The Most Important Party Snacks of All Time

These magnificent meatballs taste like an Italian grandmother made them--but you can have them on the table in under an hour. 

This savory herbed goat cheese dip goes perfectly with any chopped seasonal veggies: tomatoes, carrots, peppers ...

Serve this quick shrimp appetizer with two sauces--sour cream with horseradish, chives, and lemon juice, and traditional cocktail sauce. 

This bruschetta is reminiscent of the classic Italian caprese salad. Instead of mozzarella, use slightly tangier feta cheese--bonus points if you find it packed with tomato and basil at the supermarket!

Combine lean ground beef, Mexican rice, green olives, and Monterey Jack cheese to make the filling for these sassy pepper poppers. Serve with lime juice-spiked sour cream.

Smokies have been a party buffet mainstay for decades. One-up the traditional saucy recipe by wrapping in bacon, frying, and sprinkling with a little brown sugar.

Cheesy crackers, pretzels, mixed nuts, and wheat crackers make a great base for this snack mix--bake topped with butter and your choice of a cheese-, garlic-, or Italian-flavor dry salad dressing mix for an unforgettable snack. 

The secret to the distinct flavor of Swiss cheese fondue? Dry white wine and sherry.

These cheese balls call for just five basic ingredients and any topper you like--bacon, pistachios, cranberries, or whatever.

Serve this warm pistachio-topped Brie alongside apple and pear slices, table crackers, and crusty bread.

No need to rely on your favorite chain restaurant to provide warm, decadent spinach-artichoke dip. This one comes with crumbles of blue cheese and delicious bacon.

Instead of stuffing your mushrooms with cream cheese, use tangy goat cheese and fresh herbs. They'll disappear faster than you can say "finger food"!

No more boring shrimp cocktail! Grill the biggest shrimp you can find and serve with a fresh avocado cream for an unforgettable seafood appetizer.

Adding bacon to any food exponentially increases the deliciousness. Case in point? These classic bacon-wrapped roasted dates. 

Prep this buffalo chicken dip in just 15 minutes and watch it get warm and bubbly in your slow cooker. 

This fair food favorite isn't difficult to re-create at home! A cornmeal batter helps keep these fried pickles under 200 calories. 

These egg toppers are spicy, salty, fresh, peppery, and tangy--there's a deviled egg idea for everyone.

Less than 10 ingredients and endless customization options make these ultra-portable pizza cups a party food no-brainer. 

Combine two party food favorites with these saucy meatball sliders. Make the meatballs in your slow cooker the day of the party, and serve on cocktail buns with slices of tomato and provolone. 

Kids and adults alike will go hog-wild for this classic pigs-in-a-blanket snack. Kick up the spice by using andouille sausage instead of hot dogs.