Appetizers and Snacks

Make an impression at your next party with these sophisticated goat cheese and truffle oil crostini.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with fresh baby bella mushrooms, butter, prosciutto, fresh chives, cream cheese, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, dried tarragon, black pepper

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

Made with pickled jalapeno pepper, cilantro, tortilla chips, pico de gallo, milk, cream cheese, Colby-Jack cheese, salad shrimp, water, Old Bay seasoning

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Crawfish boils are serious business, don't let anybody tell you otherwise. That's why this recipe serves 25 - because if it's worth doing, it's worth doing well enough to throw...

Method:   campfire, outdoor grill
Time:   1-2 hours

Made with picante sauce, guacamole, sour cream, bacon, flour tortilla, butter, pico de gallo, colby/monterey jack cheese

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Every day we send out a featured recipe and our editor's favorite picks. Don't miss out!

Simple, refreshing, and packed with flavor, this pina colada fruit dip is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite fresh fruits.


Time:   1-2 hours

Thick and chunky is the way to go with guacamole. This recipe adds a little picante sauce for a fiery touch, but you could also opt for a diced jalapeno.


Time:   2-5 hours

Made with cream of tartar, eggs, butter, flour, salt, dry mustard, white pepper, whole milk, white cheese

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Raw, green pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas) are underrated. This recipe roasts the seeds with cumin, chile and salt for a flavorful pepita that's great to pop as a snack or add to homemade...

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

Made with jalapeno chiles, carrots, white onion, water, white wine vinegar, bay leaves, allspice berries, whole cloves, sugar, olive oil

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

There's something about the tartness of a lime that makes it the perfect complement to the salty flavor of these margarita chips.

Method:   deep fryer, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Say goodbye to your standard snack and hello to a crunchy treat of fried calamari accompanied by an addictive roasted garlic lime aioli, a match made...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   1-2 hours

Let these shrimp toasts be the life of your next party. Chopped shrimp baked onto little triangular toasts are only a little quicker to eat than they are to make.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

These delicious dumplings are made with a pork filling that is delicately seasoned, and they are seared and then steamed until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

This substantial tuna dip gets a shock of heat from horseradish that is awesome on crackers, loaded up into celery sticks, or spread onto rice cakes.


Time:   2-5 hours

Made with refrigerated crescent rolls, salt and pepper, eggs, cheese, cooked ham, green onions

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

A warm dip made with spinach, marinated artichoke hearts, portobello mushrooms, herbs and seasonings, sour cream, and three kinds of cheese.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Anybody know what genius first decided to cover pretzels in chocolate? This ultra-easy recipe makes a great homemade version of the classic sweet and salty morsel.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

A Mexican one-two punch: the fajita quesadilla! Sauteed chicken, peppers, and onions pressed with cheese in flour tortillas is genius. Great with sour cream or salsa.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with roasted red peppers, sliced pitted ripe olives, refrigerated pizza crust dough, garbanzo beans, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, feta cheese with sun-dried tomatoes...

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Feta and cream cheese are layered with pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto to create a dip that is not only tasty but also impressive to look at.


Time:   1-2 hours

This queso doesn't mess around! Two kinds of cheese are melted with dark beer, and chopped chipotle peppers are stirred in to heat things up.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

A traditional Italian recipe of diced vegetables simmered in a vinegar mixture. Served as a side dish to fish or as an appetizer.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

This guacamole uses green salsa (made with tomatillos) instead of the traditional tomato salsa. The green salsa gives it a little extra tart bite that pairs well with salty...


Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with paprika, eggs, black pepper, potato, pickle relish, mustard, mayonnaise or salad dressing, salt

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

For a casual snack, try this grilled ranch bread, where French bread gets a buttery ranch treatment and a quick turn under the broiler.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

A good Cuban sandwich is unbeatable. The combination of roast pork and Swiss balanced by the crisp bite of dill pickle hits the spot. Slice them up small to throw on a party...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

This snack mix has just the right balance of salty (peanuts, sesame sticks, cashews) and sweet (chocolate chips, yogurt covered raisins, dried cranberries) that makes it so...


Time:   under 30 minutes

These mushroom puffs are filled with cream cheese, mushrooms, and spices, all wrapped in crispy puff pastry. They're quick to prepare and make for an ideal appetizer or snack.

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

When a party kicks off with bruschetta, it can't help but be a good one. Crispy baked bread and tomatoes are standard, but the fresh herbs really make this recipe...

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Whoa, flavor alert. Think Asian-style hummus, with edamame instead of chickpeas and bold flavors like ginger and wasabi in place of cumin.


Time:   under 30 minutes

These tiny turkey burgers make the perfect slider. Serve as an appetizer or multiple ones for a meal. If the turkey mixture is too soft to form the burgers, try refrigerating it...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Fast, easy and low in fat. This simple dip is made with non-fat sour cream, fat-free mayo, and gets its extra onion-y flavor from green onions, onion soup mix, and dried...


Time:   1-2 hours

You'd better bet a Mexican sauce has jalapeno and lime in it. This cocktail sauce gives shrimp a south-of-the-border kick. Add the splash of tequila for the full experience.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Let homemade pickles become your new project (and new addiction). Great for gifts or impressing your neighbors at the next cookout.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

Made with cayenne pepper, parsley, pita breads, frozen spinach, yeast, onion, tomatoes, fresh mushrooms, garlic, basil

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

A tasty dip that calls for brining the shrimp first to add extra flavor and tenderize it a bit. Also contains imitation crab, green onions, yogurt, and cream cheese.


Time:   2-5 hours

Made with popcorn, butter, paprika, lemon pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

This no-cook fresh tomato salsa is the perfect addition to any summer meal. It is quick and easy to make, and can be made ahead of time.


Time:   1-2 hours

This sensational dipping sauce made with fresh ginger and sesame oil adds a serious punch of flavor to some potstickers or other dumplings of choice.


Time:   under 30 minutes

You read that right, there are chips IN this dip. The crushed potato chips give a little texture and a light salty flavor to this otherwise savory clam dip.


Time:   1-2 hours

Want some hummus but don't have any chickpeas on hand? No problem, some black-eyed peas fill in nicely. Try it with pita chips or as a healthy dip for carrots and celery.


Time:   1-2 hours

Crisp on the outside, meaty crab on the inside. Serve with a remoulade, tartar sauce, chili sauce, or another favorite dipping sauce.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Elegant and delicious, shrimp cocktail is a popular dish that can be served as an appetizer or even as the main course.


Time:   over 5 hours

These baked chicken nuggets are healthier than their deep fried counterparts so you can feel good about serving them to your family

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with bamboo shoots, pork loin, fatback, sesame oil, rice wine or dry sherry, cornstarch, egg white, salt, sugar, white pepper

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Made with scallops, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, dry sherry, spring onions, oyster sauce, lemon or lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

A great snack or appetizer. Warm cashews are combined with melted butter, rosemary, cayenne, brown sugar, and salt.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with egg, oil, lump crab meat, red bell pepper, onion, garlic, lemon, salt, black pepper, Old Bay seasoning

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Lomi lomi is the Hawaiian phrase for massage. Traditionally you would "massage" the salmon and other ingredients with your hands but feel free to use a utensil if...


Time:   under 30 minutes