This easy puppy chow recipe uses whole packages so there are no fussy leftovers. Plus, it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Here’s one delicious classic you’ll turn to again and again: my guacamole recipe! Easy, fast and fresh, I’ve been making this recipe since I started cooking, and that was a long time ago. —DeAnn Lokvam, Tijeras, New Mexico
I love to make recipes with nuts. These are chocolaty with a hint of coffee—elegant and addictive! I give them away as gifts; I’ve even made them for wedding favors. —Annette Scholz, Medaryville, Indiana
This elegant-looking appetizer is quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for dinner parties, cocktail parties and everything in between! —Amanda Dekrey, Fargo, North Dakota
When I was a kid, my mom made this recipe often. I’ve adapted it to make it more chewy and gooey than her crunchy, nut-loaded version. I get requests to make this for every event that I host, and have never had a single leftover! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Orange, cinnamon and nutmeg round out this creamy spiced dip. I serve it with apples, pineapple and strawberries. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Cumin and chili powder give extra oomph to the classic homemade nut mix. It’s a smart solution for holiday snacking and gift giving. —Delores Hill, Helena, Montana
The five ingredients in this cheese straws recipe transform into long, crisp cracker sticks. The hand-held snacks make for easy mingling at parties.—Elizabeth Robinson, Conroe, Texas
After wondering how to make deviled eggs for years, I stumbled across this recipe. It comes from the Durbin Inn, which was a well-known restaurant in Rushville, Indiana, from the 1920s until it closed in the late ’70s. These easy deviled eggs are delicious, and they’re perfect to make for larger gatherings. —Margaret Sanders, Indianapolis, Indiana
Whether you need a quick gift idea or yummy munchies for movie night, we’ve got you covered with this cheesy twist on regular popped popcorn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
These mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any party. Roll them in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and/or paprika to add even more flavor. —J. Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina
The view from our mountain home includes Pike’s Peak, so we frequently dine on our wraparound porch in good weather. During family get-togethers, we often savor this salsa with chips while we feast on the natural beauty all around us.
We coated chickpeas with simple seasonings to make a low-fat snacking sensation. It rivals the types sold in stores, with just a few ingredients. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Be prepared—you’ll likely need to make a double batch of this delightful dill dip recipe. One batch is never enough when we have a get-together! It tastes fantastic with just about any vegetable, so you can use whatever you have on hand as a dipper. —Kathy Beldorth, Three Oaks, Michigan
For a bake sale last year, I wanted to try something different. I’d seen chocolate popcorn in a candy shop and thought I’d try making it. This recipe was a great success. —Mary Schmittinger, Colgate, Wisconsin
My Aunt Mary started making this recipe years ago. Each time we visited, she would have a batch ready for us. The use of cayenne adds an unexpected zing to the savory combo of rosemary and walnuts. When you need a good housewarming or hostess gift, double the batch and save half for yourself. —Renee Ciancio, New Bern, North Carolina
Everyone will love this thick cream cheese fruit dip. Serve it alongside apple wedges, pineapple chunks, strawberries and grapes. —Anna Beiler, Strasburg, Pennsylvania
This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn’t involve any cooking. It’s a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it’s a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin
My indulgent, nutty treat is simple to make and looks fabulous. At our house, we use all-natural ingredients for them. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
This crisp snack mix is a mouthwatering combination of sweet and spicy. I’ve taken it to numerous gatherings. Make a bowlful when the munchies hit. —Jeanette Grantstein, Wichita, Kansas
Our 13-year-old daughter, Dana, loves to make this crunchy and flavorful snack for us. Her four older brothers finish off a batch in no time. —Sue Manel, Milladore, Wisconsin
