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Everyone's got their favorite.
Every family has their beloved, handed-down recipes for classic Southern appetizers like cheese straws, seasoned saltines, or pimiento cheese. And while it's hard to pick favorites, some snacks stand out from the crowd—your Southern grandmother knows it as much as we do.
These nostalgic Southern appetizers are all winners in our hearts, but here's how we'd rank them, from perfectly delicious to deliciously perfect.
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01 of 15
Pimiento Cheese
This is the king and queen of Southern cuisine. Pimiento cheese comes out on top for reasons beyond just being an epic spread of cheesy, creamy deliciousness, but also for its versatility. You can serve it with crackers, melt it into a grilled cheese, throw it on top of a burger, layer it on a tomato sandwich, or just sneak a spoonful straight from the fridge. There's no judgment here.
02 of 15
Cheddar Cheese Straws
Cheese straws can serve many purposes beyond feeding a hungry Southerner. They can settle disputes, comfort a loved one, bring a smile to a child's face, and even spur someone to fall in love with you. There's never a dull moment when cheese straws are on the table.
03 of 15
Deviled Eggs
If we could sum up the South in one singular bite, it would be deviled eggs—especially if the recipe includes a spoonful of Durkees. These bites of heaven fit in at literally every gathering, from Easter brunch to football cookouts to burger night. It's customary to have one as an appetizer and another with the meal, so it's always best to double the recipe when hosting.
04 of 15
Sausage Balls
As long as we're talking about heavenly bites, we can't ignore the ultimate holiday snack food: sausage balls. These get major points for starting with only a box of Bisquick, cheese, and sausage. You can then customize to make them spicier, more seasoned, or even more Southern—ever heard of Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls?
05 of 15
Party Cheese Ball
The glory and the glamour of a retro Southern cheese ball is not to be underestimated. Guests will be swarming around it in no time. It's a conversation starter, a focal point, and a unique dip of nuts, onions, spices, and cheesy goodness. Serve it with veggies and all your favorite crackers.
06 of 15
Candied Jalapeños
Otherwise known as "cowboy candy," candied jalapeños are a classic sweet and spicy Southern appetizer. Dish them over cream cheese and spread onto crackers to get the party started.
07 of 15
Ham Delights
Ham delights are the perfect appetizer: a personal-size mini sandwich all to yourself. Attend any gathering in the South, and you'll spot a plate of these. Our recipe updates the classic with Gouda cheese and a sprinkling of everything bagel seasoning.
08 of 15
Candied Bacon Crackers
Sweet, smoky, and buttery, these bacon-wrapped crackers are a quick and easy classic with just four ingredients and only 15 minutes of active time. These are best served warm, but they'll be gone before they have any time to cool.
09 of 15
Fire Crackers
It's hard to go wrong if the recipe starts with a sleeve of saltines, or soda crackers as many Southern grandpas call them. This easy recipe is seen in many different variations (a favorite of which is sold at Buc-ee's) and features many different seasoning combinations depending on where you are in the South.
10 of 15
Cheese Dreams
Cheese Dreams bear much of the same favorite Cheddary flavors as the other Southern cheesy appetizer snack: the aforementioned cheese straw. But these little bites are more like tiny sandwiches or sliders. Worcestershire sauce, a bit of heat from red pepper, and dry mustard give them some heat and umami, but you can modify them however you please—no grandmother's recipe is the same. They are simply an ooey, gooey, Cheddary delight, and they're easy to whip up from frozen, too.
11 of 15
Buttery Toasted Pecans
You'll be hard-pressed to find a Southern household without a dish of pecans set out for holiday snacking. Whether you like them savory, sweet, spicy, or all three, they're a must-have on any appetizer spread.
12 of 15
Texas Caviar
For those who don't know, this hearty dip is made with black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, jalapeño, and onion—and is best served with Fritos or tortilla chips. It's a fresh, crunchy, and necessary addition to any Southern smorgasbord.
13 of 15
Maple-Bacon Smokies
From tailgate spreads to Christmas Eve parties, "lil smokies" wrapped in bacon and baked until warm and crispy are a classic that needs no introduction, especially when that bacon is brushed with brown sugar or maple syrup. Sure, you might be embarrassed to keep going back for more, but we have it on good authority that you can successfully sneak about five into a cocktail napkin when no one is looking.
14 of 15
Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
Are you even a Southerner if you haven't had grape jelly meatballs? These saucy bites are one of our favorites for many reasons, including their savory-sweet flavor and the fact that they can hang out in the slow cooker, warm and ready for hungry guests.
15 of 15
Rotel Sausage Dip
This is the ultimate Tex-Mex party dip, now and forever. It's simple and satisfying in the greatest way ever. It's guaranteed to be a hit with any group, and you can easily cook it and keep warm in a slow cooker for hours-long snacking.
What do you think of our list? Did your favorite make it?
Read the original article on Southern Living
