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    Home / Roundups

    9 Simple Appetizers with 5 Ingredients or Less

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Mar 27, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Collage of appetizer images: a hand holding a chip with dip, puff pastry bites, glazed sausages, and stuffed quesadillas. Text reads: "Easy | Simple | Tasty Appetizer Recipes with 5 Ingredients or Less".

    I love having a few easy appetizer recipes up my sleeve, especially when time is tight and I don’t want to overthink things. Simple recipes with just a handful of ingredients make entertaining stress-free, whether I’m hosting friends or just need a quick snack. These appetizers prove that you don’t need a long grocery list to put together something everyone will reach for.

    Stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and meat, garnished with herbs, served with dips on a white plate.
    Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Dehydrated Strawberries in an Air Fryer

    Dehydrated Strawberries in an Air Fryer.
    Dehydrated Strawberries in an Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A simple way to enjoy fruit with a crisp texture, these air-fried strawberries require minimal effort and just one key ingredient. Perfect for quick snacking or as a topping, they store well and add natural sweetness to any dish. Using an air fryer speeds up the drying process compared to traditional methods. With only one ingredient, this is an easy option when time and simplicity are priorities. A great choice when looking for something light with minimal prep.
    Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Strawberries in an Air Fryer

    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

    Bacon wrapped pineapple on a white plate.
    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This combination of smoky bacon and sweet pineapple comes together in just minutes, making it a great last-minute option. Using the air fryer ensures a crisp texture without much effort. With only a handful of ingredients, it's easy to put together for any gathering. The balance of flavors makes it a go-to for quick snacks or party appetizers. Simple, quick, and full of contrast, this is a great way to bring bold flavors with minimal ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

    Beef Quesadillas

    A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate.
    Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These quesadillas offer a hearty option using only a few simple ingredients. A quick stovetop cook gives them a crisp exterior while keeping the filling warm and flavorful. They're great for casual meals or when you need something satisfying without a long ingredient list. Customizable with toppings, they work well for any occasion. Easy to assemble and quick to cook, they fit right into a busy schedule.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

    Buffalo Chicken Dip

    A hand holding a tortilla chip dipped in creamy Buffalo chicken dip, garnished with slices of green onion.
    Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A warm and creamy dip that brings bold flavor with just a handful of ingredients. Perfect for game days or casual get-togethers, it requires little effort to prepare. The smooth texture pairs well with chips, crackers, or vegetables. This is a quick way to serve something flavorful with minimal prep. A crowd-pleaser that keeps things simple while delivering bold taste.
    Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crisp bacon and sweet onions combine for a simple appetizer that cooks up quickly. With only a few ingredients, this is a hassle-free option for any occasion. The bacon adds a smoky contrast to the onion’s natural sweetness. Air frying or baking keeps things easy while achieving the right texture. A great way to bring bold flavor to the table with minimal work.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Homemade Baked Tortilla Strips

    Tortilla strips in wooden bowl.
    Homemade Baked Tortilla Strips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These crisp tortilla strips take just minutes to prepare and add texture to soups, salads, or dips. Baking keeps them light while maintaining the crunch needed for topping or snacking. With only a few ingredients, they’re an easy way to make something fresh at home. A simple way to use up tortillas while creating a versatile addition to meals. No extra steps—just a straightforward way to add crunch to any dish.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Baked Tortilla Strips

    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Smoky bacon and tender cabbage come together in this easy air fryer recipe. The simple ingredient list makes it a great way to serve a vegetable with added flavor. Cooking in the air fryer keeps the process quick while achieving a satisfying texture. This works well as a side dish or light appetizer with little effort. A no-fuss way to serve something warm and flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

    A bowl of bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages served on a bed of fresh green herbs.
    Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A classic party favorite, these bite-sized sausages wrapped in bacon require just a few ingredients. They cook quickly, making them ideal for gatherings when time is limited. The smoky, slightly sweet flavor makes them a go-to for snack trays and appetizers. With minimal prep, they’re easy to make in batches for larger groups. A simple way to serve something flavorful without extra hassle.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

    Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

    Close-up of a pastry topped with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
    Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A great balance of creamy and tart, these puff pastry bites use just a few key ingredients. The flaky pastry adds texture, while the brie and cranberry filling bring a mix of flavors. These bake up quickly, making them a great choice for holiday gatherings or last-minute appetizers. With minimal effort, they deliver a combination of richness and fruitiness. A simple way to serve something warm and inviting with very little prep.
    Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

    More Roundups

    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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