Delicious and Easy Hors D’oeuvres Ideas

Easy, quick, and full of flavor these hors d’oeuvres ideas will take your party to next level. Big on flavor and presentation these bite-sized recipes are perfect for entertaining.

I love hors d’oeuvres so much that I can make a meal of them. (And I have, on more than one occasion.) That may be why you will find a wide and growing array of appetizer recipes here at Inspired by Charm.

Why Hors D’oeuvres?

You might be wondering, What are hors d’oeuvres? Well, it’s just a fancy French term (pronounced or – durvs) used to describe a small dish (typically bite sized) before a meal. They are often passed around on trays and served with cocktails.

In this post, I’ve collected a variety of these hors d’oeuvres ideas. All of them are simple to make and sure to delight your guests. The most difficult part will be deciding which of these savory snacks to serve at your next event. I also have a fabulous list of cold appetizer recipes and party-ready fingers foods you’re going to need too.

Here are my top picks for some tasty hors d’oeuvres that your guests are going to love!

Served Cold

Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Roll-ups

Pretty, flavorful, and easy are three things I want in easy hors d’ oeuvres ideas, and this recipe checks off each of those boxes. To make these pinwheels, simply spread a mixture of cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic on a flour tortilla. Add some fresh basil leaves, and then tightly roll up the tortilla.

After being refrigerated for an hour or so, it’s ready to be sliced and plated.

Avocado-Pesto BLT Bites

Creating beautiful, delicious appetizers is among my favorite things to do in the kitchen. In this hors d’oeuvres recipe, I’ve accented bacon, baby arugula, and cherry tomatoes with an avocado-pesto sauce. I promise the look and flavor of these bites will wow you!

Antipasto Skewers

You’ll love these antipasto skewers. In this attention-grabbing presentation, traditional antipasto ingredients such as cured meats, cheeses, olives, cherry tomatoes, and artichoke hearts are served on skewers and drizzled with pesto. For an unexpected and fun touch, I also included a few cooked tortellini.

My goal was to start a lively conversation about the actual meaning of antipasto.

Brie, Fig, and Prosciutto Crostini

My mouth waters just thinking about a toasted slice of baguette layered with brie, fig jam, prosciutto, and arugula. Inspired by a charcuterie, this simple-to-make appetizer idea is perfect for a large gathering or an intimate dinner. I love easy finger foods like this!

Italian Sub Pinwheel Sandwiches

This easy hors d’oeuvres idea is a mashup of a traditional Italian sub and a pinwheel. You can quickly put together a couple of platters of Italian Sub Pinwheel Sandwiches for a shower, game-day celebration, or night-in with friends. All you need are flour tortillas, cream cheese, your favorite Italian seasonings, and sub fixings – pepperoni, salami, Provolone, tomatoes, mixed greens, and so on.

Jarcuteries

Looking for an appetizer that SHINES when it comes to flavor and presentation? Then you need a jarcuterie. These single-serving charcuteries assembled in a small jar are perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or even just a movie/game night with friends. 

Deviled Eggs with Bacon

Want to take deviled eggs to the next level? I’m showing you how to make The Best Deviled Eggs with Bacon. This classic hors d’oeuvre recipe received a flavorful upgrade with the help of crispy bacon. What’s not to love?

Mini Pumpkin Cheeseballs

These Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls just might be the perfect appetizer for all of your fall and Halloween gatherings. Not only are they adorable, but they are quite delicious too!

Turkey Bacon Cranberry Roll-Ups

If you’re looking for a simple but flavorful appetizer that’s easy to make, you need to try these Turkey Bacon Cranberry Roll-Ups. They make the perfect tasty treat for any occasion.

Prosciutto and Melon Bites

An Italian favorite, these Prosciutto and Melon Bites are an easy and delicious appetizer recipe perfect for summer entertaining or afternoon snack. This is a classic combination of salty and sweet that will never go out of style. In addition, a drizzle of balsamic glaze takes this prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe to whole new level. 

Served Warm

Roasted Parmesan Garlic Shrimp

Speaking of my mom, I served this classy appetizer at her 60th birthday bash. All I did was roast medium-sized raw shrimp that I had tossed with olive oil, spices, Parmesan, and fresh garlic. Before setting them out at the party, I sprinkled them with fresh lemon juice and whipped up cocktail sauce for dipping.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Peppers

Folks describe this hors d’oeuvre as a “party in your mouth,” and it only requires four ingredients: thick-sliced bacon, jalapeños, cream cheese, and Craisins. I suggest preparing plenty before your guests arrive because these peppers will disappear quickly. (This will also minimize time spent cooking during the festivities.)

Walnut and Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

These bite-sized portobellos are rich and substantial, making them an ideal nibble for fall and winter. The stuffing is a combination of bread crumbs, sour cream, herbs, blue cheese, and walnuts. I like to feature them on a grazing station or as an amuse-bouche.

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

My take on this tried-and-true recipe uses whole water chestnuts and thick-cut bacon. But what really sets this easy hors d’oeuvres recipe apart from the usual version is the sauce made from mayonnaise, brown sugar, chili sauce, and cranberries. I especially love the tartness and crunch from the cranberries.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Wonton Cups

Chicken, bacon, and ranch create one of my favorite flavor combos! Consequently, I put the three together and packed them into adorable wonton cups to make these tasty Chicken Bacon Ranch Wonton Cups. They are a delicious yet simple appetizer recipe you’ll love for entertaining. 

Artichoke Wonton Wrappers

At my request, my mom often serves this classic appetizer at our family’s Christmas Eve get-together. Baked in a mini muffin pan, this simple-but-fancy-looking savory snack features a warm and creamy artichoke mixture inside a crunchy wonton. What more could you want?

Cranberry Brie Bites

Made with rich and creamy brie, homemade cranberry sauce, and mini phyllo shells, these Cranberry Brie Bites are an easy, unique, and flavorful appetizer perfect for the holiday season. 

Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

If you’re looking for a delicious holiday appetizer, you’re in luck because I’m sharing the recipe for these delicious Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp. 

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppadew Peppers

These Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppadew Peppers are a delicious bite-sized appetizer that’s ideal for the holidays.

Roasted Tomato And Burrata Crostini

Tomatoes that have been slow roasted in the oven top crispy bread and creamy burrata to create a delicious appetizer that’s big on summertime flavor. You’re going to love these Tomato and Burrata Crostini.

Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup

These mini grilled cheese sandwiches served in a small glass of tomato soup just might be the most epic hors d’oeuvres idea.

Essential Hors D’oeuvres Tips

Following my recipes is pretty simple, but I still wanted to share some essential tips! Follow them, and your party is sure to be a hit.

Make Them Ahead of Time

When you make these hours d’oeuvres ahead of schedule, you will free up your time before the party. It’s so much less stressful this way. In each recipe, I share tips on how to store your appetizers, so follow those tips and free up your time for other pre-party tasks.

Use Similar Ingredients

You’ll save yourself a lot of money if you buy ingredients in larger quantities. So, try to plan out your appetizers so that you can use some of the same ingredients in multiple recipes. For example, make more than one recipe with cream cheese so you can buy it in bulk.

Make Sure They Are Visually Appealing

As you put them together, take your time. Hors d’oeuvres should be enticing and beautiful. Relax and take a little extra care to make them look beautiful on the platter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we get to the amazing list of recipes, I want to answer some questions people often have about hors d’oeuvres. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.

Are hors d’oeuvres the same as appetizers?

Even though people tend to use these terms interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Hor d’oeuvres are not part of a meal, but appetizers often are. People will eat appetizers before their main course. However, hor d’oeuvres are served separately from the meal.

When do you serve hors d’oeuvres?

When you serve them depends on how many pieces you think you will serve each guest. They are typically served along with cocktails before dinner, and you don’t want your guests to fill up on them and not have room for dinner.

For lighter hors d’oeuvres, serve them about an hour before dinner. For heavier (more pieces per person), serve them about 1.5-2 hours before dinner.

Why is it important that hor d’oeuvres are in one or two bites?

They should be one or two-bite morsels because they are intended to stimulate the palate and appetite before the main meal. They are not intended to replace a meal.

Favorite Serving Pieces

I believe that any recipe looks better when presented in a beautiful way, and these are some of my favorite service pieces to make your recipe look its best!

• Serving Bowl
• Square Platter
• Cuarto Platters (All sizes)
• Wood and Marble Cake Stand
• Cambridge Platters
• Shallow Serving Dish
• Large Woven Serving Tray
• White Staub Rectangular Bakers
• Small Serving Bowls

I hope all of these hors d’oeuvres ideas have inspired you. Let me know which ones you plan to make!

More easy hors d’oeuvres you will love:

• Delicious and Easy Dip Recipes
• The Ultimate Holiday Appetizers
• Cozy Fall Appetizer Recipes
• Game Day Snack Recipes

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