9 Affordable, Low-Effort Appetizers That Still Look Fancy

  1. Pastry Pigs in a Blanket – Get over yourself, these are undefeated. Grab the Trader Joe’s ones, bake them till golden, and serve with Dijon or truffle aioli if you wanna be extra.

  2. Whipped Ricotta & Honey Crostini – Toast a baguette, spread some whipped ricotta, drizzle honey, and hit it with flaky salt. Looks gourmet, takes 5 minutes.

  3. Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil on a toothpick. Drizzle balsamic glaze over them like you own Carbone.

  4. Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Crackers – Fancy crackers + herbed cream cheese + smoked salmon + chives = everyone thinking you’re that gworl.

  5. Mediterranean Hummus Plate – Spread store-bought hummus on a plate, swirl it around, drizzle olive oil, and top with feta, olives, and pine nuts. Serve with pita chips and pretend you made it from scratch.

  6. Baked Brie with Jam & Nuts – Pop a wheel of brie in the oven till melty, top with fig jam and crushed pecans, and serve with crackers. Don’t let the sweetness catch you slippin’. Need I remind you: your back.

  7. Chocolate-Dipped Citrus Slices – Take orange or blood orange slices, dip them halfway in dark chocolate, sprinkle with flaky salt, and let them set. Looks like art, tastes like luxury.

  8. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon – Salty, sweet, and requires nothing but wrapping some prosciutto around melon slices.

  9. Fancy Popcorn Mix – Take store-bought popcorn and hit it with parmesan and truffle salt or a drizzle of dark chocolate. Boom, done.

I understand that this is dairy-heavy, but in this life we must embrace the fact that some of us have the appetite of Em Rata and some of us have the appetite of Shawty Bae - this is the cross I must bear. Get your gluten-free, dairy-free options here, you freaks.

Previous
Previous

9 (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Low-Effort Appetizers That Still Look Fancy

Next
Next

Hosting 101: A Low-Stress Guide for the Busy but Well-Intentioned