16 Three-Ingredient Party Appetizer Recipes for the *Lazy* Hostess (2024)

Whether you’re planning a TV viewing party, bridal shower or game day gathering, does this ever happen to you? You start out all ambitious, with a grocery list for some outrageous guacamole and crazy-impressive appetizers, but before you can get to a store, inertia sets in. Why does hostessing have to be so HARD? The whole point of *socializing* is to just enjoy hanging with friends. We feel you, and we’ve got your back. Here are 16 appetizers that bring on some BIG flavor using just three ingredients. Lazy girl for the win!

1. Grilled Cheese Roll Ups: It’s a grilled cheese literally rolled up, featuring ooey-gooey cheese slices, melted butter and a crunchy golden crust. These babies are perfect dunkers, so open a can of tomato soup and you’ve got just the right easy dipping sauce. (via Damn Delicious)

2. Baked Jalapeño Poppers: Now, no one is knocking the many complicated versions of poppers out there, where the peppers have been fire roasted over a mesquite smoker or even deep fried. But this recipe proves simple food cooked simply can be the very best. A bacon-wrapped pepper stuffed with cheese is a delicious thing, indeed. (via Macheesmo)

3. Baked Mozzarella and Marinara Dip: This dip is about as easy as it comes. Better make two if you’re serving it banquet-style and you want to avoid a traffic jam at one end of the table. (via Recipe Runner)

4. Three-Ingredient Beer Battered Artichoke Hearts: Anything beer battered is going to taste phenomenal, and this app does not disappoint. Make it for your next game day gathering and you’ll have a crowd of new veggie-loving converts on your hands. (via Neurotic Mommy)

5. Cheese Grape and Pistachio Truffles: Are you having friends and family over during the holidays? Even if it’s just a few girlfriends over for a glass of wine, these easy-to-prep apps are a one-bite delight. (via Delightful E Made)

6. Garlic Basil Parmesan Crisps: This one’s for the GF peeps in the house. It’s so rare to find a crispy dipper that’s 100 percent grain-free and 100 percent cheesy deliciousness. Even the non-GF folks will be gobbling them up. (via Bless Her Heart Y’All)

7. Crock Pot Kielbasa Bites: If you’re looking for an easy appetizer, this slow cooker kielbasa is always a crowd pleaser. Just toss your three ingredients in the pot, and let it bubble away happily, freeing up your kitchen counter space — and your time. (via Cakescottage)

8. Three-Ingredient Pulled Pork Tenderloin (Slow Cooker): All you need is some pork tenderloin, cola and your fave BBQ sauce in order to have a delicious appetizer on the table with zero fuss. Prepare for the onslaught, because everyone is going to be begging for the recipe. (via Plain Chicken)

9. Baked Fontinella Cheese Dip: Move over, cheddar — there’s a new cheese in town. White cheeses like Fontinella, Emmental or Gruyère, when melted with herbs and olive oil, make an easy peasy fondue that’s so simple, yet so impressive. (via Eazy Peazy Mealz)

10. Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates: These little bites are deceptively effortless, but OH SO satisfying. When creamy goat cheese, salty bacon and sweet dates are combined, the taste is pure foodie nirvana. (via Fox and Briar)

11. Watermelon-Feta Bites: Need something a little lighter to balance out your food spread? Putting salad on a stick makes it much more appealing — and so much easier for your guests to eat while mingling. (via Mantitlement)

12. Crockpot Sriracha Meatballs: The sauce for these store-bought meatballs could not be simpler to make; just mix a jar of grape jelly with some chili sauce and voila! Spicy meatballs. But the real star of this show is the Sriracha in the chili sauce. It gives everyone’s fave appetizer an extra zing. (via Budget Girl)

13. Three-Ingredient Cheesy Monkey Bread: Cheesy, flaky, buttery monkey bread, served piping hot out of the oven, is pretty much irresistible. You’d better make a double batch, because it’s going to go sooooooo fast. (Brit + Co)

14. Easy Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips: If you’re a lover of salt and vinegar — and who isn’t? — do yourself a favor and make a batch of these chips right now. They’re perfect for a party, because food this delicious simply must be shared. (via The Suburban Soapbox)

15. Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers: This one’s for the clean eaters in the house. These chicken kabobs are gluten-free, Paleo and even Whole30-compliant, plus they’re chock full of delicious flavor. (via What the Fork)

16. Little Potato Stacks: These baby hasselback taters on a stick are a triple win. They’re tasty, as only an oven-crisp potato can be, and they’re as beautiful to look at as they are to eat. (via Food Well Said)

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Sally Jones is a writer and editor living in New York City. She has worked at many websites including iVillage, Ladies Home Journal, More, Parenting, Cosmopolitan, The Knot and YourTango, in jobs ranging from editor to COO. Renovation and interior design are her

hobbies. She has renovated every home she's lived in, including the rentals, and like... whoa, who does that? You can catch her at her blog Renov8or.