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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 fancy covered meatballs

Fancy Covered Meatballs

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

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 fried shrimp with dipping sauce

Fried Shrimp with Dipping Sauce

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


recipe for imitation crabmeat rangoon

Imitation Crabmeat Rangoon

Crab rangoons are a staple in many Chinese restaurants. They are surprisingly easy to make at home with wonton wrappers, imitation crab meat, and cream cheese.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for no-cook fresh tomato salsa

No-Cook Fresh Tomato Salsa

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

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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 swiss almonds

Swiss Almonds

Crystallized almonds are coated in your choice of semisweet, bittersweet, or milk chocolate and then tossed in spiced powdered sugar.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for chocolate covered potato chips

Chocolate Covered Potato Chips

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


recipe for spinach vegetable dip

Spinach Vegetable Dip

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

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for pasta skewers

Pasta Skewers

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

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 yellow curry marinated chicken satay and spicy peanut sauce

Yellow Curry Marinated Chicken Satay and Spicy Peanut Sauce

Grilled chicken strips, marinated in a homemade yellow curry paste and zesty peanut butter mixture, served with a flavorful spicy peanut...

Method:   stovetop, outdoor grill
Time:   2-5 hours

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 tomato and pesto layered dip

Tomato And Pesto Layered Dip

Feta and cream cheese are layered with pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto to create a dip that is not only tasty but also impressive to look at.


Time:   1-2 hours


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 egg salad dip

Egg Salad Dip

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

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 picante sauce

Picante Sauce

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

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 italian-style stuffed mushrooms

Italian-Style Stuffed Mushrooms

These Italian-style cheesy stuffed mushrooms are a delicious and easy to make appetizer that is perfect for any gathering.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for copycat planter's trail mix

Copycat Planter's Trail Mix

This copycat planter's trail mix features a fun mix of textures and tastes, combining various nuts with the sweetness of chocolate and dried fruit.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for copycat fat ronnie's fried onions

Copycat Fat Ronnie's Fried Onions

One of the most popular foods at Fat Ronnie's Burger Bar in Oak Bluffs, MA can be made at home with this to-die-for onion rings recipe.

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for creamy picante dip

Creamy Picante Dip

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


Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for disappearing snack mix

Disappearing Snack Mix

This snack mix has just the right balance of salty (peanuts, sesame sticks, cashews) and sweet (chocolate chips, yogurt covered raisins, dried cranberries) that makes it so...


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for dill pickle spears

Dill Pickle Spears

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

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 baked clams

Baked Clams

This flavorful baked clams appetizer is always a party pleaser.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for copycat chili's skillet queso

Copycat Chili's Skillet Queso

The easiest, cheesiest dip you could imagine. Ground beef, tomatoes, with chiles and Velveeta cheese make up a meaty and substantial queso that's perfect on game day with...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for chicken and shrimp dumplings with soy dipping sauce

Chicken and Shrimp Dumplings with Soy Dipping Sauce

These chicken and shrimp filled dumplings with a zesty dipping sauce are perfect for an appetizer or entree.

Method:   stovetop
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 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 great beef samosas

Great Beef Samosas

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


recipe for italian bread dip

Italian Bread Dip

Serve this pesto-like dip with sliced Italian or French bread.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for red cabbage relish

Red Cabbage Relish

Red cabbage relish, bursting with color, is a great way to add a sweet crunch to all manner of meals. Use it to top brats, throw it on tacos. And if you want to add some heat to it...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for chicken-fried bacon

Chicken-Fried Bacon

It's not just bacon, it's chicken-fried bacon! Serve with a dipping sauce like ketchup, gravy, or ranch dressing.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for thai pickled radishes

Thai Pickled Radishes

Made with radishes, salt, sugar


Time:   2-5 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 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 red lobster's maryland crab cakes

Copycat Red Lobster's Maryland Crab Cakes

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

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 stuffed calamari

Stuffed Calamari

This is a classic way to serve calamari. Rich in Italian flavors, the calamari is filled with a sun dried tomato and peas stuffing and baked in a white wine-tomato sauce.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for mexican pick up sticks snack mix

Mexican Pick Up Sticks Snack Mix

This is one of our favorite snack mixes because of its unique blend of flavors with French fried onions, potato sticks, Spanish peanuts, and taco seasoning.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for onion squares

Onion Squares

These onion squares are somewhere between a pizza and a quiche, but they're tasty however you slice them. The flavor of caramelized onions goes well with pretty much anything.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for bacon wrapped teriyaki shrimp

Bacon Wrapped Teriyaki Shrimp

A simple appetizer made with bacon, shrimp, and teriyaki sauce.

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for candied pecans

Candied Pecans

Pecan halves are coated in a mixture of sugar, salt, and cinnamon, then baked until crispy. Enjoy them as is, or use them to top salads, yogurt, or oatmeal.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for simple canned salmon pate

Simple Canned Salmon Pate

Canned salmon pate is often overlooked as a culinary delight, but those in the know appreciate its subtle flavor and versatility. Perfect for spreading on crackers or toast...


Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for low fat crab cakes

Low Fat Crab Cakes

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


recipe for mushrooms stuffed with crab and gruyere

Mushrooms Stuffed With Crab And Gruyere

Craving something special? These mushrooms stuffed with crab and topped with Gruyere bring restaurant vibes straight to your kitchen. It's fancy but totally...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for cheesy beef nachos

Cheesy Beef Nachos

Nachos are always a hit. These beefy and cheesy nachos can be topped with your favorite add-ons such as jalapenos, sour cream, and guacamole.

Method:   microwave, stovetop
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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