Food and Recipes Appetizers Grandpa's 20 Favorite Appetizers By Lisa Cericola Lisa Cericola Lisa Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015. As Deputy Editor, Lisa manages the food and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well as digital content. Previously, she was the features editor at Food Network Magazine and has more than 15 years of experience writing, editing, and managing photo shoots for print and digital lifestyle brands. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on February 18, 2024 Close Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox When company is coming, every Southern host knows to put just as much thought and attention into the starters as the main course. And this is the time to be creative and add some flair to your menu. Have a little fun with your appetizers so there's a little something for everyone, from cheesy dips to chicken wings with a flavorful kick to bite-size mushrooms. Appetizers have always been Grandpa's favorites, and he has kept track of all of his go-to recipes, from juicy sliders to petite peppers to elevated pigs in a blanket. Here are 20 delicious appetizers to get the party started. The 20 Best Appetizers From Grandma’s Recipe Box 01 of 20 Spicy Bisquick Sausage Balls Photography: Caitlin Bensel Food Styling: Ali Ramee Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland Break out the Bisquick – these go-to sausage bites are a family-favorite with a little extra flavorful kick. Get The Recipe 02 of 20 Jalapeño Popper Dip Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke If stuffed jalapeños are your favorite appetizer, then this cheesy, spicy, creamy dip is exactly how your party should get started. Get The Recipe 03 of 20 Hot Cheesy Crab Dip Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis For the dip enthusiasts, this is a hands-down crowdpleaser. Chunky crab meat combines with three cheeses for the ultimate party starter. Pair with veggie sticks, chips, or toasted baguettes. Get The Recipe 04 of 20 Basic Pimiento Cheese Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox Welcome back. The classic pimiento cheese spread is always a party favorite. Pair with veggie sticks, crackers, or toasted baguettes. Get The Recipe 05 of 20 Pizza Pepper Poppers Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christina Daley Miniature peppers are a colorful addition for a party buffet tray. These petite veggies are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling that makes them the first appetizer to disappear. Get The Recipe 06 of 20 Roast Beef Sliders Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Who doesn't love a slider? Exactly. Make room for these one-of-a-kind mini burgers feature butter rolls, roast beef, a garlic-herb butter, horseradish mayo, and provolone cheese. Get The Recipe 07 of 20 Sweet Potato Queso Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely An ooey, gooey dip that's made with mashed sweet potatoes for a creamy, can't-resist dip. Cue the oohs and ahhs. Get The Recipe 08 of 20 Pepper Jelly-Glazed Chicken Wings Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely While chicken wings are the best idea for gameday tailgates and casual afternoon lunches, they also make delicious dinner starters. The pepper jelly glaze gives these wings the perfect pre-supper punch. Get The Recipe 09 of 20 Tiny Tacos Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley The truth is that we could eat tacos any day of the week, and these mini versions are exactly what every ocassion calls for, Get The Recipe 10 of 20 Ranch-Cheese Crackers Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely Dear Party Host, please prepare to refill the bowl quite often with these can't-stop-snacking-crackers. These old-school treats have the perfect cheesy-ranch seasoning that can't be resisted. Get The Recipe 11 of 20 Taco Dip Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Yes, you read that right. Taco... but make it a creamy, cheesy dip. Our recipe starts with a bed of creamy refried beans, is then topped with a sour cream mixture, and then piled high with guacamole, salsa, cheese, lettuce, and homemade pico de gallo. Get The Recipe 12 of 20 Cheeseburger Sliders Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Bring out the tray of sliders and the entire party will applaud. This fan-favorite recipe features ground beef, American cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a creamy tangy special sauce. Get The Recipe 13 of 20 Stuffed Mushrooms Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle A classic party appetizer that never (ever) gets old. Our bite-size mushrooms are stuffed with Boursin cheese to make them simply hard to eat just one... or two...or three. Get The Recipe 14 of 20 Cheese Dreams Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn Believe us, you will dream about these cheesy layered treasures. Plus, you can make and freeze them ahead to break out whenever a party calls. Get The Recipe 15 of 20 Fritos Corn Salad Jessica Furniss All you need is 15 minutes to pull this delicious dip together that stars sweet canned corn. Serve it with corn chips (our favorite) or freshly chopped veggie sticks. Get The Recipe 16 of 20 Chicken-Fried Chicken Gizzards Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke Make room for a blast from the past. These fried chicken gizzards are dredged in buttermilk and flour before being frying so they're just the right combo of tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Get The Recipe 17 of 20 Buffalo Chicken Bites Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke Prepare for these one-bite appetizers to win over your chicken-wing-loving hearts. They have a little extra spice to make them just right. Get The Recipe 18 of 20 Spicy Cheese Straws Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley We know y'all have your favorite cheese straws, but give this recipe a try. Our secret? A pop of Aleppo pepper instead of standard regular paprika to give them a flavorful kick. Get The Recipe 19 of 20 Cornbread Crostini Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Micah Morton; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch Similar to Italian biscotti that is baked twice to get extra crispy, this recipe begins with a pan of cornbread and baked to perfection. The hardest decision? What spread is best for smearing and enjoying. Get The Recipe 20 of 20 Conecuh Sausage Pigs In Blankets Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Micah Morton; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch Pigs in a blanket, you've got some fierce competition. Alabama-based Conecuh-brand sausage is wrapped in buttery, flaky puff pastry for the perfect pre-dinner nibbles. Try not to spoil your supper. Get The Recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit