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Behr Track Cookie Bars
The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in these ooey-gooey, salty-sweet peanut butter bars. A lot of people comment that the pretzels in the filling are a pleasant surprise. Just make sure to cut cookie bars small—they're super rich. —Megan Behr, Marion, Iowa 2 / 100
Slow-Cooker German Potato Salad
Here's the dish everyone looks for at our parties, so we always double the recipe. It was handed down from my mother-in-law and has been a family favorite for years. —Stacy Novak, Stafford, VirginiaWorried about transporting a slow cooker? This cook-and-carry slow cooker is the perfect solution.
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Spicy Touchdown Chili
For me, football, cool weather and chili just seem to go together. Whether I’m cheering on the local team on a Friday night or enjoying a Saturday afternoon of Oklahoma Sooner football with some friends, I enjoy serving this chili on game day. —Chris Neal, Quapaw, Oklahoma 4 / 100
Homemade Guacamole
Nothing is better than freshly made guacamole when you're eating something spicy. It is easy to whip together in a matter of minutes and quickly tames anything that's too hot. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas 5 / 100
Tangy Barbecue Wings
I took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri 6 / 100
Spiced Pulled Pork Sandwiches
This pulled pork is tender and has a fabulous spice rub on it. It's my sweetie's favorite meal, and I love that it is so easy. You may add more or less salt to taste. —Katie Citrowske, Bozeman, Montana 7 / 100
Slow-Cooked Corn on the Cob
I like to eat corn all year long, so I came up with this recipe. It's my favorite side to serve when I make sloppy joes. You can use a butter substitute for a skinny version of this corn. —Teresa Flowers, Sacramento, California 8 / 100
Slow-Cooker Cheeseburger Dip
This fun dip recipe uses ingredients I always have in the fridge, so it's easy to throw together on short notice. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska 9 / 100
Cobb Salad Sub
When we need a quick meal to share, we turn Cobb salad into a sandwich masterpiece. Sometimes I substitute tortillas for the bread and make wraps instead. —Kimberly Grusendorf, Medina, Ohio 10 / 100
Buckeye Pie
Everyone that eats this pie raves about it! You can cover the whole top with ganache, but leaving part of the filling bare is the traditional way to make it. —Mary Northrup, Alpine, New York 11 / 100
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 12 / 100
Championship Bean Dip
My friends and neighbors expect me to bring this irresistible dip to every gathering. When I arrive, they ask, "You brought your bean dip, didn't you?" If there are any leftovers, we use them to make bean and cheese burritos the next day. I've given out this recipe a hundred times. —Wendi Wavrin Law, Omaha, Nebraska 13 / 100
Macaroni Coleslaw
My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota 14 / 100
Blackberry Cheesecake Bars
Sugar cookie dough is a speedy way to turn ricotta and mascarpone cheeses topped with blackberries into beautiful bars. — Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada 15 / 100
Dill Dip
Be prepared—you'll likely need to make a double batch of this delightful dill dip recipe. One is never enough when we have a get-together! It tastes fantastic with just about any vegetable, so you can use whatever you have on hand as a dipper. —Kathy Beldorth, Three Oaks, Michigan 16 / 100
Bow Tie & Spinach Salad
With pasta salad, it’s easy to change up ingredients. We like to add grilled chicken and pine nuts, and sometimes we substitute black beans for the garbanzo beans. —Julie Kirkpatrick, Billings, Montana 17 / 100
Wheely-Good Pasta Salad
Red pepper pieces accent this yummy side dish, and the pasta wheels really drive the theme home. —Amber Kimmich, Powhatan, Virginia 18 / 100
Potato Beer Cheese Soup
This satisfying potato soup has a velvety texture that's not too thick or too thin. The subtle flavors of beer and cheese balance each other nicely, creating a soup that's sure to warm you head to toe. —Patti Lavell, Islamorada, Florida 19 / 100
Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
My secret to these rich no-bake bites? Pretzels in the crust. They add a salty crunch to the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia 20 / 100
Black Forest Ham Roll-Ups
We love to entertain at home and the office. Ham and cheese rolled in tortillas make a quick and easy appetizer that's easy to transport. —Susan Zugehoer, Hebron, Kentucky 21 / 100
Jalapeno Ranch Dip
Ranch dressing got its start on a real dude ranch in California. Punch up the Western original with green salsa, green chilies, jalapenos and cilantro for more color and spice. Serve the dip along with your favorite wings to feed a crowd. —Lindsay Duke, Goodrich, Texas 22 / 100
Sicilian Potato Salad
Fresh basil is the star of this mayo-free, Italian-inspired take on potato salad. —Sue Falk, Warren, Michigan 24 / 100
Cranberry Turkey Wraps
Fruity and flavorful, these hefty grab-and-go handfuls are quick to assemble, easy to handle and low in calories. We often take them in a cooler to the local stock show and eat them in the stands. Everyone seems to love them! —Bobbie Keefer, Byers, Colorado 25 / 100
Peanut Caramel Brownie Bites
With their multiple decadent layers, these brownies are my family's absolute favorite. —Ella Agans, Birch Tree, Missouri 26 / 100
Ground Beef Taco Dip
Beef up your snack game and serve this easy taco dip with meat. Full of classic flavors, it's a little extra satisfaction for those football-day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, Wisconsin 27 / 100
Three-Bean Baked Beans
I got this recipe from an aunt and made a couple of changes to suit our tastes. With ground beef and bacon mixed in, these satisfying beans are a big hit at backyard barbecues and church picnics. I'm always asked to bring my special beans. —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio 28 / 100
Nutty Cheesecake Squares
I grew up on a farm and have had a lot of good recipes handed down to me. This is one of my favorite desserts to serve when guests come over or at family gatherings and church suppers. —Ruth Simon, Buffalo, New York 29 / 100
Sweet & Smoky Pulled Pork Sandwiches
My primo pork is smoky, tender and tastes like it came from a barbecue joint. Without much help from me, it basically shreds itself. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah 30 / 100
Dreamy Fruit Dip
Everyone will love this thick cream cheese fruit dip. Serve it alongside apple wedges, pineapple chunks, strawberries and grapes. —Anna Beiler, Strasburg, Pennsylvania 31 / 100
Dilly Veggie Pizza
Always popular at special events and a cinch to prep, this is one of my favorite ways to use leftover veggies. You can change the mixture to match your kids' tastes, and it's just as yummy the next day. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio 32 / 100
Bacon-Ranch Spinach Dip
During the hectic holiday season, my slow cooker works overtime. I fill it with a savory bacon dip and watch everyone line up for a helping. Keep the recipe in mind for tailgating, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado 33 / 100
Turkey Ramen Noodle Salad
My husband and I make this awesome salad together—he does the chopping. When we bring it to potlucks, we pack the ramen and almonds separately and toss them in right before it's time to dish up. They stay nice and crunchy that way. —Kristen Pallant, Big Arm, Montana 34 / 100
Super Supper Hero
Here's a hearty handheld meal you can eat on the go or pack for a picnic. Serve this versatile sandwich the way the recipe's written or stuff it with the works. —Maribeth Edwards, Follansbee, West Virginia 35 / 100
Jumbo Chocolate Cutouts
The recipe for these light cookies has been passed down from generation to generation. Have a little extra fun with frosting if you like. They freeze well, too!—Helen Brown, East Dover, Vermont 36 / 100
Appetizer Blue Cheese Logs
Three kinds of cheese and some curry powder make this cheese log a little more lively than most. Swipe it on your favorite cracker with a drizzle of honey for a sensational snack. —Ethel Johnson, North Saanich, British Columbia 37 / 100
White Ale Potato Salad
Take this one outside! My grown-up recipe uses beer instead of mayo, so you don't need to worry about keeping it cool. It's a really popular recipe on my blog, girllikestoeat.com. —Jenny MacBeth, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 38 / 100
Chili Queso Dip
I’ve had this recipe for more than 42 years, but have updated it from time to time. This is an easy party favorite, and everyone loves the taquito dippers. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas 39 / 100
Pickled Shrimp with Basil
Red wine vinegar plus the freshness of citrus and basil perk up marinated shrimp with hardly any prep. Serve over greens if you'd like a salad. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin 40 / 100
Game-Stopper Chili
This hearty chili with sausage, beef, beans and barley is perfect for the halftime food rush. People actually cheer when they see me coming with my slow cooker! —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania 41 / 100
Tortellini & Shrimp Skewers with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
These fresh skewers and tasty sauce will have guests nibbling all night! —Cacie Biddle, Bridgeport, West Virginia 42 / 100
Slow-Cooked Italian Meatballs
What I love about these meatballs is that they can be served as an appetizer right out of the slow cooker, or alongside your favorite pasta. They also make a delicious sandwich. —Jason Romano, Downingtown, Pennsylvania 43 / 100
Slow-Cooked Peach Salsa
Fresh peaches and tomatoes make my salsa a hands-down winner over store versions. As a treat, I give my co-workers several jars throughout the year. —Peggi Stahnke, Cleveland, Ohio 44 / 100
Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring
We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania 45 / 100
Slow-Cooker Pizza Dip
I created this dip for my daughter's pizza themed birthday party. It was an instant hit and I've continued to bring this along to other gatherings. Everyone loves it! —Stephanie Gates, Waterloo, Iowa 46 / 100
Creamy Taco Dip
You'll know this snack is a hit at your next gathering when you come home with an empty pan! —Denise Smith, Lusk, Wyoming 47 / 100
Slow-Cooked Smokies
I like to include these little smokies smothered in barbecue sauce on all my appetizer buffets since they're popular with both children and adults. —Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana 48 / 100
Salami Roll-Ups
These bite-size appetizers are a cinch to make with just four ingredients—even your kids can help you with them! —Jean Baffuto, Apache Junction, Arizona 49 / 100
Sweet Macaroni Salad
A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don't like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida 50 / 100
Gooey Chocolate-Peanut Bars
These are so easy to make and take no time at all. They’re great to package up for those college kids looking for something from home. Everyone will want this recipe. —Elaine Grimme, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 51 / 100
Slow-Cooker Italian Sloppy Joes
These tasty sloppy joes with plenty of mass appeal are perfect for a gathering. If you're taking them to an event later in the day, simplify your morning by cooking the beef mixture and stirring in other ingredients the night before. Cool the meat sauce in shallow bowls in the fridge, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. The next day, transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker to finish cooking, and then keep it warm for the party. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, OH 52 / 100
Nacho Salsa Dip
This zesty dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. —Sally Hull, Homestead, Florida 53 / 100
Smoky White Beans & Ham
I had never made or eaten this dish before meeting my husband here in Kentucky. Now I make it at least once a week. I serve it with some homemade sweet cornbread. Delicious! —Christine Duffy, Sturgis, Kentucky 54 / 100
Brats with Sauerkraut
I've made many variations of this excellent main dish. The bratwurst can be plain, smoked or cheese-flavored, served whole or cut in slices, with a bun or without. It would be popular at a party or potluck. 55 / 100
Five-Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Whenever I go to an event, 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 56 / 100
Classic Hummus
We love hummus, and this version is really amazing. If you have a pressure cooker, this is an easy, tasty reason to pull it out! We pair hummus with fresh veggies for a meal or snack. —Monica and David Eichler, Lawrence, Kansas(Here are more of our favorite game day pressure-cooker recipes.)
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Havarti Turkey Hero
This is not your ordinary sandwich! Everyone loves the combination of chutney and chopped peanuts. I like to make this when I have company in the afternoon or at night after a game of cards. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario 58 / 100
Buffalo Wing Dip
If you like spice, you'll love this dip. It's super cheesy, full of rich flavor and really has that Buffalo wing taste! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 59 / 100
Bacon Macaroni Salad
This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana 60 / 100
Mexican Chicken Chili
Corn and black beans give this satisfying chili Mexican flair the whole family will love. Adjust the cayenne if you have small children or are looking for a little less zip. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, West Chester, Ohio 61 / 100
Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts 62 / 100
Slow-Cooked White Bean Chili
My friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this delicious slow-cooked chicken chili. It's unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas 63 / 100
Cranberry Sauerkraut Meatballs
I tried these meatballs at a birthday party for a friend, and now I make them all the time. They are super easy to make and perfect for a potluck or a Sunday afternoon football game. —Lisa Castelli, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin 64 / 100
Loaded Baked Potato Dip
I never thought of using waffle-cut fries as a scoop for dip until a friend of mine did at a baby shower. They’re ideal for my cheesy bacon and chive dip, which tastes just like a baked potato topper. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota 65 / 100
Green Chile Creamed Corn
When hosting big meals, I would sometimes run out of burners. Then I realized my slow cooker could help by simmering corn and green chilies with pickled jalapenos. —Pat Dazis, Charlotte, North Carolina 66 / 100
Fruit Kabobs with Cream Cheese Dip
These fruity kabobs are so refreshing on a warm day. They're also a quick and easy meal for get-togethers. —Kathleen Hedger, Godfrey, Illinois 67 / 100
Nutty Rice Krispie Cookies
My mom and I used to make these treats for Christmas every year. The no-stovetop prep means the kids can help you mix up this easy batch of fun! —Savanna Chapdelaine, Orlando, Florida 68 / 100
Slow-Cooker Potluck Beans
It was the morning of our family potluck, and I still needed something to take. I threw together this recipe while drinking my morning coffee. By the end of the gathering, the beans were all gone and someone had even washed the crock for me! —Mary Anne Thygesen, Portland, Oregon 69 / 100
Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha Brownies
My husband and I are big fans of Irish cream, so I wanted to incorporate it into a brownie. I started with my mom's brownie recipe, then added frosting and ganache. This decadent recipe is the result, and we really enjoy them! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin 70 / 100
Chinese Meatballs
These 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 71 / 100
Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese Spread
This easy spread is based on several different relishes and spreads I've tasted or made before. I love the sweet and spicy combination of flavors. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan 72 / 100
Mini Muffuletta
People love these hearty little sandwich wedges. The recipe is great for a party and can be made the day before.—Gareth Craner, Minden, Nevada 73 / 100
Antipasto Kabobs
My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. —Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio 74 / 100
Avocado Salsa
I was planning a party and thought it might be fun to try a different kind of avocado salsa. This recipe was an absolute success. Scoop it up with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak, or eat it on its own! —Susan Vandermeer, Ogden, Utah 75 / 100
Effortless Black Bean Chili
My mom found the inspiration for this chili in a slow-cooker cookbook. After a few updates, all of us love it (even those of us who steer clear of beans). We think it's even better served over rice. —Amelia Gormley, Ephrata, Pennsylvania 76 / 100
Spiced Brownie Bites
My son and I came up with this recipe together to satisfy our cravings for chocolate and spice. —Anna Nicoletta, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvanis 77 / 100
Tex-Mex Dip
Sit back and relax with your family while enjoying this creamy dip. Colorful and festive, it's easy to put together ahead of time, which makes it perfect for game day. — Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas 78 / 100
Layered Picnic Loaves
This big sandwich, inspired by one I tried at a New York deli, is a favorite with our football-watching crowd. Made ahead, it's easily carted to any gathering. Kids and adults alike say it's super. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon 79 / 100
Creamy White Chili
I got the best white chili recipe from my sister-in-law, who made a big batch and served a crowd one night. It was a hit. It's easy and quick, which is helpful since I'm a college student. In all my years of 4-H cooking, I've never had another dish get so many compliments. —Laura Brewer, Lafayette, Indiana 80 / 100
Caramel Apple Pie with Streusel Topping
I developed this recipe through the years to get it exactly where we want it. I've entered several pie contests with it and placed first each time—one bite and you'll know why this pie's a winner! —Laurel Dalzell, Manteca, California 81 / 100
Herb Dip with Spring Vegetables
When you’re having a large party and focusing on the entrees, it's smart to have snacks and nibbles ready ahead of time. There’s nothing more simple than making dip a day or two ahead and putting it out for guests. I'm a huge fan of ranch, so this is my pick. —Michelle Clair, Seattle, Washington 82 / 100
Barbecued Party Starters
These sweet and tangy bites will tide over everyone until dinner. At the buffet, set out some fun toothpicks to make for easy nibbling. —Anastasia Weiss, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania 83 / 100
Mandarin Turkey Pinwheels
Curry, smoked turkey and mandarin oranges give these pinwheels their unique flavor. My cousin and I made them for an open house and people came back for seconds...and then thirds! —Lorie Miner, Kamas, Utah 84 / 100
Easy Slice and Bake Cookies
These treats are larger than most slice-and-bake cookies, which I find to be quite nice. The great thing about these cookies is that you can slice however many you want at a time and enjoy them all warm from the oven. —Heather Chambers, Largo, Florida 85 / 100
Sweet Onion Creamed Corn
A friend from church gave me this easy and delicious recipe more than 40 years ago, and I still make it regularly. She was from the South, and whenever I cook it, I remember her fondly. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada 86 / 100
Walnut & Fig Goat Cheese Log
Here's a simple spread that calls for only a handful of ingredients. The tablespoon of honey is optional, but I think that touch of sweetness nicely complements the tang of the goat cheese. —Ana-Marie Correll, Hollister, California 87 / 100
Quick Tortilla Pinwheels
Prepare these easy, cheesy rollups several days in advance if desired. Serve with your choice of mild or hot salsa or picante sauce. —Barbara Keith, Faucett, Missouri 88 / 100
Hot Bacon Cheese Dip
I've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with tortilla chips or sliced French bread. —Suzanne Whitaker, Knoxville, Tennessee 89 / 100
Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie
There is nothing I don't love about this pie! I adore the flavors, and I like that I can sneak some whole grains into the crust. It belongs on every holiday dessert buffet. —Mary Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina 90 / 100
Chipotle Ham 'n' Cheese Dip
During the busy holiday season, you just can't beat convenient slow cooker recipes like this that let you visit with guests instead of working away in the kitchen. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri 91 / 100
3-in-1 Cheese Ball
Three incredible cheese balls in flavors like pesto, horseradish-bacon and Gorgonzola make for a dazzling display at any get-together. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 92 / 100
Bean & Beef Slow-Cooked Chili
This chili may be loaded, but we love to build it up even more with toppings like pico de gallo, red onion, cilantro and cheese. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin 93 / 100
Veggie Ranch Tortilla Pinwheels
These terrific bite-size appetizers are always a hit wherever I take them. They're easy to make ahead of time, and are a great addition to other party fare! —Lori Kostecki, Wausau, Wisconsin 94 / 100
Fresh Fruit Salsa
This salad has all the bright colors and fresh flavors of summer. —Mary E. Relyea, Canastota, New York. 95 / 100
Slow-Cooker Spinach & Artichoke Dip
With this creamy dip, I can get my daughters to eat spinach and artichokes. We serve it with chips, toasted pita bread or fresh veggies. —Jennifer Stowell, Montezuma, Iowa 96 / 100
Not Your Mama's Seven-Layer Bars
The addition of dulce de leche makes this a decadent new take on traditional seven-layer bars. You can cut this recipe in half and make it in an 8x8-in. pan. —Andrea Barlow, Hot Springs, Arkansas 97 / 100
Italian Submarine
My Italian husband grew up eating this flavorful sandwich, which his mother used to make it after Saturday chores were finished. Put the sub together a few hours ahead and refrigerate, then serve with chips, veggies and dip for a delicious meal. —Christine Lupella, Fifty Lakes, Minnesota 98 / 100
Spruced-Up Cheese Spread
A neighbor who’s a wonderful cook gave me the recipe for this zippy cracker spread. It’s easy to shape into a Christmas tree for a festive occasion, but it looks enticing in a bowl or on a plate, too. —Judy Grimes, Brandon, Mississippi 99 / 100
Slow-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Beer Dip
My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize in our office party recipe contest. Use your favorite beer or ale, but steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin 100 / 100
Iced Orange Cutouts
I put a tablespoon of orange zest in both the cookie and icing to make these crispy cookies nice and bright, like a little ray of sunshine. —Wendy Montecalvo, Pleasantville, New JerseyNote: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Originally Published: January 22, 2019