Meet the Cook: Try these as an accompaniment to hamburgers or fried fish, or with steaks on the grill. The recipe's from my mom, and it's one of her most popular. (As a newlywed 15 years ago, I often found...
Make way for little squares of heaven -- these fried morsels are sure to be voted most popular at any party. You can (and should) prepare the stovetop macaroni and cheese a few days ahead, since it will...
I'm a "Svenska flicka" (Swedish girl) from northwest Iowa, where many Swedes settled at the turn of the century. This recipe was given to me by a Swedish friend. It's obviously a 20th century version of...
This open-faced classic is irresistible! Melty flavors and the golden appearance make the sandwich a hit at luncheons for all ages, or you could serve it as part of a light dinner. -Verla Stapleton, Cibolo,...
Since I'm from Wisconsin, I thought it was only logical to put together a vegetable and a cheese-two of the foods my state produces in abundance. This cheesy asparagus dip fits the bill. -Sandra Baratka,...
Scooped up on a chip or in a taco, peach salsa makes everything taste like summer. It's also great served with chicken or fish, and since it comes together in a food processor, it really takes almost no...
It's up to you how to enjoy this cocktail-eat it with a spoon as a chilled soup, or use tortilla chips or crackers for scooping. -Erin Moreno, Arcadia, Wisconsin
My son taught me how to make hummus, which is a tasty and healthy alternative to calorie-filled dips. Fresh roasted red bell peppers make it special. -Nancy Watson-Pistole, Shawnee, KS
Crackers make great dippers for this artichoke dip recipe. Chips and breadsticks work well, too. It's become the traditional introduction to our family's Christmas Eve dinner. -Mrs. William Garner, Austin,...
Wisconsin grows an abundance of cranberries and celebrates the harvest with many cranberry festivals. I don't remember where I obtained this recipe, but it's easy, different...and good! Try it with pork...
"A batch of these snacks gets cleared away fast with the irresistible combination of creamy cheese and lightly seasoned meat on crispy toast," assures Carolyn Snow of Sedalia, Missouri.
Here's what you need: medium yellow onion, medium russet potatoes, all purpose flour, kosher salt, large eggs, vegetable oil, cinnamon applesauce, sour cream
These cute bites are a snap to fix with stuffing mix and frozen spinach. "Over the years, we've held several appetizer parties for our family gatherings," says Janice Mitchell of Aurora, Colorado. "These...
My friends look forward to enjoying these chili sauce meatballs at our holiday gatherings and there are never any leftovers! Using packaged meatballs helps save time in the kitchen and they are just as...
These pretty pinwheel appetizers from Charlie Clutts of New Tazewell, Tennessee are easy to make and fun to nibble, with a yummy cream cheese filling that's layered with ham.
Smoked salmon adds just the right amount of saltiness to layers of golden spuds. Thinly sliced potatoes in concentric circles make a pretty galette. This one has a cool, fluffy spread that pairs perfectly...
Green onions and ripe olives give lively flavor to these bite-size appetizers from Kathleen Green of Republic, Missouri. "They're quick to assemble and can be made the day before they're needed," she notes....
These fancy-looking appetizers are ideal when entertaining large groups. The cute crunchy cups are stuffed with a cheesy pork sausage filling that kids of all ages enjoy. We keep a few in the freezer so...
This baked blooming onion recipe is brushed with melted butter and mustard, sprinkled with bread crumbs and seasonings. It's a lighter version of the classic, which is battered and deep-fried. It's an...
I've had this recipe for more than 42 years and have updated it from time to time. This is an easy party favorite, and everyone loves the taquito dippers. -Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
I've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with...
This adaptable Mexican layer dip is like a magnet to hungry guests at our family get-togethers and casual parties. It's tasty served hot or cold. Just one chip full and you're hooked!-Sheila Frasher, Crown...
Here's an impressive-looking dish that's a snap to prepare. Even when my cooking time is limited, I can still serve this delicious crescent wreath. The red pepper and green broccoli add a festive touch....
These handheld pies can go directly from the freezer to the oven to bake. From frozen, place on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake according to the recipe but for a few extra minutes.
I brought this slightly spicy cheese dip to a gathering with friends and it was a huge hit. The spicy pork sausage provides the zip! -Marion Bartone, Conneaut, Ohio
We're big on appetizers, so this dip is a mashup of our favorite tastes, like cream cheese, feta, basil and sweet peppers. Serve with bread or chips. -Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
I placed my personal stamp on my Aunt Ellie's crab cake recipe by changing up some of her ingredients. They're served with a tart and tangy creamy sauce. You can serve them on an appetizer spread or as...
You won't believe the compliments you'll receive when you greet guests with these warm appetizers. Every crispy bite offers the savory tastes of feta cheese, tomatoes, basil and garlic. They're terrific...
A magazine featured this recipe years ago, and it's still my favorite salmon. Just add crackers for a super simple yet elegant appetizer. -Norma Fell, Boyne City, Michigan
"Mushroom caps plump with crabmeat make a wonderful appetizer for entertaining," suggests Tonya Farmer, Iowa City, Iowa. She suggests using the recipe as a light entree, served on salad greens or with...
I first tried these bubbly treats at my sister-in-law's house. The tender mushroom caps and creamy filling were so fabulous that I had to get the recipe. It's hard to believe how simple, fast and easy...
This quick taco dip from Rhonda Biancardi of Blaine, Minnesota is a definite family favorite. In fact, she says, "This recipe has been made more times than I can count! It just looks very colorful to a...
This flavorful dip is addictive, so be careful! It's also delicious served with pita chips, crackers and fresh veggies.-Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Everyone loved the crab salad my mother-in-law contributed to a family gathering, so I reduced the fat in her recipe for this version. Serve it hot or cold or as a spread for crackers. -Lanie Kappe of...
This colorful, freshly-made salsa tastes wonderful on fish tacos. The garlic and veggies nicely complement the peach and mango flavors.-Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
I tried these meatballs at a birthday party for a friend, and now I make them all the time. They are super easy to make and perfect for a potluck or a Sunday afternoon football game. -Lisa Castelli, Pleasant...
"My grandmother came up with her own version of fried green tomatoes years ago. Our family loves it," says Melanie Chism of Coker, Alabama. "It's a traditional taste of the South that anyone anywhere can...
My sister craves this appetizer so much that I made a batch and carried it on the plane when I flew to New Mexico to visit her. The combination of creamy Brie with earthy sauteed mushrooms is scrumptious....
While growing up, a friend's mother would make this fondue when I spent the night. Every time I make it, it brings back fond childhood memories. I love the rich flavor. Happy dipping! -Tracy Lawson, Farr...
When I'm dining out, crab rangoons are one of my go-to dishes. I decided to create a better-for-you version at home. -Emily Higgins, Wingdale, New York
I received this easy wing recipe from a cousin on Vancouver Island during a visit there a few years ago. They're an appealing appetizer, but also a favorite for Sunday lunch with rice and a salad. -Joan...