16 Southern Appetizers for Your Next Party
Nov 18, 2025
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Ready to spice up your tailgate or holiday party with some southern flair? These 16 southern appetizer recipes—featuring gems like Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes, Hot Honey Wings, Best Buttermilk Biscuits and Easy Fried Pickle Dip will bring comfort and flavor to the table. No matter your crowd, there’s something here to please every palate!
Table of Contents
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Ham Salad
- Smoked Deviled Eggs
- Pepper Jelly Dip
- Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
- Crockpot Candied Nuts
- Best Buttermilk Biscuits
- Hot Honey Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Okra
- Sweet Potato Fries with Skinny Horseradish Dijon Dip
- Easy Southern Jalapeño Pimiento Cheese Spread
- Bourbon Franks
- Easy Fried Pickle Dip
- Coconut Shrimp
- Carolina Caviar (or Georgia or Texas Caviar)
- Air Fryer Hush Puppies (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried Green Tomatoes are a must-try for anyone craving a crunchy Southern appetizer. With their crisp exterior and tender inside, they’re perfect for snacking, or as a side dish to start off any meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes
Ham Salad
This Ham Salad is so nostalgic and delicious! Diced ham in mayonnaise with sweet relish, mustard, and a host of other goodies.
Get the Recipe: Ham Salad
Smoked Deviled Eggs
Smoked Deviled Eggs bring a smoky flavor to the classic appetizer everyone loves. These eggs are packed with flavor, making them a standout choice for Southern-inspired gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Deviled Eggs
Pepper Jelly Dip
This Pepper Jelly Dip is so quick and easy to make. Just combine hot pepper jelly with cream cheese for a spicy snack!
Get the Recipe: Pepper Jelly Dip
Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes offer a lighter take on a beloved Southern classic. With a crispy, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly coating, this dish is a quick and healthy option for any appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Crockpot Candied Nuts
These delicious, spiced Crockpot Candied Nuts are the perfect make ahead snack for the holidays. These crockpot candied nuts are full of warming flavors.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Candied Nuts
Best Buttermilk Biscuits
Best Buttermilk Biscuits are a Southern staple, perfect for any occasion. Fluffy, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth good, these biscuits will have guests coming back for more at any appetizer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Best Buttermilk Biscuits
Hot Honey Chicken Wings
Sweet and spicy, Hot Honey Chicken Wings are finger lickin’ good! These sticky wings are oven baked and glazed with a hot honey sauce.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Okra
Air Fryer Okra is a healthy Southern veggie snack that’s both crispy and light. With no oil and a perfect crunch, this is an excellent low-carb option to serve as part of your Southern appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Okra
Sweet Potato Fries with Skinny Horseradish Dijon Dip

Sweet Potato Fries tossed with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt then roasted for a caramelized sweet flavor. Paired with a savory Skinny Horseradish Dijon Dipping Sauce, they’ll be the hit of your meal!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries with Skinny Horseradish Dijon Dip
Easy Southern Jalapeño Pimiento Cheese Spread
Easy Southern Jalapeño Pimiento Cheese Spread takes classic pimento cheese to the next level with a spicy kick. This spread is perfect for crackers or as a topping for other Southern appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Southern Jalapeño Pimiento Cheese Spread
Bourbon Franks
Bourbon Franks bring a bold flavor to your Southern appetizer collection. With a touch of bourbon, these smoky and savory bites will be a hit at any gathering or party.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Franks
Easy Fried Pickle Dip
Easy Fried Pickle Dip is the ultimate snack for anyone who loves fried pickles. This creamy, tangy dip is perfect for serving as a Southern-inspired appetizer for any party or game day spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Fried Pickle Dip
Coconut Shrimp

You won’t want to stop eating these coconut shrimp! So light & crisp, with the perfect balance of sweet & savory. Great app or main course!
Get the Recipe: Coconut Shrimp
Carolina Caviar (or Georgia or Texas Caviar)
Carolina Caviar is a refreshing, flavorful dip with beans, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing. It’s a great choice for a Southern appetizer to share at any social gathering.
Get the Recipe: Carolina Caviar (or Georgia or Texas Caviar)
Air Fryer Hush Puppies (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Air Fryer Hush Puppies give you the classic Southern side dish without the oil or mess. These crispy bites are easy to make and are a great addition to any Southern appetizer platter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hush Puppies (Gluten-Free, Vegan)


