Appetizers and Snacks

A big batch of homemade salsa is always a great thing to have hanging around in the fridge, especially when you throw in fresh lime juice and green onions.


Time:   1-2 hours

Just four ingredients for a party-ready snack. This cottage and cream cheese is easy, tasty, and surprisingly healthy for how delicious it is. Make sure you make enough!


Time:   2-5 hours

Pickled Brussels sprouts are a traditional Eastern European recipe. They can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or part of a main course.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

This egg and chicken liver canape is a simple and delicious way to feed a crowd. It's perfect for parties as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

These crispy pieces of bacon are sweet and tangy. Great for a snack, crumbled and added to a recipe, or sprinkled on a salad.

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

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

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


Time:   1-2 hours

Made with fresh dill, cocktail rye bread, cucumbers, cream cheese, ranch salad dressing mix, mayonnaise, sour cream


Time:   1-2 hours

This substantial tuna dip gets a shock of heat from horseradish that is awesome on crackers, loaded up into celery sticks, or spread onto rice cakes.


Time:   2-5 hours

Kirby pickles are named after the Kirby cucumber, which is a small, firm cucumber that is well suited for pickling.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

Made with black peppercorns, salt, Vienna sausage, red onions, hard boiled eggs, dry mustard, cumin seed, jalapeno peppers, Habanero peppers, garlic

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

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

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

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

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

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

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

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

The ultimate in jalapeno poppers! Hot jalapenos are stuffed with cheese and wrapped in a crispy sausage coating.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

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

Made with bacon, bourbon, green onions, maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, black pepper, scallops

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

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

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

This popcorn snack has a hint of nacho flavors when coated with paprika, crushed red pepper, cumin, butter, and Parmesan cheese.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with ground ginger, whole cloves, whole allspice, watermelon rind, salt, sugar, white vinegar, water, sticks cinnamon

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

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

Made with ketchup, salt and pepper, ground beef, onions, bread crumbs, eggs, beer, vegetable juice, lemon juice, hot sauce

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

If you thought cheese couldn't get any better, think again. This queso blanco dip is here to step up your snacking game. With spicy chorizo mingling in the mix, you might want to...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

It's got hot and spicy in the name, so don't be surprised when it's got a kick and a half. Chex, nuts, and cheese crackers make a perfect by-the-handful party...

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

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

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

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

There's avocado everything these days, so it was only a matter of time until they got turned into fries. Panko-coated avocado slices would go perfect with a Mexican main...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Forget the store-bought dips, this fresh tasting, creamy dip is much more deserving of your crackers and veggies.


Time:   1-2 hours

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

Coat your favorite pretzels in a mixture of garlic salt, dill, lemon pepper, and ranch salad dressing mix for a tasty snack.

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

Broiled portobello mushrooms filled with a mixture of avocados, leeks, and goat cheese. Simple yet sophisticated for a light meal or side dish.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

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

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

Picture this: crispy, golden-brown cheese bites that ooze deliciousness with each bite. These seasoned deep-fried cheddar cheese cubes are the perfect blend of crisp...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

This dish marries tender meatballs with a flavorful barbecue sauce. The best part? The oven does the initial cooking, then your crockpot steps in to let those flavors...

Method:   crock pot, oven
Time:   over 5 hours

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


Time:   under 30 minutes

This cocktail sauce has just the right proportions of chili sauce, ketchup, and horseradish. It's spicy without being too hot but yet has just the right "bite" to it.


Time:   30-60 minutes

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

Delicious salsa with black beans for something a little more substantial than your typical dip. With a bite from jalapeno, this chunky salsa is great on tortilla chips...


Time:   30-60 minutes

Made with celery, ground chicken, ground beef, bread, eggs, blue cheese, buffalo wing sauce

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Sauteed scallops strike the ideal balance between elegance and ease of preparation. Ready in under half an hour, these scallops get their tasty flavor from simple, fresh ingredients.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

This recipe is packed with oats, seeds, peanut butter, and chocolate chips for a healthy boost whenever you need one. It's a spectacular snack, or is that snacktacular?


Time:   30-60 minutes

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

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

Everyone loves a good cheesy calzone, but they're a little messy to serve as party food. Until now. Mini puff-pastry calzones make for phenomenal finger food.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   1-2 hours

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

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