Easy Party Snacks to Make in 10 Minutes or Less

If, like me, your desire to entertain sometimes conflicts with your schedule, then you probably find yourself scrambling to make a few bites to make and serve that are party-worthy and easy. These fun, tasty snacks come together in minutes, and allow you to enjoy the party instead of stressing over the stove.   

Make your snacks a little extra

Pop popcorn (or make it even easier and buy a bag). Scatter popcorn on a rimmed baking sheet, then heat it in an oven heated to 375°F for about three minutes, to warm it up and release the oils. Remove the pan from the oven, then sprinkle grated Parmesan and grind some black pepper on top. Return the pan to the oven to heat for another three minutes, then serve the chips or popcorn in a bowl. This technique also works well with potato chips and mixed nuts; try it with garam masala, za’atar, or other spice blends. 

Lean on simple toppings

Yes, of course we love a fancy dip or spread, but even simple toppings will create a fun party spread. Spread plain butter or a flavored compound butter on crackers, and sprinkle them with salt or spices or herbs. Or make a version of that Spanish tapas favorite, pan con tomate: Rub toasted bread or crostini with a garlic clove for an extra hit of flavor, and serve it with a fresh tomato grated with a box grater. Serve it with a hunk of Parmesan broken into pieces — it's a simple way to serve cheese without putting a whole board together.

Dive into a marinade

Olives are a party standard, but make your stand out by marinating them in garlic, chiles, and citrus — the marinade ingredients add to the presentation. You can do the same with cheese, and marinate feta with peppercorns, herbs, and garlic.

Crisp up charcuterie

Prosciutto and salami are wonderful on their own, but are even more interesting when you bake them in the oven to make them crispy. Take a tip from Bad Roman restaurant in New York and serve pepperoni chips. Simply place sliced pepperoni on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in an oven preheated to 400°F for 4 minutes until they are crispy, then serve them with ranch dressing or another dip. You can also use this method with thin slices of prosciutto or serrano ham. And, of course, spicey honey-glazed bacon is a sweet and savory snack.