I’m always on the lookout for a great new appetizer. Like most people, I’ve got my go-to recipes (deviled eggs, guacamole, and smoked salmon on potato chips, to name a few). But like any good party, there’s always room for a few more.
The hardest thing about appetizers is deciding which recipe to make—especially when they all sound so good. So I asked my fellow Southern Living editors to share some of their favorites and they responded with a tempting list of recipes that will have you opening an extra folding table at your next gathering .
Never Lose a Favorite Recipe Again
With MyRecipes, your personal recipe box, you can save and organize your Southern Living favorites and thousands more in one place.
Credit:
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Whipped Goat Cheese with Smoky Bacon Jam is my go-to appetizer for all of my dinner parties. You can make the bacon jam ahead and warm it up just before serving. It’s always a crowd pleaser because it covers all the bases: creamy, salty, sweet, crunchy, warm, and cool. People always ask for the recipe when they eat it.” —Ivy Odom, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Credit:
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
“Personally, I can never resist some good toasty, crunchy bread with a creamy spread and fresh toppings so any type of crostini is always a go-to for me! And I love how you can switch up the same concept depending on what’s in season! Spicy Strawberry-Goat Cheese in the spring, Roasted Tomato Bruschetta all summer long, and Sweet and Fiery Pepper Bruschetta any time.” —Cameron Beall, Associate Homes Editor
Credit:
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
“Talk about an appetizer that never goes out of style. I have made various recipes for spinach-and-artichoke dip since I could turn on an oven, and almost everyone loves it. I usually mix it and store it in the fridge, then pop it in the oven right before folks arrive so it’s warm and melty.” —Kimberly Holland, Associate Editorial Director
Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley
“I love how pretty the ribbons of asparagus are on these crostini. They look so impressive but are super simple to make with a vegetable peeler.” —Alana Al-Hatlani, Associate Food Editor
Credit:
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
“Cheese straws are my absolute favorite appetizer, hands down. They’re light, crispy, buttery, cheesy, spicy…basically the perfect food. Plus, you can make them ahead of time, so you aren’t having to hustle just before party guests arrive.” —Josh Miller, Senior Food Editor
Credit: Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke
“For a group, this big-batch Jalapeno Popper Dip has all the flavor of jalapeno poppers without the hassle of making enough for everyone! I add some extra jalapenos for good measure.” —Kaitlyn Yarborough Sadlik, Digital Editor
Credit:
Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Editor In Chief Sid Evans loves these bite-sized tacos. They take a bit of effort to make but the amazed looks you’ll get from your party guests makes them worth it.
Credit:
Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Southerners—and almost everyone on the Southern Living staff—can’t get enough of these rich and savory spice-coated Saltines. Once you’ve tried one, you’ll understand why.
Credit:
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Senior Food Editor Josh Miller developed this ingenious recipe which combines pizza dough and the elements of pimiento cheese into a party-ready dish he dubbed “Faux-caccia”.
Credit:
Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling
The buttery Ritz shines in this bite-sized treat that sandwiches ham, Swiss cheese, and pepper jelly inside two crackers.
Dining and Cooking