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For flavorful appetizers to tantalize your guests’ tastebuds, turn to the Southern kitchen. From pimento cheese dip to crunchy corn fritters, these finger foods will be the stars of the meal. Try these top-rated Thanksgiving appetizers that boast big flavors and an extra helping of soul.
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Zucchini Corn Fritters
Light and fluffy fritters with lots of grated zucchini and corn kernels. Fry ’em up in a hot cast iron skillet. “Cheese is optional, but not in my house,” says Danni Hughes. “Serve hot with ranch dressing.”
Vicki’s Hush Puppies
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Here’s a simple, no-fuss recipe for savory hush puppies. “THESE WERE GREAT!” raves Jenn Bane. “Our friend from Georgia said they were almost as good as his mom’s. We dipped these in tartar sauce. YUMMM!”
Best Cheese Ball
Photographer: Brie Goldman / Food Styling: Annie Probst / Prop Styling: Kristin Schooley
“This was my first attempt at making a cheese ball. It was SO easy and tasted really savory. It was a hit!” —Terri McHugh
Hot Pepper Jelly
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Spicy and slightly sweet, hot pepper jelly is a savory companion to tangy cream cheese. Spoon some over a block of cream cheese and serve with crackers for guests to dip.
Deep-Fried Oysters
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
These deep-fried oysters are seasoned simply with black pepper, but many reviewers add Cajun seasoning or Old Bay to make it their own. “This was a great recipe. The oysters came out very crunchy but oh-so-tender inside,” says Julie. “I have a new specialty!”
Southern Pimento Cheese
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I can’t tell you how many compliments I get when I bring this somewhere. Everyone loves it. The last time I made it I used sliced pimentos and was able to chop them to diced and I feel I got a lot more flavor out of the pimentos this way.” —Carrie1j
Best Pickled Shrimp
Briny, a bit spicy, and full of flavor! These pickled shrimp are a perfect light appetizer that can be made ahead of time and enjoyed as is with a cold glass of white wine. You’ll love the contrast between the bright lemon acidity and the pungent peppers, onions, and capers.
Old-Fashioned Roasted Pecans
This show-stopping snack works great as an appetizer or bagged up as an edible gift for guests to take home. Sugar and cinnamon combine for a sweet and spicy balance.
Fried Okra
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Mix okra, diced green tomatoes, cornmeal, and milk together and pan-fry into crispy, Southern-style fritters. “Tasted as good or better than a restaurant and it was very easy,” says Sherry Lopez
Traditional Deviled Eggs
“Every Thanksgiving and sometimes Christmas I am the creator of this delectable dish. It’s easy and loved by many.” —CaringLime9478
Hot Crab Dip
Allrecipes/Julia Hartbeck
“Hot crab dip is a favorite of mine and this is a delicious version. I loved the sprinkling of paprika on top (next time I might even try smoked paprika?)” —LivelyCow1858
Kentucky Beer Cheese
Serve this classic Southern appetizer with chips, crackers, chopped vegetables, soft or crispy pretzels, warm bread.
Mississippi Sin
Fill French bread with a spicy cream cheese-based dip and baked it till bubbly. “This is a wonderful dip that can be served in bread or in a small crock pot if you can’t find round bread,” says BamaMom.
Deep Fried Pickles
AllRecipes/Qi Ai
“These are amazing! Just like you get in a restaurant but better! I will make again tomorrow for sure! Followed the recipe exactly.” —Rachel Dobin
Cowboy Caviar
AllRecipes / Qi Ai
“My family loves it! I didn’t need to change a thing…and the best part of it was because I had everything to make it on hand!” —Cookin with Lukie
Easy Sausage Cheese Balls
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I have been making these for over 30 years. My family loves them. This recipe and sausage stuffed mushrooms— are requested as appetizers by my family each holiday” —PlumPita1347
Muffuletta Pinwheels
Inspired by the famous New Orleans sandwich, these bite-size pinwheels have plenty of flavor from the layers of salami, ham, and cheese.
Rachel’s Superheated Cajun Boiled Peanuts
“Craving roadside boiled peanuts I find in the South but living in Brooklyn, I needed to find a recipe that could replicate that deliciousness. This is it. This recipe is the closest I have come to getting that roadside, Georgia flavor.” —Troy Brookins
Cheese Straws
“Just like my grandmothers holiday cheeses straws. I made as is but added another 1/4 cup of butter when the dough was too crumbly. That was perfect. I used a pastry dough cutter to mix the cheese, butter and other ingredients.” —laura b
Crawfish-Stuffed Jalapeños
Jalapenos are stuffed with four kinds of cheese, crawfish, bacon, and sausage, dipped in beer batter, and fried to golden brown. “These were a great hit with everyone,” says Stacy Bennett. “We used really big peppers, and for future, I would go smaller, but these were delish!”
