Taste of home appetizers

These tasty southwestern meatballs warm up a buffet. I add pomegranate seeds, jalapeno pepper jelly and cilantro to make everything pop with color. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Be prepared for parties and potlucks with make-ahead appetizer recipes that can be prepped the night before.

Crock pot appetizers are an easy way to prepare some delicious entrees for any event or get-together without wasting a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s great to have appetizers when you’re entertaining guests. Heavy appetizers can even replace a meal when served with cocktails or as an afternoon or late evening snack. We love being able to use the slow cooker for appetizers because it’s easier, and we don’t have to heat up the house

I swear I'm in appetizer heaven! These wonton bites went so fast at the last potluck. Need to double the recipe next time!

I’m an Iowa gardener and I like to feature sweet corn in my recipes. These cute, easy-to-eat bites are a fun change from the usual appetizers. —Margaret Blair, Lorimor, Iowa

Hands down, best party appetizer ever!

Be prepared for parties and potlucks with make-ahead appetizer recipes that can be prepped the night before.

This creamy chicken vol-au-vent recipe is an easy yet impressive puff pastry appetizer. Thanks to some simple shortcuts, you'll get all the praise for half the work!

Here’s a real crowd-pleaser for an appetizer table or brunch buffet. A whole piece of crispy bacon is rolled into each spiral. It's so good with the apricot preserves, which make it a sweet-and-salty treat. —Kellie Mulleavy, Lambertville, Michigan

Sweet, salty and crunchy, these candied Bacon Crackers are made with just 5 ingredients for an easy appetizer that everyone will love.