Our Best Party Appetizers That Require Zero Cooking (2024)

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Cucumber sandwiches are the go-to for afternoon tea gatherings. But these easy no-cook appetizers with a generous slather of garlic and herb soft cheese are equally well-suited to martinis. Pair these sandwiches with your most dashing summer co*cktails and let the party begin.

Smoky Cheese Ball

If you're tasked with finding easy no-cook appetizers for a crowd, consider one of our great cheese ball recipes. Here's a favorite that makes a whopping 56 servings (assuming guests can stop at 1 tablespoon). Also, varying the coating options for each cheese ball gives you three no-cook party appetizers in one recipe.

Antipasto Pinwheels

Wrap up these no-cook party appetizers with just five ingredients and 15 minutes of your time. Serving hint: The great combo of cured Italian meat, cheeses, and basil calls for a crisp, food-friendly white wine.

Charcuterie Board

You can search for hours for all kinds of no-cook appetizer ideas, but trust us: You'll never find anything easier or more eye-catching than a charcuterie platter. It's not about cooking—it's about shopping. Simply score the best ingredients you can, including meats, cheeses, olives, and nuts, and arrange them in the prettiest way possible.

Layered Greek Dip

Purchased ingredients make easy no-cook appetizer recipes even easier—and that's the case with this hummus. Pick up a container of packaged hummus and chop some other ingredients, including Kalamata olives, feta, and fresh veggies, and your store-bought appetizer gets a whole new look and flavor.

Test Kitchen Tip: Pre-pitted Kalamata olives will cut down on prep time.

Ricotta and Parmesan Spread

When you're rounding up a menu of no-cook appetizers for parties, be sure to include a few make-ahead options. This luscious cheese dip fills the bill—you can make it up to 12 hours in advance. Plus, like many great party dips, it tastes best after it has been refrigerated at least a couple hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Pimiento Cheese Dip

Put this smoky cheese dip high on your list of no-cook appetizers for a potluck. It makes 10 party-ready servings. The combination of sharp and creamy cheeses, peppy spices, and colorful stir-ins will garner the rave reviews that every cook secretly hopes to hear.

Viola Tea Sandwiches

These pretty tea sandwiches are terrific no-cook appetizers for potlucks and other gatherings. You might have to go to a specialty food store to find violas or other edible flowers, but it's worth it: You can be sure these cool, crisp, and creamy bites will stand out on the appetizer table.

Smoked Trout Bites

This smoky spread is one of those simple no-cook appetizer recipes that can be served ASAP or refrigerated up to a day.

Cucumber-Salmon Roll-Ups

Add a dash of elegance to the gathering with smoked salmon. It's easier than it looks to assemble this no-cook appetizer idea—simply cut the veggies and salmon and roll in strips of cucumber. Serve the dish with a lemony paleo mayo.

Test Kitchen Tip: Chill this dish for up to two hours before serving. It's best served cold.

Avocado with Prosciutto

Here's one of our best and easiest no-cook appetizers in the prosciutto category. Simply cut avocados into wedges, then wrap the wedges with prosciutto. Drizzle with a make-ahead dressing and get ready for the compliments. While these bites make great no-cook appetizers for parties, consider serving them another time on a bed of dressed lettuce as an elegant sit-down first course.

Marinated Cheese

Lay cheese cubes in a colorful rainbow of peppercorns to jazz up the look and flavor. Here, peppercorns team with lemon, garlic, fennel, and olive oil, to turn mild Monterey Jack cheese into the life of the party.

Beet Hummus

A few ingredients set this hummus recipe apart from the rest. Rather than chickpeas, we're using creamy cannellini beans blended with canned beets. The result is a vibrant dip that's flavored with horseradish, lemon juice, and garlic. Garnish the bowl with chopped fresh parsley.

Tofu Spring Rolls

You'll need just five ingredients to pull together this quick vegetarian appetizer idea. Slice fresh veggies, tofu, and mint and roll it up in rice paper. Add bowls of sweet chili sauce and soy sauce for dipping.

Herbed Goat Cheese Spread

Showcase your favorite fresh herbs in this creamy dip recipe. You can use any combination you like but we recommend oregano, thyme, rosemary, dill, or tarragon. Try a combination of herbs to dress up a log of plain goat cheese.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread

It's always nice to round out your appetizer spread with a little something sweet. Here, cream cheese gets major fall flavor thanks to canned pumpkin and spices. Make it up to 24 hours before to plan to serve.

Caesar Dip with Vegetables

Rethink that ranch veggie dip! Here, we're blending up a garlicky cottage cheese dip that's brightened up with fresh lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Thanks to a quick spin in the food process, this dip recipe is extra smooth and creamy.

Marinated Antipasti

Meat and cheese platters are a party classic and for good reason! Take the flavor of your charcuterie to the next level by marinating salami, artichoke hearts, olives, and mozzarella balls in a lemony olive oil.

Pineapple-Black Bean Guacamole

Guacamole is always the first thing to go at parties. It's a total crowd-pleaser. Trade in the classic version for this sweet-and-salty combination. The no-cook dip gets its spice from salsa verde and fresh jalapeno peppers.