29 Dishes To Bring To A Party When You Forgot To Plan Ahead

Holiday parties have a way of sneaking up on you, and suddenly you’re scrambling for something to bring. Instead of panic-grabbing a sad tray of cookies at the grocery store, throw together something that looks like you had it planned all week. These recipes are quick, easy, and way more impressive than they have any right to be. From creamy dips to fancy-looking bites, they’re the kind of dishes that make you look like you’ve got your life together, even if you don’t.

Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Melted cheese gets a spicy kick in this chipotle fundido dip. Serve it hot with chips, bread, or veggies, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “party snack.”
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Melon Mozzarella Prosciutto Skewers

Sweet melon, salty prosciutto, and fresh mozzarella come together on these simple skewers. They’re quick to assemble, light, and great for any gathering where you want to bring something no-fuss.
Get the Recipe: Melon Mozzarella Prosciutto Skewers

Cheesy Edamame Crostini

Crunchy bread topped with cheesy, lemony edamame is a great appetizer when you want something a little different. It’s easy, quick, and guaranteed to stand out on the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Edamame Crostini

Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Creamy white bean dip gets a flavor boost from roasted garlic and a smooth texture from cottage cheese. It’s quick to make, packed with protein, and great with crackers, chips, or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Whipped Goat Cheese Dip

Whipped goat cheese with roasted garlic and rosemary makes for a smooth, tangy dip. Bring along crackers, bread, or veggies, and you’re set for a great appetizer everyone will dig into.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Goat Cheese Dip

Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus

This festive hummus combines creamy butternut squash with cranberries and pomegranates for a holiday-ready dip. It looks great on the table and tastes even better.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus

Cranberry Cheddar Sausage Balls

These sausage balls combine savory sausage, sharp cheddar, and tangy cranberries into bite-sized snacks that are perfect for the holidays or game days. Serve them with cranberry sauce, and you’re golden.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cheddar Sausage Balls

Pomegranate Salsa

Bright, colorful, and festive, this pomegranate salsa works great as a dip or taco topper. It’s the kind of holiday appetizer that looks like you went all out without actually spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Salsa

Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip

Butternut squash and goat cheese come together for a creamy, festive dip topped with tart cherry compote. Serve it with pita chips or bread, and it’s ready to go for any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip

Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Crostini

Smoked salmon meets creamy goat cheese with a hint of lemon and dill on crisp baguette slices. It’s a quick, no-stress appetizer that looks impressive, which makes it perfect when you’re in a last-minute rush.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Crostini

Baked Ricotta Dip

This cheesy baked ricotta dip is warm, flavorful, and ready fast. It’s the perfect grab-and-go appetizer for parties, game days, or any time you need a snack that people will keep coming back for.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Dip

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic for a reason—easy to whip up, crowd-friendly, and always a hit. They’re great for any gathering, and if you’re in a time crunch, use the Instant Pot to get those eggs done even faster.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Whipped Ricotta With Honey

Light and creamy whipped ricotta gets a sweet touch from honey and a boost from fresh herbs. It’s easy to make, works for any gathering, and tastes great served with bread or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta With Honey

Kalamata Olive and Fig Tapenade

This 10-minute tapenade combines salty Kalamata olives with sweet figs for a big burst of flavor. It’s the kind of last-minute dish that feels effortless but always impresses.
Get the Recipe: Kalamata Olive and Fig Tapenade

Cottage Cheese Taco Dip

This creamy taco dip keeps things light but still hits all the bold flavors you expect. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a party spread when you don’t have time to think twice about what to bring.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Taco Dip

Spicy Dill Pickle Dip with Jalapeño

Creamy, tangy, and packed with a kick, this dip brings spicy jalapeños and dill pickles together in the best way. Adjust the heat level to suit your crowd, and you’ve got a snack everyone will talk about.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Dill Pickle Dip with Jalapeño

Chipotle Hummus

Give your hummus a bold upgrade with smoky chipotle peppers. Made in minutes with pantry staples, this dip works perfectly with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Hummus

Champagne Tastes: Burrata Caprese

This burrata caprese is a fresh, bright appetizer made with creamy burrata, tomatoes, and basil. It’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect when you need something that feels special without any extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Tastes: Burrata Caprese

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with shredded chicken, this buffalo chicken dip never lasts long. It’s the ultimate party food for game days or holiday gatherings—just bring chips, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Grilled Prawns

These grilled prawns are juicy, tender, and ready in no time. Cook them with garlic butter in their shells to lock in flavor, and you’ve got a no-fail appetizer that feels like you planned ahead.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Prawns

Chicken and Mushroom Vol-au-Vents

Creamy chicken and mushrooms tucked inside golden, flaky puff pastry—this appetizer is as easy as it is impressive. It’s perfect for the holidays or when you need a quick dish that looks like you put in more effort than you did.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Mushroom Vol-au-Vents

Million Dollar Crack Dip

This creamy, cheesy crack dip is packed with bacon and ranch seasoning—basically, a guaranteed party hit. Once you put it out, don’t expect to bring any leftovers home.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Crack Dip

Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy caviar is fresh, colorful, and loaded with flavor. Serve it with chips, over tacos, or as a salad topping—it’s quick to make and great for any kind of get-together.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Hummus Recipe With Tahini

Creamy and easy to make, this classic hummus with tahini is the perfect dip for pita bread, crackers, or veggies. Skip the store-bought stuff and whip this up in no time.
Get the Recipe: Hummus Recipe With Tahini

Chick-Fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets

Save yourself the drive-thru trip and make these Chick-Fil-A-style grilled nuggets at home. They’re fast, simple, and taste just like the real thing.
Get the Recipe: Chick-Fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets

Cream Cheese and Spinach Pinwheels

Puff pastry filled with creamy spinach and cheese makes for a crowd-friendly appetizer that’s ready in a snap. Perfect for holiday parties or potlucks when you need something people will keep grabbing.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese and Spinach Pinwheels

Buffalo Chickpea Dip

This buffalo chickpea dip brings bold buffalo sauce flavor without the chicken. It’s creamy, spicy, and so good that even the meat-lovers won’t miss a thing.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chickpea Dip

Authentic Guacamole

Fresh, simple, and loaded with flavor, this guacamole uses ripe avocados, lime, jalapeño, and cilantro to hit all the right notes. It’s the perfect dip for chips, tacos, or just about anything else.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Guacamole

Patatas Bravas

These crispy potatoes topped with a tangy sauce are a Spanish favorite that’s easy to throw together. They’re great as an appetizer, a snack, or even a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Patatas Bravas