61 Easy Easter Appetizers To Help You Hop Into Spring

The holiday meal won't be complete without at least a few appetizers on the menu.

By

Mary Shannon Wells

Updated on February 8, 2024

Spinach-Artichoke Dips — Photo: Caitlin Bensel

Even though the main dish is the star of the show at Easter dinner, every Southern host knows you've got to have a few appetizers to welcome your guests. That doesn't mean that you should spend even more time and effort in the kitchen than you already are, though. These easy Easter appetizers will look beautiful and taste incredible, but no one will know how easy they were to put together.

With classic Easter appetizers like our Basic Deviled Eggs or Ham Biscuits, the whole crowd will be pleased. For the easiest Easter appetizer, go with recipes with short and sweet ingredient lists, like our Bacon Bow Ties, Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls, or Okra In A Blanket.

While you're planning out your Easter menu, consider these Easter appetizer recipes that are easy to get on the table and use some of your favorite in-season ingredients. Your guests will love you even more for it.

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Sweet Pea-Parmesan Dip

Sweet Pea-Parmesan Dip — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Serve up peas in dip form and everyone will be asking for the recipe. This bright dip comes together in just 15 minutes.

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Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapés

Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapes — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

This easy appetizer relies on a handful of store-bought goods to create an impressive looking bite. Assemble them just before guests arrive to keep the chips crispy.

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Asparagus Ribbon Crostini

Asparagus Ribbon Crostini — Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Assemble these spring crostini easily with ribbons of in-season asparagus and a lemon-infused ricotta mixture. The only cooking required is toasting the bread. Garnish with lemon zest and fresh mint.

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Cheese Dreams

Cheese Dreams — Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Similar to cheese straws, these snacks whip up in a flash. Your guests will actually have dreams about these cheesy bites of goodness. This recipe will be your new party go-to.

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Spinach Dip

Southern Living Spinach Dip in a bowl to serve with pita chips — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Not all spinach dips need to be warm. This cold, creamy version comes together in just 10 minutes.

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Baked Brie In Puff Pastry

Baked Brie In Puff Pastry — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

We love an appetizer that's both easy and impressive, and this recipe fits the bill. Of course we couldn't resist adding a little bit of pepper jelly to the top of the brie before wrapping it in the puff pastry.

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Veggie Tray

Vegetable Tray Veggie Tray - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Fresh and colorful, you can't go wrong starting the meal out with a pretty tray of vegetables. Blanching tougher vegetables before adding them to the tray will make them more tender.

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Cucumber-And-Onion Dip

Southern Living Cucumber and Onion Dip in a blue bowl to serve with potato chips on the side — Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Think of this dip as a scoop-able version of cucumber salad that won't spoil Easter dinner. You can make it up to 3 days in advance.

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Rosalynn Carter's Cheese Ring

Rosalynn Carter's Plains Special Cheese Ring - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

A favorite recipe of Rosalynn Carter, this cheese ring deserves a spot on your Easter table. While the strawberry preserves are optional, we like the sweetness it adds to balance out the salty cheese ring.

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Baked Brie Bites

Baked Brie Bites — Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

With five store-bought ingredients, this is the easiest appetizer to make. Crunchy phyllo dough and pecans, creamy brie, and red pepper jelly for a little kick make this a well-balanced bite.

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Spicy Strawberry-Goat Cheese Crostini

Spicy Strawberry-Goat Cheese Crostini — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

This spring appetizer has it all—sweet strawberries, tangy goat cheese, and spicy jalapenos. A touch of honey and lime round out the flavors. Substitute ricotta if you don’t have goat cheese on hand.

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Carrot-Tahini Dip

Carrot-Tahini Dip — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

We took a spin on traditional hummus with bright, sautéed carrots in place of garbanzo beans. Use fresh and sweet spring carrots for the best flavor.

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Crudités Platter

CurditÃ©s Platter — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Katie Jacobs

Instead of a charcuterie board, opt for a fresh crudités platter. This inexpensive seasonal spread is full of color and uses a variety of in-season vegetables to create a delicious and stunning platter that will shine on your table.

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Picnic Egg Salad

Picnic Egg Salad — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Serve this Southern favorite on crunchy crostini for easy individual pickup. No need for pepper in this recipe—the radishes add a peppery bite and crunch.

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Classic Deviled Eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

If you've never made this Southern classic before, don't let their fancy façade scare you. They are actually super simple to make. Watch as we demonstrate how easy it is to perfect this heavenly finger food, and you'll be prepared for any potluck party invitation that comes your way.

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Creamy Spinach-Ricotta Crostini

Creamy Spinach-Ricotta Crostini — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

While these crostinis might look fancy, they're a cinch to make and are ready to serve in just 15 minutes. Let your food processor do all the hard work of mincing the herbs and garlic—just throw all the ingredients in and voila!

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Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls

Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls — Southern Living

We made your classic sausage balls recipe even better with the addition of another Southern go-to, pimiento cheese. These can be made ahead and frozen so you can pull out as many as you need for your Easter gathering.

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Tomato Tea Sandwiches

Tomato Tea Sandwiches — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

This classic tomato sandwich only requires a few ingredients, but they'll disappear right before your eyes. These dainty sandwiches get a boost of flavor from an herby Summer Sauce that’s combined with cream cheese.

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Herbed-Goat Cheese Spread

Herbed-Goat Cheese Spread — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Add this versatile spread to your Easter charcuterie board. Pepper and honey accentuate the flavors of the fresh herbs and tangy goat cheese. Spread on crackers or toasted baguette slices, or use as a dip for fresh spring veggies.

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Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Instead of having everyone dip out of the same bowl, prepare these individual crackers ahead of time, so each guest gets all the flavor in each little bite. The pepper jelly and cream cheese combo is elevated with the addition of shrimp and seasoned crackers.

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Okra In A Blanket

Okra In A Blanket — PHOTO: JAMES RANSOM, PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINE KEELY, FOOD STYLIST: RUTH BLACKBURN

We've yet to meet anything that isn't delicious wrapped in bacon, prosciutto, or country ham. In this classic appetizer, two Southern foods meet—tangy pickled okra and salty ham.

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Creamy Avocado Dip

Creamy Avocado Dip — Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Once you try this tasty dip with your Easter appetizer spread, you'll want to put this avocado dip on every sandwich or wrap you make, too. You can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise or sour cream for a lighter version.

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Butter-Baked Saltine Crackers

Butter-Baked Saltine Crackers — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

No one ever said no to a buttery cracker...and these are no exception. Good luck only eating a few. They're as delicious as they are nostalgic and are great for serving with a variety of dips.

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Mamau's Cheese Straws

Mamau’s Cheese Straws — Robbie Caponetto; Prop Styling: Mary Beth Wetzel; Food Styling: Pam Lolley

Our Editor-in-Chief Sid Evans shared his grandmother's recipe for cheese straws, which will surely become a favorite tradition for your family's holidays, too. Thanks to cheese spread, there’s no shredding required. Just mix, pipe, and bake.

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Mini Potato Skins

Mini Potato Skins — Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop styling: Claire Spollen; Food styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Guests will love this party favorite in mini form. Picky kids and choosy adults alike will adore this bite-sized appetizer that you can make with six ingredients you probably already have on hand. Top with sour cream and chives.

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Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Spinach-Artichoke Dips — Caitlin Bensel

Has there ever been any spinach and artichoke dip left at the end of the gathering? No, the answer is no.

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Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines

Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines — Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This fresh take on classic finger sandwiches looks beautiful and tastes even better. The salad can be made one day ahead, then assemble the appetizer before serving.

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Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese — Laurey W. Glenn

This simple appetizer is ready in just 15 minutes, but it doesn't slack on presentation or flavor. The endive leaves provide a pretty display as well as crunch for every bite.

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Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Tami Hardeman

This two-ingredient recipe couldn't be easier or more delicious. It'd be wise to make multiple batches.

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Ham Biscuits

Buttermilk Biscuits with Ham — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

There's nothing quite like a flaky buttermilk biscuit with ham. These biscuits are made even more delicious with our Pecan Cheese Spread.

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Collard Dip

Collard Dip — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Rethink the classic spinach dip and try this variation. Classic collards get an appetizer makeover with this warm, cheesy dip.

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Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad

Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad — Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Smoked ham gets a kick from Creole mustard and cayenne pepper in this ham salad. This Southern classic is a recipe to keep on hand for any spring luncheon or get-together.

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Muffuletta Deviled Eggs

Muffuletta Deviled Eggs — Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

We're just as happy with these delicious deviled eggs as we are with candy-filled plastic eggs. Don't want to be subject to just one deviled egg recipe? Make our DIY Deviled Egg Bar for an interactive appetizer experience.

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Hot Crab-and-Artichoke Dip

Hot Crab-and-Artichoke Dip — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey

This creamy crab dip includes a Southern favorite, Old Bay seasoning. Crackers and colorful endive make great vehicles for this decadent dip.

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Creamy Crab Dip

Creamy Crab Dip Recipe — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Calling all coastal cooks: You've got a new crab recipe to try. Spread this on toast points or crostini for a throwback appetizer that will please everyone.

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Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

Collard Dip — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Southerners can justify adding black-eyed peas to many dishes, and this hummus is proof that they'll always taste just right. Serve with plenty of pita chips. This dip won’t last long.

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West Indies Crab Salad

West Indies Crab Salad — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This crab dish from Mobile, Alabama, is a light and beautiful way to start your meal. A light vinaigrette dresses lump crab to highlight its sweet flavor. You can serve it in lettuce cups or with saltine crackers as more of a dip.

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Chicks in a Blanket

Chicks in a Blanket — Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Chicken-apple sausages are a welcome and flavorful change from the usual pigs in a blanket, and a homemade everything bagel seasoning topping makes them over-the-top delicious. Serve with spicy mustard for dipping.

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Cheddar Cheese Shortbread Crackers

Cheddar Shortbread Crackers — Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox

These homemade crackers are the most thoughtful addition to a cheese and charcuterie board. Try three variations: Pimiento Cheese, Pecan-and-Thyme, and Bacon, Bourbon, and Benne Seed.

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Caramelized Onion Dip

Caramelized Onion Dip — Getty Images / 7886565

The key to the most flavorful dip is cooking the onions over medium heat until they're translucent and then reducing the heat until they're nice and brown. From there, all you need to do is mix the rest of the ingredients and grab a bag of classic potato chips.

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Mini Tomato Sandwiches with Bacon Mayonnaise

Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise — Victor Protasio

Transform your favorite BLT into an adorable appetizer with these mini stacked sandwiches. You can prepare the sandwiches an hour ahead of time and chill them in the refrigerator.

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Deviled Crab Melts

Deviled Crab Melts — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

These crostinis with melty cheese, fresh tomatoes, and lightly spiced crab are the most elegant way to kick off your holiday meal. Keep watch as they broil, pulling them out just as they start to brown.

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Bacon Deviled Eggs

Bacon Deviled Eggs — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

We dreamed up a fun grazing-board presentation for this new deviled egg recipe. Include cheese straws, pickled okra, hummus, or whatever dips and crudites you prefer.

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Baked Brie with Pecans

Baked Brie with Pecans — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Baked brie is a go-to appetizer for Southern hosts, but we dressed it up for a holiday gathering with a flavorful spiced honey-pecan mixture on top. Serve with crackers or apple or baguette slices.

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Easy Egg Salad

Easy Egg Salad — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

You can make this egg salad up to three days before Easter to save you time that morning. We love to make tea sandwiches with different kinds of bread to add a nice visual element to your presentation.

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Baked Goat Cheese Spread with Pepper Jelly

Baked Goat Cheese Spread with Pepper Jelly — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

An appetizer spread wouldn't be complete without a cheesy dip, and this one can be prepped a day in advance before baking. You'll love the tangy-spicy combination of flavors.

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Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

You won't believe how much flavor is stuffed into these little mushroom bites. Make these ahead of time and pop them in the oven when guests arrive. They only need five minutes to bake.

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Bacon Bites

Bacon Bites — Molly Bolton / Southern Living

With just three ingredients, you can wow your holiday guests. These fancy breadsticks won’t last long thanks to an unbeatable combination of bacon and brown sugar. Assemble in advance and bake before serving.

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Deviled Potatoes

Deviled Potatoes — Hector Sanchez

Fill these mini potatoes with everything you love about potato salad and deviled eggs. In just two bites, these appetizers will be gone fast. Make these in advance and let them sit before serving.

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Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip

Spinach and Vidalia Dip — Greg Dupree Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Guests will hop right over to this patch of garden goodness. Baby spinach and Vidalia onions star in this creamy dip. Radishes, baby carrots, and bell peppers make the perfect dippers.

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Blistered Cherry Tomatoes with Red Pepper-Feta Spread

Blistered Cherry Tomatoes with Red Pepper-Feta Spread — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

If you can find them, cherry tomatoes on the vine make a striking display. This appetizer piles on the flavor with a red pepper-feta dip topped with bursting cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle fried quinoa on top for an unexpected crunch.

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Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham

Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham

Make this creamy dip in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The addition of country ham gives this indulgent dip incredible flavor. Serve with toasted, sliced French bread or pita chips.

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Smoky Field Pea Hummus

Smoky Field Pea Hummus — Photo: Iain Bagwell

Field peas and ham are a great pair in this hummus, but feel free to use any legume you prefer. The ham hock adds a nice smoky flavor, but it can be omitted.

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Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts

Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts — Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

These appetizers come together quickly thanks to flaky puff pastry. A tasty filling combines tomatoes with cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

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Strawberry Caprese Salad

Strawberry Caprese Salad — IAIN BAGWELL

This spring Caprese salad features basil, strawberries, and fresh mozzarella in a white balsamic vinaigrette. Serve it as an appetizer on toasted baguette slices, or serve it over arugula for a delightful spring salad.

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Spicy Cheese Twists

Spicy Cheese Twists — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

It doesn’t get much easier than this appetizer. Similar in flavor to cheese straws, these cheese twists rely on a box of puff pastry. Cayenne adds a nice kick.

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Fried Deviled Eggs

Fried Deviled Eggs — Micah A. Leal

The appetizer tray just got a little more interesting. Bring these fried deviled eggs to Easter dinner, and you just might outshine the ham. The crunchy first bite is a nice contrast to the creamy filling.

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Our Favorite Pimiento Cheese

Classic Pimiento Chese — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Is it even a Southern gathering if pimiento cheese isn't present? Serve up our favorite homemade spread with your cracker of choice.

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Party Poppers

Party Poppers — Hector M. Sanchez Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

It isn't a party until the poppers have arrived! These jalapeños are stuffed with melty cheese and wrapped in bacon for a classic bite sized treat that can't be beat.

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Mini Caprese Bites

Mini Caprese Bites — William Dickey

While we love a caprese salad—these skewers with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic are an easy bite-sized alternative.

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Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers

Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers — Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Stack juicy melon, salty prosciutto, and creamy mozzarella on a skewer for a delicious snack. These are the ideal spring appetizer to serve that are refreshing and not too filling. Plus, they're easy to make and take.

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