Holiday parties are the perfect excuse to shop for new clothes, show off your gift-wrapping skills, and try new recipes. If you plan on being the host of most parties, or you tend to be the guest this time of year, there are plenty of dishes to suit any occasion. Appetizers are always the most memorable part of a holiday party and the easiest to feed a crowd. Sure, there's something to love about a festive cocktail or classic side dish, but quick and easy bites are ideal for any seasonal gathering.
It's never a good idea to show up empty-handed, especially during giving season, so you'll want to have a few things ready in the kitchen. Here are 10 party snack ideas that require no more than three ingredients. The fewer ingredients you need, the less likely you are to forget something when you're walking through a crowded grocery store aisle. Plus, cleanup will be a breeze.
Read on to find some three-ingredient recipes for every holiday party you have this year. Then go ahead and make your shopping list...and check it twice.
1. Coconut Cookies
Even if you've been eating cookies all winter, these coconut cookies won't be as boring as the other cookies you leave for Santa. Using only banana, coconut and vanilla extracts, these bite-sized candies are sure to please.
2. Chicken wings
It's important to have savory options to offset all the sweetness this season brings. With chicken wings, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce, you can make an app that will be featured on at least one Instagram story that night. Be sure to serve it with a napkin.
3.Peanut Butter Brownies
Don’t underestimate the power of brownies at the dessert table. It would be nice to have a change of pace during cookie season. This delicious user came up with this brownie recipe that calls for peanut butter, flour, and eggs. If you happen to have them on hand, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, icing sugar, or nuts can add a little flavor.
4. Cheese sauce
Is there an appetizer that's as crowd-pleasing as cheese dip? Upgrade from using cans and serve with any chips, veggies or crackers you want with the three-ingredient substitutions provided by Cooking Classy.
5. Pot meatballs
Bonus points for this simple suburban recipe that requires almost no maintenance or kitchen skills. These sweet and savory meatballs are made in the slow cooker, so all you have to do is throw together all three ingredients (tomato chili sauce, grape jelly, and meatballs) and let it do its thing.
6. Chili pepper
Hot stews are the perfect way to stay warm when it's cold, and this simple recipe from I Heart Nap Time adds flavor to a regular can of chili. Read: no chopping required.
7. Macaroni and cheese
Leite's Culinaria's genius three-ingredient macaroni and cheese recipe will taste homemade with love (because that's what it is). The only difference is that this version can be ready in 20 minutes—all you need is macaroni, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese.
8. Popcorn Chicken
Get it: You can bread the chicken with chips instead of bread crumbs. This recipe uses Doritos and the popcorn chicken is served with mayonnaise. If you have it on hand, you can probably use other delicious fries like BBQ or sour cream and onions. Is Mayo not right for you? Any sauce such as ketchup or honey mustard can be used for dipping.
9. Peanut Butter Cups
After all, the peanut butter center is the best part of Reese's. Replicate your favorite candy flavors with peanut butter, banana and coconut oil. It's that simple.
10. Turtle Pretzels
Look no further for bite-sized snacks that will keep your guests coming back for more. Turtle Pretzels are inspired by Turtle Chocolate Skewers, using pretzels, Rolos and whole pecans.
