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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    35 Appetizers Guests Always Ask About Later

    Published: Feb 10, 2026 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Some appetizers linger in people’s minds long after the night ends. These are the ones guests bring up later, asking for the recipe or hoping you’ll make them again. They stand out without being complicated and feel memorable without trying too hard. The kind of dishes that quietly become your signature.

    Southern Pineapple Cream Cheese Bites

    Small square tea sandwiches made with white bread, a creamy filling, and pecan pieces on top are arranged on a parchment-lined tray. A bowl of snacks is visible in the background.
    Southern Pineapple Cream Cheese Bites. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Sweet pineapple and creamy cheese meet crunchy pecans for a snack everyone loves. These bites are perfect for tea, showers, or brunch.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Pineapple Cream Cheese Bites

    Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped In Bacon

    A platter of bacon wrapped stuffed dates.
    Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped In Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

    Dates stuffed with blue cheese and a spicy glaze that will get your attention. Throw these dates wrapped in bacon together in 15 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped In Bacon

    Cold Corn Dip With Sour Cream And Rotel Tomatoes

    Corn dip in a bowl next to chips.
    Cold Corn Dip With Sour Cream And Rotel Tomatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This easy corn dip combines canned corn, canned Rotel tomatoes and chilies, sour cream, mayonnaise and cheddar cheese. Ready in 10 minutes, serve cold.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Corn Dip With Sour Cream And Rotel Tomatoes

    Stuffed Roasted Peppers

    A black platter full of mini stuffed peppers.
    Stuffed Roasted Peppers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Cheese stuffed roasted peppers with a Muenster cheese and sausage filling is not just spicy but bursting with flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Stuffed Roasted Peppers

    Flaky Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls

    A platter of puff pastry sausage rolls.
    Flaky Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Making flaky puff pastry sausage rolls at home is quite easy, actually! Assembly is straightforward. A terrific bite-size appetizer, these can also be made ahead.
    Get the Recipe: Flaky Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls

    Ham And Cheese Sliders On Hawaiian Rolls With Aioli

    A Hawaiian roll slider being lifted from a platter.
    Ham And Cheese Sliders On Hawaiian Rolls With Aioli. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Juicy ham, melted Swiss cheese and aioli on soft Hawaiian rolls, baked to perfection and topped with a flavorful butter mixture.
    Get the Recipe: Ham And Cheese Sliders On Hawaiian Rolls With Aioli

    Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe (No Bisquick!)

    Sausage balls piled on a platter.
    Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe (No Bisquick!). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Cream cheese sausage balls are the perfect snack food for your next party. Serve these any time of day for a savory finger food that’s full of flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe (No Bisquick!)

    Stuffed Potato Skins

    A platter of stuffed potato skins with chives and sour cream in bowl next to it.
    Stuffed Potato Skins. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Bacon and cheese stuffed potato skins are loaded up into mini potatoes and baked for an easy crispy appetizer. Perfect finger food!
    Get the Recipe: Stuffed Potato Skins

    Smoked Salmon Dip With Cream Cheese And Dill

    A bowl of cream cheese salmon dip next to a bowl of crostini.
    Smoked Salmon Dip With Cream Cheese And Dill. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy salmon dip with smoked salmon, cream cheese, lemon, dill, and capers. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for parties.
    Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip With Cream Cheese And Dill

    Slow Cooker Bourbon Bbq Pulled Chicken

    Two pulled pork sandwiches on soft white rolls are served on a round metal plate, placed on a patterned cloth napkin with a dark background—perfect for enjoying classic game day foods.
    Slow Cooker Bourbon Bbq Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Slow Cooker Bourbon Pulled Chicken is perfect for the Fourth of July or any time you’re feeding a crowd. It makes the best sliders.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Bourbon Bbq Pulled Chicken

    Quick-Baked No-Mayo Spinach Artichoke Dip (25-Minutes)

    A hand dips a piece of bread into an easy spinach artichoke dip in a white casserole dish. The dip is creamy with a golden, slightly browned top—perfect for sharing at any gathering.
    Quick-Baked No-Mayo Spinach Artichoke Dip (25-Minutes). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Skip the mayonnaise! This recipe for hot spinach and artichoke dip is loaded with fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese and gooey melted cheese.
    Get the Recipe: Quick-Baked No-Mayo Spinach Artichoke Dip

    Strawberry Appetizer With Pretzel Crackers

    A platter of strawberry finger food appetizers.
    Strawberry Appetizer With Pretzel Crackers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This easy Strawberry Crostini is a sweet and salty appetizer that combines pretzel crackers with cream cheese & berries for a bright pop of flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Strawberry Appetizer With Pretzel Crackers

    Classic Deviled Eggs- Just 4 Ingredients

    A deviled egg being removed from a platter.
    Classic Deviled Eggs- Just 4 Ingredients. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Classic deviled eggs with mayo, mustard, and a sprinkle of paprika and parsley. A simple, tasty appetizer that everyone will love.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs- Just 4 Ingredients

    Mini Croque-Monsieur A French Appetizer

    Mini Croque Monsieurs on a black platter.
    Mini Croque-Monsieur A French Appetizer. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    If you can’t be in France you can still enjoy mini Croque-Monsieur appetizers. Your guests will love this take on a French classic.
    Get the Recipe: Mini Croque-Monsieur A French Appetizer

    Mini Zucchini Appetizer Quiches

    A platter of zucchini quiches with basil leaves.
    Mini Zucchini Appetizer Quiches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Serve a zucchini appetizer right out of the oven or at room temperature, baked in prepared phyllo cups, they’re a breeze to make.
    Get the Recipe: Mini Zucchini Appetizer Quiches

    20-Minute Baked Buffalo Chicken Cups

    A platter of Buffalo chicken bites.
    20-Minute Baked Buffalo Chicken Cups. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These buffalo chicken-filled cups are the perfect bite-size appetizer! They’re made with tortilla chip scoops, cooked shredded chicken, and cheddar cheese.
    Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Baked Buffalo Chicken Cups

    Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers With Mushrooms

    Baked crescent roll appetizers on a platter
    Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers With Mushrooms. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Follow these steps at home to make this easy vegetarian crescent roll appetizer with cream cheese and chopped mushrooms. Yields 48 bite-size rolls.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers With Mushrooms

    10-Minute Cream Cheese, Cocktail Sauce & Shrimp Dip

    A scoop removed showing the layers of a shrimp dip.
    10-Minute Cream Cheese, Cocktail Sauce & Shrimp Dip. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This 10-minute appetizer recipe layers cold cream cheese, jarred cocktail sauce,and pre-cooked shrimp. Top with grated cheddar cheese, and enjoy!
    Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Cream Cheese, Cocktail Sauce & Shrimp Dip

    30 Minute Bacon-Wrapped Mini Potatoes

    A platter of bacon wrapped potato bites.
    30 Minute Bacon-Wrapped Mini Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These bacon-wrapped mini potatoes are the perfect party finger food! The bite-size appetizer is ready within 30 minutes! Serve with dipping sauce.
    Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Bacon-Wrapped Mini Potatoes

    From Scratch Sour Cream And Onion Dip With Caramelized Onions

    A bowl of sour cream dip with caramelized onions next to a bowl of chips.
    From Scratch Sour Cream And Onion Dip With Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Take a classic appetizer to the next level with this from-scratch Sour Cream and Onion Dip using caramelized onions.
    Get the Recipe: From Scratch Sour Cream And Onion Dip With Caramelized Onions

    Italian Pinwheel Sandwiches

    Italian Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Savor the Best.

    Italian pinwheel sandwiches: easy, versatile, and perfect for picnics, bento box lunches, or party appetizers. Fun-to-eat bites everyone will love, including kids.
    Get the Recipe: Italian Pinwheel Sandwiches

    Quick & Easy Green Goddess Dip With Fresh Herbs

    A bowl of creamy herb dip is surrounded by fresh vegetables, including broccoli, cucumber slices, baby carrots, celery sticks, and round crackers. The dip is garnished with chopped herbs and black pepper. The background features a textured, dark surface.
    Quick & Easy Green Goddess Dip With Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Vibrant, herby, and oh so creamy, this homemade Green Goddess dip gets its robust flavor from fresh parsley, basil, and tarragon.
    Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Green Goddess Dip With Fresh Herbs

    Homemade Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls With Apples

    A platter of apple sausage rolls.
    Homemade Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls With Apples. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These puff pastry sausage rolls are a sweet and savory mix of sausage, apple, and crunchy pistachios. You’ll crave these again and again!
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls With Apples

    Southern Cheese Straws with Sharp Cheddar Cheese

    A basket of cheese straws next to glassesof wine.
    Southern Cheese Straws with Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Cheese Straws are as Southern as it gets. They’re made with sharp cheddar cheese and basic pantry staples and baked in the oven until golden brown.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Cheese Straws with Sharp Cheddar Cheese

    Creamy Crab Pinwheels Recipe (Freeze & Bake)

    Creamy Crab Pinwheels Recipe (Freeze & Bake). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Creamy Crab Pinwheels are a delicious appetizer made with a savory crab and cream cheese filling rolled in flaky pastry. Perfect for prepping ahead, these pinwheels can be frozen and baked fresh for effortless entertaining.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Crab Pinwheels Recipe (Freeze & Bake)

    Bacon Chicken Bites

    Bacon Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Chicken bites wrapped in bacon served with Boursin and jalapeño and you have a melt-in-your-mouth, amazing low carb appetizer.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Chicken Bites

    Baked Mini Tortilla Pizzas In A Muffin Tin

    Pepperoni pizza bites on a plate.
    Baked Mini Tortilla Pizzas In A Muffin Tin. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    15 minutes and 4 ingredients, that’s all you need for these mini pizza appetizers baked in a muffin tin. The secret is in how long you allow them to bake!
    Get the Recipe: Baked Mini Tortilla Pizzas In A Muffin Tin

    Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Baked In The Oven

    A plate of jalapeno chicken poppers.
    Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Baked In The Oven. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Golden brown, bacon-wrapped jalapeño chicken poppers are stuffed with a tequila cream cheese filling, perfect for your next party.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Baked In The Oven

    Bratwurst Sausage Wrapped In A Pretzel Bun

    German bratwurst wrapped in pretzel dough.
    Bratwurst Sausage Wrapped In A Pretzel Bun. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Bratwurst sausages are first grilled and then wrapped in a homemade pretzel dough. Boiled and then baked to get that perfect pretzel texture.
    Get the Recipe: Bratwurst Sausage Wrapped In A Pretzel Bun

    Mini Pimento Cheese Balls With Bacon And Pecans

    Four cheese balls coated with chopped nuts and herbs are arranged on a dark serving surface, next to a bowl of pickles and a glass mug—perfect as savory NYE party foods for an elegant appetizer presentation.
    Mini Pimento Cheese Balls With Bacon And Pecans. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    One of the most famous of Southern treats, these Pimento Cheese Balls are tangy, cheesy, and creamy—and the perfect appetizer for any event.
    Get the Recipe: Mini Pimento Cheese Balls With Bacon And Pecans

    Corn And Peach Salsa

    A bowl of easy-to-make salsa with the perfect balance of peaches, tomatoes, and corn.
    Corn And Peach Salsa. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Fresh peaches, tomatoes and corn are combined for a fresh and healthy salsa. Corn and Peach Salsa is a perfect no-bake appetizer.
    Get the Recipe: Corn And Peach Salsa

    Cold Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

    Cold Cream Cheese Salsa Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Cream cheese salsa dip is a cold, creamy dip made with cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar mixed in with salsa and Mexican spices.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

    Grilled Dates Stuffed With Goat Cheese

    A platter of grilled dates.
    Grilled Dates Stuffed With Goat Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Grilled dates stuffed with goat cheese and then wrapped with prosciutto, the perfect marriage of salty and sweet. Cook them on the grill for an easy appetizer for Fourth of July dishes.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Dates Stuffed With Goat Cheese

    Baked Homemade Pita Chips (In Just 20 Minutes)

    Baked pita chips next to bowls of dip.
    Baked Homemade Pita Chips (In Just 20 Minutes). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Say goodbye to store bought chips and bake homemade seasoned pita chips instead. Crispy, flavorful pita chips for scooping and snacking in 20 minutes!
    Get the Recipe: Baked Homemade Pita Chips (In Just 20 Minutes)

    Pimento Cheese with Cream Cheese and Chipotle Peppers

    Two crackers with pimento cheese next to a bowl of cheese dip.
    Pimento Cheese with Cream Cheese and Chipotle Peppers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage

    Pimento cheese is a Southern classic you’ll find at just about any potluck or party. It’s creamy and ultra cheesy, with that perfect zing only real mayo provides.
    Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese with Cream Cheese and Chipotle Peppers

    29 Must-Try Appetizers That Will Make You the Host Everyone Loves

    A collage of four different appetizers: mini sausage muffins, crescent roll bites, cheesy baked dip, and a bowl of snack mix with pretzels and cereal pieces.

    These appetizers aren’t background snacks or polite starters; they’re the dishes guests remember, talk about, and quietly hope show up again next time. From nostalgic comfort bites to bold, flavor-packed favorites, this list is all about the appetizers that earn repeat visits, extra napkins, and a reputation for disappearing fast.
    Grab it here: 29 Must-Try Appetizers That Will Make You the Host Everyone Loves

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    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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