Food and Recipes Entertaining Ideas & Tips 100 Best Appetizer Recipes For Any Occasion Start your party off right. By Southern Living Editors Updated on April 7, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland Nobody throws a party like a Southerner throws a party. There are so many details to consider, from the décor to the music selection. Our primary concern? The food, of course. We know the importance of a delicious, easy appetizer recipe. Start your party off right with the best appetizer recipes we could source. Whether you're attending a tailgate, wedding shower, graduation party, or any other occasion, it all starts with finger food. From classics like deviled eggs and meatballs to new twists on iconic recipes, such as Deviled Potatoes and Inside-Out Hot Brown Bites, we've compiled our all-time favorite appetizer recipes into one handy guide. You'll want to bookmark this page, as you'll go back to these recipes again and again. The mark of a truly tasty appetizer is an empty platter at the end of an event, so choose one of these top-rated party appetizers and your friends will beg you for the recipe. This assortment of our best appetizer recipes will please everyone on the guest list. 01 of 100 Loaded Deviled Eggs Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn Toppings like bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and chives aren't just for potatoes. This fresh take on a Southern classic hits all the flavor points. Get the taste of two classic dishes, loaded baked potatoes and deviled eggs, in one bite. 02 of 100 Bacon Bow Tie Crackers Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Tami Hardeman This two-ingredient recipe couldn't be more simple. If you want to provide a light snack without having to use another set of dishes before dinner, this bite-sized appetizer is a great option. Depending on the size of the crowd you'll be serving, you may want to consider doubling this recipe. These tasty bites will start to disappear quickly once your guests arrive. 03 of 100 Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip Secure a repeat invitation by showing up to any potluck or cookout with this slow-cooker rendition of Buffalo Chicken Dip. Frank's Red Hot is our sauce of choice, but you can use your favorite. The spice in this addictive dip pairs great with a cold beer. 04 of 100 Spicy Bisquick Sausage Balls Photography: Caitlin Bensel Food Styling: Ali Ramee Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland Using hot sausage adds some heat to these sausage balls. As tempting as it may be, make sure not to reach for pre-shredded cheese for this recipe. Grating your own cheese will give you the best results. 05 of 100 Red Chipotle Pepper Jelly Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis If you have a jar or two of this pepper jelly in the fridge, you're one block of cream cheese away from the perfect Southern appetizer. Served on Ritz crackers or toasted baguette slices, cream cheese and pepper jelly is always a hit. It's up to you if you want to keep this jelly recipe a secret. 06 of 100 Bacon-Cheese Gougères Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Bacon and cheese are always a winning duo in our book, and these Gougères are no exception to that rule. Do not perceive these delightful savory pastries as difficult to achieve. Once you've got the steps down, you'll always have the best appetizer recipe at the potluck. We recommend serving them warm. 07 of 100 Picnic Egg Salad Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele Boiling eggs is the most time-intensive part of pulling together this classic egg salad recipe, which of course doesn't take too much time. It's also the perfect make-ahead recipe as you can make it a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator overnight. We use toasted baguettes as the base, but you can also serve with crackers to make it more portable. 08 of 100 Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely This poached shrimp can be served at a myriad of events, from a backyard barbecue to a holiday cocktail party. You are not only bringing the spice, you are transporting happy diners to a beachside retreat with these flavors. Be sure to prepare extra servings. 09 of 100 Jalapeño Popper Dip Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke You'll know this dip is ready to come out of the oven when the top is bubbling and golden brown. Made with cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, and Pepper Jack Cheese, we assure you there's no shortage of cheesy goodness in this recipe. When we say our best appetizer recipes are good for any occasion, we mean it! 10 of 100 Warm Cheese Box Bites Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely If your reaction to this suggestion is, "More cheese? Good.", then this recipe is for you. Serving these cheese box bites warm is key to delivering maximum flavor. You can make them ahead of time and keep them in the freezer, just warm them right before serving. 11 of 100 Asparagus Ribbon Crostini Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley Who says your appetizer selection can't be elegant? Serving ribbons of asparagus on top of baguette slices turns it from a side dish into a spring-ready finger food. Fresh mint helps make it even more colorful. 12 of 100 Smoked Vidalia Onion Dip with Grilled Crudités Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely While you may usually choose to pick up store-bought onion dip, special occasions are worthy of making it from scratch. The smokiness of the vidalia onions make this dip the perfect accompaniment for almost any vegetable. On the other hand, maybe you need to take a turn at homemade potato chips. 13 of 100 Butter-Baked Saltine Crackers Southern Living If dinner will be served soon after guests arrive, but you still want to offer up a small bite when they walk through the door, these dressed-up saltines will save the day. Plus, we bet you already have the two ingredients you'll need to pull these crackers together on hand in your kitchen. 14 of 100 Hot Cheesy Crab Dip Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Pairing this cheesy dip with sturdy Endive leaves, celery, or jicama brings fresh snap and taste to the table. Aside from choosing produce for dipping, you can also serve with the crackers or bread of your choice. Just be sure to serve this dip hot for best flavor. 15 of 100 Corn and Jalapeño Dip Hector Manuel Sanchez This dip requires just eight ingredients and minimally no work. All you'll have to do is dump the ingredients in your slow cooker, give them a stir, and then set it to cook. Just make sure to reserve the bacon to add halfway through the cooking process. Plus, making a dip in the slow cooker will ensure it stays warm until your guests arrive. 16 of 100 Spicy Cheese Twists Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis This slightly upgraded version of cheese straws comes together with frozen puff pastry sheets. This approach is so easy, you will become committed to perfecting these puffy delights. Appetizers for dinner, anyone? 17 of 100 Creamy Avocado Dip Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry A slightly creamier version of guacamole, this no-cook avocado dip can be enjoyed with fresh veggies, tortilla chips, or a combination of both. Paired with your favorite margarita, this delicious dip will be a regular on those Saturday nights with friends. 18 of 100 Hot Brown Party Rolls Victor Protasio; Food Stying: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Leave it to Test Kitchen Pro Ivy Odom to turn Kentucky's famous Hot Brown sandwiches into a big-batch, one-dish appetizer that's perfect for your Derby party. As a matter of fact, you need to consider these savory grab-and-go snack for every tailgate event you are invited to. 19 of 100 Bacon-Pimiento Guacamole Hector Manuel Sanchez Just when you thought fresh guacamole couldn't get any better, we added bacon and pimientos. This elevates the guac game in a serious way, and if you're not careful, those around you will demand this version and nothing else. Take your chances with some festive blue tortilla chips, and you will have a winner of a starter. 20 of 100 Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Tangy goat cheese and crispy baguette slices are the ideal canvas for this comforting yet light take on bruschetta. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes knocks the flavor profile out of the park. Keep this in your back pocket for the neighborhood dinner club, and your contribution will be a sure hit. 21 of 100 Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer Sometimes firing up the grill isn't possible, so it's aways a good idea to have a baked chicken wing recipe up your sleeve. Not only that, but the sheet pan approach keeps your delicious mess just a little more contained. Now all you have to do is decide what to serve alongside these treats. 22 of 100 Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip With Country Ham Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham Is it really a Southern party without a tasty spinach dip on the table? We think not. Taking a little extra time to hollow out a sourdough round, pack the cavity with dip, and serve the bread morsels alongside this treat always makes a tasty impact. 23 of 100 Basic Pimiento Cheese Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox Coarse, freshly grated cheese works best in order to nail the right texture for this Souther classic, so get out your box grater. The key to great pimiento cheese is to freshly grate the cheese at home, and to resist buying shredded cheese at the market. Spread between bread to create little tea sandwiches, or serve as a dip for crackers and veggies. 24 of 100 Warm Cheese And Spicy Pecan Dip Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox This rich, homemade dip is made with three different cheeses and topped with spiced nuts for an unforgettable flavor. Grabbing a freshly made baguette from the local baker makes the perfect pairing and presentation for this indulgent appetizer. 25 of 100 Creamy Spinach-Ricotta Crostini Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Sometimes when you're spending all of your time preparing the main meal, a quick and simple recipe is needed to save the day. This recipe is just that, coming together in just 15 minutes. The presentation makes it almost restaurant-worthy. 26 of 100 Mini Potato Skins Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop styling: Claire Spollen; Food styling: Chelsea Zimmer If you're looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer that needs to travel well? This just might be the recipe for you. To take them to a party, you can prepare the recipe almost to completion, and then finish it at your destination. You can also prepare them at home and serve them as a side. 27 of 100 Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen Rich, creamy, and chicken-filled, this Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is packed with irresistible flavor. It's definitely hearty enough to be a part of a dinner of appetizers. What else will you prepare for finger food night? 28 of 100 Ham And Cheese Sliders Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin This ham and cheese slider recipe is a beloved Southern classic. Imagine game day being accentuated by these handheld snacks, along with all the other trappings of successful tailgating. Anyone who takes a bite will definitely be on your team. 29 of 100 Pizza Pepper Poppers Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christina Daley After-school snacking has never looked so fun. Get all the flavor of your favorite pizza in these stuffed peppers that are ready with just 10 minutes of hands-on time. This filling treat will not have anyone complaining about where dinner might be. 30 of 100 Beer Cheese Fondue Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall No one at your holiday gathering will be able to resist the retro charm of a pot of fondue. We switched up the dipping options with sliced bratwurst, steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, and fingerling potatoes. 31 of 100 Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus Hector Manuel Sanchez This unique hummus recipe is made with black-eyed peas instead of chickpeas and topped with flavorful paprika. You will find yourself wanting to experiment with different ingredients for hummus once you've tasted this. Our smoky field pea hummus is another great example. 32 of 100 Smoked-Fish Dip Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke Chef Adam Evans of award-winning Automatic Seafood & Oysters in Birmingham, Alabama, shared this incredible dip recipe with us. A good dip almost always disappears before the end of the night, but if you're lucky enough to have any leftovers, this Smoked Fish Dip will be amazing spread on a baguette for a sandwich the next day. 33 of 100 Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Prep these mini mushroom bites ahead of time and pop them in the oven for five minutes just before guests arrive. These will go fast, as they are simply addicting and so easy to ingest in one bite. Be sure to have some extra stashed in the fridge. 34 of 100 Baked BLT Dip Skyler Burt This creamy dip recipe takes the best qualities of a BLT sandwich and transforms it into an easy and delicious appetizer. With fresh tomatoes, this recipe is especially delightful. Simply spreading it on one piece of hearty bread makes an excellent open-faced sandwich. 35 of 100 Stuffed Okra Poppers Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall If you thought jalapeño poppers were the ultimate appetizer, we made them even more Southern with okra and pimiento cheese. Okra's mild flavor works beautifully with this combination and will please party guests who can't take the heat. 36 of 100 Georgia-Style Boiled Peanuts Alison Miksch This easy, slow-cooker snack is always a Southern favorite. Nostalgic snack nuts taste best washed down with an ice cold beer. 37 of 100 Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese Laurey W. Glenn Bite sized and based on vegetables, this easy appetizer is big on flavor and gorgeous on a tabletop (we love the star-shaped presentation for the holidays). Creamy goat cheese stuffing is made from a combination of creamy goat cheese, softened cream cheese, lemon zest, chives, parsley, and tarragon; sub in whichever herbs you desire, like red pepper for a Southern twist. 38 of 100 Quick Pickled Brussels Sprouts Greg DuPree Here's an easy and impressive way to amp up your meat and cheese platter. We teamed up with chef and cookbook author Virginia Willis to create this easy pickled Brussels sprouts recipe flavored with black peppercorns, mustard seeds, garlic, bay leaf, and a pinch of spicy red pepper. 39 of 100 Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites Hector Manuel Sanchez Extra-sharp cheddar cheese, a dash of cinnamon, and a few scoops of plum jelly give this chorizo sausage ball recipe multiple layers of savory flavor. Take these sweet-potato-and-chorizo-sausage balls as the rest of the South's answer to Louisiana's savory boudin balls–each delicious bite is loaded with meat with a little kick from spicy chorizo. 40 of 100 Baby Hasselback Potatoes With Blue Cheese and Bacon Laurey W. Glenn; Food Styling: William Smith; Prop Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham The defining characteristic of perfectly-baked Hasselback-style potatoes? The thin, crispy, accordion-like slices that bake into golden perfection in the oven. This cutting technique allows the outside of the potato to bake into a crispy skin, while the inside remains soft and creamy. 41 of 100 Yeast Rolls Iain Bagwell After months of testing, we can accurately say that these buttery, fluffy yeast rolls will steal the show. Making the dough the night before baking cuts down on day-of prep and hands-on kneading time. 42 of 100 Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas Stephen Devries You'll never guess you can whip up these easy appetizers in only three steps. Simply bake flour tortillas in muffin pans, fill with all the fixin's (like black beans, refried beans, enchilada sauce, green chilies, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese) and bake. Top with sour cream, lettuce, pico de gallo, and scallions. You can have these appetizers out in 30 minutes or less. 43 of 100 Cornmeal Popovers Laurey W. Glenn; Food Styling: William Smith; Prop Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham Classic airy bread popover bites get a comfort-filled Southern makeover with the addition of our favorite grain: cornmeal. With basic pantry staples, like flour, milk, eggs, and butter, you can make these crowd-pleasing popovers in less than 30 minutes. The secret to party-ready popovers lies in getting them just fluffy and airy enough to "pop." 44 of 100 Baked Brie Bites Laurey W. Glenn Made from only five ingredients but packed with flavor, these bites come together in under 10 minutes. Each ingredient is store-bought; simply assemble the flaky phyllo dough shells, creamy Brie cheese, tasted pecans, sweet and spicy pepper jelly, fresh parsley, and serve. 45 of 100 Party Poppers Photo: Hector Sanchez This quick and easy appetizer, with just a few ingredients and even fewer steps, will make entertaining easy without the hassle of fussing over the oven all day and night. For those who like it hot, swap mini sweet peppers for spicy jalapeños. 46 of 100 Chicken Liver Mousse Crostini With Pepper Jelly Hector Manuel Sanchez Pepper jelly lifts the flavor in this chicken liver mousse appetizer served with toasted baguettes. Onion, garlic, and heavy cream also bring out the delicious flavors in this appetizer staple. This recipe takes time, but will be well worth the wait once finished. 47 of 100 Spinach And Vidalia Dip Photo: Greg Dupree Take a moment to meet your new favorite appetizer. This twist on the classic spinach dip is sure to please even the most particular guests. Just like traditional spinach dip, the recipe mixes together spinach, sour cream, and chives to achieve that cool, onion flavor with a kick. 48 of 100 Deviled Potatoes Hector Manuel Sanchez Two Southern classics, deviled eggs and potato salad, join forces to create these two-bite wonders. Scooping out the middle of the potato, filling it with flavor, and it stuffing it back in make it reminiscent of a deviled egg, but it taste just a like a scoop of bite-sized potato salad goodness. The pulp is mixed with sour cream, capers, mustard and a few other key ingredients that will not leave guests missing a traditional potato salad. 49 of 100 Crawfish Dip Greg DuPree Filled with flavor from a variety of spices, guests will be wowed by the flavor of this simple dish that lets the slow cooker do most of the work. After making this dip, serve it in a slow cooker to keep it warm (and to avoid doing any extra dishes). Set this appetizer out with crackers or toasted baguette slices and watch it disappear at your next party. 50 of 100 Tex-Mex Deviled Eggs Hector Manuel Sanchez One of the South's most iconic appetizers fuses with the nineties' obsession with Tex-Mex to create a twist on this beloved party appetizer. Traditional ingredients such as mayonnaise and mustard still garnish the dish, but ingredients reminiscent of Tex-Mex such as cilantro, jalapeño, and chili powder infuse the dish with plenty of the Tex-Mex flavor that guests will immediately recognize. 51 of 100 Cheese Snappy Wafers Hector M. Sanchez Southern hosts have long relied on cheese wafers to keep their party guests satiated, and with just six ingredients, this recipe is any hosts' dream appetizer to prepare. Held together by sharp cheddar cheese, rice cereal, butter, and flour, this recipe will be a crowd pleaser simply because of its simplicity and deliciously crunchy texture 52 of 100 Turnip Green Pesto Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham A bright blend of turnip greens, grated Parmesan cheese, and honey turn this essential leafy green into a delicious appetizer even the kiddos will enjoy. The smooth blend of the greens, olive oil, and garlic make this creamy pesto spread a delight at the appetizer table. 53 of 100 Lump Crab Mornay Photo: Iain Bagwell Recipe developer Julia Reed adapted this creamy dip from a recipe in Bayou Cuisine by St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Indianola, Mississippi. Located in the Mississippi Delta, this recipe pays homage to the rich culture in the region, using lump crabmeat and red pepper to add spice. This dip can be kept in a chafing dish or a slow cooker set on a very low temperature to keep the dip perfect throughout the night for guests to enjoy. 54 of 100 Cocktail Meatballs Hector Manuel Sanchez Cocktail meatballs hold a special place in the canon of Southern party appetizers, in part because they are a study in ground-beef perfection and simplicity. While we love the ones our mamas made with chili sauce and grape jelly, this recipe is the one we still pull out for company. 55 of 100 Feta And Olive Fresh Herb Cheese Ball Hector Manuel Sanchez The bright green appearance will also draw guests to this aesthetically appeasing appetizer that is best served with cucumber slices. Other ingredients including green olives, hot sauce, lemon zest, and Worcestershire sauce add another layer of flavor to balance out the others. 56 of 100 Inside-Out Hot Brown Bites Photo: Hector Sanchez We've reimagined this signature Kentucky sandwich of bacon, turkey, and cheese sauce into beautiful bite-size cups. These cheesy bites are made from a crispy Parmesan crust and drizzled with a decadent cheese sauce with the turkey and the bacon to balance the creamy flavors from the cheese. Top with diced tomatoes and flat-leaf parsley for fresh flavors and watch them disappear. 57 of 100 Sweet And Salty Snack Mix Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Katie Jacobs This grab-and-go snack is a delightful combination of cereal, pretzels, peanut butter, marshmallows, brown sugar, and honey. This mix will satisfy that sweet and salty combo that everyone craves. If you make this ahead and store in an airtight container, consider yourself over prepared. 58 of 100 Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits With Pulled Pork And Slaw Hector Manuel Sanchez Dress up barbecue pork in this small appetizer with just a hint of barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, and sliced green onion. Serve pork on a sweet potato biscuit with red cabbage, shredded carrots, red wine vinegar and chopped fresh chives for a stunning presentation. Also if looking to make this dish ahead of time, the sweet potato biscuits freeze beautifully--thaw, bake, and top them just before serving. 59 of 100 Slow Cooker Beef Nachos Laurey W. Glenn What's better than nachos as an appetizer at the next game day party or a small casual gathering? Take all the manual labor out of preparing this dish and let the slow cooker cook do the work so you don't have to. Receiving a five star rating from online reviewers, this slow cooked meat with banana peppers, beef broth, and garlic will produce juicy and flavorful meat. 60 of 100 Cheese Dreams Recipe Iain Bagwell These little gems will be one of the first appetizers to disappear. Sharp cheddar cheese is the star of this dish, but Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, and dry mustard also make this dish a hit among guests. Be ready to share the recipe on command. 61 of 100 Muffuletta Deviled Eggs Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham A spin on the classic New Orleans sandwich, this easy appetizer melds the flavors of olive salad and salty salami that would go on a traditional muffuletta with a creamy mayonnaise for a deviled egg version. And forget about these being eaten just as an appetizer. These tasty eggs are a great snack or a nice little surprise in a lunchbox. 62 of 100 Pickled Tiny Tomatoes Iain Bagwell Paired with rice vinegar, garlic cloves, and pickling spice, these tangy tomatoes can be enjoyed between just a few people or a large crowd. Ginger is optional in this recipe, but we suggest adding it for added flavor. This dish uses 3 pints of tomatoes, but feel free to halve the recipe. 63 of 100 Meatball Sliders With Tomato Sauce Photo: Hector Sanchez This fun dish is two recipes in one: delicious, easy meatballs and a slow-simmered tangy tomato sauce. The sauce is slow cooked for 8 hours on low, and that rich, tangy flavor can only be achieved when the sauce is made with plenty of time in advance. After sauce has cooked, submerge meatballs and cook on high for 1 hour to ensure that the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce penetrates every crevice of the hearty meat dish. 64 of 100 Roasted Fennel And Prosciutto Flatbread Photo: Hector Sanchez Topped with traditional Italian flavors such as fresh thyme and oregano and gooey fontina cheese, this flatbread will surely be a crowd pleaser. Crushed red pepper adds an extra kick while a balsamic glaze takes the flavor palette to the next level. The natural paring of fennel and prosciutto marry this appetizer in a harmonious way that will leave guests searching for seconds. 65 of 100 Old Bay Rémoulade With Crudités And Shrimp Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry This is Test Kitchen Pro Ivy Odom's go-to appetizer to enjoy after a day at the beach. Refreshing and packed with Southern flavor thanks to the Old Bay seasoning, you will wish this was the entree. Grab some fresh shrimp while you're on the coast for the best results. 66 of 100 Spicy Sweet Potato Crostini Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall These mini crostini bites are the perfect fall happy hour snack. Look for sweet potatoes that are uniform width so that when you cut them, you will have uniform round slices. This will help ensure they all cook in the same amount of time. 67 of 100 Baked Goat Cheese Spread With Pepper Jelly Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall To save you time the day of your party, you can prepare the goat cheese mixture one day in advance; place it in a baking dish and store in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, let the dish sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then proceed with the recipe as directed. 68 of 100 Cheesy Potato Croquettes Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christina Daley Serving eight, this recipe was designed for Hanukkah celebrations. But you need not relegate this tasty treat to the holiday season. By all means, feel free to make this for any celebration or for an anytime snack. 69 of 100 Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely Our newest twist on party classic sausage balls, Cream Cheese Sausage Balls might just become your new go-to. Savory with just a hint of spice, sausage balls are a versatile and reliable favorite because they can be served for gatherings any time of day, from a brunch bash to a dinner party. 70 of 100 Hot Crab And Artichoke Dip Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey You know that when jumbo lump crabmeat and Old Bay seasoning meet in a recipe, it's going to be good. Throw in cream cheese, two types of cheeses, a hit of lemon, and artichokes, and you've got a crowd-pleasing dip that will be enjoyed and remembered. 71 of 100 Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Skewers With Chipotle Comeback Sauce Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Perfect for tailgates or even a cocktail party, these skewers and the sauce can be prepared a day ahead, so all you have to do before your party is fire up the grill. The pairing of bacon and shrimp cannot be denied. Plan for zero leftovers. 72 of 100 Black Bean And Corn Salsa Antonis Achilleos This fresh mixture of corn, bell pepper, black beans, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños is our new favorite way to serve a bowl of salsa alongside a Tex-Mex supper. This take on salsa is practically addictive. You may not want any other kind after you try this. 73 of 100 Cranberry Brie Bites Southern Living Cranberry is already a holiday favorite, and green pistachios add an even more festive touch on top of these reader-favorite bites. The flavors sing in perfect accompaniment, and you might be surprised at how often you are asked to make this once your friends taste the magic. 74 of 100 Maple Bacon Smokies Southern Living There's a time and a place for beautiful appetizer feats like Oysters Rockefeller or escargot, but sometimes, you just need something that you know is going to taste amazing and be a hit with the family. These little bites are just that. Keep your eyes peeled for that one party guest who will hover over your platter just to be sure all of these get eaten. 75 of 100 Pear And Brie Puff Pastry Tarts Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall How beautiful is this for a fall starter? Even though it looks impressive, this tart comes together with frozen puff pastry, brie, a few seasonings, and fresh rosemary. No need to reveal your secret, though. Let everyone imagine that you labored away at this presentation. 76 of 100 Crudités Platter Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Katie Jacobs Crudité is an appetizer staple for a reason. Bring your best with this gorgeous spread. Wow a crowd by putting this together when the vegetables are in season. The fresh tastes and beautiful colors will lure your guests into veggie bliss. 77 of 100 Shrimp On Seasoned Crackers With Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke This elevated take on the classic pepper jelly and cream cheese combination is a beautiful addition to a dinner party spread. The spice sweet combo along with the creamy texture make a perfect accompaniment to the shrimp. And trust us, you need more shrimp recipes. 78 of 100 Smoked Tomato Salsa Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Once you try this smoky, homemade version of salsa, you'll be convinced to leave store-bought behind. The secret here is to smoke plum tomatoes over applewood chips. The resulting flavors are out of this world. 79 of 100 Focaccia With Ricotta And Crispy Herbs Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely Thanks to a store-bought hack, you don't have to go through the process of learning to home make your own bread—but your guests don't have to know that. In fact, if they are praising your home cooking skills because of this dish, all you have to do is say thank you. 80 of 100 Mini Crab Cakes with Cajun Sauce Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Serving these classic crab cakes in lettuce leaves not only makes them look pretty but they're also easy for guests to grab and go. Instead of risking a mess with people drizzling Cajun Sauce everywhere, simply pipe a dollop onto each crab cake in advance. 81 of 100 Spicy Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely This spring appetizer is pretty enough to be part of your Easter spread but easy enough to accompany any seasonal lunch or dinner. A few tips from the Test Kitchen: While your baguette slices are toasting, set out your goat cheese to soften on the countertop, which will make it easier to spread. The riper the strawberries, the more vibrant and flavorful your crostini will be—but overripe berries will turn to mush when you try to slice them. 82 of 100 Marinated Feta With Cherry Tomatoes Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis This is the ultimate make-ahead appetizer for summertime. Simple yet elegant, this starter can stand alone or be part of a colorful charcuterie and cheese setup. However you decide to present these ingredients, it will be beautiful. 83 of 100 Austin Diner Style Queso Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox Your at-home game day spread and Taco Tuesdays just got a whole lot more delicious. This will be your go-to cheese dip recipe once you try it. And just to be sure you are eating the same delightful queso when visiting others, feel free to share the recipe with friends and family. 84 of 100 Baked Brie With Pecans Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Baked brie alone is a favorite party trick, but we added a flavorful blend of toasted pecans, honey, dried cherries, and five-spice powder for the most gorgeous topping your party guests have seen. The irresistible taste will have them hooked at first bite. 85 of 100 Crab Cake Bites With Old Bay Mayo, Chives, And Lemon Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke Form the crab cakes one day in advance, and store them, covered, in the refrigerator. This not only saves prep time but also ensures they are properly chilled, which helps them hold their shape. All your effort will be worth it when you see your guests react to this plated delight. 86 of 100 Bacon Bites Oxmoor House With just three ingredients, you can serve up an appetizer that everyone will go crazy for. Brown sugar and bacon are a match made in heaven. When wrapped around a thin breadstick, the flavors are delivered with a satisfying crunch. You need to consider making two batches of these bacon treats to avoid the mutiny that will occur in the kitchen when you run out. 87 of 100 Buttery Toasted Pecans Photo: Iain Bagwell Buttery toasted pecans can be served in different ways at a dinner party. They can be whipped up quickly and used as a garnish for a favorite appetizer or alone as a small snack before dinner begins if guests are saving their appetite. Butter makes everything better, and the same is true for these toasted pecans. 88 of 100 Pimiento Stuffed Summer Squash Iain Bagwell Beaming with bright ingredients, guests will enjoy the familiar Southern flavors of pimiento cheese and squash along with fresh basil and bacon. Can't find pattypans? Pipe the filling on thinly sliced squash rounds, or stuff it into squash blossoms. 89 of 100 Spinach And Artichoke Bites Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: William Smith Ensure Mama won't drip spinach artichoke dip on her Sunday best with these pop-in-your-mouth, mess-free bites that have all the flavor of the beloved dip. These are a little heartier and could easily be a side dish paired with a steak. 90 of 100 Caesar Salad Bites Photo: Jennifer Davick/Prop Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell/Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns Fresh, chilled Caesar Salad Bites are tasty, super-easy to make, and perfectly suitable for eating out of hand. Creamy Caesar dressing, cucumber, tomatoes, croutons, and parsley make this simple salad recipe one guests will easily recognize and enjoy. 91 of 100 Salt And Pepper Oven Fries Jennifer Davick If you are unsure of what to offer in order to please as many people as you can, french fries are an easy dish to serve to even the pickiest guests. Serve for adult friends or at a kid's party to please small taste buds. Don't forget the fry sauce! 92 of 100 Spicy Sweet Pecans Helen Norman Guests are in for a treat with these spicy-sweet pecans, coated in a brown and white sugar mixture with a kick of red pepper. Other spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, for flavors that can be enjoyed best during the fall and winter seasons. 93 of 100 Baked Oysters With Bacon, Greens, And Parmesan Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke Oysters don't need much to make them more flavorful. Most of us roll with hot sauce and lemon juice. But the bacon, greens, and parmesan in this recipe will make you reconsider your oyster game. 94 of 100 Grilled Yellow Squash Roll-Ups Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Anna Hampton We bet you've never thought to do this with your summer squash! How cute are these healthy roll-ups? They are just the colorful addition your appetizer board needs. 95 of 100 Buttermilk Ricotta Cheese Dip Hector Sanchez When a Southern staple meets a creamy cheese dip, magic happens. If you've never tried homemade ricotta, then you're in for a tasty surprise. Four simple steps make this the dip of a hosts' dreams, and online reviewers say this dip will go flying off the appetizer table. Serve with crackers or fresh veggies for dipping. It can also be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days (if there are any leftovers, of course!) 96 of 100 Chicks In A Blanket Hector Sanchez Just a few simple and easy ingredients grace this spin on the classic pigs in a blanket. We recommend baking a ton because we know these will go fast once they hit the table! As a matter of fact, you might need your own secret stash of these morsels. 97 of 100 Orange Basil Yogurt Dip Iain Bagwell Savory, sweet, and tangy, this bright dip is great for dunking anything from breadsticks to crudités. The refreshing flavor from the Greek yogurt mixed with orange zest and basil with a little touch of garlic make this dip absolutely irresistible. Prepped and ready to serve in twenty minutes, will not be on the appetizer table long. 98 of 100 Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches Iain Bagwell Bring this recipe to your next elegant dinner party, a holiday get-together, or the next time you have a friends and family over. The peaches are a mesmerizing sweet-and-spicy mixture that makes this Brie recipe absolutely irresistible. Hot jalapeño pepper jelly and spicy brown mustard kick these peaches up a notch, pairing perfectly with creaminess of the baked Brie. 99 of 100 Slow-Cooker Beef Sliders With Pickled Peppers Photo: Hector Sanchez This shredded meat treat will be a crowd-pleaser on game day. Slow-cooked with onion, garlic, beef broth, celery, red wine, and thyme, the level of flavor in this beefy appetizer will score you a winning touchdown as a crowd-pleaser. 100 of 100 Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland Mama will recognize this charmingly retro appetizer, and she'll thank you for it! If you're having a casual cookout or football watch party, you don't even need to get out the serving dishes for this one. Simply leave the meatballs in the slow cooker to stay warm and pop some toothpicks and plates next to it. Voila! Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit