Appetizers and Snacks

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

A homemade version of Applebee's popular chicken wonton tacos appetizer with zesty Asian slaw.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Mushrooms are marinated in a balsamic and herb dressing to make an elegant, yet simple, appetizer or side dish for your next dinner party.


Time:   over 5 hours

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

The Trawler Seafood Restaurant in South Carolina used to serve this rich crab dip as a complimentary appetizer as diners were seated at their tables.


Time:   1-2 hours

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

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

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

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

These pickles are the real deal, made from cucumbers that are hand-selected and barrel-cured for weeks. They're perfect for snacking or adding some crunch to your...


Time:   over 5 hours

The perfect appetizer for any party, these bacon and cream cheese stuffed mushrooms are delicious. They're easy to make and look great on a plate.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with olive oil, celery, green onions, fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, wasabi powder, mayonnaise, lemon juice

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   1-2 hours

Quick and dirty bean dip. Refried beans, velveeta, and green chiles can be melted together on the stove or in the microwave.

Method:   microwave, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Serve these rich oysters with cold beer or a crisp white wine. Don't have oysters on the half shell? No problem, you can place shucked oysters in small, buttered ramekins instead.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

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

Made with hot sauce, onion, refried beans, tomato sauce, taco seasoning mix

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

Tired of plain old eggs for breakfast? Try these bacon-and-eggs deviled eggs for a change. They are also a huge hit at parties.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Call these magic mushrooms and you might get a confused look or two until you bring out these simple stuffed shrooms, which have a way of magically disappearing after just a...

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

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

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

Made with Ritz crackers, dry mustard, crab meat, mayonnaise, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, onion

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Crystallized almonds are coated in your choice of semisweet, bittersweet, or milk chocolate and then tossed in spiced powdered sugar.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

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

The combination of cream cheese and sour cream makes this dip rich and creamy.


Time:   2-5 hours

This cream cheese anchovy dip is perfect for entertaining. The cream cheese is light and fluffy, and the anchovy paste adds just the right amount of salty flavor.


Time:   under 30 minutes

The secret to A&W's famous crispy onion rings is in the batter. This copycat version uses tempura mix to give the onion rings a light, crisp coating like you get at the...

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   under 30 minutes

Love the coconut shrimp that you get at Red Lobster? Now you can make it at home with this knock-off recipe, including their famous pina colada...

Method:   deep fryer, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Delicious quesadillas made with fresh spinach, black beans, onion, and cheddar cheese melted inside flour tortillas.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Surf and turf have never been so close. Crispy bacon strips wrapped around smoked oysters make a crazy good party appetizer. Serve with a Dijon aioli if you're feeling...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Stuffed mushrooms are a tasty and impressive appetizer. These caps stuffed with fresh herbs, bread crumbs and feta are perfect as a starter for a Mediterranean or...

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Set sail on a delicious journey with this cheesy bread boat, guaranteed to make waves at your next gathering. Bon appetit!

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

A classic retro-style party food. Stuffed olives are wrapped in a cheesy dough and baked until golden brown. Make extra as these go fast at parties!

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

A perfect finger sandwich for a ladies luncheon, baby shower, or when royalty comes to visit. Serve as little sandwich triangles or cut into fun shapes.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Pieces of chicken are deep fried in a crispy batter and then dipped in a homemade teriyaki glaze.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Mini quiches made with eggs, bell pepper, green onion, and Cheddar cheese.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Made with flour tortillas, breakfast sausage, onion, chili powder, eggs, Cheddar cheese

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

This simple spread is made with cream cheese that is mixed with cinnamon and brown sugar.


Time:   under 30 minutes

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

Made with chili sauce, onion, prepared horseradish, garlic salt, fresh cilantro, lime juice, jalapeno chili pepper, hot pepper sauce, mayonnaise or salad dressing

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

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

Fix up a nacho snack Don Pablo's style! Crisp tortilla chips are topped with refried beans, cooked chicken, cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, and jalapenos.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

A crunchy, sweet, and salty snack. You can easily change things up by using other flavored chips in place of the regular chocolate chips.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

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

The mushrooms are stuffed with creamy blue cheese, spinach, and garlic for an extra burst of flavor. These tasty little morsels make the perfect finger food.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

The stuffed mushrooms at Carrabba's are one of their popular appetizers. The mushroom caps are stuffed with a spicy pepperoni filling. One taste and...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

Spicy chorizo makes a spectacular filling for empanadas. These scratch-made savory bites will make a fun cooking project with a tasty, tasty ending.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Unmistakably Thai ingredients like fish sauce and shrimp paste give this salsa a unique spin, and make it a sensational choice for fusion food like spicy Thai tacos topped with...

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

A mixture of cream cheese and green onions is tucked inside crescent roll dough. The entire roll is wrapped in a slice of bacon and baked until done.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

A simple stuffing with bacon and cream cheese makes these peppers pop!

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Baked mozzarella and gruyere with pan-fried chorizo makes a craveable melty topping to some warm tortillas. Amazing as a queso dip for...

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

A healthier version of French fries. Jicama strips are seasoned and baked in the oven or air fryer until crisp. Serve with ketchup or other dipping sauce.

Method:   microwave, oven, air fryer
Time:   30-60 minutes