![Southern Living Cheeseburger Sliders on a plate to serve](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/2r_cxc88nW9gm5k2HM4J8rM4DCs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cheeseburger_Sliders_015-611e2b1b563f4333b201505afd414157.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
When company is coming, every Southern host knows to put just as much thought and attention into the starters as the main course. And this is the time to be creative and add some flair to your menu. Have a little fun with your appetizers so there's a little something for everyone, from cheesy dips to chicken wings with a flavorful kick to bite-size mushrooms. Appetizers have always been Grandpa's favorites, and he has kept track of all of his go-to recipes, from juicy sliders to petite peppers to elevated pigs in a blanket. Here are 20 delicious appetizers to get the party started.
Spicy Bisquick Sausage Balls
![Spicy Bisquick Sausage Balls](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/semz_gykCLBd1SwQtK86lo9S5OE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sl_bisquick_sausage_balls-2000-58da0f9cf1d44c1d920369e84354ddda.jpg)
Break out the Bisquick – these go-to sausage bites are a family-favorite with a little extra flavorful kick.
Jalapeño Popper Dip
![jalapeno popper dip in a skillet with beer and tortilla chips](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/urRq51tS9KC7ldvA4m3sIwhT_WA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Jalapeno-Popper-Dip-16x9_226-4e77a2dfaa6445c18b1b00d7fa64e16c.jpg)
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke
If stuffed jalapeños are your favorite appetizer, then this cheesy, spicy, creamy dip is exactly how your party should get started.
Hot Cheesy Crab Dip
![Hot Cheesy Crab Dip](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/oTo4CNHMMi8ipnAGU4VxZ2uVfmQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/26887_CheeseAppetizers_11713_Hot-Cheesey-Crab-Dip-2000-1f7faa6b063d4253b848bb334c4ec73d.jpg)
For the dip enthusiasts, this is a hands-down crowdpleaser. Chunky crab meat combines with three cheeses for the ultimate party starter. Pair with veggie sticks, chips, or toasted baguettes.
Basic Pimiento Cheese
![Basic Pimiento Cheese](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/i7Nn93N1L4-tOJCzONmUvSExkME=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2548801_south0494_brighter_0_0_1_1_0_0_1_0_0_0_0_2_0_0-a4c27382546040caa0d153173568c3e0-0db1fb13c53b4721aabd768ba07c300b.jpg)
Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Welcome back. The classic pimiento cheese spread is always a party favorite. Pair with veggie sticks, crackers, or toasted baguettes.
Pizza Pepper Poppers
![Pizza Pepper Poppers](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/HNwu_dAx6pTI6RmCluKEP6gbswU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gma_sl_1638-2000-e65ec75155354539ab8272a56899de1c.jpg)
Miniature peppers are a colorful addition for a party buffet tray. These petite veggies are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling that makes them the first appetizer to disappear.
Roast Beef Sliders
![Southern Living Roast Beef Sliders on plates to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Cln6DY2A_ha7xTDL7aZQe-PsqBk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Beef_Sliders_014-ea84177bfbe44eebb528647f8e791e03.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Who doesn't love a slider? Exactly. Make room for these one-of-a-kind mini burgers feature butter rolls, roast beef, a garlic-herb butter, horseradish mayo, and provolone cheese.
Sweet Potato Queso
![Southern Living Sweet Potato Queso](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/TQ8fYC0ZDplAOO0ESNDHZQOx41k=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27645_LU_swtpoqueso_32003-1-b38cb80fca374938827bc7b6f01886ff.jpg)
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
An ooey, gooey dip that's made with mashed sweet potatoes for a creamy, can't-resist dip. Cue the oohs and ahhs.
Pepper Jelly-Glazed Chicken Wings
![Southern Living Pepper Jelly-Glazed Chicken Wings](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/-sQkszZbovdlvKO6DQf9exzM4_U=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27646_SnackT_wings_32037-6b24acee6cc74cbea1980151a73cfccc.jpg)
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
While chicken wings are the best idea for gameday tailgates and casual afternoon lunches, they also make delicious dinner starters. The pepper jelly glaze gives these wings the perfect pre-supper punch.
Tiny Tacos
![Southern Living Tiny Tacos on plates to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/47RfL5CGI8RW-WvXJyOWjBMfY3U=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Tiny-Tacos-Batch59-Beauty-03-9ed49cd7e2b649a68221a24ced5f828e.jpg)
Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
The truth is that we could eat tacos any day of the week, and these mini versions are exactly what every ocassion calls for,
Ranch-Cheese Crackers
![Southern Living Ranch Cheese Crackers in a bowl to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Tj0Pj_vjoKIhzamGzSvxHz58Q5s=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Crack-Crackers-Beauty-2x3_40301-a87c1f54dc3c4abebddae20900ea8025.jpg)
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Dear Party Host, please prepare to refill the bowl quite often with these can't-stop-snacking-crackers. These old-school treats have the perfect cheesy-ranch seasoning that can't be resisted.
Taco Dip
![Southern Living Taco Dip in a dish to serve with chips](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/RYNF37-2LtKDLYEdO0CCywe3qwM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Taco_Dip_011-6179538e02724563947857671844af78.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Yes, you read that right. Taco... but make it a creamy, cheesy dip. Our recipe starts with a bed of creamy refried beans, is then topped with a sour cream mixture, and then piled high with guacamole, salsa, cheese, lettuce, and homemade pico de gallo.
Cheeseburger Sliders
![Southern Living Cheeseburger Sliders on a plate to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/2r_cxc88nW9gm5k2HM4J8rM4DCs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cheeseburger_Sliders_015-611e2b1b563f4333b201505afd414157.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Bring out the tray of sliders and the entire party will applaud. This fan-favorite recipe features ground beef, American cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a creamy tangy special sauce.
Stuffed Mushrooms
![Stuffed Mushrooms](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/gnoyrrNCSF_LO27UNndBmem2ENQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-Stuffed-Mushrooms-3x2-819-b48c1ebd089643ec8c64e02201ef5d38.jpg)
Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
A classic party appetizer that never (ever) gets old. Our bite-size mushrooms are stuffed with Boursin cheese to make them simply hard to eat just one... or two...or three.
Cheese Dreams
![Cheese Dreams](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Yj5P1Aw6z9w-DV_1S3AuYPZc8qc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living_6600_Cheese_Dreams_3X4_093_preview-b95df52f93014b24b7d8958ff0ea82d5.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
Believe us, you will dream about these cheesy layered treasures. Plus, you can make and freeze them ahead to break out whenever a party calls.
Fritos Corn Salad
![Southern Living Fritos Corn Salad in a bowl to serve with corn chips](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/XzduFLJqeoYPzoIZiPFALHKAmgY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SL_Corn_Salad_5-20badedc46b24527af4d21fb664dd63a.jpg)
Jessica Furniss
All you need is 15 minutes to pull this delicious dip together that stars sweet canned corn. Serve it with corn chips (our favorite) or freshly chopped veggie sticks.
Chicken-Fried Chicken Gizzards
![Southern Living Chicken Fried Chicken Gizzards on a platter to serve with sauce](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/s7Izj5ECrc0WhY6522DeZFXEAIU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Chicken-Fried-Chicken-Gizzards_Beauty-01_SEO51-ff8d56c85a384650a36575ba4353caea.jpg)
Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
Make room for a blast from the past. These fried chicken gizzards are dredged in buttermilk and flour before being frying so they're just the right combo of tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Buffalo Chicken Bites
![buffalo chicken bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/iCYMpRbz1vXMMLDhWCSm0Wu-yvI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Buffalo-Chicken-Bites_16x9_265-3e7fb0009e0e4dd2aefdb572960ddaef.jpg)
Prepare for these one-bite appetizers to win over your chicken-wing-loving hearts. They have a little extra spice to make them just right.
Spicy Cheese Straws
![Southern Living Spicy Cheese Straws](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/KJ3bkAzNjWKU4Dkf1WW7vfFq2kc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27616_SNACKT_CHEESESTRAWS_341-e63b55298a564e0c8183f0388a958aef.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
We know y'all have your favorite cheese straws, but give this recipe a try. Our secret? A pop of Aleppo pepper instead of standard regular paprika to give them a flavorful kick.
Cornbread Crostini
![Southern Living Cornbread Crostini on a plate to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/PYwjRNTJLGsEkLJEYS_mNFxbr9U=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27650_HTHLAS_food_037b-2b2f0dd3f99b4fdcb6a71838fa896ded.jpg)
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Micah Morton; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch
Similar to Italian biscotti that is baked twice to get extra crispy, this recipe begins with a pan of cornbread and baked to perfection. The hardest decision? What spread is best for smearing and enjoying.
Conecuh Sausage Pigs In Blankets
![Southern Living Fancy Pigs in Blankets on a plate to serve with sauce](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/MLxMjgR5hYTPtggnJcOnjPfAbNQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27650_HTHLAS_food_028b-f3cc4d36c19645959555d6efda814671.jpg)
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Micah Morton; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch
Pigs in a blanket, you've got some fierce competition. Alabama-based Conecuh-brand sausage is wrapped in buttery, flaky puff pastry for the perfect pre-dinner nibbles. Try not to spoil your supper.