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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
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Pepper Jelly Hogs in a Blanket
We 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
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Beef Wellington Fried Wontons
These tasty appetizers scale down classic beef Wellington to an ideal party size. They feel fancy and fun! —Dianne Phillips, Tallapoosa, Georgia
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Fruit Charcuterie Board
Who 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 KitchenA pizza charcuterie board can also be a fun appetizer to try out.
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Ham and Swiss Sliders
My 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
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Buffalo Chicken Dip
This 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
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Sausage Cream Cheese Dip
This 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
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Grilled Elote Flatbread
Here’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
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Quinoa Arancini
We love arancini, but they’re not the healthiest thing going! I wanted to makea version that we could enjoy guilt-free. I substituted quinoa for rice and tried baking instead of frying. Now we can have them any time. —Sabrina Ovadia, New York, New York
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Ranch Mushrooms
I 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
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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
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Puff Pastry Apple Strudel
This 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
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Crudite Dip
To 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
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Spicy Butterscotch Wings
We 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
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Crispy Sriracha Spring Rolls
While 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
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Watermelon Cups
This 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
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Oven-Fried Oysters
I 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
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Shrimp Cocktail
During 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
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Florentine Ciabatta
I 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
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Antipasto Bake
Stuffed 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
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Smoky Bacon Wraps
These cute little sausage and bacon bites are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana
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Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups
Lettuce wraps make light, lively appetizers. These are easy to make because the slow cooker does most of the work. Just load it up and let things get cooking. When the chicken is cooked, just shred and serve. —Robin Haas, West Roxbury, Massachusetts
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Black Forest Ham Pinwheels
Dried 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
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Mini Zucchini Pizzas
Looking for low carb? This simple snack recipe is a fantastic way to satisfy your pizza cravings while skipping the usual carb-filled crust. —Taste of Home Test KitchenLove this recipe? You’ll love these rye bread pizzas, too.
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Toasted Ravioli
While 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
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Mexican Deviled Eggs
With 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
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Buffalo Chicken Potato Skins
Take 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
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Heirloom Tomato Galette with Pecorino
I 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
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Herbed Feta Dip
Guests 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
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BBQ Chicken Bites
Chicken 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
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Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake
I created this dish to fill two pans because these cheeseburger sliders disappear fast. Just cut the slider burgers recipe in half if you want to make only one batch. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
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Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos
Sunday 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.
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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 appetizer. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
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Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce
Twisting these wonton wrappers like little candies makes them fuss-free, and the dipping sauce is packed with sweet heat. —Taylor Marsh, Algona, Iowa
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Mushroom Pastry Pinwheels
Pinwheels 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
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Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries
Move 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
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Dilly Cheese Ball
My whole family devours this herby cheese spread—even my son, the chef. Serve it with your favorite crackers. —Jane Vince, London, Ontario
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Garlic Bread Bites
These 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
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Steak Crostini with Carrot-Horseradish Marmalade
I've been making little tweaks to this family favorite for years. Prep everything ahead, then layer up the crostini right before party time. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
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Dill Pickle Dip
My 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
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Blue Cheese Walnut Tart
This 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
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Shrimp Corn Cakes with Soy Mayo
Feel free to add hot sauce to the dip that accompanies these savory corn cakes. —Katty Chiong, Hoffman Estates, Illinois
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Fresh from the Garden Wraps
We 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
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Butternut-Gouda Pot Stickers
My family can't get enough butternut squash. I had some left over, so I used pot sticker wraps and veggies to create these fun little appetizers. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Grilled Loaded Potato Rounds
My 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
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Parmesan-Bacon Bubble Bread
When 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
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Parmesan-Coated Brie
This 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
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Coconut Chicken and Shrimp
I 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
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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
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Chipped Beef Cheese Ball
This 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
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Spicy Pickled Grapes
I 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
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Quick Taco Dip
This 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
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Air-Fryer Empanadas
I 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
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Italian Steak Bruschetta
This recipe combines my favorite things to eat: toast, steak, bruschetta topping and delicious pancetta. It's looks so pretty on the plate! This five-ingredient appetizer is easy to prepare but will have everyone thinking you spent a long time in the kitchen. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
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Egg Rolls
This 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
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Pulled Pork Doughnut Hole Sliders
This 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
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Crumb-Topped Clams
In 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
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Grilled Nectarines with Burrata and Honey
The 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
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Shrimp in Phyllo Cups
I 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
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Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Raspberry Sauce
Grilling 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
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California Sushi Rolls
This 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
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Red Lentil Hummus with Brussels Sprout Hash
This 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
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Sticky Honey Chicken Wings
This honey chicken wings recipe was given to me by a special lady who was like a grandmother to me. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
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Pepperoni Pizza Pockets
Stuffed 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
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Asian Wraps
This 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
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Roasted Chicken and Brie Holly Mini Bites
I 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
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Orange-Glazed Chicken & Chorizo Meatballs
These 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
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Pressure-Cooker Garlic-Dill Deviled Eggs
Easter 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
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Crab Phyllo Cups
I 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
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Florentine Almond Artichoke Mounds
I always enjoyed traditional artichoke-cheese dip, and for a party, I wanted to create a new appetizer that was a spin on that. This original creation is a bit reminiscent of the dip recipe, and works well on a buffet. —Sherry Johnston, Green Cove Springs, Florida
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Portobello Mushroom and Cream Cheese Taquitos
This 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
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Peppy Peach Salsa
Garden-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
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Steak & Prosciutto Skewers with Creamy Basil-Tarragon Sauce
These flavorful bites of marinated steak layered with prosciutto can be cooked on the grill or under the broiler, so they’re ideal for holiday parties no matter what climate you live in! The thick sauce is lovely and creamy—use it as a dip, or smear it on a plate and set the skewers over the top. —Elizabeth Nutt, Alpharetta, Georgia
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Ham & Brie Pastries
Growing 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
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Turkey Sliders with Sweet Potato "Buns"
In this healthier take on sliders, I sandwich a burger between roasty slices of sweet potato. My wife took one bite and approved these tasty little guys. —Guy Martino, Charleston, South Carolina
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Spicy Crab Salad Tapas
I 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
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Buffet Meatballs
I 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
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Sweet Pea Pesto Crostini
I made a healthier spin on my favorite celebrity chef’s recipe by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. To top crostini, use this recipe for a pastelike pesto. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
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Aussie Sausage Rolls
I 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
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Broccoli & Chive Stuffed Mini Peppers
There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington
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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
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Honey and Ale Pulled Chicken Sliders
Score 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
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Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Shells
I 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
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Arugula Pizza
This 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
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Wasabi Crab Cakes
With 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
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Savory Cucumber Sandwiches
Italian 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
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Fried Chicken and Pulled Pork Cornbread Poppers
These 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
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Lemon-Herb Salmon Toasts
Quick, light and tasty, my salmon toasts make irresistible finger food. —Christie Wells, Lake Villa, Illinois
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Mini Cheese Balls
These 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
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Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Try these savory bites for a kickin' appetizer that's tasty and healthy, too! —Emily Tyra, Traverse City, MichiganUp Next: What Is a Relish Tray and What Should You Put on It?
Originally Published: September 28, 2018