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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 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 avocado stuffed portobello mushrooms

Avocado Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Made with portobello mushrooms, butter, leeks, garlic, avocados, rosemary, lime juice, salt, goat cheese, walnuts

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for microwave salsa

Microwave Salsa

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


recipe for extra zesty honey mustard dipping sauce

Extra Zesty Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Whip up a big batch of this zesty tabasco-laced honey mustard and throw it in the fridge so it's ready whenever you've got chicken, grilled shrimp, or roasted...


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for mini reuben sandwiches

Mini Reuben Sandwiches

Made with cocktail rye bread, Thousand Island dressing, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut

Method:   crock pot
Time:   1-2 hours

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recipe for pickled brussels sprouts

Pickled Brussels Sprouts

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

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

recipe for slow cooker chocolate fondue

Slow Cooker Chocolate Fondue

Who needs a fancy fondue pot? Just fire up the crock pot. This rich chocolate fondue is perfect with cake, fruit, cookies, or other dippers (try marshmallows!)

Method:   crock pot
Time:   1-2 hours


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 new mexican salsa

New Mexican Salsa

Good salsa is all about fresh, so when you see the ingredient list you know this one's a winner. If you prefer a salsa with a bit of a kick, leave some of the seeds from the jalapenos...


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for oil cured olives with garlic and herbs

Oil Cured Olives With Garlic And Herbs

Combining rich black or Greek olives, aromatic herbs, garlic, and optional crushed red pepper, these marinated olives are perfect as an appetizer or to enhance...


Time:   over 5 hours


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 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 baked texas jalapeno peppers

Baked Texas Jalapeno Peppers

These cheesy stuffed peppers make a great appetizer or snack. They aren't overly hot because the jalapenos are boiled first, which reduces some of the heat

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 caramelized onion, pear and goat cheese pizzas

Caramelized Onion, Pear And Goat Cheese Pizzas

Made with olive oil, butter, salt, pizza dough, pear, goat cheese, red onions

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for layered derby day dip

Layered Derby Day Dip

Made with bacon, turkey breast, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, instant chicken bouillon, cayenne pepper, Parmesan cheese, Swiss cheese, tomato


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for fabulous low fat pot stickers

Fabulous Low Fat Pot Stickers

There's only four grams of fat per serving in these delicious low fat potstickers. They are made with ground chicken or turkey instead of the usual ground pork.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for potato salad deviled eggs

Potato Salad Deviled Eggs

Made with paprika, eggs, black pepper, potato, pickle relish, mustard, mayonnaise or salad dressing, salt

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for stuffed baguette with sun-dried tomato tapenade

Stuffed Baguette With Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade

Sun dried tomatoes and goat cheese give the tapenade its zing while cream cheese gives it a lovely, creamy texture.


Time:   1-2 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 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 granola energy balls

Granola Energy Balls

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


recipe for pennsylvania dutch pickled eggs

Pennsylvania Dutch Pickled Eggs

Pickled eggs are yummy, and their color is out of this world. Thanks to some sliced beets in the pickling liquid, these eggs are show-stoppingly stunning.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for sweet corn, cabbage, and bell pepper relish

Sweet Corn, Cabbage, And Bell Pepper Relish

Made with onion, green bell peppers, red bell pepper, sugar, dry mustard, celery seed, mustard seed, salt, garlic, turmeric

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for pickled sausage

Pickled Sausage

Made with smoked beef sausage, water, salt, white vinegar, red food coloring


Time:   over 5 hours


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 pina colada fruit dip

Pina Colada Fruit Dip

Simple, refreshing, and packed with flavor, this pina colada fruit dip is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite fresh fruits.


Time:   1-2 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 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 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 black eyed pea hummus

Black Eyed Pea Hummus

Want some hummus but don't have any chickpeas on hand? No problem, some black-eyed peas fill in nicely. Try it with pita chips or as a healthy dip for carrots and celery.


Time:   1-2 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 hot and cheesy spinach artichoke dip

Hot and Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Made with Cheddar cheese, tabasco sauce, frozen spinach, artichoke hearts, butter, garlic, yellow onion or scallion, cream or half and half, cream cheese, Parmesan...

Method:   oven, stovetop, microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for beef and wild mushroom pate with cognac mustard sauce

Beef and Wild Mushroom Pate with Cognac Mustard Sauce

Made with salt, black pepper, ground beef, ground pork, buttermilk, thyme, sage, egg whites, prosciutto

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for hot pie crust wrapped olive cheese balls

Hot Pie Crust Wrapped Olive Cheese Balls

Made with sharp Cheddar cheese, pie crust mix, paprika, stuffed olives

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for chinese raviolis (jao tze) pork shau mai

Chinese Raviolis (Jao Tze) Pork Shau Mai

Made with bamboo shoots, pork loin, fatback, sesame oil, rice wine or dry sherry, cornstarch, egg white, salt, sugar, white pepper

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for sour cream vegetable dip

Sour Cream Vegetable Dip

Quick to prepare and great for entertaining, the sour cream dip is ideal for pairing with your favorite veggies or chips. Just let it chill for 30 minutes, and you're ready to...


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for tuna tartare

Tuna Tartare

Skip overpriced restaurant tuna tartare and make it at home. Tuna, avocado, and jalapeno, flavored with a kick of wasabi and served on wonton crisps makes an absolutely killer appetizer.


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for red hot cinnamon candy popcorn

Red Hot Cinnamon Candy Popcorn

Made with baking soda, salt, popcorn, red cinnamon candies, sugar, butter, corn syrup

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for mini blt canapes

Mini BLT Canapes

If you're looking for a bite-sized appetizer with all the classic flavors of a traditional BLT, these mini BLT canapes are a solid choice.

Method:   stovetop, oven
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 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 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 sugar free candied nuts

Sugar Free Candied Nuts

This sugar-free treat is made up of three kinds of nuts that are mixed with a sweet cinnamon coating.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 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 veggie crudites with three dips

Veggie Crudites With Three Dips

Fun fact: you can call raw, sliced veggies "crudites" and make your food seem twice as fancy without lifting a finger.


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for maple glazed nuts

Maple Glazed Nuts

Made with walnuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, butter, salt, vanilla extract

Method:   stovetop
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 classic slow cooker reuben dip

Classic Slow Cooker Reuben Dip

Made with Thousand Island salad dressing, corned beef, sauerkraut, cream cheese, Swiss cheese

Method:   crock pot
Time:   2-5 hours





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