Recipe Ideas to Eat Snacks For Dinner

Nacho Snack Dinner with Sweet Potato Queso — Photo: Antonis Achilleos

We love a good appetizer here at Food & Wine. And sometimes, we like to turn our favorite snacks into a full-fledged meals. We’re talking about transforming decadent dips, fun toasts, and even Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue into a snacky, relaxed meal. Take a break from longer cooking projects with a snack dinner that is perfect for movie nights, or just when you're in a grazing mood. Read on for some recipe ideas for the next time you basically want to snack for dinner.

01 of 13

Chhundo and Goat Cheese Crostini

Chhundo, a pickled marmalade-like condiment that’s tangy and sticky-sweet, with light heat and fragrance from Kashmiri chile powder, tops these goat cheese crostini. Green mangoes are essential for this recipe — seek out large mangoes with light green skin and crisp white flesh.

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02 of 13

Vegan Pimiento Cheese

Vegan pimento cheese, served with fried saltine crackers and pickles green tomatoes — Photo by Antonis Achilleos / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen

Pimiento cheese is an iconic snack in the South, and beloved all over. For this vegan version, sweet pimientos stud a creamy and savory base made with extra-firm tofu. The pickle brine and apple cider vinegar lend an acidic brightness to the mixture, while nutritional yeast and miso provide deep umami notes that keep you coming back for more.

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03 of 13

The Best Cucumber Sandwich

The only reason you think cucumber sandwiches are boring is because you haven't had one that is made right, says chef Vishwesh Bhatt. Benedictine, a creamy spread of cucumber and herbs; along with a spicy and herbaceous peanut pesto with serrano chile, cilantro, and citrus; and chaat masala add verve to these sandwiches.

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04 of 13

Nacho Snack Dinner with Sweet Potato Queso

This particular snack dinner has a bowl of warm, creamy queso at its heart — but not just any queso. This nacho dip has delicious pureed sweet potato sneaked in. The orange color is right at home, the smooth texture helps to thicken the dip, and the subtle sweetness adds more dimension.

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05 of 13

Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue

Swiss cheese fondue with dippers like bread, potatoes, salami, apples — Photo by Antonis Achilleos / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen

We’ll take any excuse to make this cheese fondue. Steamed red-skinned potato chunks, toasted bread, and pear slices are all great for dipping in the melted cheese for a truly glorious dinner.

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06 of 13

’Nduja Toasts with Quick-Pickled Celery

Store-bought ’nduja, the spicy, spreadable sausage, is transformed into a special canapé when served on toasted baguette and topped with a quick-pickled celery.

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07 of 13

Tahini-Tofu Dip with Chili Crunch

This creamy, smooth dip creates layers of flavor with a short ingredient list. Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness — together with the tahini, it brings a subtly sweet and nutty taste to the dish. Tamari provides umami, and fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity.

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08 of 13

Crudités with Carrot Dip and Romesco

Crudites with carrot dip and romesco — Sarah Crowder

Think of this as a carrot dip crudité plate. Dip in cucumber, apple sticks, radishes, and any other favorite veggies you like.

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09 of 13

Shakshuka Deviled Eggs

Shakshuka meets deviled eggs in this colorful snack. Instead of poaching eggs in a tomato-based sauce, you'll spoon a garlicky, slightly spicy tomato jam flavored with harissa and smoked paprika on top of deviled eggs. The yolks are pureed with mayo and plain yogurt for a creamy, perfectly balanced filling with a little bit of tang.

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10 of 13

French Onion Baked Brie

If that first spoonful of French onion soup — with toasted bread, melted cheese, and savory caramelized onions — is your favorite, then you’ll love this appetizer, which is a decadent mash-up of French onion soup and baked Brie. Smear the cheesy snack on slices of toasted baguette, sliced veggies, and anything else your heart desires.

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11 of 13

Radish Tartines with Green Butter

These tartines are a great way to use up radishes and turnips with their greens attached. The radish and turnip greens whipped with sweet butter, garlic, and lemon zest create a delicious, silky spread for the tartines, while the spicy, paper-thin radishes and turnips make the perfect topping.

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12 of 13

Dinner Hummus with Spiced Chicken and Cauliflower

Dinner Hummus with Chicken and Cauliflower Recipe — Victor Protasio

In America, hummus has largely been designated as a snack food — a little nosh to tide you over until the next meal or to absentmindedly nibble while focusing on something else. But in this recipe, when paired with pita chips and vegetables of your choice, this hummus is the main event.

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13 of 13

Kashke Bademjan (Iranian Kashk and Eggplant Dip)

A little thicker and saltier than yogurt, kashk is an Iranian dairy product that gives this aromatic eggplant dip its luscious texture and tart flavor. Floral saffron, fried dried mint, and more kashk dot the top, adding beautiful color. Serve this Kashke Bademjan, inspired by Naz Riahi's love of California-based Mission Ranch Market, with fresh vegetables and toasted flatbread for dipping.

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