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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 cream cheese and bacon hors d'oeuvre

Cream Cheese And Bacon Hors D'Oeuvre

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

recipe for mexican bean dip

Mexican Bean Dip

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

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for spicy thai salsa

Spicy Thai Salsa

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


recipe for state fair candied popcorn

State Fair Candied Popcorn

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

recipe for honey dijon dipping sauce

Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce

Dijon mustard gives the dipping sauce a sharpness that works beautifully with sweetness from the honey. Try with chicken fingers or salmon.


Time:   under 30 minutes

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recipe for pasta shell appetizers

Pasta Shell Appetizers

Made with hot pepper sauce, garlic powder, onion, carrot, pasta shells, frozen chopped spinach, water chestnuts, ricotta cheese, mayonnaise

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 2 hours

recipe for jerri's magical mushrooms

Jerri's Magical Mushrooms

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

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 roasted wasabi chickpeas appetizer

Roasted Wasabi Chickpeas Appetizer

These roasted wasabi chickpeas are a delicious and easy snack that is perfect for entertaining. The chickpeas are oven-roasted until crispy, then tossed with a...

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

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 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 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 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 cadillac ranch dip

Cadillac Ranch Dip

If you're looking for a tasty, creamy dip to serve at your next party, look no further. This homemade ranch dip is easy to prepare and can be served with any of your favorite finger...


Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for boudin stuffed jalapenos

Boudin Stuffed Jalapenos

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

recipe for swiss finger sandwich puffs

Swiss Finger Sandwich Puffs

These puffs make next-level sandwich bites, with cheese in the bread in addition to whatever deliciousness you're putting inside.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for applebee's nachos nuevos

Applebee's Nachos Nuevos

Made with jalapeno slices, sour cream, lettuce, Mexican-seasoned beef, tortilla chips, black beans, queso cheese sauce, tomatoes


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 salami chips

Salami Chips

These baked salami chips are crispy and irresistible. They make a painless party appetizer, and you can easily dress them up with cheese and crackers for something a little classier.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for applebee's pico de gallo

Applebee's Pico de Gallo

Pico de gallo is an absolute must for Mexican night. Tomatoes, onion, jalapeno and cilantro is how Applebee's does it. Great on tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, you name it.


Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for applebee's pizza snacks

Applebee's Pizza Snacks

These copycat Applebee's pizza snacks are somewhere in the delicious in-between of pizza and breadsticks. Sausage, pepperoni, or any of your other favorite pizza toppings can...

Method:   deep fryer, stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 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 asian-style crab cakes

Asian-Style Crab Cakes

These crab cakes use panko bread crumbs which give them a lighter texture than other crab cakes. Serve with tartar or cocktail sauce, or some wasabi mayo!

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for chiao tzu (traditional chinese dumplings)

Chiao Tzu (Traditional Chinese Dumplings)

These delicious dumplings can be served as a snack or a meal. They can even be frozen, so go ahead and make a big batch!

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for arizona republic fried onion rings

Arizona Republic Fried Onion Rings

These crunchy onion rings from Arizona Republic can be either baked or fried.

Method:   oven, deep fryer
Time:   under 30 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 smoked turkey spread

Smoked Turkey Spread

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

recipe for copycat bubba gump's coconut fried shrimp

Copycat Bubba Gump's Coconut Fried Shrimp

As Bubba once said,"shrimp is the fruit of the sea." Do him proud with this copycat coconut shrimp from Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. The secret to the...

Method:   stovetop, deep fryer
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for deep fried squid rings (calamari)

Deep Fried Squid Rings (Calamari)

Why buy expensive calamari at a restaurant when you can do it better and way cheaper at home? Squid rings with a crispy coating are ready for the deep fryer and a dip...

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for sausage-egg quesadillas

Sausage-Egg Quesadillas

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

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for blue cheese stuffed mushrooms

Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are your ticket to gourmet appetizers on easy mode. A mixture of tangy blue cheese and rich cream cheese is the key to these addicting, bite-sized pieces...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for crab cakes with remoulade sauce

Crab Cakes With Remoulade Sauce

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


recipe for don pablo's salsa fresca

Don Pablo's Salsa Fresca

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


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for copycat macaroni grill's shrimp & artichoke dip

Copycat Macaroni Grill's Shrimp & Artichoke Dip

Made with cayenne pepper, half and half, clam juice, white wine, butter, shallot, flour, spinach, canned artichoke hearts, shrimp

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for copycat red lobster's lobster fondue

Copycat Red Lobster's Lobster Fondue

Made with imitation lobster, lobster tail, velveeta cheese, Swiss cheese, cream of shrimp soup, milk, cayenne pepper, paprika

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for bacon wrapped tater tots

Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots

A truly indulgent treat! Tater tots are wrapped in bacon and baked until crispy. Great as an appetizer or side dish. Bet you can't eat just one!

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for ball sweet pickle spears

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

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 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 chicken quesadillas

Chicken Quesadillas

The quesadilla is truly a jack of all trades, a Tex-Mex master of versatility. This version, packed with cumin-spiced chicken and fresh cilantro, is a delicious way to use leftover...

Method:   sandwich maker, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for stuffed artichoke bottoms

Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms

Artichoke bottoms make the perfect base for these savory spinach appetizers.

Method:   oven
Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for sri lankan sates

Sri Lankan Sates

Made with vegetable oil, onion, ginger, garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground turmeric, salt and freshly ground black pepper

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

recipe for marinated mushrooms and asparagus

Marinated Mushrooms And Asparagus

Made with fresh asparagus, fresh mushrooms, salt, olive oil, water, lemons, lemon zest, bay leaves, garlic, whole peppercorns

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for pork and ginger dumplings

Pork and Ginger Dumplings

If dumplings seem like something best bought in the frozen aisle, maybe you haven't given them a shot at home. Wonton wrappers folded around spiced pork can be quickly fried...


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for quesadillas with orange chicken

Quesadillas with Orange Chicken

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

recipe for tuna tulips

Tuna Tulips

Made with celery, peanuts, lemon juice, onion, mayonnaise, butter, black pepper, Bisquick, milk

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for spinach dip-fat free

Spinach Dip-Fat Free

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


recipe for maryland-style crab cakes

Maryland-Style Crab Cakes

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

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 queso fundido con chorizo (baked cheese with mexican sausage)

Queso Fundido Con Chorizo (Baked Cheese With Mexican Sausage)

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





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