Making guacamole from scratch is simple and it tastes so much better than store-bought. Plus, avocados are healthy making this snack an all-around winner!...
Time: under 30 minutes
Appetizers and Snacks
Appetizers can be a casual snack, the center of attention at a cocktail party, or the precursor to an entree.
Find something for any occasion - from simple finger food to elegant hors d'oeuvres - dips, salsa, stuffed mushrooms, hot bites and cold nibbles, chicken wings and so many more tasty tidbits!
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Copycat Rosa Mexicano's Guacamole en Molcajete
Copycat Red Lobster's Pina Colada Dipping Sauce
Just three simple ingredients go into this copycat version of the popular dipping sauce served at Red Lobster. Goes great with coconut shrimp!
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat Ruth's Chris Crab Cakes
Crab meat mixed with creole mustard and creamy mayo makes some absolutely scrumptious cakes. Great appetizer to turn a steak dinner into a surf and turf meal.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Homemade Granola
A delicious homemade granola recipe that can be eaten as a snack, mixed with yogurt for breakfast, used as an ice cream topping, or in any recipe calling for granola.
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Copycat O'Charley's Three Cheese Shrimp Dip
Get ready for a dip that's cheese overload in the best possible way. This creamy, bubbly three cheese shrimp dip is the perfect party starter.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
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Fried Chitlins
Who doesn't love fried chitlins? They're salty, greasy, and delicious. Some people say they're an acquired taste, but we think anyone can enjoy them.
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Copycat Bonefish Grill's Warm Mango Salsa
You're going to want to put this marvelous mango and charred onion salsa on everything from fish tacos to tortilla chips.
Method: outdoor grill, microwave
Time: under 30 minutes
Deep Fried Broccoli
Deep-frying is a delicious way to enjoy this otherwise healthy vegetable. The broccoli is battered and then fried until it is crispy. Serve as an appetizer or side dish.
Method: deep fryer
Time: under 30 minutes
Artichoke Balls
These crispy baked artichoke balls are the perfect appetizer or side dish. They are easy to make and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 2-5 hours
Beau Monde Dill Dip
Dill and Beau-Monde seasoning pair up with mayo and sour cream for a creamy dip with a zing. Serve it with chips, bread, or crunchy veggies - you won't be disappointed!
Time: 2-5 hours
Copycat McDonald's Chicken McNuggets
This copycat recipe gets you perfect nuggets every time, fried to just the right golden brown that you remember.
Method: deep fryer
Time: 1-2 hours
Copycat Cracker Jacks Caramel Popcorn
Frederick William Rueckheim and his brother Louis created the first Cracker Jack treat in 1896. Their original recipe was a mix of popped popcorn and roasted...
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Simple Pickled Eggs
Eggs have long been pickled as a means of preserving. The eggs will take on the flavor of the brine used. This version uses a basic brine of vinegar, salt, pepper, and onions.
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Don Pablo's Queso Dip
Made with Corn chips, Triscuits or sliced vegetables, cheddar cheese, onion, butter, diced tomatoes with green chilies, stewed tomatoes, processed cheese
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat Bonefish Grill Saucy Shrimp Appetizer
Shrimp is sauteed in butter with kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes, tossed with a tomato-garlic sauce, and topped with feta cheese.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Dogs
Hot dog pieces (or "lil' smokies") are wrapped in bacon, coated in brown sugar, and then slow cooked until the bacon caramelizes. The ultimate party food!
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Baked Chinese Dumplings
Traditional Chinese pork dumplings are either fried or steamed. If you love the crispy flavor of the fried version but don't want the extra calories, try this oven-baked recipe.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Honey Roasted Almonds
These candied almonds make for an irresistible snack. The nuts are oven-baked before being stirred into a sweet honey mixture and cooled. They store well and make a great homemade...
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Slow Cooker Drunken Bourbon Dogs
These hot dog bites are made in the slow-cooker but they're ready fast. Sliced wieners cooked with bourbon, brown sugar, and onion are all ready to be stuck on a...
Method: crock pot
Time: 1-2 hours
Deep Fried Pork Meatballs
Deep-fried pork meatballs are a delicious and easy to make appetizer. The bread crumb coated meatballs are fried in hot oil until golden and served with your favorite dipping...
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Wonton Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
These appetizers might look like normal egg rolls at first, but make no mistake. With mozzarella and pepperoni inside, they're pizza rolls all the way.
Method: deep fryer, stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Peanut Butter Meatballs
The peanut butter adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor to these tender meatballs. Serve as is or with your favorite dipping sauce (try bbq!).
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Deviled Crab Meat Croquettes, Ybor style
Made with salt, bay leaf, sugar, parsley, tomato sauce, nutmeg, crab meat, dry sherry, eggs
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Copycat Zio's Artichoke Spinach Dip
Made with monterey jack cheese, Asagio or Parmesan cheese, half and half, salt, flour, yellow onion, marinated artichokes, lemon juice, artichoke heart juice, bacon...
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Copycat Olive Garden's Fried Mozzarella
If you love Mozzarella cheese, then you'll go crazy for this copycat recipe from the Olive Garden. Slices of Mozzarella cheese are breaded and fried to...
Method: deep fryer
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat McDonald's Honey Mustard Sauce
It's all about the ratio in this copycat Micky D's sauce. Make up a big batch so you can always have honey mustard on hand for chicken fingers, chicken...
Time: under 30 minutes
Creamy Cocktail Sauce
This cocktail sauce has mayo for creaminess and lemon juice for bite, plus any spicy ingredient you want to throw in to make it your signature seafood dipping sauce.
Time: under 30 minutes
Sweet Jalapeno Pickle Relish
Chopped jalapenos and cucumbers are packed in jars with sugar and vinegar to get that tangy flavor just right. Great condiment for hot dogs and sandwiches.
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Copycat Black Angus Garlic Cheese Bread
The secret ingredient for great cheesy garlic bread? French bread is covered with a gooey, garlicky two-cheese topping to mimic the garlic bread at the Black...
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Gruyere and Brie Fondue
Is fondue the ultimate fancy party food? It's definitely worth finding out with this gruyere, brie, and white wine recipe of melty perfection.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat Bennigan's Broccoli Bites
Made with eggs, Monterey jack cheese, Colby cheese, frozen chopped broccoli, bacon, yellow onion, all-purpose flour, bread crumbs, sour cream
Method: deep fryer
Time: 1-2 hours
Catupiry Cheese Substitute
Looking for a cheese that tastes like soft, mild Catupiry cheese, but without the hassle of sourcing it from Brazil? Look no further than this delicious substitute.
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Copycat McDonald's Hot Mustard Sauce For Nuggets
Ever wondered how to give your chicken nuggets a gourmet twist? Try this tangy sauce inspired by your favorite fast-food joint.
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat Buca Di Beppo Bruschetta
Bruschetta is the way to go for easy appetizers. This Buca Di Beppo copycat is a keeper - tomatoes, onion, and fresh basil on top of garlic-toasted bread.
Method: oven, outdoor grill
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat California Pizza Kitchen's Tuscan Hummus
Love hummus? Try this delicious copycat recipe of California Pizza Kitchen's popular appetizer made from cannellini beans instead of the typical...
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Easy Mini Crab Cakes
These quick and easy crab cake balls make a great appetizer for your next party. Serve with tartar sauce, mayo, or remoulade for dipping.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
French Fried Pickles Using Pancake Mix
Make an easy batter for fried pickle slices (or other finger food) by using prepared pancake mix as the coating.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
Tender meatballs made from a combination of pork and beef and served in a traditional-style sauce.
Method: crock pot, oven
Time: 2-5 hours
Spinach Souffle Stuffed Mushrooms
The spinach filling becomes light and puffy while it cooks. Even spinach-haters admit that they love these bite-sized appetizers.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Fontina And Gruyere Cheese Fondue
Don't miss out on the magic (and romance) of fondue just because you don't have a fondue pot. A good old crockpot works like a charm for making this melty...
Method: crock pot
Time: 30-60 minutes
Baked Blooming Onion
You can have your beautiful bloomin' onion without breaking out a deep fryer. This baked version cuts the calories down a bit making it a less guilty indulgence.
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Parmigiano Reggiano Frico
Crisps of baked Parmigiano Reggiano make gorgeous garnishes for salads, and are pretty tempting to snack on by themselves.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Batter Fried Mushrooms
Make this restaurant-worthy appetizer in your own kitchen. A parmesan, egg and flour batter gives the mushrooms that perfectly crispy golden-brown fry. Serve with some herb aioli...
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Easy Oysters Rockefeller
Oysters Rockefeller was created at Antoine's restaurant in New Orleans in 1899. This version uses the same original ingredients but with a simplified process.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Spicy Seafood Cocktail Sauce
This spicy sauce is perfect for dipping or topping boiled shrimp, steamed crab, and other seafood.
Time: 1-2 hours
Fried Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
Fried shrimp are the perfect appetizer or party snack: delicious, dippable, and easy to pop! Serve them with the creamy, tangy mayo dipping sauce.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat TGI Friday's Pot Stickers
Potstickers make a great lunch or snack. Make them at home just like they do at TGI Friday's and save yourself a trip to the crowded restaurant.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Pasta Skewers
Make-ahead party skewers made with cheese tortellini, salami, and stuffed olives, all marinated in Italian salad dressing before serving.
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Pickled Salmon
Use this pickled fish for canapes or other finger sandwiches (or, just as a snack straight from the jar!).
Time: over 5 hours
Copycat Red Lobster's Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Everyone's favorite stuffed mushrooms from Red Lobster is easy to copy at home.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Got leftovers? We've got recipes. 18 delicious recipes using cooked chicken (plus 9 bonus recipes!)
Love the spinach dip at restaurants like TGIFriday's and the Olive Garden? Make it at home with these easy-to-follow copycat recipes.
Pumpkins aren't just for pies or Halloween decorations. These large, orange gourds - while naturally sweet - also work well in savory dishes. They pair well with poultry and pork (and especially bacon) and their creamy-when-cooked texture blends easily into soups.