But that doesn’t mean the food has to be fancy.

Some of the bestappetizersare the simple ones that come off like you’re not trying too hard.

The next time you’re in panic mode, take a breath and try one of these last-minute appetizers.

Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Serve extra toppings on the side so guests can customize to their liking.

Give watermelon a punch or heat and a nice a nice vinegary bite with a drizzle of pepper sauce.

Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.

Fried Pickle Chips

Credit: Alison Miksch

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

This one is for serious cheese lovers.

Prosciutto, dried figs, and smoked almonds give this quick snack a decidedly gourmet spin.

Tomato-Sandwich Toasts

Add a pop of summery flavor and color to the party.

Pulled Pork Nachos

Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

Melty cheese?

It’s a no-brainer.

Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers

We’ll never tire of finding new ways to enjoy pimiento cheese.

million dollar dip on a tray with crudites and crackers

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Sweet-spicy jarred Peppadew peppers make this no-cook appetizer a snap.

Serve alongside pepper jelly for spreadable flair.

From game days to birthdays, it fits in anywhere.

Southern Living Pepper Sauce Watermelon Wedges on a blue platter to serve

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The recipe blends a country-cooking staple with a traditional Middle Eastern dip and turns it into a real crowd-pleaser.

Red pepper jelly, pecans, and flaky sea salt add major texture and flavor.

Creamy Crab Dip

Sometimes a recipe is a classic for a reason.

Creamy Spinach-Ricotta Crostini

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They’re almost too easy to pop into your mouth without missing a beat at the party.

Those four ingredients are all it takes.

Basic Pimiento Cheese

Is it really a party without this spread?

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

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This is a great option for potlucks and picnics because it travels well.

They bring a bright, almost citrusy note to the mix.

This 20-minute appetizer is always an easy option when in a pinch.

Southern Living Charcuterie-Board Snack Mix in a bowl to serve

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Picnic Egg Salad

These elegant egg toasts turn a picnic staple and into a party appetizer.

Chopped radishes add a surprising spicy note and hint of color.

Serve with a variety of quick dips for an easy party spread.

Rosemary-Bacon Nut Mix

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Creamy Avocado Dip

Short on avocados, but still craving guacamole?

Guacamole

This fresh guacamole recipe combines all of them and turns a classic dip into something special.

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

Frozen mini phyllo pastry shells are the unsung hero of entertaining.

Southern Living Tomato-Sandwich Toasts

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The flaky cups can be filled and baked with anything on hand for an impressive-looking appetizer.

This version has a delicious blend of gourmet mushrooms, fresh herbs, and Gruyere.

Lump Crab Mornay

This dip comes together in one pot on the stovetop.

Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Canned chopped green chilies and sliced jalapenos add the right amount of heat to this rich, creamy dip.

Serve over crunchy Bibb lettuce leaves for a portable, but also light appetizer that doesn’t spoil dinner.

Herbed-Goat Cheese Spread

No need to pull out fancy equipment to make this 5-minute spread.

Southern Living Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers on a blue platter to serve

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Combine chopped fresh herbs with goat cheese and serve with baguette slices and radishes.

Want to spice it up?

Add a kick by stirring grated fresh ginger or diced jalapeno chile in the pan along with the garlic.

Crispy Cheese Wafers

Top the cheese round with a delightfully orange-spiked mixture of pomegranate seeds and juice and chopped pistachios.

Tomato Tea Sandwiches

These mini tomato sandwiches will delight any Southern crowd.

The cream cheese spread features a fresh herb sauce.

Smoky Snack Mix

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Toasting the bread provides a crunch, while red onion adds bite.

Trim the crusts for a more elegant presentation.

Guests wont get enough of these bites made with smoked salmon, potato chips, and creme fraiche.

Baked Brie Bites

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

This dish is a great way to use leftover ham.

Tomato-And-Watermelon Salad

A five-star recipe that comes together in no time?

We’re here for it.

Creamy Crab Dip Recipe

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Juicy tomatoes and sweet watermelon star in this summer appetizer that’s perfect when you’re in a pinch.

), you could make a speedy, no-fuss dip that has quite the kick.

Pair this creamy dip with chips or veggie sticks at your next gathering.

Mini Caprese Bites

Credit: William Dickey

This old-school salad will be welcomed back by friends and family because it’s creamy.

meaty, and satisfying.

Plus, it comes together in no time and is perfect paired with crackers.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Credit: Southern Living

Best Waldorf Salad

Don’t forget about all the delicious salads that make great starters.

A delicious assortment perfect for warm-weather potlucks.

Kentucky Benedictine Sandwiches

Doesn’t need to be Derby Day to enjoy these bite-size, 8-ingredient sandwiches.

Basic Pimiento Cheese

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Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

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texas caviar in a bowl

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Picnic Egg Salad on Toast

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Southern Living Butter Baked Saltines on a platter to serve

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Creamy Avocado Dip

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Smoked-Fish Dip

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Southern Living Classic Guacamole in a bowl to serve with tortilla chips on the side

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Lump Crab Mornay

Curdités Platter

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Katie Jacobs

Caesar Salad Bites

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick/Prop Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell/Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

Credit: Victor Protasio

West Indies Crab Salad

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Herbed-Goat Cheese Spread

Credit: Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Shrimp with Honey-Garlic Sauce

Credit: Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Baked brie with pomegranate and pistachios on a white plate

Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Tomato Tea Sandwiches

Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapes

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Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad

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Southern Living Watermelon Tomato Salad in a bowl to serve

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Southern Living 7-Layer Salad in a bowl to serve with serving spoons beside

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Southern Living Creamy Jalapeño Dip in a bowl to serve with vegetables.

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Ham salad with saltine crackers - Southern Living

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Southern Living Waldorf Salad in a bowl to serve

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Southern Living Corn and Tomato Salad in a serving bowl to serve

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Southern Living Cantaloupe Salad with Chile-Lime Dressing on a platter to serve

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Southern Living Arabic Salad in a bowl to serve

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Southern Living Cucumber Sandwiches on a platter to serve

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Southern Living Kentucky Benedictine Sandwiches on a tray to serve

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Southern Living Radishes with Miso-Sesame Butter on a platter to serve

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