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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 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 asian dipping sauce for dumplings

Asian Dipping Sauce For Dumplings

This sensational dipping sauce made with fresh ginger and sesame oil adds a serious punch of flavor to some potstickers or other dumplings of choice.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for instant salsa

Instant Salsa

Don't skip out on the splash of red wine vinegar. It helps give this salsa a punch that brightens up tacos, burrito bowls, and anything else you throw this salsa on top of.


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for chili powder salsa

Chili Powder Salsa

Fresh, homemade salsa with a kick is good for so much more than just tortilla chip dipping. Add to breakfast tacos, spread on quesadillas, or use as a burger topping.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 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

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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

recipe for copycat simon and seaforts onion rings

Copycat Simon and Seaforts Onion Rings

Onion rings are so simple that the little things really matter. Little things like a dash of sugar, choosing the right beer for the batter, and just-right cook...

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   2-5 hours

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 arizona coyote caviar

Arizona Coyote Caviar

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


Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for sardine dip

Sardine Dip

Need a fast and flavorful snack? This sardine dip combines salty sardines, tangy salad dressing, and just a hint of garlic and onion. Great with crackers or for spreading on bread.


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 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 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 smoked salmon lollipops

Smoked Salmon Lollipops

Cubes of English cucumber are wrapped in smoked salmon and cream cheese and rolled in freshly chopped dill to make this impressive yet simple appetizer recipe.


Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for pumpkin cream cheese dip

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip

This creamy dip tastes like pumpkin pie. You can substitute fat-free or low-fat cream cheese in it if you wish for a lower fat snack.


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for spicy seafood cocktail sauce

Spicy Seafood Cocktail Sauce

This spicy sauce is perfect for dipping or topping boiled shrimp, steamed crab, and other seafood.


Time:   1-2 hours

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 open-faced reuben sandwiches

Open-Faced Reuben Sandwiches

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

recipe for japanese ginger sauce

Japanese Ginger Sauce

Boost your meal with this tasty ginger sauce - great for dipping or even drizzling.


Time:   under 30 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 homemade honey mustard pretzels

Homemade Honey Mustard Pretzels

A great snack food for movie night or a munchie for a party. The pretzels absorb the flavors of the mustard so the stronger the mustard, the stronger the flavor.

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

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 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 copycat red lobster's smoked salmon canapes

Copycat Red Lobster's Smoked Salmon Canapes

Red Lobster's smoked salmon canapes are an easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any party or gathering. They can be made ahead of time, making them a...


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for beer dip

Beer Dip

A beer dip that'll be different with every brew you try. A lager beer, not too heavy or too light, is a safe choice to play nice with the sharp flavor of cheddar.


Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for lobster bites

Lobster Bites

Flaky crescent roll dough is topped with cooked lobster that is basted in sherry and butter.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 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 smoked salmon dip

Smoked Salmon Dip

If you're a fan of bagels with cream cheese and lox (and who isn't) you'll go crazy for this dip. It makes a perfect party snack on crackers.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for parmigiano reggiano frico

Parmigiano Reggiano Frico

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


recipe for chicken fajita quesadillas

Chicken Fajita Quesadillas

A Mexican one-two punch: the fajita quesadilla! Sauteed chicken, peppers, and onions pressed with cheese in flour tortillas is genius. Great with sour cream or salsa.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for honey double-mustard dip

Honey Double-Mustard Dip

Made with Dijon mustard, vegetable oil, honey, dry mustard

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 hot vidalia onion dip

Hot Vidalia Onion Dip

This addicting dip is made with only three ingredients: mayonnaise, Swiss cheese, and onions.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for sausage and pepperoni pizza egg rolls

Sausage And Pepperoni Pizza Egg Rolls

Some very incognito pizza rolls. Egg roll wraps actually make the perfect vehicle for pizza toppings since all that ooey gooey cheese could use a crispy crunch to...

Method:   deep fryer, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for bacon quesadillas

Bacon Quesadillas

An easy and tasty oven-baked version of quesadillas made with flour tortillas, Colby/Monterey Jack cheese blend, bacon, and green onions.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for swedish meat balls party-style

Swedish Meat Balls Party-Style

What's a party without the Swedish meatballs? These mini bites are subtly spiced with nutmeg and allspice to add a little intrigue to their flavor palate. The meatballs...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   1-2 hours

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 frickles (fried dill pickles in beer batter)

Frickles (Fried Dill Pickles In Beer Batter)

These battered and fried pickles are perfect for parties or game day gatherings, and can be served with a dipping sauce such as ranch dressing or ketchup.

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for flautas de pollo (chicken flautas)

Flautas De Pollo (Chicken Flautas)

Flautas de pollo are a Mexican dish made with shredded chicken, garlic, onion, tomato, and green chili peppers, fried in oil and served with salsa fresca or...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for pig in pashmina

Pig In Pashmina

A sophisticated Spanish version of pigs in a blanket made with puff pastry sheets, chorizo sausage, and manchego cheese.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for asian beef hors d'oeuvres

Asian Beef Hors D'oeuvres

Tiny bites of tender beef are cooked in a blend of hoisin and duck sauce. Serve with cocktail picks.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for cold veggie pizza

Cold Veggie Pizza

The pizza crust is made from refrigerated crescent roll dough. It's topped with a sauce of cream cheese, mayo, ranch salad dressing mix and lots of veggies.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for bagel thins

Bagel Thins

Thin bagel slices are coated with butter and sprinkled with dried oregano before baking. They make great snacks by themselves or are great as dippers with your favorite dip.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for 3 bean dip

3 Bean Dip

Black, kidney, and pinto beans are mixed together with just the right spices to make a party-worthy bean dip.


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 mashed potato fondue

Mashed Potato Fondue

This tasty twist on fondue mixes mashed potatoes with creamy cheese. Serve with a variety of dippers.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for onion-garlic popcorn

Onion-Garlic Popcorn

A popcorn treat perfect for watching movies, sports, or just snacking. Made with popped popcorn, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for kimi's pork gyoza

Kimi's Pork Gyoza

These delicious dumplings are made with a pork filling that is delicately seasoned, and they are seared and then steamed until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for copycat red lobster's shrimp and bacon appetizer

Copycat Red Lobster's Shrimp and Bacon Appetizer

These bacon wrapped shrimp morsels may just be appetizers, but chances are you'll want them as a main course.

Method:   outdoor grill
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for blooming onion dip

Blooming Onion Dip

This dip was made popular with its accompanying deep-fried onion appetizer. It also goes great with French fries, onion rings, and fried seafood.


Time:   30-60 minutes





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