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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 mini quiche wedding appetizers

Mini Quiche Wedding Appetizers

These miniature quiches are perfect for wedding receptions, baby showers, or any party where you want some easy but elegant finger food.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for best cottage cheese dip

Best Cottage Cheese Dip

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

recipe for asian chicken bites

Asian Chicken Bites

Lean bites of chicken are lightly fried and tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Method:   deep fryer, stovetop
Time:   30-60 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 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

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recipe for tuna sour cream dip

Tuna Sour Cream Dip

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

recipe for fast and easy french onion dip

Fast and Easy French Onion Dip

Fast, easy and low in fat. This simple dip is made with non-fat sour cream, fat-free mayo, and gets its extra onion-y flavor from green onions, onion soup mix, and dried...


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for baked chicken nuggets

Baked Chicken Nuggets

These baked chicken nuggets are healthier than their deep fried counterparts so you can feel good about serving them to your family

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for balsamic marinated mushrooms

Balsamic Marinated Mushrooms

Mushrooms are marinated in a balsamic and herb dressing to make an elegant, yet simple, appetizer or side dish for your next dinner party.


Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for brown sugar bacon crisps

Brown Sugar Bacon Crisps

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

recipe for pork dumplings (gyoza) with dipping sauce

Pork Dumplings (Gyoza) With Dipping Sauce

Pork filled dumplings are steamed and served with a homemade dipping sauce.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for italian potato chips

Italian Potato Chips

Delicious homemade crispy potato chips with light Italian seasonings.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for frito lay-style bean dip

Frito Lay-Style Bean Dip

Serve up this Frito Lay style bean dip at your next party or movie night. Perfect with your favorite chips. Add more jalapenos or cayenne for a spicier dip.


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for basic chickpea hummus

Basic Chickpea Hummus

If you're new to hummus, this is the perfect recipe for you. It's easy to make and tastes great. This basic recipe can be modified to suit individual tastes.


Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for king-size steak bites

King-Size Steak Bites

Savor steak in a bite-sized form with these king-size steak bites. Combining the depth of a red wine marinade and a bold mustard butter sauce makes this dish an instant standout.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for homemade pico de gallo

Homemade Pico de Gallo

Whip up some homemade pico de gallo with fresh tomatoes, jalapeno, lime juice, red onion, and cilantro. This simple recipe is perfect for adding a zesty kick to your favorite...


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for green tomato kosher pickles

Green Tomato Kosher Pickles

Made with bay leaf, salt, green tomatoes or cucumbers, water, vinegar, garlic, red peppers, celery

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for open-face cucumber sandwiches

Open-Face Cucumber Sandwiches

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


Time:   1-2 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 armadillo eggs

Armadillo Eggs

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

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for cajun cocktail sauce

Cajun Cocktail Sauce

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

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 turkey spread

Turkey Spread

Tired of those holiday leftovers? Try this dressed up turkey spread that is delicious as a sandwich or served on crackers.


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for zucchini salsa

Zucchini Salsa

Diced zucchini adds a cool and refreshing element to this zesty salsa. Serve with chips or as a condiment on your favorite Tex-Mex meal.


Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for southwestern cheesecake

Southwestern Cheesecake

Made with tortilla chips, salsa, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning mix, eggs, green chiles

Method:   oven
Time:   over 5 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 baked mexican dip

Baked Mexican Dip

This baked cheesy Mexican-flavored dip is always a party hit. It is easy to make, and can be tailored to your liking (try ground turkey for a healthier option).

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for cajun fried calamari

Cajun Fried Calamari

Crispy-fried calamari with a spicy Cajun-style kick.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for iced nuts

Iced Nuts

Candied almonds or cashews can add a terrific touch to salads, bringing some sweetness and crunchiness into the mix. Or, simply serve as a snack.

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 lotus' deviled eggs

Lotus' Deviled Eggs

Made with paprika, salt and freshly ground pepper, prepared mustard, mayonnaise, hard-boiled eggs, black olives, white onion, pecans, pickles, pimiento


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for taco crackers

Taco Crackers

Oyster crackers are roasted with taco seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, and chili powder.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for goat cheese, spinach, and artichoke dip

Goat Cheese, Spinach, and Artichoke Dip

This upscale version of spinach-artichoke dip is made with goat cheese instead of the more commonly used cream cheese in other recipes.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for chipotle blue cheese dip

Chipotle Blue Cheese Dip

Turn up the flavor with chipotle peppers, creamy mayonnaise, and blue cheese dressing in this tasty dip that's ready to serve with chips.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for panko crusted chicken nuggets

Panko Crusted Chicken Nuggets

Put fast food nuggets to shame. Parmesan and panko give chicken that cravable, crucial crust that you know so well. Marinara or little homemade honey mustard would make...

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for cajun deviled eggs

Cajun Deviled Eggs

These deviled eggs are spiced up with jalapenos, cumin, and cayenne. They have a tasty bite to them without being overpowering.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for slow cooker boiled peanuts

Slow Cooker Boiled Peanuts

When it comes to boiled peanuts, southerners know how to do it right. These salty snacks are perfect for road trips, picnics, or simply enjoying on a lazy afternoon.

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 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 faux 'tater skins

Faux 'Tater Skins

Tater tots replace baked potatoes in this version of the popular appetizer, potato skins. Tots are baked until crisp then topped with cheese, bacon, green onions, and served with sour...

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for deviled eggs mimosa

Deviled Eggs Mimosa

Eggs mimosa is the French name for deviled eggs. This recipe changes things up a bit by adding mashed avocado to the egg filling.


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 curried crab dip

Curried Crab Dip

Made with crabmeat, cream cheese, madras curry powder, mayonnaise, coconut milk, green onions or chives, red bell pepper

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for teriyaki turkey sliders

Teriyaki Turkey Sliders

These tiny turkey burgers make the perfect slider. Serve as an appetizer or multiple ones for a meal. If the turkey mixture is too soft to form the burgers, try refrigerating it...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

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 chinese oven spareribs

Chinese Oven Spareribs

Marinated in a sherry, soy, ginger, brown sugar sauce and then oven-baked until tender and browned.

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for spicy peanuts

Spicy Peanuts

A quick and spicy snack made with peanuts, garlic, red pepper flakes, paprika and chili powder

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for simple chocolate-covered pretzels

Simple Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

Anybody know what genius first decided to cover pretzels in chocolate? This ultra-easy recipe makes a great homemade version of the classic sweet and salty morsel.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for cilantro jalapeno hummus

Cilantro Jalapeno Hummus

We don't ever get tired of hummus, but it's always nice to try new kinds. Especially when they're as flavorful as this cilantro jalapeno variety with garlic, lime and spicy...


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for cajun popcorn

Cajun Popcorn

Made with popcorn, butter, paprika, lemon pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for seven-layer mexican dip

Seven-Layer Mexican Dip

This seven layer dip has all the classics. Refried beans, sour cream, guacamole... Every bite is different and delicious.


Time:   under 30 minutes





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