The most unforgettable occasions start with great appetizers. Sausage balls, cocktail meatballs, and cheese dreams are just a few of our favorite party recipes. But there is something to be said about a crowd-pleasing dip that can truly wow a crowd. We pulled together some of our favorite recipes from the Test Kitchen over the years.
01 of 10
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Cheese and beer come together in the ultimate creamy appetizer. This recipe has deep Kentucky roots and only takes 10 minutes to pull together.
Kentucky Beer Cheese
02 of 10
Credit: Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong
Ham and cream cheese are a match made in creamy heaven. This 10 minute recipe was first published in our May 1995 issue, and has been a party favorite ever since.
Get The Recipe
03 of 10
One very-satisfied reader shared this review: “Very easy and simple recipe with great flavors. I followed recipe exactly and everyone loved it. Try it!” This dip is extra flavorful, and the perfect recipe for kicking off a springtime celebration.
Hot Crawfish Dip
04 of 10
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell
A family-favorite recipe that will stand the test of time. This simple-to-prepare retro dip gets its rosy tint from Heinz chili sauce. Prepare to dunk into this creamy, can’t-be-beat party recipe.
Chunky Onion Dip
05 of 10
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
While this dip is often brought out at holidays, it’s welcome on the table anytime of year. The recipe, which was published first in a community cookbook, brings together ingredients that are inexpensive and readily available. The best part? This dip is easy to multiply to make large batches.
Spinach Madeline
06 of 10
Credit: Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGee
The reviewers say it all: “easy, quick, and delicious.” In just five minutes, you can pull together this simple dip that is creamy, satisfying, and gets a kick from the ultimate Southern seasoning.
Old Bay Corn Dip
07 of 10
Would it even be a party without the Rotel? A simple six-ingredient (olive oil, ground beef, chorizo, Velveeta, and diced tomatoes and green chiles) dip that is easy to make and comes together in no-time.
Rotel Sausage Dip
08 of 10
Credit: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Five stars for this appetizer that has just the punch of flavor to delight every last guest. As one review noted: “My husband’s family are dill pickle fanatics so this was perfect for a get-together.”
Deviled Egg Dip
09 of 10
Credit: Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
It would not be a Southern get-together without this classic recipe on the table. Three main ingredients: cheese, pimientos, and mayo star in this appetizer but everyone knows the best pimiento cheese is the one you grew up eating.
Basic Pimiento Cheese
10 of 10
Credit: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Over the years, the reviews have said it all: “It was a hit!” and “So good! Easy to make, easy to serve!” You can’t beat the combination of goat cheese and smoky jam, which will get any party started.
Whipped Goat Cheese With Smoky Bacon Jam
Read the original article on Southern Living