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 is the most common hors d'oeuvre? ›

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.

How many hors d'oeuvres for 20? ›

For an average-size party, with 8 to 20 guests, plan on 2 hot and 2 cold passed items and 1 or 2 buffet itemsa total of 5 or 6 selections.

What is the difference between hors d'oeuvres and appetizers? ›

Purpose and Setting: Hors d'oeuvres can be thought of as 'mingling food'; small portioned items that are passed around in a social setting. Appetizers on the other hand are often served directly to you while seated at a table.

What are the three main 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 to bring for finger food? ›

Best Finger Food Ideas on a Budget
  • Parmesan Bread Bites. Bake addictive parmesan bread bites for delicious finger food ideas. ...
  • Tomato Bruschetta Bites. ...
  • Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts. ...
  • Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
  • Cheese Puffs. ...
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
  • Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus.
3 days ago

What are traditional 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 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.

How much finger food for 20 guests? ›

Appetizers - For parties where you're only serving appetizers and finger foods, base your estimate on five to eight appetizer bites per person, per hour. If there's a meal included, cut back to four or five per person per hour before the meal.

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 7 types of appetizers? ›

Classification of Appetizers
  • co*cktails.
  • Hors d' oeuvres.
  • Canape.
  • Relishes/Crudite.
  • Salads.
  • Soup & Consommé
  • Chips & DIps.
Jul 14, 2023

What is a butlered hors d oeuvres? ›

Butler-passed hors d'oeuvres represent luxury and sophistication. They improve the event's overall ambiance, making it feel more exclusive and special. Encourages socializing: Hors d'oeuvres are often served during the co*cktail hour or before the main meal.

What are general hors d'oeuvre examples? ›

  • Cranberry Crostini.
  • Deviled Eggs.
  • Panisses.
  • Potato Jalapeño Latkes.
  • Crab Toast.
  • Grilled Oysters on a Bed of Salt.
  • Broiled Oysters with Parmigiano and 'Nduja.
  • Olive-Oil Poached Green Almonds with Dill.
Aug 4, 2020

What are the five miscellaneous hors d'oeuvres? ›

nearly anything can be served as amuse boudhe: salads, soups, canapes, fish, and vegetables.

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 are the two most common ways of serving hors d oeuvres? ›

The two most common ways of serving hors d'oeuvres are butler-style and buffet-style. In butler-style service, the hors d'oeuvre selections are offered to guests by service staff carrying small trays as they pass among the assembled group.

Is charcuterie an hors d'oeuvre? ›

Other hors d'oeuvres include miniature baked tarts (or “tartlets”) and skewered foods or kabobs, which are served hot, and charcuterie, which is an assortment of meats served cold, often on a board.

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