Top 25+ classic appetizers grandma always made for celebrations

No matter what your reason was for visiting Grandma's house was, or how long you'd be there, she probably always started offering food in the form of a snack or appetizer as soon as you walked through the door. From homemade snack mixes to warm dips to cheese in a variety of forms and more, it's easy to see why Southern grandmothers have long served these classic appetizers. They're easy to make while still delivering plenty of flavor, and many of them have a short ingredient list so she probably always had the ingredients on hand so she could whip up an appetizer at any time.

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Saucy cocktail meatballs have been a favorite for dinner parties for decades. This reimagined recipe ditches the grape jelly in favor of brown sugar and molasses for that sweetness.

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Senior Homes Editor Betsy Watson's grandmother always had a batch of this cool and refreshing salad chilling in the fridge for guests. "It was the perfect post-beach-day, pre-dinner snack," she says.

Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

This retro appetizer will never, ever go out of style in the South. Let the five-star reviews speak for themselves, y'all!

Cheese Slaw

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

This Roanoke, Virginia, specialty is always welcome on our table. Similar to pimiento cheese (but dare we say more flavorful?), your party guests will love it.

2-Ingredient Onion Dip

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

This cult-classic onion dip probably didn't come straight from Grandma's recipe tin because she has it memorized by heart and never needed to write it down.

Sausage Balls

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

This classic, no-fuss appetizer comes together using just three ingredients.

Cheese Dreams

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

These cheesy treats can be stored in the freezer, so they're great to keep on hand for drop-in guests so you'll never be without a appetizer to serve, which we're sure would make Grandma proud.

Pimiento Cheese

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

When making homemade Pimiento Cheese, make sure to hand shred the cheese for this classic dip just like Grandma always did.

Classic Deviled Eggs

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Grandma could probably whip up a batch of deviled eggs without even looking at the recipe.

Nuts and Bolts

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Homemade snack mix can be easily customized to be made with the ingredients of your choice. You can skip the nuts, use cayenne pepper for a little spice, or add a few more Cheez-Its. Just make sure the mixture is well-coated before baking.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Stuffed mushrooms are a classic, easy appetizer but are slightly more elevated and will look great on the spread of any dinner party.

Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

The not-so-secret ingredient Southerners use to make the best slow-cooker meatballs is grape jelly.

Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

No cooking or prep is involved to pull together this two-ingredient appetizer that has long been a favorite of Southern grandmothers.

Ham-and-Cheese Sliders

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Southerners will always love Hawaiian rolls, and this classic slider recipe is just one of the reasons.

Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

A good dip is a welcome appetizer for any occasion. Offer chips, vegetables, or a combination of both for dipping.

Party Cheese Ball

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

This basic cheese ball recipe comes together in just 10 minutes.

Baked Brie In Puff Pastry

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Easily upgrade Brie into a warm appetizer by baking it in a prepared puff pastry from the grocery store.

Cheddar Cheese Straws

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Pantry staples come together to create one of the South's favorite appetizers.

Buttered Saltines

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

You can keep both ingredients for this simple, two-ingredient appetizer on hand so you can easily pull an appetizer together even with short notice.

Texas Caviar

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

This no-cook dip just requires some chopping and a little stirring to pull together.

Picnic Egg Salad

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Whether served on top of a baguette, as a sandwich, or with crackers, you can't go wrong with egg salad as an appetizer for lunch.

Toasted Pecans

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

A bowl of toasted nuts is the perfect pre-meal snack that won't fill guests up before the main meal. Grandma even probably had a special bowl reserved for setting them out.

Rotel Sausage Dip

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Rotel and Velveeta are a dynamic duo that Southerners will always love, For a lighter version, you can skip the sausage.

Ham Salad

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

There's no way this creamy, meaty salad would not top Grandma's lists of must-serve recipes. Whip this up in just 10 minutes, and scoop on crackers and toasted baguettes.

Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Cucumber And Vidalia Onion Salad, Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce, Cheese Slaw, 2-Ingredient Onion Dip, Sausage Balls, Cheese Dreams, Pimiento Cheese, Classic Deviled Eggs, Nuts and Bolts, Stuffed Mushrooms, Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly, Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Party Cheese Ball, Baked Brie In Puff Pastry, Cheddar Cheese Straws, Buttered Saltines, Texas Caviar, Picnic Egg Salad, Toasted Pecans, Rotel Sausage Dip, Ham Salad, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Ritz are always in the pantry at Grandma's house. And this recipe makes them the star of the sandwich, which is layered with meat, cheese, and pepper jelly.

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