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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 spanakopita (greek spinach pie)

Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie)

Spinach, feta, cottage cheese, and eggs form a creamy and satisfying filling for buttered pastry sheets. Perfect for sharing at a big brunch!

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for seasoned oyster crackers

Seasoned Oyster Crackers

These aren't your grandma's oyster crackers. They're seasoned, they're sassy, and they're ready to crash your bland snack party.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for chinese pork and shrimp dumplings

Chinese Pork And Shrimp Dumplings

These dumplings (gyoza) are made with ground pork, chopped shrimp, water chestnuts, carrot, cilantro, ginger, green onion, and lots of seasonings.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for fried onion rings in mustard-beer batter

Fried Onion Rings In Mustard-Beer Batter

Out with ordinary onion rings. Dijon and beer make a bangin' batter for these babies, and the extra beer goes perfectly with all that fried goodness.

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for smoked eggs

Smoked Eggs

This quick method will give you a similar flavor to traditional smoked eggs (which are a lot more work). Serve the smoky eggs as an appetizer or snack, similar to pickled eggs.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

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recipe for canned tomato-pepper salsa

Canned Tomato-Pepper Salsa

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

recipe for chopped liver

Chopped Liver

This is a classic version of chopped liver that is easy to make and it can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Serve it with crackers or slices of cocktail rye bread.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for copycat disney's fiesta fun center nacho cheese dip

Copycat Disney's Fiesta Fun Center Nacho Cheese Dip

Recreate the magic of Disney's Fiesta Fun Center with this nacho cheese dip recipe. Experience the creamy, savory blend of cheeses and seasonings...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for drunken kielbasa

Drunken Kielbasa

Kielbasa sausage is the perfect party food - especially when it's drunken! The kielbasa is cooked in a mixture of chili sauce, bourbon, and brown sugar, resulting in a sweet-savory...

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

recipe for giardiniera, chicago-style

Giardiniera, Chicago-Style

A jar of giardiniera makes a centerpiece, condiment, and gift all in one. Vinegar-packed veggies and hot peppers make an awesome sweet and spicy topping for sausages and hot...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   over 5 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 homemade honey graham crackers

Homemade Honey Graham Crackers

Graham crackers have a multitude of uses from snacks to baking. Try this homemade version rather than buying them at the store.

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for hidden valley oyster crackers

Hidden Valley Oyster Crackers

Dry ranch salad dressing mix is an easy way to dress up plain oyster crackers. Perfect for snacking on or for adding to a salad or soup.

Method:   oven
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 french fried onion rings

French Fried Onion Rings

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

recipe for copycat chuy's creamy jalapeno dip

Copycat Chuy's Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Chuy's, a popular Austin Tex-Mex restaurant, is famous for their jalapeno ranch. It's served both as a dip with tortilla chips or as a salad dressing.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for betty tosovsky's cheese dip

Betty Tosovsky's Cheese Dip

Don't let the ingredient list fool you. The French dressing and cream cheese combo makes an addicting dip for celery and carrots.


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 gorgonzola cheesecake

Gorgonzola Cheesecake

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

recipe for bacon wrapped almond stuffed dates

Bacon Wrapped Almond Stuffed Dates

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


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 oysters casino royale

Oysters Casino Royale

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

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for dipping chocolate

Dipping Chocolate

Use this easy-to-make dipping chocolate as a coating for all kinds of candies or fruit. You can use milk, dark, semisweet, or bittersweet chocolate.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for pickled asparagus

Pickled Asparagus

Pickled asparagus is a great way to enjoy this vegetable during the off months. The pickling process helps retain the flavor and nutrients of the asparagus, while also adding a bit of...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for butterscotch nibblers

Butterscotch Nibblers

Say hello to your new secret weapon for quick treats: Butterscotch Nibblers. With just four ingredients and a few steps, you'll have a sweet snack without the fuss.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for classic deviled eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs

Back to the basics: the classic deviled egg. There are a lot of variations available for deviled eggs but this version is always the most loved.


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for dirty popcorn snack

Dirty Popcorn Snack

Made with milk chocolate coating, popcorn, pecans, pretzels, white chocolate coating

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 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

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 chorizo empanadas

Chorizo Empanadas

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

recipe for cheese sausage balls

Cheese Sausage Balls

These scrumptious sausage bites could not be easier. Sausage, cheese, and baking mix all kneaded together and baked - perfect for dipping in all sorts of your favorite sauces as an...

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 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 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 artichoke hummus

Artichoke Hummus

A unique hummus made with garbanzo beans, artichoke hearts, garlic and spices. There is no tahini in this version which lowers the fat content significantly.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for kadju badun (sri lankan deviled cashews)

Kadju Badun (Sri Lankan Deviled Cashews)

Kadju badun is a traditional Sri Lankan dish made with cashews and spices. They make a delicious snack.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours


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 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 southwestern salsa with black beans & corn

Southwestern Salsa With Black Beans & Corn

Made with black beans, corn, red bell pepper, purple onion, and the special secret ingredient: toasted cumin seeds

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


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 cream cheese salmon spread

Cream Cheese Salmon Spread

A party-perfect spread made with smoked salmon, lemon juice, cream cheese, and red onion. Serve with your favorite crackers.


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 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 fried soft-shelled cicadas

Fried Soft-Shelled Cicadas

Feeling adventurous? Try these battered and fried fresh cicadas for a crunchy snack. While you can catch them yourselves when in season, it's easier to buy them at an Asian...

Method:   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 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 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 super nachos supreme

Super Nachos Supreme

Tortilla chips loaded up with the whole shebang: cheese, beans, onions, a couple creamy dollops of sour cream and guac... if anybody isn't happy with this spread, that's nacho...

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for onion pretzels

Onion Pretzels

Onion-seasoned pretzels are a delicious and unique snack that are perfect for any occasion. The result is a crunchy, buttery, savory snack that is irresistible.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for eva longoria's chunky guacamole

Eva Longoria's Chunky Guacamole

Eva Longoria has been cooking since she was a little girl and loves whipping up dishes like this. This chunky guacamole is fresh and bright with just the right amount of...


Time:   under 30 minutes

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





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