Appetizers and Snacks

No shortage of uses for this delicious spread, and it's easy enough to make with kids. Throw it on toast, throw it on pancakes, throw it straight on a spoon.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

Deep-fried artichoke hearts are a delicious appetizer that is perfect for any party or gathering. They are easy to make and can be served alone or with a variety of dipping...

Method:   deep fryer, 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

Juicy tomatoes, spicy peppers, and zesty onions blend together in this mouth-watering tomato relish. Perfect for canning and freezing.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

A guilt-free version of the popular dip. Made with fat-free sour cream, fat-free cream cheese, spinach, onion soup mix, water chestnuts, and red onion.


Time:   30-60 minutes

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

Refried beans, cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, lettuce, and chopped veggies are topped with cheese and black olives to make a dip you can't stop eating.

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

This versatile recipe can be used as a spread for a sandwich or as a dip for crackers.


Time:   under 30 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

Made with vinegar, sugar, beets, onion, hard cooked eggs

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

FEELING PICKLY? This recipe for pickles by the bushel has got you covered - it's the real dill!

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

Say hello to your new go-to recipe for crab cakes. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, you'll be wondering why you waited so long to try them.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

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

Up your snack game with this egg salad dip recipe. Using the simple goodness of hard-boiled eggs, this dip is enriched with the creaminess of mayonnaise and a kick of horseradish.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Fill pitted dates with whole almonds and wrap in strips of bacon. Pop in the oven and watch the yumminess happen.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

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

This no-cook fresh tomato salsa is the perfect addition to any summer meal. It is quick and easy to make, and can be made ahead of time.


Time:   1-2 hours

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

Whip up a big batch of this zesty tabasco-laced honey mustard and throw it in the fridge so it's ready whenever you've got chicken, grilled shrimp, or roasted...


Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with dry mustard, lemon juice, kielbasa, ketchup, brown sugar, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce

Method:   stovetop, crock pot
Time:   2-5 hours

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

Imagine yourself at The commander's Palace in New Orleans when you bite into these jumbo lump crabcakes. Easy to make at home with the taste of NOLA that...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Good, homemade salsa makes such a difference over flavorless store-bought jars. Starting with ripe tomatoes is crucial, so if they're in season then you're on your way to a sensational...

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

Poached squid with shrimp, garlic, and egg, pan-fried and simmered in chicken stock makes an exotic party food.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

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

This picante sauce made with simmered tomato, onion, and jalapeno is awesome with tortilla chips or great on burritos and quesadillas.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

Made with Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, oysters, bacon, onion, celery, green bell pepper, lemon juice

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

If you've never been up to New England to experience true crab cakes, add it to the bucket list. Until then, this recipe for crispy, Maryland-style cakes should tide you over.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Homemade onion rings are just one more reason to watch the game at home instead of at the bar. Onion rings are so quick and easy (and the beer is so much cheaper), you'll...

Method:   deep fryer, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Need a last minute party recipe? Try this two-ingredient dip. Just mix, chill, and serve.


Time:   1-2 hours

Sweet and tangy barbecue spareribs, slowly simmered in the crock pot. Perfect finger food (albeit a little messy).

Method:   crock pot
Time:   2-5 hours

An easy salsa recipe that tastes like the salsa fresca from Don Pablo's restaurants


Time:   under 30 minutes

This is a great, savory party spread. It has a garlic-cornmeal crust that's topped with a rich gorgonzola and cream cheese filling with dollops of roasted garlic throughout.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours

A bruschetta appetizer is the easiest way to be an A+ host for a dinner party. This Red Lobster copycat with shrimp, melty fontina, and white cheddar really makes the...

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

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

Layers of cream cheese blended with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and all sorts of herbs and garnishes make a beautiful spread that any cracker would be lucky to have.


Time:   2-5 hours

Canning is all but a lost art these days. It's still a great strategy, though. Take advantage of ripe, in-season tomatoes and make some flavorful salsa you can enjoy all...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Miniature pretzels are coated with ranch salad dressing mix, garlic salt, cayenne pepper, and vegetable oil and then baked to soak in the flavors.

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

The spicy, orange chicken filling gives these quesadillas a fresh flavor. You can use Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Beef samosas are the perfect party food - they're bite-sized, packed with flavor, and always a hit with guests. This version uses phyllo dough for the crust instead of making it from...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Crab cakes seem to get all the hype; give these clam cakes a shot instead. A crucial complement to clam chowder.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 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

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

A throw back to the 50's, this classic spinach dip recipe is always a hit. Made with spinach, water chestnuts, vegetable soup mix, mayonnaise, and sour cream.


Time:   2-5 hours

A simplified version of spinach dip. Add your own favorite seasonings to change up the flavors.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Let homemade pickles become your new project (and new addiction). Great for gifts or impressing your neighbors at the next cookout.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

Take your favorite potato chips and dip them in melted chocolate. The combination of salty and sweet is addicting!

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

A beefy version of pigs in a blanket. Savory meatballs are wrapped in crescent roll dough and baked until golden brown. Makes a great appetizer.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

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

There's nothing quite like a crab cake. They're crispy on the outside and full of succulent crab on the inside. And when you pair them with a zesty remoulade sauce...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Cheesy Andouille sausage bites baked with biscuit mix are just about the tastiest thing you can put on a toothpick. Creamy sauces like remoulade or spicy cajun mustard...

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes