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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    17 Quick Appetizers That’ll Make You Forget the Main Course

    Published: Dec 11, 2024 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    These bite-sized creations aren’t just great for snacking—they steal the spotlight and make the main course feel like an afterthought. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need something fun to share, these options bring people together in the best way: hands-on, casual, and packed with flavor in every bite. Get ready to dive in.

    Rice Krispie Cheese Crackers (Cheese Crispies)

    Small bowls of cheese crispies next to a grey linen.
    Rice Krispie Cheese Crackers (Cheese Crispies). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Cheese crispies are a buttery and cheesy finger food that make the perfect non-greasy appetizer or snack. Rice Krispies are the secret!
    Get the Recipe: Rice Krispie Cheese Crackers (Cheese Crispies)

    Mini Pimento Cheese Balls With Bacon And Pecans

    Cheese balls with a toothpick on a tray.
    Mini Pimento Cheese Balls With Bacon And Pecans. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

    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

    Bold Chex Mix Recipe Oven Baked

    A bowl of homemade Chex mix.
    Bold Chex Mix Recipe Oven Baked. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This Homemade Chex Mix Recipe coated in a bold and buttery seasoning is an ideal snack. Great for road trips or back to school.
    Get the Recipe: Bold Chex Mix Recipe Oven Baked

    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

    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)

    Bacon Chicken Bites

    Baked chicken bites on a wire rack.
    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

    Swiss Cheese Crackers Recipe

    A bowl of gruyere cheese crackers with salt sprinkled around them.
    Swiss Cheese Crackers Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Gruyère cheese crackers are the grown up version of a childhood favorite; homemade but still easy to make with just 4 ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: Swiss Cheese Crackers Recipe

    Copycat Gardetto’s Mustard Pretzels Recipe

    Copycat Gardetto’s Mustard Pretzels Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    This Copycat Gardetto Mustard Pretzels Recipe is a quick and easy snack with a slight honey-sweet tangy coating in just 30 min.
    Get the Recipe: Copycat Gardetto’s Mustard Pretzels Recipe

    Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

    Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a savory, cheesy and a real crowd pleaser for your holiday appetizer platter.
    Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

    The Best Crab Rangoon Recipe

    A plate of golden-brown, crispy fried wontons—perfect quick dippable appetizers—garnished with sliced green onions and served with a small bowl of dark dipping sauce on the side.
    The Best Crab Rangoon Recipe. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    Crab Rangoons are easy to make at home and taste even better! Crab, cream cheese, onion & seasonings are fried in a wonton wrapper until crispy.
    Get the Recipe: The Best Crab Rangoon Recipe

    Asian Pork Meatballs

    Asian Pork Meatballs. Photo credit: Savor the Best.

    These mini Asian Pork Meatballs are the perfect party appetizer! They are juicy, tender and packed with bold Asian flavors.
    Get the Recipe: Asian Pork Meatballs

    Smoked Traeger Jalapeno Poppers

    Smoked Traeger Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Savor the Best.

    Traeger jalapeno poppers are the perfect party snack. They are stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon, and finished with a maple glaze.
    Get the Recipe: Smoked Traeger Jalapeno Poppers

    Hush Puppies Recipe, Southern-Style

    A white enamel tray filled with golden brown, quick dippable appetizers—hush puppies—sits on a wooden table, with glasses of iced tea and a red-checkered napkin in the background.
    Hush Puppies Recipe, Southern-Style. Photo credit: Southern Plate.

    This Hush Puppies, Southern-style recipe features a crunchy cornmeal coating, fluffy inside, with corn kernels & chopped green onion.
    Get the Recipe: Hush Puppies Recipe, Southern-Style

    Little Smokies Pigs In A Blanket

    Little Smokies Pigs In A Blanket. Photo credit: Southern Plate.

    All you need is 2 ingredients to make this comfort food dish and appetizer: little smokies pigs in a blanket wrapped in flaky crescent rolls.
    Get the Recipe: Little Smokies Pigs In A Blanket

    Cheeseburger Pigs In A Blanket

    Cheeseburger Pigs In A Blanket. Photo credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen.

    Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket are a game day favorite. Beef cocktail weenies, American cheese, and dill pickles in crescent roll perfection.
    Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pigs In A Blanket

    The Best Homemade Garlic Knots

    The Best Homemade Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Smells Like Home.

    The BEST homemade garlic knots! Just like what you’ll find in New York City pizza shops, these knots are doused in garlic butter and baked to perfection.
    Get the Recipe: The Best Homemade Garlic Knots

    Soft Pretzels With Roasted Jalapeño Pretzel Cheese Dip

    Soft Pretzels With Roasted Jalapeño Pretzel Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Smells Like Home.

    Soft pretzels with roasted jalapeno cheese dip: Big, soft, and buttery homemade pretzels with spicy pretzel cheese dip are party must-haves! Freezer instructions and how to photos are included!
    Get the Recipe: Soft Pretzels With Roasted Jalapeño Pretzel Cheese Dip

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    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.

    More about me →

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