Appetizers and Snacks

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

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

Old Bay and Dijon mustard add a New England kick that's right on point with these crab cakes, but what else would you expect from a Red Lobster copycat?

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

If jalapenos have always been a little tame for you, it's time you tried a new pepper in your popper. Habaneros stuffed with cheddar, cream cheese, and bacon bits have some serious...

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

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

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

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

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

These tasty bites are made by dipping dill pickle chips in a cornmeal batter, then frying them until they're crispy and golden brown. The perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Method:   deep fryer, stovetop
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

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

The sweet and tart flavors in this creme fraiche dip complement each other perfectly and bring out the fresh flavor of strawberries or other fresh fruit.


Time:   under 30 minutes

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

Here's a salsa that's as easy as it is tasty. It's all blending and no chopping, so it's ideal for making a big batch for parties or game days.


Time:   1-2 hours

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

If you're worried that crab cakes that aren't cooked in a mountain of butter don't hold up, have no fear. Fat-free mayo and yogurt save the day, and all the classic herbs and spices...

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

Crab cocktail sauce has a different "tang" than your usual shrimp cocktail sauce to complement the flavor of the crab. Feel free to up the horseradish if you like extra...


Time:   under 30 minutes

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

Fresh oysters are covered in a spicy coating and deep fried until golden brown.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

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

Breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs are great, so why not Tex-Mex deviled eggs? They're great served as a party appetizer or on the side of a taco salad.


Time:   under 30 minutes

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

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

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

Whip up a batch of open-faced Reubens and watch them disappear faster than your willingness to share. It's rye, it's tangy, it's cheesy goodness, no secrets here.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

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

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

Forget what you know about shrimp cocktail, because this Mexican variation just changed the game. It's halfway between spicy cocktail sauce and citrusy ceviche.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

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

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

This zesty dip is made with black beans, black olives, green chiles, garlic, cilantro, spices, cream cheese, and salsa.


Time:   2-5 hours

When it's time to take your nachos up a notch-o, these beefy deluxe nachos with refried beans, lettuce, and sour cream are the move.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Lean bites of chicken are lightly fried and tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Method:   deep fryer, 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

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

Pickled eggs are yummy, and their color is out of this world. Thanks to some sliced beets in the pickling liquid, these eggs are show-stoppingly stunning.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

A little heat, a little sweet, and a whole lot of flavor. Jalapeno peppers are stuffed with boudin sausage and then wrapped in bacon and oven-baked.

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

The buttermilk batter is the winning ingredient in this recipe. If you like onion rings, you'll love this recipe!

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   2-5 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

Who does craveable sweets better than a state fair? This colorful blend of this popcorn will give you a rush of sugar and nostalgia in the same handful.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

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

Lovely and delicious, these artichoke appetizers are easy to assemble the day before you need them. Let them marinate overnight and then just drain and serve at...


Time:   1-2 hours

This cheesy turkey bacon spread is amazing on crackers. You can also form it into a cheeseball and roll it in fresh chives.


Time:   under 30 minutes

A southern twist on queso! With bacon, shrimp, and onions along with melted Monterey Jack, this New Orleans slow cooker dip doesn't mess around.

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

Made with radishes, salt, sugar


Time:   2-5 hours

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

Jalapeno poppers will make you a hero at your next gameday get-together. These pepper poppers are stuffed with cream cheese and cheddar before being baked, not fried, to spicy...

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

Made with pecan, butter or margarine, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with bacon, turkey breast, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, instant chicken bouillon, cayenne pepper, Parmesan cheese, Swiss cheese, tomato


Time:   under 30 minutes

The perfect party dish. This simple cheesy fondue is easy to make and can be kept warm in your slow cooker, making it ideal for entertaining. Your guests will love it!

Method:   crock pot
Time:   2-5 hours

Made with French fried onions, boneless skinless chicken tenders, honey mustard

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes