10 Ten-Minute Appetizer Recipes

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7. Tea Sandwiches

Kick-start your impromptu party by turning today’s lunch ingredients into all-star hors d’oeuvres. Assemble any variety of sandwich fillers—such as warm egg salad spiced with curry; thinly sliced salami and sharp Cheddar; and crunchy cucumbers and roasted garlic hummus—between your preferred slices of bread, then trim off the crusts and slice the sandwiches into triangles or squares. Don’t shy away from savory spreadables like chopped liver, pimento cheese, or pâté.

8. White Bean Dip

This easy appetizer is creamy, spreadable, and downright addictive. Using your blender, combine one can of drained and rinsed white (like cannellini or navy) beans with a handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, 2 garlic cloves, and enough olive oil to create a purée. Once the mixture is smooth, add the juice of half of a lemon, plus salt and pepper to taste, and pulse until combined. Serve with assorted crudités or pita chips.

9. Sweet or Savory Skewers

Toothpicks transform commonplace ingredients into finger-friendly appetizers. Opt for plain or decorative toothpicks to assemble layers of lively flavors and eye-catching colors. Our favorite combinations include olives with mozzarella and tomato; strawberries with grapes and pineapple; salami with Provolone and peperoncini; and chicken with Swiss cheese and ham. Cut larger items into bite-size pieces, and don’t be shy when it comes to creative combos.

10. Ricotta and Honey Crostini

Delicious enough for dessert, the heavenly pairing of fresh ricotta and honey doubles as an excellent solution to last-minute munchies. Top toasted baguette rounds or crispy crackers with a hearty dollop of ricotta cheese. Follow up with a thick drizzle of honey for a creamy, cheesy finger food with just a touch of sweetness. If fresh ricotta isn’t a staple in your fridge, cream cheese or crème fraîche are both fine substitutes.

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