Every unforgettable holiday gathering begins with a great first bite, especially when time is short. These last-minute holiday appetizers are designed to steal the spotlight, from crispy, cheesy favorites to saucy, crowd-pleasing nibbles that disappear faster than the wine is poured. Easy to make and full of festive flavor, they bring fun, flair, and instant wow to your table. Fair warning: your main course may never quite recover from the competition.

Cheese And Rosemary Breadsticks – Easy Appetizers

cheese and rosemary breadsticks
Cheese And Rosemary Breadsticks: Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

It is always nice to have easy appetizers in our repertoire to make at a minute’s notice, and those cheese and rosemary Breadsticks are just that—a perfect last-minute treat. Ideal for any occasion, this appetizer is always welcome at our gatherings. Get The Recipe: Cheese And Rosemary Breadsticks

Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garlic Shrimp Recipe: Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Juicy, tender shrimp infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic, this Garlic Shrimp recipe is pure perfection in every bite. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it is the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet effortless, perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike. Served with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last drop of that golden, garlicky sauce.. Get The Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade – A Classic With A Spin

sun dried tomato tapenade
Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade: Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

This wonderful recipe is a must-have in any appetizer repertoire. Ready in under 10 minutes, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It’s perfect for keeping on hand for dressing up weeknight meals, spreading on sandwiches, or serving to guests. Get The Recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade

Mushroom Goat Cheese Toasts 

Mushrooms and Goat Cheese Toasts
Mushroom Goat Cheese Toasts: Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Elegant appetizers; if you are inclined, you can also serve them as a first course. The mushrooms work magically with goat cheese and chives. I selected my favorite savory shiitake and chanterelle mushrooms for this French appetizer, which I  sauteed to a perfect golden color. Get The Recipe: Mushroom Goat Cheese Toasts 

Popovers

popovers on a whilte plate
Popovers: Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Popovers are a fluffy and airy spin-off of the classic Yorkshire pudding. The secret to light and airy popovers is to mix the ingredients lightly and bake them in a hot oven. Get The Recipe: Popover Recipe

Garbanzo Beans Croquettes with Tahini Sauce

Garbanzo Beans Croquettes with Tahini Sauce
Garbanzo Beans Croquettes with Tahini Sauce: Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

The weekend is just around the corner, and this recipe for Garbanzo Beans Croquettes is perfect to serve your friends or bring to a party. It can be made ahead of time and enjoyed at room temperature or just off the grill. I guarantee you it will not disappoint you. Get The Recipe: Garbanzo Beans Croquettes with Tahini Sauce

Gougeres with Cheese and Scallions

Gougeres with cheese and scallions
Gougeres with Cheese and Scallions: Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Airy cheese puffs to quell your hunger as you wait for dinner. Or the perfect companion to your aperitif. Either way, those golden morsels are a delight and easy to make. I guarantee they will become your go-to appetizer. Get The Recipe: Gougeres with Cheese and Scallions

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Nibbles

Ham And Cheese Puff Pastry Nibbles
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Nibbles: Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

For many years, Ham and cheese puff pastry nibbles have been my party’s easy appetizers. It’s always a perfect hit with everyone. There is no occasion that I do not make them. Get The Recipe: Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Nibbles

Bruschetta with Tomato, Anchovy, and Garlic

Bruschetta with tomatoes, anchovy and garlic
Bruschetta with Tomato, Anchovy and Garlic: Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

This excellent Italian appetizer will win you over, and you will return for more. Do I have a fantastic and super easy recipe to make this summer, or all year round, for that matter? Bruschetta is an Italian antipasto, or appetizer, consisting of grilled bread rubbed with fresh garlic and topped with olive oil and sea salt. Get The Recipe: Bruschetta with Tomato, Anchovy and Garlic

Smoked Salmon Appetizers

Smoked salmon appetizers
Smoked Salmon Appetizers: Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

If you are looking for an appetizer that feels gourmet without the fuss, these Smoked Salmon Appetizers are a fail-proof choice. We love to entertain, and I have perfected this super easy combination of crisp baguette, silky smoked salmon, creamy accents, and bright fresh toppings. Every bite delivers sophisticated flavor with effortless ease. Get The Recipe: Smoked Salmon Appetizers

Crunchy Fried Shrimp – Delicious, Easy & Crunchy

crunchy fried shrimp
Crunchy Fried Shrimp – Delicious, Easy & Crunchy: Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

It is made with flaky, light panko breadcrumbs and fried to a golden, crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. Crunchiness that is hard to resist. Get The Recipe: Crunchy Fried Shrimp – Delicious, Easy & Crunchy

Elote Recipe- Easy & Delicious Mexican Street Corn

Elote Recipe- Easy & Delicious Mexican Street Corn
Elote Recipe- Easy & Delicious Mexican Street Corn Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Elote, Mexican street corn, is a sublime side dish made with corn that will make you come back for more and more. And since the corn is in season and most tender, the perfect opportunity presented itself to make it.. Get The Recipe: Elote Recipe- Easy & Delicious Mexican Street Corn

Albacore Tuna Croquettes – Sun In A Dish

Albacore Tuna Croquettes
Albacore Tuna Croquettes: Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Those delicious croquettes will transport you to the warm summers in Spain and Italy. Both countries make them as an appetizer. Spain with Sangria and Italy with wine. If you have ever had them, you will know that not only is it super delicious, but the flavor is pure and enhanced. Get The Recipe: Albacore Tuna Croquettes

Caramelized Garlic and Goat Cheese Tart – Simple & Savory

caramelize garlic and goat cheese tart
Caramelized Garlic and Goat Cheese Tart: Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Caramelized garlic and goat cheese tart is a delicious combination of flaky pastry, goat cheese, and caramelized garlic cloves.  Super easy to make, your family and friends will think you have spent hours baking as once they bite into the tart, all the taste buds will celebrate with delight.  Soft and tender and so rich. Get The Recipe: Caramelized Garlic and Goat Cheese Tart 

Prawns Saltimbocca – Spin to your Italian Favorite

prawns saltimbocca
Prawns Saltimbocca – Spin to your Italian Favorite Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Imagine biting into crunchy prosciutto, wrapping the most tender and savory prawn. And for your coup de grace, a velvety wine butter sauce. A true delight for your palate. Get The Recipe: Prawns Saltimbocca

Zucchini Pancakes with Tzatziki Sauce

Zucchini Pancakes With Tzatziki Sauce
Zucchini Pancakes with Tzatziki Sauce: Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

How about something fun for dinner tonight? Zucchini pancakes with tzatziki sauce are the answer. At least it was at our house. This beautiful vegetarian recipe lets us bring Mediterranean flavors into our kitchen. Get The Recipe: Zucchini Pancakes with Tzatziki Sauce

Rosemary Focaccia

Rosemary Focaccia
Rosemary Focaccia: Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Do not be afraid to be generous with the salt and olive oil. That is what makes the focaccia delicious. In Rome, Italy, there is this beautiful creation, the one I crave, called “Pizzetta Bianca,” or white pizza. Get The Recipe: Rosemary Focaccia

Cheddar and Jalapeño Scones

cheddar and jalapeno scones
Cheddar and Jalapeño Scones Photo by Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Cheddar and jalapeno scones are just the perfect afternoon snack. Or better yet, alongside this delicious Aztec Soup. The subtle spiciness of the jalapeno lifts any meal. Sometimes playing outside the comfort zone is so much fun and so rewarding. Get The Recipe: Cheddar and Jalapeño Scones