Appetizers and Snacks

Olive Garden's famous stuffed mushrooms are made with clams, breadcrumbs, and three different cheeses then baked drenched with butter. Prepare to be...

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

These hot dog bites are made in the slow-cooker but they're ready fast. Sliced wieners cooked with bourbon, brown sugar, and onion are all ready to be stuck on a...

Method:   crock pot
Time:   1-2 hours

Make an easy batter for fried pickle slices (or other finger food) by using prepared pancake mix as the coating.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

This cocktail sauce has mayo for creaminess and lemon juice for bite, plus any spicy ingredient you want to throw in to make it your signature seafood dipping sauce.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Just three simple ingredients go into this copycat version of the popular dipping sauce served at Red Lobster. Goes great with coconut shrimp!


Time:   under 30 minutes

Every day we send out a featured recipe and our editor's favorite picks. Don't miss out!

Everyone's favorite stuffed mushrooms from Red Lobster is easy to copy at home.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

You're going to want to put this marvelous mango and charred onion salsa on everything from fish tacos to tortilla chips.

Method:   outdoor grill, microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

Chopped jalapenos and cucumbers are packed in jars with sugar and vinegar to get that tangy flavor just right. Great condiment for hot dogs and sandwiches.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

A delicious homemade granola recipe that can be eaten as a snack, mixed with yogurt for breakfast, used as an ice cream topping, or in any recipe calling for granola.

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

If you love Mozzarella cheese, then you'll go crazy for this copycat recipe from the Olive Garden. Slices of Mozzarella cheese are breaded and fried to...

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   under 30 minutes

Making guacamole from scratch is simple and it tastes so much better than store-bought. Plus, avocados are healthy making this snack an all-around winner!...


Time:   under 30 minutes

Crab meat mixed with creole mustard and creamy mayo makes some absolutely scrumptious cakes. Great appetizer to turn a steak dinner into a surf and turf meal.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Hot dog pieces (or "lil' smokies") are wrapped in bacon, coated in brown sugar, and then slow cooked until the bacon caramelizes. The ultimate party food!

Method:   crock pot
Time:   2-5 hours

Bruschetta is the way to go for easy appetizers. This Buca Di Beppo copycat is a keeper - tomatoes, onion, and fresh basil on top of garlic-toasted bread.

Method:   oven, outdoor grill
Time:   under 30 minutes

It's all about the ratio in this copycat Micky D's sauce. Make up a big batch so you can always have honey mustard on hand for chicken fingers, chicken...


Time:   under 30 minutes

Don't underestimate the microwave. It might usually be limited to making popcorn and reheating leftovers, but these cheesy bacon-stuffed mushrooms are little bites of microwave magic....

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

A homemade version of Applebee's popular chicken wonton tacos appetizer with zesty Asian slaw.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Feeling adventurous? Try these battered and fried fresh cicadas for a crunchy snack. While you can catch them yourselves when in season, it's easier to buy them at an Asian...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Looking for a cheese that tastes like soft, mild Catupiry cheese, but without the hassle of sourcing it from Brazil? Look no further than this delicious substitute.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

A perfect finger sandwich for a ladies luncheon, baby shower, or when royalty comes to visit. Serve as little sandwich triangles or cut into fun shapes.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Pieces of chicken are deep fried in a crispy batter and then dipped in a homemade teriyaki glaze.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Oysters Rockefeller was created at Antoine's restaurant in New Orleans in 1899. This version uses the same original ingredients but with a simplified process.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Use this pickled fish for canapes or other finger sandwiches (or, just as a snack straight from the jar!).


Time:   over 5 hours

This simple spread is made with cream cheese that is mixed with cinnamon and brown sugar.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Crackers made from wonton wrappers are topped with a mixture of sushi-grade tuna, green onions, sesame seeds, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, orange...

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with sour cream, Dijon mustard, prepared mustard, Heinz 57 sauce, mayonnaise


Time:   under 30 minutes

Frederick William Rueckheim and his brother Louis created the first Cracker Jack treat in 1896. Their original recipe was a mix of popped popcorn and roasted...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   1-2 hours

Spiced, chopped olives in oil makes a great secret ingredient in muffaletta sandwiches or a tapenade-style topping for crackers or bruschetta.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Deep-frying is a delicious way to enjoy this otherwise healthy vegetable. The broccoli is battered and then fried until it is crispy. Serve as an appetizer or side dish.

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   under 30 minutes

These pickles are the real deal, made from cucumbers that are hand-selected and barrel-cured for weeks. They're perfect for snacking or adding some crunch to your...


Time:   over 5 hours

Eggs have long been pickled as a means of preserving. The eggs will take on the flavor of the brine used. This version uses a basic brine of vinegar, salt, pepper, and onions.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

Tuna towers are a popular appetizer item on fancy seafood restaurant menus these days. They are actually really easy to make at home. Serve it with deep fried wonton wrappers as dippers.


Time:   under 30 minutes

The secret ingredient for great cheesy garlic bread? French bread is covered with a gooey, garlicky two-cheese topping to mimic the garlic bread at the Black...

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

These appetizers might look like normal egg rolls at first, but make no mistake. With mozzarella and pepperoni inside, they're pizza rolls all the way.

Method:   deep fryer, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

This version of the restaurant's famous salsa contains both canned and fresh tomatoes, onion, jalapenos, serranos, cumin, oregano, and fresh cilantro.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Spinach, feta, cottage cheese, and eggs form a creamy and satisfying filling for buttered pastry sheets. Perfect for sharing at a big brunch!

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

Made with Romano cheese, dry mustard, celery salt, garlic salt, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, paprika, butter, cheddar cheese


Time:   under 30 minutes

Who doesn't love fried chitlins? They're salty, greasy, and delicious. Some people say they're an acquired taste, but we think anyone can enjoy them.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

Don't miss out on the magic (and romance) of fondue just because you don't have a fondue pot. A good old crockpot works like a charm for making this melty...

Method:   crock pot
Time:   30-60 minutes

A guilt-free version of the popular dip. Made with fat-free sour cream, fat-free cream cheese, spinach, onion soup mix, water chestnuts, and red onion.


Time:   30-60 minutes

The peanut butter adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor to these tender meatballs. Serve as is or with your favorite dipping sauce (try bbq!).

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

One of the biggest culprits of a boring salad is texture. Use these roasted, candied pecans to add a wonderful crunch to a massive variety of salads.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Quick and dirty bean dip. Refried beans, velveeta, and green chiles can be melted together on the stove or in the microwave.

Method:   microwave, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

The combination of cream cheese and sour cream makes this dip rich and creamy.


Time:   2-5 hours

Shrimp is sauteed in butter with kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes, tossed with a tomato-garlic sauce, and topped with feta cheese.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

A healthy dose of Baileys gives this fondue a luscious layer of boozy flavor. Marshmallows, bananas, graham crackers, or angel food cake all make great dippers.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

A classic retro-style party food. Stuffed olives are wrapped in a cheesy dough and baked until golden brown. Make extra as these go fast at parties!

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest differences. That's definitely the case for this fruit dip. A subtle amaretto note in a standard cream cheese dip takes the whole...


Time:   under 30 minutes

Potstickers make a great lunch or snack. Make them at home just like they do at TGI Friday's and save yourself a trip to the crowded restaurant.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Made with salt, bay leaf, sugar, parsley, tomato sauce, nutmeg, crab meat, dry sherry, eggs

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours