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
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!
jump to the recipes
Copycat Cracker Jacks Caramel Popcorn
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
Muffaletta Olive Relish
This classic muffaletta relish is what ties the iconic sandwich together. The combination of green and black olives provide saucy complement to the mix of meats on the sandwich.
Time: 1-2 hours
Deep-Fried Cheese Curds
Deep-fried cheese curds are a hallmark food at midwest state fairs. Cheese curds can be found in the cheese or deli section at larger grocery stores.
Method: stovetop, deep fryer
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat Houston's Restaurant's Artichoke Spinach Dip
This dip is a hit at Houston's restaurant and it will be an even bigger hit at your next party!
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
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Copycat Rosa Mexicano's Guacamole en Molcajete
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
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 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
Pecan Pie Popcorn
The flavor of pecan pie in a tasty popcorn snack. Made with popcorn, pecans, maple syrup, butter, and brown sugar.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Mustard Pretzels
A combination of mustard, honey, and vinegar is mixed with the pretzels. They are baked until crisp and golden brown.
Method: oven
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
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
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
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 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
Ball Sweet Pickle Spears
Making your own pickles is a win/win. Not only can you use up summer cucumbers while they're at their best, you get the awesome feeling of making them from scratch.
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
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
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
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
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
Robert Duvall's Mother's Crab Cakes
Made with Ritz crackers, dry mustard, crab meat, mayonnaise, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, onion
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 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
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
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
Copycat Olive Garden's Clam Stuffed Mushrooms
Olive Garden's famous stuffed mushrooms are made with clams, breadcrumbs, and three different cheeses then baked drenched with butter. Prepare to be...
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
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
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
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
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
Prize Winning Zucchini Relish
Made with black pepper, celery seed, turmeric, zucchini, onion, red bell pepper, green chiles, canning salt, sugar, vinegar
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Ahi Tuna Tartare on Sesame Wonton Crisps
Crackers made from wonton wrappers are topped with a mixture of sushi-grade tuna, green onions, sesame seeds, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, orange...
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat Applebee's Wonton Tacos
A homemade version of Applebee's popular chicken wonton tacos appetizer with zesty Asian slaw.
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Muffaletta Olive Spread
Spiced, chopped olives in oil makes a great secret ingredient in muffaletta sandwiches or a tapenade-style topping for crackers or bruschetta.
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat El Torito Salsa
This version of the restaurant's famous salsa contains both canned and fresh tomatoes, onion, jalapenos, serranos, cumin, oregano, and fresh cilantro.
Time: under 30 minutes
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
Slippery Jim's Pickled Cucumbers
You know a perfect pickle when you crunch it. Sugar, mustard seed, and cider vinegar help turn a cool cucumber into something with a little more bite.
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Stuffed Mushrooms
Don't underestimate the microwave. It might usually be limited to making popcorn and reheating leftovers, but these cheesy bacon-stuffed mushrooms are little bites of microwave magic....
Method: microwave
Time: under 30 minutes
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
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Spread
This simple spread is made with cream cheese that is mixed with cinnamon and brown sugar.
Time: under 30 minutes
Amaretto Fruit Dip
Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest differences. That's definitely the case for this fruit dip. A subtle amaretto note in a standard cream cheese dip takes the whole...
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat Dairy Queen Onion Rings
Recreate the classic Dairy Queen onion rings in your own kitchen. Enjoy the sweet crunch of battered Vidalia onions, deep-fried to golden perfection.
Method: stovetop
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
Pickled Brussels Sprouts
Pickled Brussels sprouts are a traditional Eastern European recipe. They can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or part of a main course.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Ahi Tuna Tower
Tuna towers are a popular appetizer item on fancy seafood restaurant menus these days. They are actually really easy to make at home. Serve it with deep fried wonton wrappers as dippers.
Time: under 30 minutes
Batter Fried Zucchini
Slices of zucchini are dipped in a secret batter (ok, it's pancake batter) and deep fried until golden brown. Serve with a marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Old Dutch Caramel Corn
Old Dutch Foods, based in Minnesota, is famous for its salty snacks. In this recipe you can use their popular "puffcorn" or regular popcorn.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Calamari Cakes
Pan-fried calamari cakes are a delicious and easy way to enjoy calamari. They can be served as an appetizer or main course, and are perfect for any seafood lover.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Clearman's North Woods Inn Cheese Spread
Tired of average snacks? This rich cheese spread, featuring cheddar and a punch of garlic and lemon, is just what you need to take your charcuterie board up a...
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
Make your mornings a little less hectic with these overnight breakfast recipes. Prep the night before and enjoy a warm, comforting meal in the morning.
This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.
Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.