Top 10 List: Favorite Appetizer Recipes

Next to dessert, dips and appetizers are by far my favorite type of food. I could make meals out of just about any appetizer (and have on many occasions). In fact, I’m pretty sure that I made guacamole and chips lunch one Sunday during football season. So as you might expect, there are quite a few dip and appetizer recipes here on the site. As a continuation of the Top 10 List series, and with the cookout and party season kicking into high gear, I thought it would be the perfect time to narrow down my appetizers to my all-time favorites. Not surprisingly, most of the recipes on this list are dips, but there are also a few finger foods and snacks sprinkled in. Enjoy browsing!

(I got extremely hungry putting this post together!)

1. Artichoke Spinach Dip – One of my all-time favorite restaurant appetizers, and I was finally able to recreate the perfect blend of flavors at home. Creamy, cheesy and a great balance of spinach and artichoke. A must for your dip and appetizer repertoire!

2. Cheddar Ale Spread – This dip is a hit wherever it goes. I have lost count of how many times the recipe has been requested, and for good reason – anytime you combine beer, cream cheese and cheddar it’s bound to be a hit.

3. Chicken Spread – This is one of those old-school recipes from my mom’s little recipe book with index cards that she made for get togethers all the time when we were younger. It’s one that is still a favorite and I can never get enough of whenever one of us makes it.

4. Fontina-Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Dates – These are hopelessly addicting. The bacon and dates sort of caramelize in the oven and, along with the cheese, make a sweet and salty snack. Since they are bite size, it’s incredibly easy to blow through a whole batch in no time. A definite party must!

5. Guacamole – A classic! I could eat an entire bowl of this with a bag of chips.

6. Homemade Cracker Jack (Caramel Peanut Popcorn) – I loved Cracker Jack when I was a kid, but always wished there were more peanuts. Well, when you make your own you can make the rules   And this is the perfect recipe for caramel peanut popcorn. Would be great for a movie night.

7. Homemade Restaurant-Style Salsa – This is a new-found love and I’ve already made it three times. The flavors are so bright and fresh – the tomatoes, cilantro and lime especially stand out. Definitely on par with what you get at authentic Mexican restaurants and a million times better than anything out of a jar.

8. Hot Reuben Dip – This has all the great elements of a Reuben – chopped corned beef, cream cheese, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing… all in a dip. Serve it with little squares of rye or those flat pretzels.

9. Pepperoni Bread – My grandma has been making this recipe for as long as I can remember. It is the epitome of comfort food for me.

10. Taco Dip – Another from my mom’s old arsenal that always showed up at family parties. It couldn’t be much simpler to make, and everyone goes crazy for it. You can mix up the toppings based on your personal preferences. Definitely another party staple.

What are some of your favorite dips or appetizers to take to a party? I’m always on the lookout for great dips especially, so feel free to share recipes!

Adapted from: The Brown Eyed Baker

Michelle Norris is a passionate foodie, baker, writer and eater. Visit her website at www.browneyedbaker.com for hundreds of delectable recipes and planning tips.