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Appetizers and Snacks

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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Enter a word or two in the box to find recipes within the appetizer and snack section. You can search the title, ingredients, or entire recipe by selecting the appropriate option.

Recipes  /   appetizers & snacks
recipe for pickled polish sausage

Pickled Polish Sausage

Pickled Polish sausage is a delicious and easy to make treat. Simply mix your favorite sausage with some veggies, vinegar, and spices, then let it sit in the refrigerator for a...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for chi chi's salsa

Chi Chi's Salsa

The key to Chi Chi's salsa isn't some secret recipe, it's just good tomatoes. Blending ripe tomatoes just for a second yields a uniformly chopped salsa, perfect for scooping up with...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for crispy buffalo chicken strips

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Strips

Batter up your chicken strips with a cayenne, cornflake topping. For a healthier alternative, pop these superstars in the oven or air fryer for that oh-so-desired crunch.

Method:   oven, air fryer
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for sour cream clam dip

Sour Cream Clam Dip

A simple version of the popular party dip made with clams, sour cream, dehydrated onion, and seasonings. Serve with crackers or chips.


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for cream cheese italian dip

Cream Cheese Italian Dip

Zesty and versatile Italian cream cheese dip. This blend of cream cheese works equally well for dipping chips, dipping veggies, or topping toasts.


Time:   under 30 minutes

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recipe for stuffed mushrooms

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

recipe for pancake chicken nuggets

Pancake Chicken Nuggets

Pancake battered nuggets kissed with maple syrup split the combo of sweet and savory right down the middle.

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for the famous lipton california dip

The Famous Lipton California Dip

The party dip that started it all. Sour cream and onion soup mix are a classic but add in seafood, bacon, or blue cheese, and you'll have a new party favorite.


Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for baileys irish cream chocolate fondue

Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Fondue

A healthy dose of Baileys gives this fondue a luscious layer of boozy flavor. Marshmallows, bananas, graham crackers, or angel food cake all make great dippers.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for bacon-wrapped bread sticks

Bacon-Wrapped Bread Sticks

Brown sugar for a hint of caramelized sweetness is the secret to success with these bacon-wrapped crisp grissini-style breadsticks.

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for white pizza dip

White Pizza Dip

Made with Italian bread, mozzarella cheese, herb and garlic dry soup mix, sour cream, ricotta cheese, pepperoni

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for academy award stuffed mushrooms

Academy Award Stuffed Mushrooms

A winning stuffed mushrooms recipe that uses a hint of sherry to make the flavors of the Swiss cheese, garlic, onion, and parsley really stand out.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for black bean and shoepeg corn salsa

Black Bean And Shoepeg Corn Salsa

Spice up your snack time with this black bean and shoepeg corn salsa. It's a zesty, fresh, and slightly rebellious take on your salsa expectations.


Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for cajun shrimp balls

Cajun Shrimp Balls

These Cajun bites are terrific as a fun, fried alternative to cocktail shrimp. They're nice and flavorful and great for dipping in horseradish-spiked cocktail sauce or spicy mayo.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for basic cocktail sauce

Basic Cocktail Sauce

Cocktail sauce is a common condiment served with chilled seafood. It's so easy to make it yourself that there is no reason to buy it at the store.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for easy alfredo artichoke & spinach dip

Easy Alfredo Artichoke & Spinach Dip

Not only is this creamy spinach and artichoke dip made with three cheeses and alfredo sauce, it's even got crispy biscuits baked around the outside for easy...

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for oysters wrapped in bacon

Oysters Wrapped in Bacon

Also known as "Angels on Horseback", this is a popular (and easy) party appetizer. You can use freshly shelled or jarred oysters.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for slow cooker spinach and artichoke dip

Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip

A great twist on traditional spinach-artichoke dips made in the slow cooker and without using any soup mixes.

Method:   crock pot
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for ultimate onion rings

Ultimate Onion Rings

The batter on these onion rings is full of flavor and has a crispy texture

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for threadgill's texas caviar

Threadgill's Texas Caviar

Made with black pepper, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic, green or red bell pepper, red onion, yellow onion, cooked black-eyed peas


Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for nacho popcorn

Nacho Popcorn

This popcorn snack has a hint of nacho flavors when coated with paprika, crushed red pepper, cumin, butter, and Parmesan cheese.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for copycat outback steakhouse bloomin' onion

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bloomin' Onion

You know this appetizer is a huge hit at the Outback Steakhouse so it will definitely go over big when you serve it to your party guests!

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for copycat cheddar's santa fe spinach dip

Copycat Cheddar's Santa Fe Spinach Dip

Made with salt and pepper, sour cream, onion, spinach, plum tomatoes, green chiles, cream cheese, Monterey jack cheese, half and half, red wine vinegar

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for basic fresh tomato picante sauce

Basic Fresh Tomato Picante Sauce

Picante sauce can vary in heat levels but it almost always contains some sort of hot pepper, like jalapeno. This version isn't overly hot and can be adjusted to suit...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for slow cooker sombrero dip

Slow Cooker Sombrero Dip

Made with refried beans, cheddar cheese, ground beef, onion, taco sauce, jalapeno peppers, green olives, chili powder

Method:   stovetop, crock pot
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for pulled chicken and slaw sliders

Pulled Chicken And Slaw Sliders

Get ready for a flavor-packed meal with these pulled chicken and slaw sliders. Tangy barbecue chicken pairs perfectly with a creamy, crunchy slaw, all tucked into a soft...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for onion and garlic dip

Onion And Garlic Dip

Forget the store-bought dips, this fresh tasting, creamy dip is much more deserving of your crackers and veggies.


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for copycat houston's honey mustard

Copycat Houston's Honey Mustard

The honey mustard sauce served at Houston's has just the right balance of tart and sweet. Try this creamy copycat version at home.


Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for caramel corn with honey peanuts

Caramel Corn with Honey Peanuts

It's about time movie night had an upgrade. This oven baked treat made with peanuts and molasses uses microwave popcorn to make it a quick treat.

Method:   oven, stovetop, microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for chipotle blue cheese dip

Chipotle Blue Cheese Dip

Turn up the flavor with chipotle peppers, creamy mayonnaise, and blue cheese dressing in this tasty dip that's ready to serve with chips.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for texas-style picante sauce

Texas-Style Picante Sauce

Texas-style cooking is all about big, bold flavors and this picante sauce recipe fits that description. If you want it to be more salsa-like, don't puree the jalapenos, just...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for easy cheesy velveeta chicken nachos

Easy Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Nachos

Tortilla chips topped with a melty chicken cheese sauce

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for crunchy granola

Crunchy Granola

An easy blend of oats, maple syrup, and assorted nuts and seeds turns out deliciously crunchy oven-baked granola.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for chinese pork dumplings with soy ginger dipping sauce

Chinese Pork Dumplings with Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce

You'll love these dumplings made with ground pork, soy sauce, oyster sauce, napa cabbage, and scallions and served with a soy sauce based dipping...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for seasoned pretzels

Seasoned Pretzels

Coat your favorite pretzels in a mixture of garlic salt, dill, lemon pepper, and ranch salad dressing mix for a tasty snack.

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for confetti appetizers

Confetti Appetizers

Mini bagels (or just use regular bagels cut up into quarters) topped with a creamy, colorful veggie topping make an awesome appetizer or party snack.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for beefy antipasto-on-a-stick

Beefy Antipasto-On-A-Stick

These skewers are no wimps! They are beefed up literally with your favorite beef, tomatoes, provolone and the ever-so-tangy artichoke. Drizzle with Italian dressing and you...


Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for smoked salmon lollipops

Smoked Salmon Lollipops

Cubes of English cucumber are wrapped in smoked salmon and cream cheese and rolled in freshly chopped dill to make this impressive yet simple appetizer recipe.


Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for seafood-stuffed italian mushrooms

Seafood-Stuffed Italian Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are hard to say no to but seafood stuffed mushrooms with Cajun seasoning and parmesan take them absolutely over the top.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for boudreaux's hot and spicy party trash

Boudreaux's Hot And Spicy Party Trash

It's got hot and spicy in the name, so don't be surprised when it's got a kick and a half. Chex, nuts, and cheese crackers make a perfect by-the-handful party...

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for black bean and corn salsa

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Always a hit at parties, this salsa is made with black beans, corn, bell pepper, cilantro, green onions, and a splash of balsamic vinegar and seasonings.


Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for sausage and pepperoni pizza egg rolls

Sausage And Pepperoni Pizza Egg Rolls

Some very incognito pizza rolls. Egg roll wraps actually make the perfect vehicle for pizza toppings since all that ooey gooey cheese could use a crispy crunch to...

Method:   deep fryer, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for beer-battered chicken strips

Beer-Battered Chicken Strips

Boneless strips of chicken are coated in a light beer batter then deep fried in oil until crispy and golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for cherry tomatoes stuffed with spanish olive tapenade

Cherry Tomatoes Stuffed With Spanish Olive Tapenade

Made with fresh parsley, cherry tomatoes, Spanish olives, capers, brandy, lemon zest, olive oil


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for mexican tortilla pinwheels

Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels

Pinwheel appetizers made with sour cream, cream cheese, green chiles, black olives, Cheddar cheese, green onions, and seasonings all rolled up in flour tortillas.


Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for cheese and garlic bread for a crowd

Cheese And Garlic Bread For A Crowd

Ooey gooey mozzarella melts on top of Italian bread spread with garlic, butter, and parsley. This recipe serves 50 soon-to-be very happy people.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for baked mexican dip

Baked Mexican Dip

This baked cheesy Mexican-flavored dip is always a party hit. It is easy to make, and can be tailored to your liking (try ground turkey for a healthier option).

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for copycat tgi friday's fire bites

Copycat TGI Friday's Fire Bites

Copy this hot and spicy snack from TGI Friday's at home! Jalapeno slices are deep fried with a crispy coating. Eat them plain or serve with a dipping sauce.

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for slow cooker hot faux crab dip

Slow Cooker Hot Faux Crab Dip

A creamy dip made with milk, salsa, cream cheese, imitation crab, green onions, and green chiles. Heat it in the crock pot and serve warm with your favorite dippers.

Method:   crock pot
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for wine bar nut mix

Wine Bar Nut Mix

Perfect for munching while having cocktails. Goes great with wine, beer, and mixed drinks.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes





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