54 Mother’s Day Appetizers

Chicken Piccata Meatballs

The classic chicken piccata entree is my favorite dish, but I wanted another way to have all the same flavors. These chicken piccata meatballs are the perfect solution, whether served alone or with a sauce like marinara or buffalo! Stick toothpicks in them for one of your new favorite Mother’s Day appetizers. —Dawn Collins, Rowley, Massachusetts

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Best Ever Stuffed Mushrooms

Mother’s Day isn’t complete without a platter of my easy stuffed mushrooms. I like to make mine with reduced-fat sausage, but you can use regular for an indulgent treat. —Debby Beard, Eagle, Colorado

Sweet & Savory Pineapple Cheese Ball

One of my favorite dishes in childhood was my mom’s pineapple and green pepper cheese ball. Now I make it, and it’s always a hit. —Susan Harrison, Laurel, Maryland

Five-Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Whenever I go to a family gathering, I’m always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience— I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and clean-up are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Feta Bruschetta

You won’t believe the compliments you’ll receive when you greet guests with these warm Mother’s Day appetizers. Every crispy bite offers the savory tastes of feta cheese, tomatoes, basil and garlic. They’re terrific for any gathering. —Stacey Rinehart, Eugene, Oregon

Chocolate Chip Dip

Is 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

Try out some more Mother’s Day desserts!

Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Blanket

For Mother’s Day, I used to make pigs in a blanket with beef and cheddar. But now I like apple and Gouda for an even better flavor celebration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin

Creamy Chicken Vol-au-Vent

My friends and I have been getting together for “ladies lunches” for years. These vol-au-vents are the perfect no-fuss fancy food; they look complicated, but are actually simple and fun to make. Whenever I think of good friends and good company, I think of these savory pastries. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah

Easy Fried Green Tomatoes

My grandmother came up with her own version of easy fried green tomatoes years ago. Our family loves it. It’s a traditional taste of the South that anyone anywhere can enjoy this Mother’s Day! —Melanie Chism, Coker, Alabama

Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini

For 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

Spruced-Up Cheese Spread

A neighbor who’s a wonderful cook gave me the recipe for this zippy cracker spread. It’s easy to prepare for a quick Mother’s Day appetizer. —Judy Grimes, Brandon, Mississippi

Kalamata Cheesecake Appetizer

Mother’s Day cake? Don’t mind if we do. The ingredients in this recipe “tames” the kalamata olives, so even if you shy away from kalamatas, you’ll be glad you tried this one. For a milder flavor, use the more common black or green olives. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California

Tomato and Corn Cheesy Pastry Bites

Local 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 Mother’s Day appetizer. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

Sesame Chicken Dip

I can’t tell you how many times I’m asked to bring this easy dip to holidays, birthday parties or family gatherings. It’s fresh and light, and the Asian flavors make it stand out. The rice crackers are a must! —Dawn Schutte, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Spanakopita Pinwheels

I’m enthralled with spanakopita, and this spinach and feta pinwheel recipe was a quick and easy way to enjoy it. I have used this family events, like Mother’s Day. —Ryan Palmer, Windham, Maine

Fruit and Cheese Board

Who says cheese and sausage get to have all the fun? Make this fruit charcuterie board a party go-to with what’s currently in season. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Roasted Chicken and Brie Holly Mini Bites

I got the idea for these Mother’s Day 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

Tuscan Artichoke & Spinach Strudel

Strudels originated in Austria and often boast sweet flavors. This one is savory with Tuscan influences of tomatoes, mushrooms and pesto. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Caprese Salad Kabobs

Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California

Almond Cheddar Appetizers

I always try to have the ingredients for these appetizers on hand in the freezer. If guests drop in, I just pull some out and reheat to serve. They work great as a snack, or even a Mother’s Day appetizer. —Linda Thompson, Southampton, Ontario

Tomato-Herb Focaccia

With its medley of herbs and tomatoes, this rustic bread will liven up any occasion. Whether it’s game-day or Mother’s Day, these appetizers never last long! —Janet Miller, Indianapolis, Indiana

Parmesan Mushroom Tartlets

My easy tartlets loaded with a cheesy mushroom filling take advantage of refrigerated crescent roll dough. I think they’re best warm from the oven with a sprinkling of green onion.—Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

Broccoli Fritters

These cute cakes offer a fun and kid-friendly way to use broccoli. They’re tasty as a side dish paired with any meat, or serve them with salsa and a dollop of fat-free sour cream for a festive Mother’s Day appetizer. —Tracy Eubanks, Ewing, Kentucky

Pepper Poppers

These creamy stuffed jalapenos have some bite. They may be the most popular treats I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch. —Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New York

Mixed Olive Crostini

These little toasts are pretty and irresistible—they’re always a big hit. Even though they look like you fussed, the ingredients are probably in your pantry. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas

Best Deviled Eggs

Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The Mother’s Day appetizers include tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

Parmesan-Coated Brie

This is such a wonderful Mother’s Day appetizer! Your mom will be so impressed. A golden exterior gives way to warm, melty cheese, making this perfect for sliced French bread or crackers. —Karen Grant, Tulare, California

Pull-Apart Herb Bread

The ingredients for this Mother’s Day recipe are so simple and the results so spectacular, I’m always willing to share the secret. It’s actually a variation of a doughnut recipe I made years ago, using refrigerated biscuits. The best part of having this bread is tearing it apart and eating it warm. —Evelyn Kenney, Hamilton, New Jersey

Fried Cinnamon Strips

These sweet chips are a must for your next party. You can use cookie cutters to shape the tortillas into fun shapes. Kids and parents just love them. —Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma

Tangier Island Virginia Crab Cakes

I grew up eating these crab cakes, which are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re absolutely delicious every time I make them. —Ann Girucky, Norfolk, Virginia

Honey-Garlic Glazed Meatballs

My husband and I raise cattle on our farm here in southwestern Ontario, so it’s no surprise that we’re fond of these saucy meatballs. I know your family will like them, too. —Marion Foster, Kirkton, Ontario

Garlic Pizza Wedges

Our pastor made this for a get-together, and my husband and I just couldn’t stay away from the hors d’oeuvres table. The cheesy slices taste great served warm, but they’re still wonderful when they’ve cooled slightly. —Krysten Johnson, Simi Valley, California

Mini Spinach Frittatas

People can’t get enough of these pop-in-your-mouth mini frittatas. They’re a cinch to make, freeze well and the recipe easily doubles for a crowd. —Nancy Statkevicus, Tucson, Arizona

Buffalo Chicken Pockets

Here’s my idea of pub food made easy: biscuits flavored with Buffalo wing sauce and blue cheese. They’re my Friday night favorite. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts

Cheddar-Veggie Appetizer Torte

A line forms quickly behind this quichelike torte at family gatherings. The wedges are easy to eat as finger food, and it’s delicious hot or cold. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

BLT Bruschetta

I dress up traditional bruschetta with popular BLT sandwich fixin’s. The maple bacon adds a tasty dimension. You could also substitute mesquite-flavored bacon. —Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas

Marshmallow Fruit Dip

You can whip up this sweet and creamy dip in just 10 minutes. I like to serve it in a bowl surrounded by fresh-picked strawberries at Mother’s Day lunch or brunch. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Fried Cheese Ravioli

Be sure to make enough of these crispy fried cheese ravioli. They’re bound to be the hit of your party. The golden brown pillows are easy to pick up and dip in tomato sauce. —Kate Dampier, Quail Valley, California

Sweet Sausage Rolls

Refrigerated dough makes these Mother’s Day appetizers a snap to prepare. Sausage gives them a little smoky heat, while honey and brown sugar lend a touch of sweetness. It all adds up to a finger food that’s downright addicting! —Lori Cabuno, Canfield, Ohio

Blue Cheese Garlic Bread

This is an irresistible way to dress up an ordinary loaf of bread. Serve slices as an appetizer or with a meal. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin

Quick and Easy Swedish Meatballs

Rich and creamy, this classic meatball sauce is a must in your recipe box. They make the perfect Mother’s Day appetizer! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Looking to diversify your Mother’s Day menu? Look no further!

Margarita Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas have never tasted as good as when they are filled with slightly sweet onions and peppers and topped with lime butter and salt. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. This version is the perfect recipe for a summer party—or a fantastic way to bring a little bit of summer into the cold winter months. —Stephanie Bright, Simpsonville, South Carolina

Slow Cooker Hot Crab Dip

One batch of this slow-cooker Mother’s Day appetizer isn’t enough for my family so I often double the recipe. Bits of sweet onion give the creamy dip a bit of crunch. —Terri Perrier, Simonton, Texas

Chili-Lime Chicken Wings

Who would have guessed that mixing maple syrup, chili sauce and lime juice would make chicken wings taste so good? Family and guests alike will scramble to ensure they get more than one of these utterly delicious wings—so be sure to make extras! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Herbed Cheese Sticks

We love the breadsticks we get hot from the oven at our local pizza parlor. Now I can serve that same wonderful goodness at home. —Heather Bates, Athens, Maine

Mint-Cucumber Tomato Sandwiches

I jazzed up the quintessential teatime cucumber sandwich to suit my family’s tastes. This was my absolute go-to sandwich when I was pregnant. It hit all the right spots! Now I eat one every Mother’s Day. —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana

Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

This rich, stylish baked brie in puff pastry adds an elegant touch to any get-together. We think it makes a wonderful addition to any Mother’s Day platter.

Check out these breakfast, lunch and dinner food ideas for Mother’s Day!

Tuscan Sausage & Bean Dip

This is a spinoff of a Mexican dip I had once. The original was wicked good, but since I was going through an “I’m-so-over-Mexican-dip” phase, I decided to switch it up. Take it to a party—I’ll bet you no one else will bring anything like it! —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina

Shrimp Corn Cakes with Soy Mayo

Feel free to add hot sauce to the dip that accompanies these savory corn cakes. Kids can pitch in to help make this Mother’s Day appetizer. —Katty Chiong, Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Olive-Stuffed Celery

My grandmother taught both me and my mom this appetizer recipe for stuffed celery. We always serve it at family gatherings. The stuffing is so yummy that even if you don’t normally care for the ingredients on their own, you’ll love the end result. —Stacy Powell, Santa Fe, Texas

Onion Brie Appetizers

Guests will think you spent hours preparing these cute appetizers, but they’re really easy to assemble, using purchased puff pastry. And the tasty combination of Brie, caramelized onions and caraway is terrific. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio

California Sushi Rolls

These taste as good as any restaurant or store-bought California rolls. Plus, this is one of the easiest sushi recipes to make! For the best results, use sushi rice to ensure the right sticky consistency. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Mamma’s Caponata

This is fabulous as an appetizer, but you can easily turn it into a meal. Instead of having it on bread, serve it over warm pasta. —Georgette Stubin, Canton, Michigan

Crab Wonton Cups

These tasty little crab tarts make excellent appetizers served warm and crispy from the oven. You can add them to your list of favorite finger foods as well. They’re true crowd-pleasers. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware