100+ Best-Ever Appetizer Recipes for Any Occasion

Recipe: Loaded Deviled Eggs

Toppings like bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and chives aren't just for potatoes. Get the taste of two classic dishes, loaded baked potatoes and deviled eggs, in one bite.

Recipe: Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

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 because they'll start to disappear quickly once your guests arrive. 

Recipe: 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.

Recipe: Spicy Bisquick Sausage Balls

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.

Recipe: Red Chipotle Pepper Jelly

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.

Recipe: Bacon-Cheese Gougères

Bacon and cheese are always a winning duo in our book, and these Gougères are no exception to that rule. We recommend serving them warm.

Recipe: Picnic Egg Salad

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.

Recipe: Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp

This poached shrimp can be served at a myriad of events, from a backyard barbecue to a holiday cocktail party.

Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Dip

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. 

Recipe: Warm Cheese Box Bites

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.

Recipe: Asparagus Ribbon Crostini

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. 

Recipe: Smoked Vidalia Onion Dip with Grilled Crudités

While you may usually choose to pick up store-bought onion dip, special occasions are worthy of making it from scratch. 

Recipe: Butter-Baked Saltine Crackers

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.

Recipe: Hot Cheesy Crab Dip

We paired this cheesy dip with sturdy Endive leaves for dipping, but you can also serve with the crackers or bread of your choice. 

Recipe: Corn and Jalapeño Dip

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. 

Recipe: Spicy Cheese Twists

This slightly upgraded version of cheese straws comes together with frozen puff pastry sheets.

Recipe: Creamy Avocado Dip

A slightly creamier version of guacamole, this no-cook avocado dip can be enjoyed with fresh veggies, tortilla chips, or a combination of both.

Recipe: Hot Brown Party Rolls

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.

Recipe: Bacon-Pimiento Guacamole

Just when you thought fresh guacamole couldn't get any better, we added bacon and pimientos. 

Recipe: Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta

Tangy goat cheese and crispy baguette slices are the ideal canvas for this comforting yet light take on bruschetta.

Recipe: Crispy Baked Chicken Wings

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. 

Recipe: 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. 

Recipe: Basic Pimiento Cheese

Coarse, freshly grated cheese works best, so get out your box grater. The key to great pimiento cheese is to freshly grate the cheese at home. Spread between bread to create little tea sandwiches, or serve as a dip for crackers and veggies. 

Recipe: Warm Cheese-and-Spicy Pecan Dip

This rich, homemade dip is made with three different cheeses and topped with spiced nuts for an unforgettable flavor. 

Recipe: Creamy Spinach-Ricotta Crostini

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.

Recipe: Mini Potato Skins

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, prepare the recipe through Step 3 and place potato skins in a container. Complete Step 4 before serving.

Recipe: Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Rich, creamy, and chicken-filled, this Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is packed with irresistible flavor. 

Recipe: Ham-and-Cheese Sliders

This ham-and-cheese slider recipe is a beloved Southern classic. 

Recipe: Pizza Pepper Poppers

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.

Recipe: Beer-Cheese Fondue

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.

Recipe: Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

This unique hummus recipe is made with black-eyed peas instead of chickpeas and topped with flavorful paprika. 

Recipe: Smoked-Fish Dip

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.

Recipe: Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

Prep these mini mushroom bites ahead of time and pop them in the oven for five minutes just before guests arrive.

Recipe: Baked BLT Dip

This creamy dip recipe takes the best qualities of a BLT sandwich and transforms it into an easy and delicious appetizer. 

Recipe: Stuffed Okra Poppers

If you thought jalapeno poppers were the ultimate appetizer, we made them even more Southern with okra and pimiento cheese.

Recipe: Georgia-Style Boiled Peanuts

This easy, slow-cooker snack is always a Southern favorite. 

Recipe: Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

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. 

Recipe: Quick Pickled Brussels Sprouts

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. 

Recipe: Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

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. 

Recipe: Baby Hasselback Potatoes with Blue Cheese and Bacon

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. 

Recipe: Yeast Rolls

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.

Recipe: Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

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.

Recipe: Cornmeal Popovers

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." 

Recipe: Baked Brie Bites

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.

Recipe: Party Poppers

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.

Recipe: Chicken Liver Mousse Crostini with Pepper Jelly

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. 

Recipe: Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip

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 classic spinach dip, the recipe mixes together spinach, sour cream, and chives to achieve that cool, onion flavor with a kick.

Recipe: Deviled Potatoes

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. 

Recipe: Crawfish Dip

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. 

Recipe: Tex-Mex Deviled Eggs

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. 

Recipe: Cheese Snappy Wafers

Southern hostesses have long relied on cheese wafers to keep their party guests satiated, and with just six ingredients, this recipe is any hostesses 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

Recipe: Turnip Green Pesto

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. 

Recipe: Lump Crab Mornay

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. 

Recipe: Cocktail Meatballs

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. 

Recipe: Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball

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. 

Recipe: Inside-Out Hot Brown Bites

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.

Recipe: Sweet-and-Salty Snack Mix

This grab-and-go snack is a delightful combination of cereal, pretzels, peanut butter, marshmallows, brown sugar, and honey. 

Recipe: Creamy Shrimp Dip with Crispy Wonton Chips

Win over guests with this creamy shrimp dip, perfect for any party occasion. The best part about this recipe is its simplicity; all it takes is to stir all the ingredients and chill for a half hour or up to one day. Ingredient such as green onions, tarragon leaves, and fresh chives for garnish pack this appetizer with plenty of flavor.

Recipe: Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits with Pulled Pork and Slaw

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.

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Beef Nachos

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. 

Recipe: Cheese Dreams

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. 

Recipe: Muffuletta Deviled Eggs

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 mufletta with a creamy mayonnaise for a deviled egg spin. 

Recipe: Pickled Tiny Tomatoes

-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.

Recipe: Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce

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. 

Recipe: Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread

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. 

Recipe: Old Bay Rémoulade with Crudités and Shrimp

This is Test Kitchen Pro Ivy Odom's go-to appetizer to enjoy after a day at the beach. Grab some fresh shrimp while you're on the coast for the best results.

Recipe: Spicy Sweet Potato Crostini

These mini crostinis 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.

Recipe: Baked Goat Cheese Spread with Pepper Jelly

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.