17 Festive Appetizers You Can Pull Off In Under 20 Minutes

By the time appetizers come into the conversation, you’ve already burned plenty of energy baking cookies and locking down the main menu. You’ve measured, mixed, cleaned, and second guessed yourself more than once, and now you just need something easy to put out before dinner. Appetizers tend to get treated like an afterthought, even though they’re the first thing people grab when they walk in. That’s where quick, low stress options actually matter most. These recipes keep things moving without asking you to prep all afternoon by allowing you to put something festive on the table while still keeping your sanity intact.

Pomegranate Salsa

This salsa brings instant holiday energy to the table with juicy pomegranate seeds mixed into a fresh, lightly savory base. It works just as well with chips as it does spooned over chicken, fish, or tacos. When you need something colorful and fresh that doesn’t require stove time, this one checks all the boxes fast.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Salsa

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Creamy white beans, feta, and roasted red peppers blend into a dip that feels hearty without being heavy. It comes together quickly in a food processor and tastes like it took far more effort than it did. This is the kind of dip people keep hovering around with crackers until it’s gone.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Cheesy Edamame Crostini

A smooth edamame spread with lemon and cheese gives these crostini a fresh, savory bite that stands out from heavier apps. They assemble quickly and feel a little different from the usual cheese and meat options. They’re great when you want something green on the table that still feels festive.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Edamame Crostini

Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Melted cheese mixed with chipotle hummus creates a dip that’s bold and comforting. It comes together fast and stays popular once it hits the table. This is the kind of dish people keep coming back to with chips.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Whipped Burrata Lemon Shrimp Crostini

Whipped burrata topped with lemony shrimp feels festive without being complicated. The contrast between creamy cheese and bright citrus keeps each bite balanced. These work well when you want something that looks a little elevated but fits into a quick prep window.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Burrata Lemon Shrimp Crostini

Baked Brie with Honey

Brie softens into a rich center while honey adds sweetness on top. It cooks quickly in the air fryer or oven and pairs easily with whatever crackers or fruit you already have. This is an easy way to put out something that feels special when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Honey

Mini Goat Cheese Balls

Creamy goat cheese rolled with herbs and crunchy pretzels turns into a snack that disappears faster than you expect. They’re easy to prep ahead and pull out when guests arrive. These work especially well when you need something that looks intentional but doesn’t slow you down.
Get the Recipe: Mini Goat Cheese Balls

Taco Cups

All the familiar taco flavors get tucked into crispy little cups that are easy to grab and eat. They bake quickly and don’t require utensils, which makes them perfect when people are milling around. These are always popular because they feel fun and familiar at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Taco Cups

Baked Brie with Garlic and Thyme

Soft brie baked with garlic and thyme turns into a shareable centerpiece that feels right at home during the holidays. It takes very little hands on time and pairs easily with crackers or bread. This is a reliable option when you want something that feels cozy and polished without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Garlic and Thyme

Smoked Salmon Crostini

Smoked salmon layered on toasted baguette slices feels festive without needing much prep. The flavors are clean and savory, which helps balance out richer dishes on the table. These come together fast and always make the spread look more complete.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Crostini

Crab Cakes

These crab cakes keep things simple while still feeling special. They cook quickly and hold their shape well, making them easy to serve as small bites. When you want to add seafood without committing to a long prep, this is a solid choice.
Get the Recipe: Crab Cakes

Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Sweet mini peppers filled with cream cheese bake into a colorful appetizer that’s easy to prep and easy to eat. They’re ready in about 20 minutes and don’t need much babysitting. These are a nice option when you want something lighter mixed in with richer dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Shrimp Spring Rolls

Crisp on the outside with juicy shrimp inside, these rolls add crunch and freshness to the table. They cook quickly and feel a little more exciting than standard party snacks. These are great when you want something that breaks up the usual cheese and dip routine.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Spring Rolls

Horseradish Cocktail Sauce

This sauce comes together in minutes and instantly upgrades shrimp or crab on the table. The horseradish adds just enough bite to keep things interesting without overpowering the seafood. It’s an easy way to make a simple platter feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Horseradish Cocktail Sauce

Italian Bruschetta

Chopped tomatoes, garlic, and basil come together quickly for a no cook option that feels fresh and bright. It’s a nice contrast to heavier holiday foods and works well when oven space is tight. This one earns its place by being simple and dependable.
Get the Recipe: Italian Bruschetta

Soppressata Provolone Cones

Rolled provolone filled with soppressata and a bit of crunch turns into a snack that looks thoughtful but takes very little time. These are ready in under 15 minutes and don’t require any cooking. They’re perfect for filling in gaps on a crowded table.
Get the Recipe: Soppressata Provolone Cones

Pumpkin Hummus

Pumpkin adds depth and color to classic hummus without making it feel sweet. It blends quickly and pairs well with crackers, vegetables, or bread. This is a good option when you want something seasonal that doesn’t feel heavy.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Hummus