17 Super-Easy Appetizers That'll Make You Look Sophisticated

As a broke, inexperienced, young twentysomething, preparing these little snacks says, “Hey, I’m trying to be a real-world human being. Appreciate my class. And don't worry, I have guac, too.”

...Because when someone sets down a plate of apps, you know things are gettin' serious.

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1. Wine and Cheese

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A class act that is great to indulge in while your epic chicken dinner is cooking, or as a meal of its own. If your cheese to wine ratio is on, it’s a balanced meal, right? Get the recipe.

2. Pickle & Ham Pinwheels

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This go-to platter can be rolled and toothpicked in minutes, especially since you should always have a jar of pickles in your fridge. Get the recipe.

3. Puff Pastry Wrapped Brie

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After baking, dig into this crispy-yet-melty bundle of heaven with apples or crackers. Get the recipe.

4. Cheese'N'Sausage Balls With Dip

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Can’t go wrong with these baked balls. Cheesy, meaty and overall pleasing with a side of creamy mustard dip. Get the recipe.

5. Salmon Dip

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Your taste buds might not be sophisticated enough to handle a full salmon fillet, but ease yourself and your friends into the tasty world of seafood with this incredible salmon dip. Quick, someone grab the crackers or we’re gonna use our hands. Get the recipe.

6. Not-Your-Average Chips

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Save your Doritos, Tostitos, or any “ito” family member for your drunchie fix, and satisfy your craving with a refined variation of apple, kale or sweet potato chips. Get the recipe.

7. Dining Hall Bruschetta

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Learning how to navigate the dining hall is an under-appreciated skill that should be acceptable on resumes. Even though there are plenty #collegefood fails, there are also some wins, like this bruschetta courtesy of the salad bar.

8. Marinated Olives

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Quick, easy, salty, savory, juicy —all things we love, especially when it comes to olives. Add a dirty martini to your pre-dinner shenanigans and have a real party. Get the recipe.

9. Roasted Chickpeas

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Last time we checked, chickpeas are the new quinoa in the world of health foods, so nosh on these semi-guilt free roasted chickpeas all you want.

10. Bacon Wrapped Dates

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Bacon wrapped dates are a no-brainer, especially when you stuff them with rosemary and goat cheese.

11. Three Easy/Healthy Dips

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Salsa + carrots.

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Black bean dip + tortilla chips.

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Sweet cinnamon dip + apples.

Whether it’s the black bean, salsa, or sweet apple dip, these dips will help your maintain your swim suit (or birthday suit) body.

12. Chocolate Pretzel Bites

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Since you’re only kind of a grown up, you can kind of get away with having dessert for an appetizer. Emphasis on the kind of, but regardless it’s still a trendy pairing of sweet and salty. Get the recipe.

13. Parmesan-Baked Edamame

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They’re like the roasted chickpeas less-hipster cousin, but their melt-in-your-mouth coating makes up for it. Get the recipe.

14. Homemade Spring Rolls

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Take out is tempting, but put down the phone, you can do this. Show your friends who’s boss in the kitchen before the real meal even comes out by making your own spring rolls.

15. Bacon Jalapeño Poppers

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Watch out, these little rolls will getcha. Get the recipe.

16. Shrimp Nachos

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Nachos have met their match in shrimp. There's nothing fishy about this casual but crowd-pleasing combo. Get the recipe.

17. DIY Guacamole

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You can’t go wrong with a bag of chips and zesty guac. Plus, you don’t have to wait for a waiter to bring out another bowl when you devour it in minutes (seconds*).

Spoon University is an online food publication a for college students by college students. Its blogging network has more than 900 student contributors at 35 campuses nationwide. This list was compiled by Rachel Williamson. Follow Spoon University on Facebook.