Christmas Appetizers to Kick Off the Party Caitlin Bensel
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The holiday season is here, which means it’s time for snacking, dipping, and munching on all your favorite Christmas bites. Whether it’s a bowl of party mix or a holiday charcuterie board, you’ll want to check out this list of crowd-pleasing Christmas appetizers for all your events in December. After all, you can really work up an appetite while decorating the tree or shopping for last-minute gifts.
Of course, all of these recipes are perfect for a festive Christmas party, too. Try party dips like the herby dip served with red and green crudités or the Christmas deviled eggs that are made with fresh herbs and shaped to look like little trees—they’re so dang cute! For more fancy appetizers, try Ree Drummond’s twist on pigs in a blanket, ham and cheese pinwheels, or one of the finger foods ahead. They’re a perfect way to lead into a bigger Christmas dinner menu.
Some of these are make-ahead Christmas appetizers for even easier entertaining like a Christmas salad made from cabbage that can stay crunch for days! Whichever direction you choose, be sure to serve them up with a round of your favorite Christmas cocktails to keep guests’ spirits bright. So, go ahead and put on your favorite Christmas playlist, then put out your fancy platters, and get ready for all the festive snacking ahead.
Little Smokies
Remember these? Well, they’re better than you imagine! Ree’s recipe calls for a tangy-sweet sauce with a kick of adobo peppers. That smokiness that will have guests coming back for seconds.
Get Ree’s Little Smokies recipe.
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C.W. Newell
Bloody Mary Dip
Turn your favorite brunch cocktail into a creamy dip! It’s zesty with just the right amount of heat. Top with chopped olives and serve with either veggies, crackers, or chips.
Get the Bloody Mary Dip recipe.
C.W. Newell
Cabbage Salad
If you’re looking for something fresh and healthy before digging into dinner, try this crispy salad! You can make it several days in advance and it will stay crunchy.
Get the Cabbage Salad recipe.
Antonis Anchilleos
Rosemary Garlic Snack Mix
Think Chex Mix but fancy! In 15 minutes, you can make regular snacks into an extraordinary holiday appetizer with just a few simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry.
Get Ree’s Rosemary Garlic Snack Mix recipe.
David Malosh
Cheese Straws
Need something quick that’ll impress your guests? All you have to do is roll out store-bought puff pastry, cut it into strips, sprinkle it with cheese and sesame seeds, and twist it into pretty spirals.
Get the Cheese Straws recipe.
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C.W. Newell
Green Goddess Chicken Salad Dip
This dip is not only perfectly green for the holiday, but it’s a great way to get your veggies in before the big meal begins! It has spinach, cabbage, cucumber, and lots of herbs blended in.
Get the Green Goddess Chicken Salad Dip recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Ultimate Winter Salad
Shredded veggies get all gussied up for the holidays! They’re topped with apples, goat cheese, butternut squash, pecans, and pomegranate seeds. A classic vinaigrette blends all the flavors together.
Get the Ultimate Winter Salad recipe.
Natalie Perry
French Onion Soup
A special holiday deserves a special soup, and French onion soup certainly fits the bill! Ree calls it, “absolutely, positively, undeniably out of this world,” as it soaks in the crispy croutons and melty gruyère on top.
Get Ree’s French Onion Soup recipe.
Will Dickey
Fig and Blue Cheese Bruschetta
Sweet fig jam and tangy blue cheese are a match made in appetizer heaven! Serve them together on slices of baguette and watch them disappear in a matter of minutes.
Get Ree’s Fig and Blue Cheese Bruschetta recipe.
Ralph Smith
Avocado Dip
If you like guacamole, you’ll definitely love this creamy cousin. It pairs perfectly with pita chips and crudités, and it comes together in just five minutes in the blender.
Get the Avocado Dip recipe.
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Caitlin Bensel
Fried Deviled Eggs
If there’s any time to indulge, it’s Christmas! So why not create an extra fun twist on classic deviled eggs by frying ’em up? The crispy panko exteriors add another level of texture that’s out of this world.
Get the Fried Deviled Eggs recipe.
C.W. Newell
Spinach Puffs
Another puff pastry miracle are these little cups of goodness. They’re filled with lots of cheese and spinach and bake up golden and crispy in mini muffin pans to hold their shape.
Get the Spinach Puffs recipe.
C.W. Newell
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
What’s the easiest way to make any food better is to wrap it in bacon! This super easy vintage snack will be a popular pick at the party, especially when dipped in chili sauce.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts recipe.
Antonis Anchilleos
Dill Dip
Versatile, creamy, and easy to make: Those are the boxes you want to check when finding the right dip for a gathering. It has just the right amount of zesty herbs that no one will have trouble eating their vegetables.
Get the Dill Dip recipe.
Will Dickey
Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers
It might look like a thumbprint cookie, but this appetizer is more savory than sweet. In fact, the cheesy pimento crackers even get a spicy kick from the pepper jelly filling.
Get the Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers recipe.
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C.W. Newell
Whipped Goat Cheese
This is one of those appetizers that’s a no-brainer when you have unexpected guests. The creamy whipped cheese is simply topped with crispy pancetta and breadcrumbs, then served with veggies, crackers, or toasted bread for dipping.
Get Ree’s Whipped Goat Cheese recipe.
C.W. Newell
Antipasto Skewers
All your guests will reach for one of these fun holiday skewers! They’re layered with meats, veggies, and cheeses just like a charcuterie board.
Get the Antipasto Skewers recipe.
C.W. Newell
Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Even those who are skeptical about Brussels sprouts will love this crispy snack! The veggie is smashed and baked with cheesy breadcrumbs, then served with a lemony sauce for dipping.
Get the Smashed Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Will Dickey
Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini
You can whip up these easy bites in just under 20 minutes. Slices of fresh, seasonal pears top blue cheese crumbles on slices of toasted baguette. A sprinkle of fresh thyme pulls it all together.
Get the Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini recipe.
Dara Michalski
Spicy Artichoke and Parmesan Dip
This dip is warm and bubbly with a welcome kick from the pickled cherry peppers. Serve it up with crackers or vegetable slices and watch as everyone digs in!
Get Ree’s Spicy Artichoke and Parmesan Dip recipe.
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David Malosh
Chicken Sausages In A Blanket
If you like pigs in a blanket, just wait until you try this version made with chicken sausages instead! It’s served up with a tangy maple mustard sauce for dipping.
Get Ree’s Chicken Sausages In A Blanket recipe.
David Malosh
Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip
It doesn’t get more mouth-watering than rich caramelized onions, melty cheese, and crispy bacon! This warm dip is perfect for a chilly winter day.
Get Ree’s Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip recipe.
David Malosh
Cheddar Biscuits
Add a basket of cheddar biscuits to your holiday celebration no matter what time of day it is! This variation is a classic but with a cheesy twist.
Get Ree’s Cheddar Biscuits recipe.
David Malosh
Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread
This flatbread is sweet and savory thanks to a combination of seasonal pear slices, monterey jack cheese, blue cheese, and fresh thyme. Best of all, it’s made with store-bought pizza crust so it couldn’t be easier.
Get Ree’s Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread recipe.
David Malosh
White Bean Dip
It doesn’t need to be Christmas to make this easy white bean dip. The all-time crowd-pleaser is creamy, velvety alternative to your classic store-bought hummus.
Get the White Bean Dip recipe.
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C.W. Newell
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Pinwheels are a classic appetizer for any party. Layer them with ham, cheese, and ranch-flavored cream cheese for an instant crowd-pleaser.
Get the Ham and Cheese Pinwheels recipe.
Will Dickey
Pimento Cheese
This Southern favorite can be served up as a dip or spread onto toast points. Either way, you’ll love Ree’s addition of smoky adobo sauce!
Get Ree’s Pimento Cheese recipe.
C.W. Newell
Crab Rangoon
Store-bought wonton wrappers make this party starter incredibly easy to make. Just fill them with a creamy crab mixture and crisp them up in a pan or air fryer.
Get the Crab Rangoon recipe.
C.W. Newell
Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Mix
As far as snack mixes go, this savory pretzel variation is completely addicting! You’ll love munching on it while you decorate the tree.
Get Ree’s Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Mix recipe.
Ryan Liebe
Bean Dip
This cheesy dip only takes 20 minutes to make! You can top it with any Tex-Mex ingredients you have on hand, like diced avocado, cilantro, or cotija cheese.
Get Ree’s Bean Dip recipe.
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Antonis Achilleos
Turkey Meatballs
Not roasting a whole turkey this year? Try these turkey meatballs instead. They’re perfect for serving up with a dipping sauce like the soy-ginger sauce or lemon-herb yogurt sauce.
Get the Turkey Meatballs recipe.
Antonis Achilleos
Spinach Artichoke Dip Cups
If you’re a fan of spinach-artichoke dip, you’ll love this fun bite-sized twist. The crispy wonton cups make it easy to serve a crowd.
Get Ree’s Spinach Artichoke Dip Cups recipe.
David Malosh
Christmas Deviled Eggs
How festive are these adorable deviled eggs? They’re made with fresh herbs and shaped into Christmas trees, then topped with chopped red bell peppers to look like ornaments.
Get the Christmas Deviled Eggs recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Garlic Knots
Buttery and garlicky in every bite, these knots are one of the best ways to kick off a holiday meal. You’re knot going to regret making them.
Get the Garlic Knots recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip
Individual cups aren’t required for this creamy ranch dip, but it certainly makes for a fun presentation! You can even use red and green cups to make it even more festive.
Get Ree’s Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip recipe.
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Ryan Liebe
Pull-Apart Cheese Bread
This big loaf of bread looks seriously impressive, but little do your guests know it only requires three ingredients. The green pesto will look even more festive when served up with red marinara sauce for dipping.
Get the Pull-Apart Cheese Bread recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Cowboy Caviar
This classic dip doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. It’s simply a combination of black eyed peas, black peas, chopped veggies, and herbs. Add a bowl of tortilla chips for scooping!
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Christmas Charcuterie Board
Let your creativity shine with this holiday-inspired, wreath-shaped charcuterie board. The festive greenery is made using basil and rosemary, then it’s decorated with sliced deli meats, mozzarella balls, and red and green olives.
Get the Christmas Charcuterie Board recipe.
Ryan Liebe
Stromboli
Gather your favorite meat-and-cheese lovers for this oversized pizza roll. The swirls of salami, ham, and mozzarella cheese are sure to be a hit.
Get the Stromboli recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Shrimp Dip
Instead of your typical canned shrimp, this recipe takes things up a notch by using fresh shrimp instead! It’s a simple swap that really elevates the creamy party dip.
Get the Shrimp Dip recipe.
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Will Dickey
Apple Butter Cheese Twists
This party snack is sweet and savory thanks to the apple butter and two types of cheese. But what we love the most is how easy they are to make using flaky store-bought puff pastry.
Get the Apple Butter Cheese Twists recipe.
Will Dickey
Lobster Bisque
Not only would this creamy soup be an elegant way to start any holiday meal, but it would also fit right in to a Feast of the Seven Fishes. Consider it the first of many seafood dishes.
Get the Lobster Bisque recipe.
Danielle Daly
Deviled Eggs
If you ask Ree Drummond, it wouldn’t be a party without deviled eggs! This classic variation combines mayo, mustard, dill pickle juice, and a bit of hot sauce for those who like a kick.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Gougères
These bites are light, airy, and extra cheesy. It’s a good thing this recipe makes a big batch! You can even store them in the freezer if you want to make them ahead.
Get the Gougères recipe.
Danielle Daly
Stuffed Artichokes
You’ll want to be sure these artichokes are overflowing with the crispy breadcrumb filling. It holds all the flavor thanks to garlic, cheese, anchovies, and spicy red pepper flakes.
Get the Stuffed Artichokes recipe.
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Will Dickey
Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits
This year, we’re dressing everything up for the holidays, including our biscuits! Just add a green parsley leaf onto the dough before baking for an instant party trick.
Get the Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits recipe.
Will Dickey
Sausage Balls
Whether you’re serving Christmas brunch or dinner, these sausage balls are an all-day snack that your family will love. Just be sure to serve them up with the honey-mustard dipping sauce!
Get the Sausage Balls recipe.
Danielle Daly
Spinach Dip
You’ll likely be digging in to a hearty meal for Christmas so you might want to keep things light to start. Enter: this creamy spinach dip served with healthy crudités. It’s a great way to add veggies to the meal.
Get the Spinach Dip recipe.
Will Dickey
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies
Bacon, cheese, and jalapeños—what’s not to love? It’s no wonder this recipe has been a go-to for many parties in the Drummond house.
Get Ree’s Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies recipe.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Sausage Dip
It doesn’t get easier than this four ingredient dip! It’s simply made with pork sausage, cream cheese, and salsa, plus scallions to garnish on top.
Get the Sausage Dip recipe.
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Will Dickey
Caesar Salad
This Caesar salad is as classic as it gets, but making your own dressing and croutons really helps it stand out. Don’t worry, you can make the dressing up to three days ahead!
Get the Caesar Salad recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Million Dollar Dip
This creamy dip has been around since the 1950s. It gained popularity (and its name) for the “rich” and indulgent ingredients, like bacon and cheese.
Get the Million Dollar Dip recipe.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Hot Crab Dip
This bubbling hot dip is luxurious and easy at the same time. It’s practically required for serving up on special occasions.
Get the Hot Crab Dip recipe.
Will Dickey
Potato Leek Soup
On a chilly December night, this comforting potato soup will warm folks right up! It looks elegant, too, thanks to the fried onions, celery leaves, and drizzle of heavy cream.
Get the Potato Leek Soup recipe.
Will Dickey
Maple Bacon Butter Fan Rolls
Glistening with maple syrup and topped with crispy bits of bacon, these homemade rolls taste as delicious as they look. But here’s the secret: You can use frozen bread dough to make ’em!
Get the Maple Bacon Butter Fan Rolls recipe.
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Will Dickey
Beer Cheese Dip
This ooey-gooey cheese dip gets a hint of hoppy flavor from an IPA beer. If you want something a little more subtle, opt for a lighter pilsner instead.
Get the Beer Cheese Dip recipe.
Will Dickey
Christmas Chex Mix
During Christmastime, candy and white chocolate before dinner is totally acceptable—especially when it comes to this Christmas snack mix. Put out a big bowl to greet your guests or pack it up to bring to a holiday potluck—your kids will thank you!
Get Ree’s Christmas Chex Mix recipe.
Brian Woodcock
Festive Goat Cheese Balls
Instead of making a big cheese ball, make these personal-sized balls instead. They’re easy to serve and so dang cute!
Get Ree’s Festive Goat Cheese Balls recipe.
con poulos
Christmas Crudités
Make this creamy herb dip to serve alongside an array of red and green veggies. The red and green colors will get everyone in the spirit!
Get Ree’s Christmas Crudités recipe.
con poulos
Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
Give your classic dinner roll a holiday upgrade with this cheesy, garlicky pull-apart bread. It’s great for dipping in a side of marinara sauce.
Get the Pull-Apart Garlic Bread recipe.
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Caitlin Bensel
Olive Tapenade
If you’ve never heard of a tapenade before, it’s basically just a salty spread made from chopped olives, capers and anchovies. You can add it to a charcuterie board or serve it on crostini with creamy goat cheese.
Get the Olive Tapenade recipe.
Will Dickey
Popcorn Chicken
Once you start popping these crispy chicken bites into your mouth, you won’t be able to stop! Serve them up with ranch, buffalo sauce, or honey mustard for dipping.
Get the Popcorn Chicken recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Ham and Cheese Sliders
If you’re looking for a heartier appetizer that’ll please both kids and adults alike, look no further than ham and cheese sliders! They’re warm, toasty, and great for a crowd.
Get the Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe.
Will Dickey
Bacon-Ranch Cheese Ball
If there are two ingredients that make our heart sing it would have to be bacon and ranch! So when combined in this festive cheese ball, it’s like a beautiful Christmas concerto.
Get Ree’s Bacon-Ranch Cheese Ball recipe.
Ryan Liebe
Arancini
These crispy rice balls are stuffed with melty cheese. You’ll want to serve them warm so you get that epic cheese pull!
Get the Arancini recipe.
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Caitlin Bensel
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
These smoky cheese-stuffed dates are a fun twist on a classic appetizer. We added jalapeño slices and a touch of honey for that sweet and spicy flavor.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket
Ree’s twist on mini hot dogs is super-easy thanks to store-bought crescent roll dough. Plus, it’s just another excuse to make an appetizer in the shape of a wreath!
Get Ree’s Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
Ryan Liebe
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Give homemade hummus a pop of color and tangy flavor by adding a jar of roasted red peppers. Serve it up with pita wedges, crackers, and mixed olives for a festive mezze platter.
Get the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Caramelized Onion Dip
Patience is the key to getting the most flavorful, golden caramelized onions. But don’t worry—you can make the whole dip in advance and stash it in the fridge.
Get the Caramelized Onion Dip recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Coconut Shrimp
Skip the lines at the airports and make an appetizer inspired by a warm-weather vacation! These crispy shrimp are coated in toasted coconut and served with a sweet and sticky Thai chili sauce.
Get the Coconut Shrimp recipe.
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Caitlin Bensel
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Each one of these baby bella mushrooms is stuffed with lump crabmeat, cheese, and diced pimentos. Then, they’re topped with breadcrumbs and butter for a crispy finish.
Get the Crab Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Italian Wedding Soup
Start your holiday dinner off with something cozy, like this hearty Italian soup. It has couscous, greens, and tender meatballs.
Get the Italian Wedding Soup recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Pigs in a Blanket
You can’t go wrong with a plate of these mini pastry-wrapped hot dogs—especially when they’re topped with everything bagel seasoning. It’s a grab-and-go Christmas appetizer that everyone in the family will love.
Get the Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
Will Dickey
Charcuterie Board
There’s something for everyone on this big grazing board—from various cheeses and meats to grapes, olive, and nuts.
Get the Charcuterie Board recipe.
Will Dickey
Whipped Feta Dip
This dip is literally “whipped” up in 5 minutes flat! Add a drizzle of honey for a sweet and salty starter that everyone will love.
Get the Whipped Feta Dip recipe.
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Caitlin Bensel
Popovers
These light and airy popovers don’t require any yeast, rising, or tedious kneading. It’s the easiest type of roll you can serve at Christmas (or anytime!).
Get the Popovers recipe.
Will Dickey
Easy Baked Brie
Warm and gooey baked brie is just begging to be spread on toasted bread. But you could also serve it with apple slices, crackers, or anything you would put on a classic cheese board.
Get the Easy Baked Brie recipe.
Will Dickey
Cocktail Meatballs
The combination of apricot preserves and chili sauce gives these cocktail meatballs a sweet and spicy spin. They’re great for warming guests up as they come in from the cold.
Get Ree’s Cocktail Meatballs recipe.
Brian Woodcock
Smoked Salmon Dip
This holiday dip works just as well for Christmas brunch as it does a Christmas Eve cocktail party. Serve it with colorful raw veggies or your favorite crackers.
Get Ree’s Smoked Salmon Dip recipe.
Brian Woodcock
Cranberry-Pecan Cheeseball
You can’t go wrong with a holiday cheeseball—especially if it’s made with seasonal flavors like this one rolled in dried cranberries and toasted pecans.
Get Ree’s Cranberry-Pecan Cheeseball recipe.
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Brian Woodcock
Sausage Rolls
This recipe takes pigs in a blanket to the next level with a filling of pork sausage, garlic, and smoky bacon. Best of all, you can make them up to a month in advance if kept frozen.
Get the Sausage Rolls recipe.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Shrimp Cocktail
Wow your guests with this upgraded take on a cocktail hour classic. The shrimp are poached with garlic, lemon, and Old Bay seasoning to make it extra special.
Get Ree’s Shrimp Cocktail recipe.
Brian Woodcock
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Chili Butter
These gorgeous bacon-wrapped scallops are easier than they look. Simply cook them in the oven before drizzling with a three-ingredient butter sauce made with chili and cayenne.
Get Ree’s Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Chili Butter recipe.
Danielle Daly
Cranberry Brie Bites
For a speedy appetizer, try these bite-sized puff pastry apps filled with brie, cranberry, and pistachios.
Get the Cranberry Brie Bites recipe.
Will Dickey
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Here’s another appetizer that’s big on the nostalgia factor. It’s a delicious homemade spin on their favorite microwavable snack!
Get Ree’s Pepperoni Pizza Rolls recipe.
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Ryan Dausch
Crispy Brie-Stuffed Mushrooms
There’s just something so decadent and festive about bite-sized mushrooms! They’re a great go-to Christmas appetizer. These are filled with brie and topped with crispy breadcrumbs.
Get Ree’s Crispy Brie-Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.
con poulos
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Dubbed the “best ever,” Ree’s spinach artichoke dip is a must-try! It’s creamy, cheesy, and will be so comforting on a chilly Christmas evening.
Get Ree’s Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe.
Buff Strickland
Bacon-Shrimp Skewers
Bacon-wrapped anything is always a win. However, there’s something extra special about these bacon, pineapple, and shrimp skewers.
Get Ree’s Bacon-Shrimp Skewers recipe.
David Malosh
Spiced-Up Potato Chips
Potato chips are an easy addition to any spread of appetizers. Make these spiced-up chips that involves jazzing up a store-bought bag.
Get Ree’s Spiced-Up Potato Chips recipe.
con poulos
Garlic-Ranch Party Mix
It’s always smart to have a classic snack mix on hand at a party. This garlic and ranch one will be a hit—and the bowl will likely be empty in 10 minutes.
Get Ree’s Garlic-Ranch Party Mix recipe.
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Ryan Dausch
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