelly

A bit of brown sugar is added to the batter of this party snack recipe, resulting in the ultimate savory-sweet bite. Whip up the creamy yogurt dip before you start frying up these soft, flavorful fritters so you can enjoy them while they're still warm and supremely tender.

08 of 20

Air-Fryer Kale Chips

Air Fryer Kale Chips
Caitlin Bensel

Trying to cut carbs but need something to munch on? Try these air-fried party snacks. A splash of soy sauce and a hint of olive oil allows for a savory treat that you can feel good about eating.

09 of 20

Cranberry-Vanilla Cereal Drops

vanilla-cranberry cereal drops on tray
Peter Krumhardt

Whip up these no-bake treats up to three days in advance (if you can resist them sitting on the counter). For a richer nutty flavor, be sure to toast the macadamia nuts. It'll be the perfect sweet-and-salty bite for the snack table.

10 of 20

Caesar Dip with Vegetables

Caesar Dip with Vegetables
Blaine Moats

This creamy dip has the flavorful ingredients you would find in Caesar dressing—Parmesan, lemon, and garlic. Served with crisp raw veggies, it's the perfect combination of healthy and indulgent.

11 of 20

Wrap and Roll Basil Pinwheels

Wrap & Roll Basil Pinwheels
Jason Donnelly

Tender tortillas filled with meat, cheese, and herbs and then rolled into petite spiral bites are easy to make and easy to eat. Sprinkle the serving platter with additional snipped fresh basil for a special touch.

12 of 20

Bread Dipping Oil

bread dipping oils in bowls

Kelsey Hansen

Expecting guests any minute? This flavored olive oil dip takes just 5 minutes to throw together. Mix the oil with one of our seasoning blends (try everything bagel spice!) and serve with crusty bread.

13 of 20

Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Dates

Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Dates
Jason Donnelly

This quick party snack looks super fancy, but only takes 25 minutes to prepare. That means more time to set up the snack table and get the drinks flowing. If you're not a fan of blue cheese, try swapping in creamy goat cheese.

14 of 20

Caramel Popcorn

Caramel Popcorn
Jason Donnelly

Caramel corn is a classic party snack that is even better when made from-scratch. Kids and adults alike will go crazy for this sweet, slightly sticky snack.

15 of 20

Veggie Summer Rolls with Chimichurri Sauce

Veggie Spring Rolls with Chimichurri Sauce
Blaine Moats

Colorful veggie-filled summer rolls add a touch of elegance to the holiday snack table. Sprinkle with fresh snipped parsley for an extra touch of class.

16 of 20

Crunch-Coated Bananas

Crunch-Coated Bananas
Peter Krumhardt

Bananas, peanut butter, and a cornflake crunch make a delish healthy nosh for your snack table. This recipe easily doubles (or triples) for unexpected guests and can be whipped together in just a few minutes with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

17 of 20

Parmesan-Ranch Sweet Potato Snack Mix

close-up of Parmesan-Ranch Sweet Potato Snack Mix
Carson Downing

Everyone loves ranch, so our Test Kitchen turned it into an easy party snack. Simply toss together chips, pretzels, and nuts in melted butter spiked with ranch-flavor seasoning. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this finger-licking-good party snack is going to disappear fast.

18 of 20

Candy Cane Bark

Candy Cane Bark
Peter Krumhardt

No sweet says holidays quite like this classic candy. This sweet party snack combines both vanilla and chocolate candy coating for a beautiful swirled design.

19 of 20

Cheese Wafers with Pepper Jelly

Cheese Wafers with Pepper Jelly
Jason Donnelly

Tender cheddar crackers spread with sweet-spicy jelly make for a unique (and wonderful) flavor sensation. Give these simple party snacks a try as the foundation for other spreads, too.

20 of 20

Pickle Wraps

pickle wraps on plate

Katlyn Moncada

You need just three ingredients to whip up this easy appetizer recipe. Simply spread cream cheese on a piece of deli meat (we like to use ham) and roll it around a large dill pickle. Slice and serve with toothpicks for the ultimate holiday snack.

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