12 Easy Party Appetizers for Procrastinators

Impress your guests with these easy to make crowd pleasers.

The last few weeks of the year always seem to fly by. Between the holidays and all celebrations before and after the big days, before you know it, New Year's Eve is here. Whether you're hosting the end-of-year bash or you're a guest at a party you're bringing an appetizer to, you're probably going to need something quick and easy.

These 12 appetizers are simple to make. They don't require a lot of fancy ingredients, but they're real crowd-pleasers. Pick a few of them and see just how easy it is to entertain your friends and family.

Read More: The 3 Brilliant Hosting Rules for Making Any Celebration Unforgettable

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs aren't just for spring and summer picnics and potlucks. They're a hit at any gathering. This recipe for turning hard boiled eggs into finger food is classic but adds a little kick from paprika and either cayenne or Tabasco.

Get Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Muhammara (Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)

Dips are a must on an appetizer table. Treat your guests to this one made with roasted red peppers, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, and seasonings. Serve it with raw or roasted vegetables, warm pita bread, or pita chips. Leftovers make a tasty sandwich spread.

Get Recipe: Muhammara (Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)

Classic Cheese Ball

Go retro with this customizable cheese ball. Start with softened cream cheese and add shredded cheddar or any semi-hard cheese such as Gouda (smoked or not) or pepper Jack. You can add bacon for a savory treat or leave it out. Roll it all into a big ball and dip in crushed pecans for a nice presentation.

Get Recipe: Classic Cheese Ball

Chipotle-Lime Mixed Nuts

Simple seasoned mixed nuts coated with chipotle seasoning and lime go great with festive drinks. Switch it up and use chili powder, cayenne, Chinese five spice, or garam masala.

Get Recipe: Chipotle-Lime Mixed Nuts

Easy Stuffed Stromboli

Use store-bought pizza dough to make quick work of assembling stromboli, or you can use homemade if you have a bit more time. Roll out the dough and fill it with whatever deli meats and cheeses you have on hand, add roasted red peppers and capers, then roll it up and bake.

Get Recipe: Easy Stuffed Stromboli

Crab Fondue

This cheesy, full-of-crab fondue comes together in under 30 minutes. It's simple to make but guests will think it's something super special. Have plenty of day-old cubed French or Italian bread for dipping. If you don't want to keep a flame going on a fondue pot, serve the dip in a slow cooker on warm.

Get Recipe: Crab Fondue

Prosciutto and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

An adorable and simple way to use puff pastry, these pinwheels are filled with creamy Italian herb spread made with fresh herbs, Dijon, and mayonnaise plus prosciutto and Parmesan cheese. Roll the filling in the puff pastry, chill, then slice into rounds before baking.

Get Recipe: Prosciutto and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Slow Cooker Spinach Feta Dip

You can use fresh or frozen spinach for the dip, but if you use frozen you'll need to take the time to squeeze all the water out. Sauté the spinach in olive oil before adding it to the slower cooker with cream cheese, sour cream, and feta. Serve with pita chips and raw veggies.

Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Spinach Feta Dip

Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Toasts

If you purchase the salmon already smoked, this is a simple yet elegant appetizer. Mix goat cheese, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and black pepper. Spread it on toasted baguette then top with thinly sliced salmon. This recipe makes 30 toasts, ideal for a party.

Get Recipe: Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Toasts

Cucumber Sandwiches

Nothing but assembly going on here, and the quaintness of cucumber sandwiches helps temper the richer fare often on an appetizer spread.

Get Recipe: Cucumber Sandwiches

Mini Salmon Quiches

Frozen puffed pastry crust is the base of many quick and delicious appetizers. In this recipe, the pastry is cut and added to a mini muffin pan before being topped with filling. If you want to make them ahead, freeze the unbaked mini-quiches in tins, then pop them out and bag them. Put them back in the tins still frozen before baking.

Get Recipe: Mini Salmon Quiches

Chutney Cheese Spread

Perfect for spreading over crackers or toasted thin baguette slices, this easy cream cheese spread packs retro pizzazz. Start with cream cheese, then top with Major Grey's or Trader Joe's mango chutney plus grated cheese.

Get Recipe: My Mom’s Retro Dip Might Be the Best Thing I’ve Ever Made

Read the original article on Simply Recipes.