16 Southern Appetizers for Your Next Party

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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!

Fried Green Tomatoes

A plate of golden-brown fried green tomatoes accompanied by a small dish of creamy dipping sauce.
Image Credit: GypsyPlate

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

Ham Salad served fresh
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

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

A plate of deviled eggs topped with bacon bits, chives, and paprika. A single deviled egg is held above the plate.
Image Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks

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

A delightful Pepper Jelly Dip
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

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)

A white plate featuring a stack of breaded and fried tomato slices, topped with pieces of green onion.
Image Credit: Strength & Sunshine

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

A beautifully presented photo of Crockpot Candied Nuts
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

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

A biscuit split open with butter and honey is on a checkered cloth, accompanied by a partially visible bowl and honey dipper in the background.
Image Credit: Chew Out Loud

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

Hot Honey Chicken Wings served fresh
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

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

A white bowl containing roasted okra with browned and crispy edges, set against a white background.
Image Credit: Strength & Sunshine

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 with Skinny Horseradish Dijon Dip
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

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

A bowl of pimento cheese with a spreader, surrounded by various crackers on a wooden board.
Image Credit: Little Black Skillet

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

A bowl of cocktail sausages. A partially visible bottle in the background.
Image Credit: JCP Eats

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

The image features a bowl of dip topped with crushed chips and diced pickles, surrounded by crinkle-cut chips.
Image Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks

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

Coconut Shrimp
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

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)

A bowl of corn and bean salad with red bell peppers, onions, and cilantro is placed next to a small dish of tortilla chips and a larger basket filled with more chips on a textured surface.
Image Credit: Little Black Skillet

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)

Several scoops of crunchy hush puppies with visible nut pieces, placed in a bowl.
Image Credit: Strength & Sunshine

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)

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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