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When it comes to the royal wedding, we know that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are breaking a handful of rules. The couple decided to forego the traditional fruitcake for dessert and opted for a lemon and elderflower cake (we just love lemon). But the most recent scoop is that the royal duo is adding another unexpected element to their upcoming wedding: ice cream trucks.
You read that right! These royals are going to incorporate something as fun and casual as ice cream into what’s traditionally a very formal occasion. According to the UK’s Express, after the formal reception, guests are invited to an afterparty at Frogmore House. There, guests will get to enjoy a late night disco, snacks and ice cream.
While these fun additions to the royal wedding definitely are nontraditional, they shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Meghan loves late night snacks, and Prince William and Kate Middleton also incorporated the same crew of ice cream vans at their reception back in 2011. However, differing from his older brother, Harry has requested that bacon and sausage sandwiches also be served.
We assume that these extras will keep guests partying long into the night. If you find yourself partying too long, try these tricks.
Throwing a party? Try our top party treats.
Antipasto Platter
We entertain often, and antipasto is one of our favorite crowd-pleasers. Guests love having their choice of so many delicious nibbles, including pepperoni and cubes of provolone. It's one of my best appetizers! —Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Illinois
Also check out these amazing
new year's eve appetizers to kick start your upcoming new year's parties.
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Pepper Jelly Hogs in a BlanketWe are addicted to these grown-up hogs in a blanket! There's so much flavor for such bite-sized appetizers. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Beef Wellington Fried WontonsThese tasty appetizers scale down classic beef Wellington to an ideal party size. They feel fancy and fun! —Dianne Phillips, Tallapoosa, Georgia
Fruit Charcuterie BoardWho says cheese and sausage get to have all the fun? Make this fruit charcuterie board a party go-to with any that are in season. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
A
pizza charcuterie board can also be a fun appetizer to try out.
Ham and Swiss SlidersMy next-door neighbor shared this ham and Swiss sliders recipe with me, and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of poppy seeds, ham and cheese, horseradish and brown sugar makes it so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota
Buffalo Chicken DipThis is the best buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky
Sausage Cream Cheese DipThis scrumptious snack will go fast! The sausage cream cheese dip recipe is so easy to make and fits Southwestern flavor to a T. My pot is always scraped clean! —Kaye Christiansen, Freistatt, Missouri
Grilled Elote FlatbreadHere's a fun twist on a classic Mexican dish! Keep your kitchen cooled down during the summer by grilling this fresh flatbread outdoors. —Amanda Phillips, Portland, Oregon. Check out these
summertime appetizers that can be prepped in advance, tossed on the grill, or whipped up as guests are walking in the door.
Ranch MushroomsI got this ranch mushrooms recipe from my sister-in-law, and it has become a family favorite. The mushrooms don't last long once people know I've made them. —Jackie McGee, Byron, Minnesota
Almond-Bacon Cheese CrostiniFor a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida
Puff Pastry Apple StrudelThis puff pastry apple strudel is such a fun recipe. It can be served alone or with a side salad. Different types of cheese, like goat, feta or jack, can be used in this dish. —Donna-Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Crudite DipTo bring out the crudite dip’s tangy flavor, chill it before serving. This will allow the flavors time to blend. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spicy Butterscotch WingsWe love big-time-spicy chicken wings. I do a caramel sauce to balance the heat, but you could also glaze the wings with melted brown sugar. —Aaron Salazar, Westminster, Colorado
Crispy Sriracha Spring RollsWhile in the Bahamas, friends suggested a restaurant that served amazing chicken spring rolls. When I got home, I created my own version. Such a great appetizer to have waiting in the freezer! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Watermelon CupsThis lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Oven-Fried OystersI entered this recipe for breaded and baked oysters with a zippy jalapeno mayonnaise in a seafood contest and took first place in the hors d'oeuvres category. These oven-fried oysters make an interesting appetizer for entertaining. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Shrimp CocktailDuring the '60s, shrimp cocktail was one of the most popular party foods around. And it is still a crowd favorite. It's the one appetizer that I serve for every special occasion as well as for munchie meals. —Peggy Allen, Pasadena, California
Florentine CiabattaI came up with this appetizer because of my love for white pizza. I've served my ciabatta pizza at many holiday parties, and it's always a big hit among both children and adults. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut
Antipasto BakeStuffed with savory meats and cheeses, these hearty antipasto squares would satisfy an entire offensive line! The dish comes together quickly and bakes in under an hour, making it the perfect potluck bring-along. Introducing the all-stars in this ooey gooey appetizer: salami, Swiss, pepperoni, Colby-Monterey Jack, prosciutto and provolone. A crisp topping finishes it off. —Brea Barclay, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Bacon-Wrapped SmokiesThese cute little bacon-wrapped smokies are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana
Black Forest Ham PinwheelsDried cherries are the sweet surprise alongside the savory ingredients in these delightfully different spirals. I roll up the tortillas and pop them in the fridge well before party time, and then I just slice and serve. —Kate Dampier, Quail Valley, California
Mini Zucchini PizzasThis simple snack is the perfect, low-carb way to satisfy your pizza cravings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Love this recipe? You'll love these
rye bread pizzas, too.
Toasted RavioliWhile visiting a friend who had just moved to St. Louis, Missouri, I tried these toasted ravioli at almost every restaurant! When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and this recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Mexican Deviled EggsWith two young children, my husband and I live on a beautiful lake and host lots of summer picnics and cookouts. I adapted this recipe to suit our tastes. Folks who are expecting the same old deviled eggs are surprised when they try this delightful tangy variation. —Susan Klemm, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Buffalo Chicken Potato SkinsTake two popular restaurant nibbles, put them together and you'll have an unforgettable appetizer for your next holiday get-together. —Bridget O'Connor, Round Lake Beach, Illinois
Heirloom Tomato Galette with PecorinoI found beautiful heirloom tomatoes and had to show them off. In this easy galette, the tomatoes are tangy and the crust is beyond buttery. —Jessica Chang, Playa Vista, California
Herbed Feta DipGuests can’t get enough of this thick, zesty dip that bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavor. The feta cheese and fresh mint complement each other beautifully, creating the perfect sidekick for crunchy carrots, toasted pita chips, sliced baguettes or any other dipper you fancy. —Rebecca Ray, Chicago, Illinois
BBQ Chicken BitesChicken bites wrapped in bacon get a kick from Montreal seasoning and sweetness from barbecue sauce. We love the mix of textures. —Kathryn Dampier, Quail Valley, California
Bacon Cheeseburger Slider BakeI created this dish to fill two pans because these sliders disappear fast. Cut the recipe in half if you want one batch. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed JalapenosSunday is grill-out day for my husband, Cliff, and these bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapenos are one of his specialties. We usually feature them at our annual Daytona 500 party. They disappear from the appetizer tray in no time.
Tomato and Corn Cheesy Pastry BitesLocal veggies and herbs have a magical knack for inspiring me to cook. After my CSA box arrived, I used the fresh ingredients to create this adorable appetizer. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping SauceTwisting these wonton wrappers like little candies makes them fuss-free, and the dipping sauce is packed with sweet heat. —Taylor Marsh, Algona, Iowa
Mushroom Pastry PinwheelsPinwheels make a pretty addition to any appetizer buffet, and when I serve them they disappear in a snap. These use purchased puff pastry, so they are very easy to make. —Mary Bettuchy, Columbia, South Carolina
Air Fryer Pumpkin FriesMove over french fries—these homemade pumpkin fries are divine! Not only are they healthier than traditional fries, but they are simple to make and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. The maple-chipotle dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Dilly Cheese BallMy whole family devours this herby cheese spread—even my son, the chef. Serve it with your favorite crackers. —Jane Vince, London, Ontario
Garlic Bread BitesThese garlic bread bites are ridiculously easy to make and insanely tasty! To make them extra cheesy, sprinkle the tops with more mozzarella cheese after taking them out of the oven the second time, and then return them to the oven until the cheese is melted. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. —Anna Bowden, Littleton, Colorado
Dill Pickle DipMy love for pickles led me to create this Dill Pickle Dip. It's so easy to whip together. But be warned, it's addicting! —April Anderson, Forest Lake, Minnesota
Blue Cheese Walnut TartThis simple yet elegant tart gives any casual get-together a touch of class. It’s wonderful as a lunch entree and also perfect as part of a springtime brunch buffet. —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
Shrimp Corn Cakes with Soy MayoFeel free to add hot sauce to the dip that accompanies these savory corn cakes. —Katty Chiong, Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Fresh from the Garden WrapsWe moved into a house with a garden that needed tending. Using the herbs we found, we made these fresh-tastic wraps for our first dinner there. —Chris Bugher, Asheville, North Carolina
Butternut-Gouda Pot StickersMy family can't get enough butternut squash. I had some left over, so I used pot sticker wrappers and chopped veggies to create these fun little appetizers. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Grilled Loaded Potato RoundsMy go-to recipe for outdoor potlucks is an awesome potato side. I prep everything beforehand, then assemble and grill at the party. Serve with sour cream, cheese, bacon and chives. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Guests will be sure to love these other
grilled appetizers before the meal, too.
Parmesan-Bacon Bubble BreadWhen I needed to put some leftover bread dough to good use, I started with a recipe I often use for bubble bread and substituted savory ingredients for the sweet. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Parmesan-Coated BrieThis is such a wonderful appetizer! Your guests will be impressed. A golden exterior gives way to warm, melty cheese, making this perfect for sliced French bread or crackers. —Karen Grant, Tulare, California
Coconut Chicken and ShrimpI was looking for a fun,
easy weeknight dinner based on our favorite shrimp dish that was healthier than fast food. This has become a favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Chinese MeatballsThese were a huge hit at a cookout I attended recently! You can use two tablespoons of chopped crystallized ginger in place of the fresh ginger if you like. —Pat Barnes, Panama City, Florida
Chipped Beef Cheese BallThis delicious appetizer is near and dear to our family. It is a symbol of our family's Christmas and New Year's celebrations. My mom made this cheese ball for more than 30 years. —Molly Sumner, Creve Coeur, Missouri
Spicy Pickled GrapesI love sweet and spicy flavors, so I created these pickled grapes. They are excellent as an appetizer, a sneaky addition to salads or a topper in your favorite Bloody Mary. —Carla Hinkle, Memphis, Tennessee
Quick Taco DipThis quick taco dip is a definite family favorite. In fact, this recipe has been made more times than I can count! It just looks very colorful to a table, and it never lasts long. —Rhonda Biancardi, Blaine, Minnesota
Air-Fryer EmpanadasI entertain a lot, so I appreciate make-ahead recipes. These air-fryer empanadas are easy and delicious. I recommend making a few extra batches—they go fast! —Lynn Scully, Rancho Santa Fe, California
Egg RollsThis egg roll recipe is truly a family favorite. My husband, Doug, makes them often for family meals and my sister serves them every Tuesday night at the restaurant she owns. Feel free to use sausage if you like food with a little more kick. —Donna Frandsen, Cohasset, Minnesota
Pulled Pork Doughnut Hole SlidersThis slider recipe was created by accident when we had a surplus of root beer from a party. Now we can't have barbecue any other way! —Eden Dranger, Los Angeles, California
Crumb-Topped ClamsIn my family, it wouldn't be Christmas Eve without baked clams. They're easy to make and always a hit. —Annmarie Lucente, Monroe, New York
Grilled Nectarines with Burrata and HoneyThe classic caprese gets a sweet makeover with this inspired summer starter. Burrata, mint and honey are served over nectarine halves—or any stone fruit you like—in this creamy, dreamy dish. —Anthony Gans, Hawthorne, California
Shrimp in Phyllo CupsI almost didn’t make these appetizers for last year’s Christmas party because I was running out of time, but I knew they’d be a tasty hit. Simple to make, the cups have few ingredients and look beautiful on the plate—very gourmet! This turned out to be one of the night’s favorites, and they just flew off the plate. —Terri Edmunds, Naperville, Illinois
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Raspberry SauceGrilling the prosciutto with the asparagus gives this dish a salty crunch that's perfect for dipping into a sweet glaze. When a delicious appetizer is this easy to prepare, you owe it to yourself to try it! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
California Sushi RollsThis tastes as good as any restaurant or store-bought California roll. Plus, it's one of the easiest sushi recipes for when you're first learning
Red Lentil Hummus with Brussels Sprout HashThis spicy red lentil hummus is a new take on the classic dip. The Brussels sprout topping adds a special touch, but you can serve it without the topping, too. —Carolyn Manning, Seattle, Washington
Sticky Honey Chicken WingsThis honey chicken wings recipe was given to me by a special lady who was like a grandmother to me. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
Pepperoni Pizza PocketsStuffed with a pizza-style filling, these special sandwiches surprise you with a burst of flavor in every bite. They were popular with the preschool set at our son's dinosaur-theme birthday party...but you can be sure adults will love them, too! —Robin Werner, Brush Prairie, Washington
Asian WrapsThis recipe is just like any other Asian wrap but with more flavor, a healthy twist and the convenience of a slow cooker. Instead of ordering Chinese, try making these yourself. —Melissa Hansen, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
Roasted Chicken and Brie Holly Mini BitesI got the idea for these appetizers from my favorite sandwich at a local restaurant—a symphony of sweet fig, roasted apple, melted brie and tangy garlic mayonnaise. I re-created this delectable combination in a quick appetizer with bright red cranberries and green spinach to give it a holiday twist. These scrumptious bites only take about 20 minutes, but taste like you spent hours; you can also make them a few days in advance, then warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving. They're the perfect party appetizer! —Terri Gilson, Calgary, Alberta
Orange-Glazed Chicken & Chorizo MeatballsThese tasty southwestern meatballs warm up a buffet. I add pomegranate seeds, jalapeno pepper jelly and cilantro to make everything pop with color. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Pressure-Cooker Garlic-Dill Deviled EggsEaster isn't complete without deviled eggs. I like to experiment with my recipes, and was pleasantly surprised with how the fresh dill really perked up the flavor of these irresistible appetizers. —Kami Horch, Frankfort, Maine
Crab Phyllo CupsI always like a dot of chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you're out of crab, try them with water-packed tuna. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Portobello Mushroom and Cream Cheese TaquitosThis
party appetizer was inspired by a dish I saw on an episode of
Top Chef. I simplified it a little and tweaked the flavors a bit. The taquitos can be made ahead and reheated in a 250° oven for 10 minutes. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Peppy Peach SalsaGarden-fresh salsas are one of my favorite condiments. So when I saw a recipe for peach salsa in the newspaper, I couldn't think of anything that sounded better. —Jennifer Abbott, Moraga, California
Ham & Brie PastriesGrowing up, I loved pocket pastries. Now, with a busy family, I need quick bites. My spin on the classic ham and cheese delivers as a snack or for supper. —Jennifer Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Spicy Crab Salad TapasI served these at a party and everyone went wild! These delicious morsels have a crispy flaky outside filled with creamy sweet crab that has a little kick. I used scalloped-edge cookie cutters to cut my pastry, but you can use a small biscuit cutter. —Vanessa Mason, Summerdale, Alabama
Buffet MeatballsI need only five ingredients to fix these
easy appetizers. My grape jelly and ketchup meatballs make an appearance at almost every potluck and party. —Janet Anderson, Carson City, Nevada
Sweet Pea PestoI made a healthier spin on pea pesto by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Aussie Sausage RollsI was born and raised in Australia, but moved to the U.S. when I got married. When I long for some Australian recipes, I bake up a batch of this sausage roll recipe and share them with neighbors or co-workers. —Melissa Landon, Port Charlotte, Florida
Broccoli & Chive Stuffed Mini PeppersThere's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington
Chocolate Chip DipIs there a kid around (or a kid at heart) who wouldn’t gobble up this cookie dough dip with graham crackers? It beats dunking them in milk, hands down! You can also try it with apple wedges. —Heather Koenig, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
Honey and Ale Pulled Chicken SlidersScore big with your guests with a little bit of sweet heat! This recipe works well for a football party—the extra liquid in the slow cooker keeps the chicken nice and juicy all day long. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese ShellsI created this deep fried mac and cheese recipe for my husband. He describes this recipe as unbelievably delicious because of the crispy deep-fried coating on the outside and the creamy richness on the inside. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida
Arugula PizzaThis arugula pizza is great served as an appetizer for get-togethers with family or friends. My girlfriends and I love it because it has that sophisticated gourmet touch, and it's healthy, too! This also serves four as a main course. —Annette Riva, Naperville, Illinois
Wasabi Crab CakesWith wasabi in both the crab cakes and the dipping sauce, this festive appetizer brings its own heat to the holiday party. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Savory Cucumber SandwichesItalian salad dressing is an easy way to add zip to this simple spread. You can also use it as a dip with crackers and veggies or a sandwich filling. —Carol Henderson, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Fried Chicken and Pulled Pork Cornbread PoppersThese fun little apps are an instant conversation starter wherever they're served. We love them on game day, but they'd be a hit at brunch, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Lemon-Herb Salmon ToastsQuick, light and tasty, my salmon toasts make irresistible finger food. —Christie Wells, Lake Villa, Illinois
Mini Cheese BallsThese mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any party. Roll them in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and/or paprika to add even more flavor. —J. Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina
Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower BitesTry these savory bites for a kickin' appetizer that's tasty and healthy, too! —Emily Tyra, Traverse City, Michigan
Up Next: What Is a Relish Tray and What Should You Put on It?
Updated: Jul. 13, 2022
