From simple to elegant, these fast and easy hors d’oeuvres are the perfect way to kick off any holiday party.
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Table of Contents
- Hors d’Oeuvres vs. Appetizer
- Planning Hors d’Oeuvres for a Party
- Tips
- Quick Hors d’Oeuvres
- Hearty Hors d’Oeuvres
- Easy Crockpot Hors d’Oeuvres
- Easy Hors d’Oeuvres Printable Recipe
- Full List of Fast and Easy Hors d’Oeuvres
Hors d’Oeuvres vs. Appetizer
You may recognize the word, but may not be exactly sure what an hors d’oeuvres (pronounced or – durvs)is and how it is different than an appetizer.
Hors d’oeuvres are small bites typically served on a tray to standing guests while they mingle. They are traditionally served at more formal occasions but really can be passed at an any event.
Appetizers, on the other hand, include any and all small dishes served before a meal, including dips and charcuterie platters. A good way to remember the difference is that that any hors d’oeuvres can be an appetizer but not every appetizer is considered an hors d’oeuvres.
Planning Hors d’Oeuvres for a Party
It is so fun to plan a party around hors d’oeuvres, because they come together quickly and are so easy to eat. There are few things I like to consider when choosing which hors d’oeuvres for entertaining:
- Amount. How many guests are coming? My rule of thumb is to serve 1 hors d’oeuvres per 3 to 4 guests.
- Variety. I love to offer a lot of options so everyone has something they love to eat.
- Serving. This is particularly important because I want items that can be easily picked up and eaten. I use a lot of small plates and toothpicks when planning what to serve.
- Effort. I want to enjoy the party, too, so I like to choose things I can make ahead of time or won’t keep me running around too much during play time.
- Tastes. I always like to have at least one dish I know my guests can and like to eat.
Tips
- Make ahead. Prepping hors d’oeuvres ahead of time is less stressful and will free up your time for other pre-party tasks. Follow each recipe for storage instructions.
- Similar ingredients. Plan ahead to use recipes with similar ingredients. This helps save money, reduce waste and will make your life easier when it comes to making the hor d’oeuver ideas.
- Presentation. Adding a sprig of fresh herbs to your platters, labeling the appetizers or using cake stands or tiered platters is visually appealing and looke elegant.
Quick Hors d’Oeuvres
These hors d’eouvres are easy to make and come together in a blink, leaving more time to enjoy the party. A win-win in my book.
- Cranberry Brie Bites. With only three ingredients these brie bites are so simple and can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Mini Antipasto Skewers. Skewers are perfect for guests to grab and snack on as they mingle.
- Cheese Ball Bites. I consider this the perfect bite of all the cheese ball goodness.
- Caprese Kabobs. I love these quick bites of mozzarella, basil, and tomato to counter some of the richer appetizers.
- Bruschetta Caprese. A classic hors d’oeuvres for a reason. Comes together quickly and is so refreshing.
- Kielbasa Puffs. Make these easy-to-eat sausage bites in less than 20 minutes.
- Easy Pizza Pinwheels. A lovely little bite of pepperoni-filled pastry. What’s not to love?
- Pigs in a Blanket. These mini hot dogs wrapped in fluffy crescent rolls are ready in just 20 minutes.
- Bacon Wrapped Dates.The perfect balance of sweet and savory in just 3 ingredients.
- Spinach Puffs. Baked in a muffin tin ensures these small bites are easy for the host to make and guests each get an individual bite!
- Shrimp co*cktail. Juicy shrimp and the best homemade co*cktail sauce! Elegant, easy and always a crowd pleaser.
Hearty Hors d’Oeuvres
I love to plan an entire party around these more filling hors d’oeuvres. They are a little less formal and work really well for game day or a backyard get-together.
- Cheeseburger Meatballs. These little skewers make it easy to enjoy a cheeseburger in just one bite.
- Bacon wrapped asparagus. Everyone always loves these!
- Jalapeno Poppers. These bacon-wrapped poppers only need 5 ingredients and are always a hit at an party.
- Potato Skins. To make these bite-sized, make this recipe using smaller potatoes. Guaranteed to be a hit.
- Cheeseburger Sliders. To make these passable, place each one on a small plate with a napkin for serving.
- Meatball Sliders. I like to serve these placed on individual small plates to make them a little easier to eat.
- Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls. I love how the ham and cheese work so well with the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls.
- Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Just 3 ingredients is all it takes to make an appetizer big on taste.
Easy Crockpot Hors d’Oeuvres
These may not be considered “fast” because of the cook time, but they only take minutes to prep and are so super fast to pull together for a party. Use skewers to serve them on a platter.
- Lil Smokies. A classic for a reason. I add toothpicks before serving for an easy grab-and-go bite.
- Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. Add a meatball and a little blue cheese to a toothpick for a super simple hors d’oeuvre.
- Hawaiian Meatballs. I like to place a meatball and a piece of pineapple on a toothpick when serving.
- Crockpot Meatballs. Just takes 3 ingredients to make a wow-worthy hors d’oeuvre.
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Easy Hors d’Oeuvres
5 from 7 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
From simple to elegant, these easy hors d'oeuvres are the perfect way to entertain! Guests will love these bite-sized caprese skewers filled with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and balsamic glaze.
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 10 minutes mins
Servings: 20
Ingredients
- 20 toothpicks
- 20 cherry tomatoes
- 20 mozzarella balls
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
Pierce the tomato, mozzarella and basil through the toothpick. Place on a plate and then sprinkle salt andpepper on top of the kabobs. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 73kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 38mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 104IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Full List of Fast and Easy Hors d’Oeuvres
Click on the links below for all of the easy hors d’oeuvres recipes mentioned above.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Looking for a classy and elegant appetizer for your upcoming holiday party or celebration? These 3-ingredientcranberry brie biteshave everything you love about baked brie and preserves in individual bite-size portions. Perfect for easy entertaining!
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Read more
Antipasto Skewers
All your favorite charcuterie items come together on a skewer for an all-in-one briny meaty cheesy bite! Marinated veggies, fresh herbs, and soft cheese are just the start. Make these easy, crowd-pleasingmini antipasto skewersyour own and offer a little something for everyone!
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Read more
Cheese Ball Bites
Cheese ball bites are flavorful appetizers that are perfect for snacking or serving at parties. These mini cheese balls are loaded with everyone's favorite ingredients, and they are incredibly simple to make.
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Read more
Caprese Kabobs
Caprese kabobs are an easy, no-cook, make-ahead and delicious appetizer for any party! Your guests will love these bite-sized caprese skewers filled with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and balsamic glaze.
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Read more
Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
These jalapeño poppers are the perfect game day appetizer. Fresh halved jalapenos are stuffed with a rich cream cheese filling, wrapped in bacon and then baked for a craveable snack!
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
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Potato Skins Recipe
This potato skins recipe is easy to make and is filled with cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon topped with a dollop of sour cream. The perfect party appetizer.
Total Time: 43 minutes minutes
Read more
Pigs in a Blanket
Warm and delicious mini hot dogs wrapped in fluffy crescent rolls seasoned with garlic and parmesan. Thesepigs in a blanket are such an easy appetizer idea that comes together in just 20 minutes with 5 simple ingredients!
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Read more
Cheeseburger Sliders
This easy cheeseburger sliders are made with homemade juicy patties sandwiched between buttery rolls baked until cheesy, golden! The perfect appetizer for game day or a weeknight dinner.
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Read more
Meatball Sliders
These Meatball Sliders are the perfectEASY appetizer to make for your next party! Made with Hawaiian rolls, meatballs, marinara, mozzarella and topped with a delicious butter and Parmesan seasoning.
Total Time: 32 minutes minutes
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Ham and Cheese Sliders
These easy ham and cheese sliders are made with sweet Hawaiian rolls then brushed with a buttery poppy seed topping! The perfect party appetizer or main dish recipe for game day or the holidays.
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Read more
Spinach Puffs
Buttery and flaky spinach puffs are easy to make with puff pastry, cream cheese, fresh spinach and savory bacon. Baked in muffin tins they are elegant enough for a fancy party appetizer but just as delicious as a weeknight side dish!
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
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Pizza Pinwheels
Easy pizza pinwheels that are made with fluffy crescent rolls, marinara and all your favorite pizza toppings. The perfect snack or appetizer that's ready in just 20 minutes!
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Read more
Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon Recipe
These 3 ingredient bacon wrapped smokies are the perfect easy appetizer for your next party. They're wrapped in crispy bacon and a delicious caramelized brown sugar coating. Always a crowd pleaser!
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Read more
Cheeseburger Meatballs
Get game-day ready with a new easy appetizer idea that everyone will love! Cheeseburger meatballs are bite-sized morsels of juicy meat and melty cheese that are topped with your favorite burger toppings and served with a side of dipping sauce!
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Read more
Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
Delicious bacon wrapped dates made with just 3 simple ingredients. This easy appetizer is the perfect balance of sweet and savory!
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Read more
Bruschetta Caprese
Bruschetta Caprese is a summer appetizer made with a slice of lightly toasted bread, fresh ripe tomatoes, basil, and good quality mozzarella tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. It's a simple appetizer that comes together in minutes and is always a crowd favorite!
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
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Kielbasa Puffs
Kielbasa puffs made with 2 ingredients in just 30 minutes! The perfect easy appetizer to quickly whip up for a crowd!
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
These buffalo chicken meatballs are coated in tangy buffalo sauce then baked until tender and juicy! Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a low carb game day appetizer.
Total Time: 31 minutes minutes
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Hawaiian Meatballs
These Hawaiian meatballs are easy, tasty and always a crowd pleaser. Meatballs are cooked in BBQ sauce with pineapple and ginger for the perfect appetizer or main dish.
Total Time: 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
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Lil Smokies Recipe
These crockpot lil smokies are simple, juicy, smothered with BBQ sauce and made with 3 simple ingredients. They make the perfect appetizer for any occasion.
Total Time: 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Read more
Crockpot Bbq Meatballs
Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs are easy to make in the crock pot with only 3 ingredients and 5 minutes to prep! Doesn't get better than that.
Total Time: 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Read more
