100 Warm Appetizers Perfect for Fall

Cranberry wings remind me of all the wonderful celebrations and parties we’ve had through the years. My daughter’s friends can’t get enough of them. —Noreen Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut

This creamy dip is oozing with cheesy goodness thanks to the combination of cream cheese and mozzarella. We topped ours with pepperoni slices, but you can easily customize it with your favorite pizza toppings. This is just one more delicious way to use your cast-iron pan. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I can’t stop nibbling these flaky squares loaded with harvest ingredients. The frozen puff pastry helps simplify the prep work. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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

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

These appetizers are a slight twist on the conventional tourtiere recipe. Ground beef replaces the traditional pork for a subtler taste, and with cream cheese pastry taking the place of pie pastry, these mini tourtiere melt in your mouth. They’re a time-saver, too—while the dough chills, you can prepare the filling. —Cheryl Bruneau, Winnipeg, Manitoba

My husband and two grown sons really enjoy these fun nachos—they can devour a platter of them in no time. They’re also fun to make when friends come over. —Debra Morgan, Idaho Falls, Idaho

The first time I served these, my husband and kids thought we were having plain meatballs. Then they cut into the flavorful filling inside! —Cathy Lendvoy, Boharm, Saskatchewan

I was born and raised in Australia, but moved to the U.S. when I married my husband. 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

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

Their just-right size and spice set these tender meatballs apart from others you may have tried. Placed on soft dinner rolls and topped with a zesty sauce, these unique sliders quickly win over a crowd. —Amy Coeler, Lemoore, California

These little cuties pack all the appeal of a dinner baked potato into the perfect bite-sized appetizer. I top off each one with a dollop of sour cream and coarsely ground pepper. —Sarah Shaikh, Mumbai, India

For parties, I used to make beef and cheddar pigs in a blanket, but now I like apple and Gouda for an even better flavor celebration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin

Flaky puff pastry, savory beef tenderloin and tangy horseradish cream easily come together for a positively holiday-worthy hors d’oeuvre. —Joan Cooper, Sussex, Wisconsin

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

Cranberry tapenade brings a deep red color and sweet-sour zing to these fun little bacon cheeseburgers. Serve them for parties or any time you want to treat your family. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California

Pack on the flavor with just a few ingredients! The plum sauce in this dish is an unexpected treat. —Mary Poninski, Whittington, Illinois

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

My husband and I were vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico when we happened upon a terrific restaurant that served shrimp wrapped in bacon. Though I’ve changed them slightly, these delicious appetizers are enjoyed by everyone who tries them. —Sandi Solari, Manteca, California

Many years ago my sister and I won blue ribbons in 4-H with this bread. The recipe makes a beautiful round golden loaf. With a layer of cheese peeking out of every slice, it’s definitely worth the effort. —Melanie Mero, Ida, Michigan

Craving something sweet with a little bit of heat? Try these creamy, sweet, hot and savory treats. One bite, and you won’t be able to stop! —Nicole Larson, American Fork, Utah

I think these appetizers are better than full-size fish tacos I’ve had as an entree. Enjoy the creamy salsa drizzle not only on these bites, but also on other Mexican dishes. —Carmell Childs, Ferron, Utah

As a teacher, I attend many meetings and also have special celebrations with rest of the staff. The other teachers a very fond of this treat and often request that I bring it to our functions. —Jackie Milliken, Pittsboro, North Carolina

I was looking for quick weeknight meals that would use the fresh herbs from my windowsill garden when I decided to create this seasonal flatbread pizza. To my surprise, I discovered it also made a fabulous appetizer. —Andrea Tovar, New York, New York

This recipe started at school—I’m a teacher, and when a colleague brought Hot Cheese Dip to our regular staff potluck, I immediately gave it an A-plus. —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin

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

This savory, non-traditional tart is a favorite among family and friends! —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin

Get ready for rave reviews with these crisp breadsticks twisted with Greek-inspired goodness. Best served fresh from the oven. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida

I’ve been told by fellow party-goers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia

Cranberry sauce isn’t just for turkey anymore! Just a few ingredients make this tangy sauce the perfect meatball topper. —Tammy Neubauer, Ida Grove, Iowa

My hearty lamb bites are delicious and convenient. Assemble them the day before, then pop them under the broiler when the party starts. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

This bread will receive rave reviews, whether you serve it as an appetizer or with a meal. For real convenience, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it! —Karla Boice, Mahtomedi, Minnesota

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

If you’re looking for a great make-ahead snack, try these miniature grilled cheese sandwiches. They’re nice to have in the freezer for lunch with soup or a salad. My family loves to nibble on them anytime. —Anita Curtis, Camarillo, California

These mini pies are ideal for nibbling at holiday parties. If ground beef isn’t your preference, change up the flavor with ground lamb and a teaspoon of dried rosemary instead. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Savory pockets filled with cheese, sausage and seasonings…what’s not to like? This recipe makes a lot so it’s ideal for parties or potlucks. If you don’t need the entire amount, they do freeze well. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida

Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

These spirals are simple to make but look special on a buffet. Our guests eagerly help themselves, and sometimes the eye-catching pinwheels never even make it to their plates! —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

Gougeres-French cheesy cream puffs-are usually made with Gruyere cheese but I often substitute with the sharpest cheddar I can find for bolder flavor. Make this recipe your own with the cheese of your choice. —Bridget M. Klusman, Otsego, Michigan

A trip to Spain introduced me to its culinary treasures, like Manchego cheese and sherry. This appetizer always impresses folks who’ve never tasted roasted grapes. They’re amazing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina

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

These tasty little bites go over well with kids. They’re also delicious with soups or as party appetizers. —Mrs. Marvin Buffington, Burlington, Iowa

These stuffed mushrooms are can’t-stop-eating-them good. For variations, I sometimes substitute venison or crabmeat for the pork sausage in the stuffing. —Sheryl Siemonsma, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

You won’t be able to eat just one of these cute mini quiches. Filled with savory sausage, Swiss cheese and a dash of cayenne, the mouthwatering morsels will disappear fast from the breakfast or buffet table. —Dawn Stitt, Hesperia, Michigan

This recipe was such a hit that my family has now incorporated the Mediterranean flavors into several dishes! —Tess Konter, New York, New York

My family requests this chile relleno regularly—it’s easy to prepare and makes a nice hors d’oeuvre or complement to a Mexican or Spanish meal. A friend I worked with shared the recipe with me several years ago. —Fran Carll, Long Beach, California

This recipe is so good, no one will guess how quickly you put it together. These little bites are delicious and decadent! —Stephanie Howard, Oakland, California

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

I’m always prepared for recipe requests whenever I serve this outstanding loaf stuffed with Swiss cheese and mushrooms. It’s excellent as an appetizer or served with pasta, chili or spaghetti. —Heidi Mellon, Waukesha, Wisconsin

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

I always try to have a supply of 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, for brunch or along with a lighter lunch. —Linda Thompson, Southampton, Ontario

Kick up your meatballs with a splash of bourbon and vinegar for punchy sweet-and-sour flavor. —Kimla Carsten, Grand Junction, Colorado

Tender shrimp are nicely coated with crumbs and coconut in this elegant appetizer. The rum and marmalade sauce on the side is a tasty complement.—Elaine Bonica, Bethel, Maine

I found this recipe a few years ago in a dairy cookbook, and it has become a family favorite. My husband, Wayne, and our two children are mostly meat-and-potato eaters—but I don’t hear any complaints when I make this bread! —Penney Kester, Springville, New York

Bird is the word when it comes to these wings. They’re baked to a perfect golden brown and hum with mild, delicious Asian spices. Thanks to an overnight marinade, the chicken inside stays tender while the skin maintains that signature crunch. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

Green bean casserole is one of our must-haves for Thanksgiving dinner, but it needed updating. This bite-size version gets fun reactions from everyone who eats it. —Kaytie Pickett, Jackson, Mississippi

I wanted to make a version of these with ingredients most people have on hand. We make a meal out of these skins, but they’re also great for parties as appetizers. —Phyllis Douglas, Fairview, Michigan

Guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen preparing gourmet pastries. Only you will know that this recipe requires just 20 minutes of prep time and five ingredients! —Heather Foky, Howland, Ohio

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

Serve some of this South American herb sauce featuring fresh cilantro and parsley on the side. You’ll want plenty for extra dipping. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia

Our winters can get cold here, so I like to warm up holiday guests with oven-fresh appetizers. Crunchy bread slices are topped with mushrooms, artichokes and a blend of cheeses. —Nancy Mueller, Bloomington, Minnesota

Wondering how to make potato skins taste great? I top my restaurant-worthy loaded potato skins with cheese, bacon and a dollop of sour cream. Have them at lunch, snack time or cocktail hour. —Trish Perrin, Keizer, Oregon

What’s better than lots of bacon and cheese in a mushroom cap? Yum! They’ll be a hit with your guests, too. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania

We enjoyed this exquisite crab dip at my grandson’s wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You can even fill the bread bowl early in the day and chill it until serving. Just remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri

My brother shared his recipe for appetizer rolls with me years ago, and they’ve been a family favorite ever since. The delicate phyllo dough wraps around a hearty sausage filling. —Katty Chiong, Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Fennel is a favorite of mine, no matter how it’s cooked, but I think it is really amazing sauteed until rich and golden, then baked on delicious puff pastry. I’ve served these as a side dish and as an appetizer.—Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

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

These soft little rolls come with a surprise inside—savory Italian meatballs. They’re wonderful dipped in marinara sauce, making them fun for my grandkids and adults, too. I love how easy they are to put together. —Trina Linder-Mobley, Clover, South Carolina

Any round loaf works as a serving bowl for this cream-cheesy dip, with spinach, cheddar, water chestnuts and, yes, bacon. Scoop the dip with the extra bread and veggies—then eat the bowl! —Frieda Meding, Trochu, Alberta

I love the flavor pairing of blue cheese and steak. Adding garlic and onion make it even better. This is a hearty appetizer for parties or a great light lunch. —Jo-Ellen Neil, Arroyo Grande, California

This recipe is one I created, substituting chicken for beef and omitting the frying, when our son grew fond of a fast-food restaurant’s “junior burritos.” They’ve been a big hit with our whole family ever since! —Nancy Coates, Oro Valley, Arizona

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

This is a sensational variation on traditional pizza. It’s creamy, sweet and a little salty, with a buttery crunch from the pine nuts. I like to serve it with mixed baby greens salad and a vinaigrette. —Connie Balbach, Bemidji, Minnesota

Some people like this cheesy dip so much that they can’t tear themselves away from the appetizer table to eat their dinner. But can you blame them? With two kinds of cheese and sweet onions in the mix, this ultra creamy dip is unforgettable. —Mona Zignego, Hartford, Wisconsin

Tender, buttery crescents surround a delicious filling, making these appetizers a real stand-out. No one will guess that they’re light! —Jennifer Kemp, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan

Offer this eye-appealing appetizer at your next party and get ready to hand out the recipe. I deep-fry breaded mushrooms before adding them to a bed of spaghetti sauce. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania

These little golden-brown pockets are fun to eat and feature the popular taste of Buffalo wings. Using rotisserie chicken and refrigerated pie pastry speed up the preparation. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

These starters look complex, but they’re easy to make and still very elegant. —Lynda McCulloch, San Antonio, Texas

Little bites deliver big flavor in this combination of tangy sausage and creamy cheese in crisp wontons. The recipe is an appetizing takeoff on my favorite Mexican entree. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois

This slightly spicy dip cleverly captures the flavor of buffalo chicken wings. Using canned chicken adds to the convenience. —Allyson, DiLascio, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania

A rich mushroom filling is spiced with mild curry and wrapped in flaky pastry. These two-bite treats cross Indian flavor with classic Mexican empanadas for an appetizer that will disappear like magic! —Pat Cronin, Cotuit, Massachusetts

These quick appetizers are irresistible. The flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and pesto balance beautifully. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

Save yourself a trip to Greece and serve this appetizer pizza at your next party. To ensure a crisp and flaky crust, before assembling the pizza, drain the tomato slices on a paper towel to soak up any extra moisture. —Claire Torrice, Oswego, New York

I added a Southern twist to pot stickers. The ginger-flavored sweet potatoes are a surprising filling, but are oh so savory and delicious. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

Anyone can pull off spinach and artichoke dip—so brighten it up using collard greens for a southern twist. Serve this dish with warm garlic naan or tortilla chips. —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland

A friend first brought these snacks to a Sunday school party. The original recipe called for pork sausage, but I substituted ground beef with taste-tempting results. —Pam Buhr, Mexico, Missouri

These fun French bread pizzas are great picnic fare for both kids and adults. Tasty on the grill, they can just as easily be baked in the oven. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

My daughter shared this recipe with me for a hearty spread that tastes just like a Reuben sandwich. Serve it from a slow cooker set to warm so that it stays tasty and warm. —Rosalie Fuchs, Paynesville, Minnesota

Chicken and mushrooms make up the filling in these pot stickers, a traditional Chinese dumpling. Greasing the steamer rack makes it easier to remove them once they’re steamed. —Jacquelynne Stine, Las Vegas, Nevada

Golden caramelized onions are paired with buttery, silky brie in this warm spread. Make sure to have enough bread cubes or crackers to use up every gooey bit. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

I call these “Star of the Party” tarts because they have that “I want more” appeal. They’re so easy to make, too! —Mary Hawkes, Prescott, Arizona

I combined some of my favorite flavors in an easy bread to complement our Italian meals. I make the pesto, oven-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers, but store-bought versions work too. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin (Field Editor),

Fancy-looking and filling, these sensational appetizers are a lot easier to make than they look. With just a few ingredients and our easy directions, it’ll be a snap! —Kaitlyn Benito, Everett, Washington

I sandwich full-flavored meats, cheeses and veggies between layers of flaky crescent dough for this sensational treat. We like to have marinara sauce on hand for dipping. —Amy Bell, Arlington, Tennessee

Even picky eaters who don’t like to eat spinach will dig into these tasty little bites. — Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey

I use a melon baller to hollow out the mushroom caps to make them easier to stuff. They also fit neatly into muffin tins or a deviled egg tray for traveling. —Ashley Pierce, Brantford, Ontario

This hearty, colorful snack looks like you spent a lot of time, but it’s simple to make. —Patrick Lucas, Cochran, Georgia

I host an annual Christmas party for some friends, and one year, I made a dish from each person’s background, including these Dutch meatballs with a crispy coating. Talk about a hit! —Tracey Rosato, Markham, Ontario

This easy-to-make bread goes well with a salad luncheon or a casserole dinner. But I especially like to serve it with spaghetti and pasta dishes. The cheese topping is its crowning glory! —Elaine Mundt, Detroit, Michigan

We give traditional pizza a twist by rolling up the usual toppings in egg roll wrappers, then deep-frying them. Yum! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen