I've got one of those sweet, creamy dips you can't resist. Bake it in the oven, or use the slow cooker to make it ooey-gooey marvelous. -Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
When it's time for a party, everyone always requests this ultimate cheese ball-it's such an impressive appetizer. And if you're a party guest, it makes a fabulous gift for your hosts.-Sue Franklin, Lake...
These moist wings-marinated overnight in a soy sauce, mustard and brown sugar mixture-are excellent party appetizers. At our house, they're a must for holiday gatherings. -Marian Slattery, Whitewater,...
This simple summer side dish staple is easy to master with this recipe! Gold potatoes are tossed in a creamy-tangy mixture of mayo, pickle relish, and mustard, with diced red onion and hard-boiled eggs...
For a different take on traditional spinach dip, Janie Obermier of St. Joseph, Missouri warms this rich mixture in the microwave. It's terrific with crackers, tortilla chips or fresh vegetables.
This is a zippy dip that will be a real crowd pleaser. Serve with your favorite chips, pita bread or cubed bread. You may add more horseradish for more zip!!
My friends threaten to not come by unless this dip is on the menu! The rich spread bakes right in the bread bowl and goes well with almost any dipper. Plus, cleanup is a breeze. -Nicole Marcotte, Smithers,...
Jumbo shrimp is big on flavor when field editor Marie Hattrup from the Dalles, Oregon gives it a tropical twist. Coconut offers subtle sweetness, and the fruity salsa is delightful as a dip.
These savory biscuits have a flavorful tomato and bacon filling. "I got the recipe at a friend's house one Thanksgiving," Paige English relates from Portland, Oregon. "I've made them at special gatherings...
When I want a break from butters or jams, I like to whip up this simple spread. All of the variations are wonderful and taste great on toasted breads. -Rita Addicks, Weimar, Texas
As family arrives for a get-together, I make sure this fruity and savory Brie is in the oven so the aromas of cinnamon and apples fill the house. -Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
Shallots, butter, thyme, and white wine give classic flavor to this easy, casual -- and traditional -- dish. Serve with a crusty baguette to soak up the broth.
I look for recipes that are deceptively easy. These fancy-but-quick crab and cucumber appetizers are heavenly, and the stand-out colors light up any gathering or holiday table, no matter the season. -Nancy...
Even if you've never made pizza from scratch, I hope you'll try this recipe. it's the highlight of my favorite casual meal. You have to plan ahead to allow rising time for the dough, but it is easy to...
My brother moved to New Orleans and I love visiting him and his family whenever I can. These easy jalapeno poppers are stuffed with crab, cajun seasonings and bacon. They're a little hot and spicy, just...
Chickpeas, once roasted, take on the flavor and texture of nuts, making them a fun snack with drinks. Prepare the simple appetizer in under 15 minutes for any holiday cocktail party.
These pretty pinwheels will disappear so fast, it will make you head spin! "The dried cranberries and chopped green onions make these perfect for a Christmas buffet," suggests Joyce Benninger from Owen...
Not too hot but full of flavor, these shrimp are one of a kind. They're easy to make and take to parties, where they'll impress the other guests. -Bob Gebhardt, Wausau, WI.
The combination of curry powder and honey gives this dip a sweet, spicy flavor. It's a nice change from onion and ranch vegetable dips, and it's also good with chips for dipping.
"This is always a hit when my husband and I bring them to parties. They're especially great for sporting events and always seem to compliment the other food being served," says Susan Dugat of Rockport,...
My children wanted to plant a garden, and we ended up with buckets of cucumbers. When I tired of making pickles, I came up with these pretty, little sandwiches. We made 200 of them for a family gathering,...
This great-tasting beer cheese fondue is my mom's favorite, so I make it for her birthday every year. I like to serve this cheddar cheese fondue recipe with apple slices, rye bread cubes and chunks of...
These cute stacks really stand out in a holiday appetizer buffet. Tasty, cool and crunchy, they come together in a snap. -Ashley Nochlin, Port St. Lucie, Florida
Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. -Pamela...
The vegetables in this crunchy, satisfying Thai Cucumber Salad can be tossed together with the tangy rice vinegar dressing a week in advance, leaving nothing more to do before serving than to scatter roasted...
"This recipe offers an excellent way to create elegant and full-flavored appetizers," writes Teresa Spencer from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. "It's perfect with wine and other drinks."
These bite-sized meatballs are a favorite of mine. Feel free to swap in different cheese for the cheddar or to serve the balls with Dijon mustard instead of the barbecue and sweet-and-sour sauces.
You'll want to keep an extra stack of napkins nearby once people start reaching for these sweet and sticky wings. The brown sugar marinade makes every bite finger-lickin' good! -Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis,...
Keep a container of this mix on hand to make dip at a moment's notice. The dip is spiced just right so it will appeal to all palates at potlucks and holiday gatherings. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Dare to deviate from tomato salsa and try this tomatillo-based version for a deliciously addictive change of pace. It's fantastic on its own with tortilla chips or served as a condiment alongside a variety...
For a change from spicy Buffalo sauce, try these sweet and sticky wings. There's a good chance they'll become your new favorite! -Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
I first tasted this quick and easy cream cheese apple dip at a friend's Christmas party. I kept going back for more. -Karen Wydrinski, Woodstock, Georgia
I like to dunk these appetizer meatballs in blue cheese or ranch salad dressing. If I make them for a meal, I often skip the dressing and serve with blue cheese polenta on the side. -Amber Massey, Argyle,...
Mexican fare only gets better when topped with Anna Yeatts' colorful Fresh Salsa. The Pinehurst, North Carolina cook uses ripe tomatoes, crisp onion and a touch of minced serrano pepper, making it just...
There's no secret to this creamy seafood appetizer-it's simply delicious! I originally tasted it at a friend's house, and I liked it so much that I requested the recipe. It's since become a family favorite....
My husband loves sauteed mushrooms and I love brie, so I decided to experiment and see if I could create an appetizer that we both love. After so many attempts, I came up with this recipe that our friends...
These crispy, lightly browned rings from Della Stamp of Long Beach, California are a healthy alternative to the deep-fried version. Thyme and paprika enhance the flavor of the tender onions.
This zesty dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. -Sally Hull, Homestead, Florida
I make these sandwiches for showers, weddings, and special family events. I got the recipe from a friend many years ago while attending the wedding of their daughter. They are so delicious, you can't stop...
These creamy stuffed jalapenos have some bite. They may be the most popular treats I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch. -Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New York
This old, rustic Cajun dish is one of our family favorites. Don't remove the shells from the shrimp-the beauty of this dish is peeling the shrimp and dipping it in the sauce. We've doubled and even tripled...