11 Store-Bought Appetizers Our Editors Turn To For Easy Entertaining

While we love homemade appetizers like classic deviled eggs, cocktail meatballs, and of course pimiento cheese, there are times when it’s necessary to rely on ready-made appetizers. Lucky for us, our favorite grocery stores like Publix, Trader Joe’s, and more offer plenty of ready-made appetizers that’ll fool your guests into thinking you made them yourself. You can decide if you want to let them in on the secret that these impressive appetizers were actually bought from the grocery store.

When we’re short on time or need to pull something together at the last minute, these are the appetizers our editors keep on hand or swing by the store to pick up for easy entertaining.

Taylor Farms Sweet Kale Chopped Salad Kit

"When I need an inexpensive first course for a sit-down dinner party, I am not above a bagged salad,” says Homes and Features Editor Betsy Cribb. “It’s so much cheaper than buying all the ingredients individually, plus you don't have soggy leftovers you'll have to toss! My personal favorite is the Taylor Farms Sweet Kale Chopped Salad Kit. And no need to reveal your secret when someone asks if the poppyseed dressing is homemade.”

Publix Deli Chicken Breast Dip, Buffalo Style

“Of all of the store-bought Buffalo Chicken Dips I’ve tried, the one from the Publix Deli is the best one I’ve ever found,” says Digital Editor Jenna Sims. “I spread it in a baking dish, cover it with shredded cheese, and warm until the cheese is melted for an easy appetizer that always disappears quickly.

Trader Joe's Pastry Bites Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions

Trader Joe’s is often know for their great selection of frozen appetizers, and the Pastry Bites Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions are loved by our editors and their guests. “Everyone gets so excited when they see these on a serving dish,” says Associate Digital Editor Mary Shannon Hodes.

The Fresh Market Take & Bake Brie

"The Fresh Market has a baked Brie that's already wrapped in pastry with a topping," says Hodes. "So, you literally just have to pop it in the oven if you don't have time to do the pastry yourself! Looks impressive and homemade."

Publix Deli Artichoke & Spinach Dip

Editorial Fellow Hallie Milstein vouches for another dip from the Publix Deli. “The Publix Artichoke & Spinach Dip is my go-to! So good,” she says. 

Trader Joe's Trader Giotto's Bruschetta

“I always pick up a jar or two of Trader Joe’s Bruschetta when I’m there. I can spoon it onto whatever bread I have on hand, toast it in the air fryer, and top it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a restaurant-worthy appetizer in minutes," says Sims.

The Fresh Market Texas Caviar

If you want to serve Texas Caviar, but don't have time to prepare it yourself, luckily one of our editors has found a store-bought option. "My mom brought The Fresh Market's Texas Caviar over recently and I couldn't stop eating it!" says Senior Social Media Editor Brennan Long.

Trader Joe’s Roasted Garlic Hummus

“I'm not above a bowl of hummus with peppers, pita, and carrots etc.,” says Assistant Homes Editor Cameron Beall who recommends Trader Joe's Roasted Garlic Hummus. “Dress up the hummus with paprika sprinkled on top and a drizzle of olive oil,” she added.

Assorted Cheeses

“I keep Sweet Grass Dairy Green Hill Cheese (which is available at Fresh Market, Whole Foods, and Publix) along with Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar in my fridge for a quick cheese board,” says Assistant General Manager Anna Price Olson. “Also a Boursin Cheese,” added Milstein. “One of these will always be a hit and you can find them everywhere. I’ve relied on them for hosting everyone from college friends to my parents.”

Hebrew National Beef Franks in a Blanket

"It's not fancy, but who doesn't love Pigs in a Blanket?" says Senior Digital News Editor Rebecca Angel Baer. "And because I don't eat pork, Hebrew National Beef Franks in a Blanket is what I'm grabbing at the grocery."

Pimiento Cheese

"A heaping bowl of pimiento cheese and your favorite crackers is a go-to for me for sure," added Beall. Her favorite brands to keep on hand are the Aged Cheddar Pimento Cheese from Blackberry Farms which you can order online or MyThreeSons Gourmet Emmy's Original Pimento Cheese, which won our taste test of store-bought recipes.