These potluck recipes include your new entertaining essentials.
The 96 Best Potluck Recipes You’re Not Making Yet
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Queso Fundido
Dig in to this one-skillet dip and enjoy the gooey cheese and the spicy kicks from chorizo and pepper jack. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
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Three-Chip English Toffee
With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and scrumptiously rich flavor, this is the ultimate toffee! Layered on top are three kinds of melted chips plus a sprinkling of walnuts. Packaged in colorful tins, these pretty pieces make impressive gifts. —Lana Petfield, Richmond, Virginia
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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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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 spring brunches or luncheons. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
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Pear Waldorf Pitas
Here's a guaranteed table brightener for a shower, luncheon or party. Just stand back and watch these sandwiches vanish. For an eye-catching presentation, I tuck each one into a colorful folded napkin. —Roxann Parker, Dover, Delaware
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Chocolate Beet Cake
The first time I baked this cake, my son loved its moistness, and he couldn't taste the beets.—Peggy Van Arsdale, Crosswicks, New Jersey
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Barbecued Meatballs
Grape jelly and chili sauce are the secrets that make these meatballs so fantastic. If I’m serving them at a party, I prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and reheat them right before guests arrive. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
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Hot Spinach Spread with Pita Chips
Warm and cheesy, this spread is absolutely scrumptious served on toasted pita wedges. Its colorful appearance makes a stunning addition to any buffet. —Teresa Emanuel, Smithville, Missouri
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Yogurt-Ricotta Cheesecake
I have always liked Italian ricotta cheesecakes, but they have too much sugar for me. I made a light version, and my family couldn’t even tell the difference! I serve mine with sugar-free strawberry ice cream topping and fresh strawberries. —Diane Shipley, Mentor, Ohio
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Lime-Chipotle Carnitas Tostadas
Here's a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
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White Velvet Cutouts
We make and decorate these cutouts for different holidays and give lots of them as gifts. Last year, we baked a batch a week before Christmas to be sure we'd have plenty to give and plenty for ourselves, too. These rich cookies melt in your mouth. —Kim Hinkle, Wauseon, Ohio
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Moroccan Stuffed Mushrooms
Coriander and cumin are zesty updates to the familiar stuffed mushrooms. The addition of couscous makes them very filling and delicious. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
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Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes
Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
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Mango-Pineapple Chicken Tacos
I lived in the Caribbean when I was a child. Every time I make this yummy chicken, the fresh tropical fruits in it transport me back to those happy times.—Lissa Nelson, Provo, Utah
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Skillet Shepherd's Pie
This is the best shepherd’s pie recipe I’ve ever tasted. It’s very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California
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Brownie Trifle
Peanut butter brownie trifle is a tower of bite-sized, peanut butter chip-studded brownies and creamy peanut butter mousse, crowned with whipped topping and an exuberant garnish of chopped peanut butter cups for a showstopping dessert.
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Smoky Grilled Corn Salsa
Our backyard grill is the perfect place to cook up the ingredients for homemade corn salsa. It’s yummy with tortilla chips and as a topping for meat, poultry and fish. —Alicia DeWolfe, Gloucester, Massachusetts
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Pulled Brisket Sandwiches
Don’t let the number of ingredients in this brisket sandwich recipe scare you; you probably have most of them in your pantry already. The sauce is what makes this dish so special. It’s hard not to like ketchup, brown sugar and a little butter drizzled over tender beef brisket. —Jane Guilbeau, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Sesame Omelet Spinach Spirals
These pretty spirals would be perfect for a buffet of international hors d'oeuvres. They remind me of sushi. The dipping sauce is an exotic accompaniment to this fun finger food.—Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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Hamburger Stew
Simmer up a big pot of hamburger stew to feed the whole crew. It's packed with beef, veggies, rice and potatoes, but you can add whatever else you like.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle
For a dessert that looks as great as it tastes, this one can’t be beat! Layers of rich pound cake, luscious cream and sweet strawberries make this treat very inviting. —Marnie Stoughton, Glenburnie, Ontario
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Green Chile Beef Burritos
Recipes that are leaner in fat and calories—like this one for beef burritos—helped me lose 30 pounds! The meat is so tender and delicious. —Shirley Davidson, Thornton, Colorado
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Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
After making little bacon-wrapped sausages for years, I needed a change! I had an extra sweet potato and half a package of bacon on hand, so I put on my thinking cap and came up with this treat. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
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Dipped Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
You’ll love to give tins of these chocolate-coated cookies to your lucky friends. The shortcut holiday recipe is almost too simple to believe! Here's how to make peanut butter cookies without eggs. —Jackie Howell, Gordo, Alabama
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Big-Batch Jambalaya
I make this dish for football-watching parties because it feeds so many people. It leaves my mouth watering for it the rest of the year! —Kecia McCaffrey, South Dennis, Massachusetts
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Texas Chili Fries
The delicious chili goes together in minutes and then cooks while you run errands. The only way to make it even better is to pour it over crisp french fries and sprinkle with cheese to make Texas chili fries. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake
I 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
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Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses
Eat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
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Two-Bean Tomato Bake
Parmesan cheese, basil and garlic spice up this mouthwatering medley of beans, mushrooms, onion and tomatoes. It's even more flavorful when you use your garden harvest. We love the cheesy crumb topping because it adds a fantastic crunch.—Dorothy Rieke, Julian, Nebraska
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Rainbow Cake with Clouds
Some cakes stand on their own without icing. For this bright Rainbow Cake, use a little whipped cream to make fluffy clouds. —Janet Tigchelaar, Jerseyville, Ontario
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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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Whipped Cream Krumkake
Our hometown has a rich Norwegian culture. That heritage is evident during our annual Nordic Fest, where this classic krumkake recipe is king. Here's your introduction to the timeless treat. —Imelda Nesteby, Decorah, Iowa
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Buffalo Wing Poppers
These buffalo chicken poppers combine the flavor of hot wings and jalapeño appetizers to make a snack greater than the sum of their parts. —Barbara Nowakowski, Mesa, Arizona
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Cheddar and Chive Mashed Potatoes
My husband swears my cheddar mashed potatoes are the world's best. We always have some in the freezer. Sometimes I dollop individual servings in muffin cups and reheat them that way instead. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
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Oven-Roasted Tomatoes
I love tomatoes, as they're both healthy and versatile. You can use these roasted ones in sandwiches or omelets, or to top broiled chicken. —Julie Tilney (Gomez), Downey, California
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Coconut Joys
If you like coconut, you’ll love these no-bake, no-fuss sweets. They are cute as can be and make a satisfying after-school snack to keep in the fridge. —Flo Burtnett, North Gage, Oklahoma
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Kentucky Spoon Bread
This is a traditional Kentucky recipe. It’s a popular side dish served all year long. If you’ve never tried spoon bread before, I think you’ll find it’s tasty and comforting. —Caroline Brown, Lexington, Kentucky
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Smoky Baked Beans
They’ll be standing in line for this saucy bean recipe full of that hard-to-capture campfire flavor. A combination of colorful calico beans, it makes a lovely looking side dish with many a summer entree. —Lynne German, Cumming, Georgia
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Coconut-Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
What is it about sweet potatoes that unnerve some people? For those who firmly state they hate a yam because of the color or texture, the rich addition of coconut, bourbon and spices might just win them over. —Rebecca Anderson, Driftwood, Texas
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Artichoke Spinach Casserole
Although he isn't a fan of spinach, my husband loves this dish. The combination of ingredients may sound unusual, but the flavors meld well. It's an excellent side vegetable for a formal dinner. —Judy Johnson, Missoula, Montana
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Cranberry Pecan Cookies
These are so tasty and simple to prepare! Each delightful little cookie is loaded with cranberries, nuts and vanilla, giving them the taste of a treat that’s been slaved over. —Louise Hawkins, Lubbock, Texas
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Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Stuffing
Every family seems to have a favorite stuffing recipe. My family and I have been making this one for many years. It’s so delicious that no gravy is required! —Sandra Dombek, Camillus, New York
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Citrus Mini Cakes
These moist, bite-size muffins from Linda Terrell of Palatka, Florida are melt-in-your-mouth good. "With their appealing look, they really dress up a party table," she notes. The recipe makes a big batch, so there's plenty to please a crowd.
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Smoked Pimiento Cheese Crostini
Pimiento cheese has long been a favorite in our family, so these bite-sized appetizers are a treat! I add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to give them a little kick. Caramelized onions create another layer of flavor. You can make the cheese and onions three to five days in advance; they store well. If you need to save time, you can use premade jalapeno pimiento cheese. —Caitlyn Bunch, Trenton, Georgia
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Chocolate Maple Bars
My family runs a maple syrup operation, and I'm always looking for new ways to incorporate maple syrup into my cooking and baking. These bars are delicious! —Cathy Schumacher, Alto, Michigan
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Caramel-Mocha Ice Cream Dessert
You can use any flavor of ice cream in this frosty dessert. Chocolate and vanilla would be delicious substitutes for coffee and dulce de leche. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
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Strawberry Cookies
These Strawberry Cookies use flavored gelatin powder and jelly to create intensely flavored, chewy cookies with a sweet drizzle of icing. They look and taste terrific and you can make the dough ahead of time for easy preparation.
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Chocolate Caramel Kiss Cookies
I make this cookie every Christmas with my family. It’s a fun twist on a classic peanut butter blossom because of the cinnamon in the batter and the caramel kiss on top. We love the cinnamon-caramel combination, but you could switch out the kiss for a different festive flavor. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
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White Chocolate Fruit Tart
It takes a little time to make, but this tart is absolutely marvelous, especially in summer when fresh fruit is in abundance. —Claire Darby, New Castle, Delaware
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Chicken Salad Caprese
This unique, flavorful salad and bread combo will get rave reviews—guaranteed. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas
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Savory BLT Cheesecake
Did you know that cheesecake could be savory instead of sweet? Tomato and green onions mixed with cream cheese is like an irresistible form of gazpacho. Served on lettuce, the BLT version is great on its own, but it's also a tasty appetizer when served with crackers. This is a flexible recipe, so use other cheese in place of the Gruyere, and add olives, crab meat, cooked mushrooms—whatever strikes your fancy. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
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Tzatziki Shrimp Cucumber Rounds
I created this recipe with what I had on hand one night, and now it’s one of my husband’s favorites! The bacon-wrapped shrimp, garlicky sauce and burst of cool cuke flavor make this a crowd pleaser. —Shannon Rose Trelease, East Hampton, New York
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Sandbakkelse (Sand Tarts)
Translated from Norwegian, the name of these cookies is "'sand tarts." They're most attractive if baked in authentic sandbakkelse molds, which can be purchased online or in a Scandinavian import shop. Most any decorative cookie mold will do, though, and the interesting shapes will make these tarts the focus of your cookie tray. —Karen Hoylo, Duluth, Minnesota
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Hot Cheese Dip
When a colleague brought this cheesy dip to school for a teachers potluck, I immediately gave it an A+. I had to have the recipe for this irresistibly creamy recipe to make for my family! —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin
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Baked Ham with Honey-Chipotle Glaze
Your Easter celebration will be so simple to orchestrate with this sweet, smoky ham recipe at your fingertips. It feeds a crowd and the baked ham glaze tastes fantastic. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Savory Potato Skins
For a simple hot snack that really hits the spot on a cool fall evening, put together a plate of these crisp potato skins. —Andrea Holcomb, Torrington, Connecticut
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Ground Beef Taco Dip
What’s a football party without taco dip? This version made with spicy ground beef and fresh toppings does not disappoint the die-hards. It is full of classic flavors and is a little extra filling for game day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, WI
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Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
These crispy buffalo chicken egg rolls feature tender, slow-cooked chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce before it's wrapped tightly in egg roll wrappers and baked until golden brown. Pairing them with a side of creamy ranch dressing seals the deal.
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Bacon-Sausage Quiche Tarts
As a teacher, I attend many meetings and also have special celebrations with rest of the staff. The other teachers are very fond of this treat and often request that I bring it to our functions. —Jackie Milliken, Pittsboro, North Carolina
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Crab Phyllo Cups
I always like a little extra chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you're out of crab, water-packed tuna works well too. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
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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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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 take it along to other gatherings. Everyone loves it! —Stephanie Gates, Waterloo, Iowa
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Jalapeno Popper Spread
I've been told by fellow partygoers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia
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Cranberry Meatballs and Sausage
Years ago, I found a version of this sausage and meatballs recipe in a cookbook. At first taste, my family judged it a keeper. The tangy, saucy meatballs are requested by our friends whenever I host card night. We also take the yummy dish on camping trips. —Marybell Lintott, Vernon, British Columbia
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Marbled Orange Fudge
This decadent treat doesn't last long at our house. The Creamsicle flavor of this soft fudge brings on the smiles. Bright orange and marshmallow swirls make it a perfect takealong for events and get-togethers. —Diane Wampler, Morristown, Tennessee
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Cucumber Party Sandwiches
This is one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is cooking. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky
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Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos
Sunday is grill-out day for my husband, Cliff, and these bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are one of his specialties. We usually feature them at our annual Daytona 500 party. They disappear from the appetizer tray in no time.—Therese Pollard, Hurst, Texas
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Four-Tomato Salsa
The variety of tomatoes, onions and peppers makes this chunky salsa so good. Whenever I try to take a batch to a get-together, it's hard to keep my family from finishing it off first! It's a super snack with tortilla chips or as a relish with meat. —Connie Siese, Wayne, Michigan
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Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Slow-cooker Buffalo chicken dip will be the hit of the party. The combo of shredded chicken, cheese and wing sauce is melty, gooey and delicious.
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Taco Meatball Ring
While it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. —Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan
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Marinated Cheese
This special appetizer always makes it to our neighborhood parties and is the first to disappear from the buffet table. It's attractive, delicious—and so easy! —Laurie Casper, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
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Grilled Glazed Drummies
My family prefers these mild-tasting chicken wings more than the traditional hot wings. They are great for any gathering. —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
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Bacon Deviled Eggs
These yummy deviled eggs went over so well at our summer cookouts, I started making them for holiday dinners, too. Everyone likes the flavorful addition of crumbled bacon. —Barbara Reid, Mounds, Oklahoma
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Sweet 'n' Tangy Chicken Wings
I love the convenience of slow-cooker recipes for get-togethers. Start these sweet and sour chicken wings a few hours ahead of time and you'll have fantastic appetizers ready when your guests arrive. —Ida Tuey, South Lyon, Michigan
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Sweet Potato Cheesecake Brownies
If you're looking for something other than pumpkin, these sweet potato bars are a yummy alternative. Make them ahead—they're even better refrigerated overnight. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
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Wonton Pot Stickers with Soy Reduction
Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage with white stems and dark green leaves. In a pinch, regular cabbage will do. These appetizers—full of sausage, cilantro, ginger, and onion—freeze so well, I always make large batches. Then I have extras to pull out of the freezer at a moment’s notice.—Michael Angelo, Spring, Texas
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Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
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Red Velvet Cookies
These red velvet cookies are thick, chewy, rich and cakey. A layer of cream-cheese frosting and optional sprinkles turn these cookies into tiny cakes that will wow.
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Shrimp Salad Appetizers
This refreshing hors d'oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
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Loaded Baked Potato Rounds
I was trying to create an appetizer that could be served at my teenaged daughters birthday party that the kids would love but that would appear elegant enough for the adults to be interested as well. These are made with simple ingredients yet yield a sophisticated result. Feel free to get creative with the flavors. Try shredded white cheddar in place of mozzarella or thyme instead of the rosemary. Take it up another notch by topping the rounds with smoked fish. —Amanda Digges, South Windsor, Connecticut
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Layered Mediterranean Dip with Pita Chips
Not your ordinary layer dip, the bold combination of hummus and Greek yogurt will be a new most-requested recipe at your next baby shower or gathering. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado
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Grilled Bruschetta
This is my go-to appetizer in the summer when tomatoes and basil are fresh from the garden. The balsamic glaze takes this bruschetta recipe over the top. I like to use a Tuscan herb- or basil-infused olive oil for this. But, it's great with just plain olive oil, too. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
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Hot Crab Pinwheels
I got the recipe for these crabmeat bites from a friend. What amazed me most is that my husband, who hates seafood, couldn't stop eating them. —Kitti Boesel, Woodbridge, Virginia
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Fried Prosciutto Tortellini
My take on Italian street food, these fried tortellini are crunchy, gooey good. For the sauce, use the best quality tomatoes you can find. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
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Spicy Nacho Bake
I made this hearty, layered southwestern casserole for a dinner meeting once, and now I'm asked to bring it every time we have a potluck. Everybody loves the beefy bean filling and crunchy, cheesy topping. —Anita Wilson, Mansfield, Ohio
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Black-and-Blue Pizzas
Here, blue cheese, shiitake mushrooms and blackened seasoning blend lend a tasty change to traditional pizza. Add a mixed green salad to make the meal complete. —Michelle Huelskamp, Marion, North Carolina
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Frosted Peanut Cookies
Oats, chopped peanuts and peanut butter frosting make this a nice change of pace from a traditional peanut butter cookie. After folks sample these, compliments and recipe requests always follow. —Alicia Surma, Tacoma, Washington
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Bacon & Sausage Stuffing
This was inspired by my mother's stuffing recipe. It smells like heaven while you're making it, and people can never seem to get enough. —Stephan-Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon
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