Our Favorite Southern Finger Foods

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Craving delicious appetizers from the South? These 10 Southern favorites, like crispy Mac and Cheese Bites and rich Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs, bring the bold, savory flavors of Southern cooking to your table. From Fried Shrimp to Creamy Cold Crab Dip, these appetizers are sure to impress your guests on any occasion. Don’t miss out on the true taste of the South with these mouthwatering dishes.

Sausage Rolls Recipe with Hot Pepper Jelly (Hogs in a Blanket)

Yummy Sausage Rolls Recipe with Hot Pepper Jelly (Hogs in a Blanket) picture
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

SAUSAGE ROLLS are kind of like Pigs in a Blanket, but I’ve transformed them into a fun bite-size appetizer! Paired with a sweet & spicy Pepper Jelly, these Mini Sausage Rolls are sure to please. We are addicted to these little sausage rolls, and I guarantee they will be gone in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls Recipe with Hot Pepper Jelly (Hogs in a Blanket)

Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels

Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels served fresh
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are just perfect for The Super Bowl! Nothing beats cream cheese pinwheels for tailgating!
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels

Best Pimento Cheese Recipe (Chicken Salad Chick)

Plates of crackers, cucumber slices, and a spread made with a creamy mixture, possibly pimento cheese, served on lettuce. Nearby are sliced bell peppers, celery sticks, and a bowl of diced tomatoes.
Image Credit: The Fresh Cooky

Best Pimento Cheese Recipe blends sharp cheddar and pepper Jack with pimentos for a creamy spread that works beautifully as a dip or on crackers. A classic choice, this southern appetizer shines at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Best Pimento Cheese Recipe (Chicken Salad Chick)

Cheese Straws

Cheese Straws in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Easy homemade cheese straws are the perfect savory snack to share with friends and family. Made with puff pastry, they’re perfectly crispy!
Get the Recipe: Cheese Straws

Georgia Famous Pan-Fried Onion Dip Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy dip sits on a blue cloth. Behind it, a small bowl contains potato chips, and there are whole onions in the background on a rustic wooden surface.
Image Credit: The Savvy Mama Lifestyle

With a golden, pan-fried flavor, Georgia Famous Pan-Fried Onion Dip is a must-have appetizer for any crowd. This warm and savory dip from the South pairs perfectly with chips or fresh veggies, making it ideal for parties.
Get the Recipe: Georgia Famous Pan-Fried Onion Dip Recipe

Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

Mouthwatering Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms are so easy to make, and they are always a popular appetizer during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs

A platter of deviled eggs topped with paprika and sliced green onions, garnished with small red pepper pieces, on a textured blue surface. A serving bowl is partially visible in the background.
whole milk – 1

Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs bring a southern twist to classic deviled eggs with sharp cheddar and a touch of tanginess. This easy-to-serve appetizer is packed with flavor, perfect for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs

Street Corn Nachos

Street Corn Nachos served fresh
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These street corn nachos are loaded with charred corn, jalapenos, and a creamy chili lime sauce inspired by classic Elote.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Nachos

Mac and Cheese Bites

Close-up of crispy macaroni and cheese balls on a green plate with a wooden bowl of red dipping sauce. One ball is cut open, revealing the creamy mac and cheese filling. Garnished with herbs.
Image Credit: Love From the Oven

Mac and Cheese Bites bring comfort food right to your fingertips with a crispy outside and creamy, cheesy middle. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for sharing and add a fun, handheld twist to a classic Southern dish.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Bites

Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket

Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket make a great appetizer for game day or any party. This classic appetizer with a twist is irresistible!
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket

Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip

A bowl of cream cheese dip topped with lemon zest and chopped herbs, with a silver spreader inserted. Edges of crackers are visible in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Cool and creamy, Coosaw Island Cold Crab Dip captures the fresh taste of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, making it a refreshing appetizer for hot days. Paired with crackers or bread, it’s ideal for sharing at any event.
Get the Recipe: Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip

Easy Little Smokies

Easy Little Smokies served fresh
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Little smokies are the most addictive appetizers! Cocktail sausages cooked in a sweet and savory BBQ sauce. Easy to make and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy Little Smokies

Fried Shrimp

Close-up of fried shrimp served with lemon wedges and a cup of red dipping sauce in the background. The shrimp are golden brown and crispy, suggesting a freshly cooked, appetizing dish.
Image Credit: Miss in the Kitchen

Crispy and golden, Fried Shrimp delivers that satisfying crunch everyone loves in southern appetizers. Easy to make and full of flavor, this dish brings restaurant-quality bites to your table in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Fried Shrimp

Mini Chicken and Waffles Recipe (Chicken and Waffles on a Stick)

A beautifully presented photo of Mini Chicken and Waffles Recipe (Chicken and Waffles on a Stick)
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Chicken and Waffles Recipe is such a cute and delicious appetizer. These MINI CHICKEN AND WAFFLES ON A STICK are so fun and perfect for celebrating! Whether its the holidays or game day, these will wow any crowd. I love that these Mini Chicken and Waffles are the perfect size. So delicious with syrup!
Get the Recipe: Mini Chicken and Waffles Recipe (Chicken and Waffles on a Stick)

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

A bacon-covered cheese ball garnished with chopped green onions. It is surrounded by celery and carrot sticks on one side and round crackers on the other.

Loaded with smoky bacon and ranch flavors, the Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is a crowd-pleasing appetizer in every bite. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it perfect for sharing, adding a touch of southern charm to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites)

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites) in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

FRIED MASHED POTATO BALLS loaded with bacon, cheese, and onions are perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers! Put those leftover potatoes to good use and fry up some cheesy mashed potato bites. These loaded mashed potato balls make the ultimate appetizer or side dish!
Get the Recipe: Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites)

Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

A deviled egg topped with red pepper and parsley, served in an ornate amber glass dish shaped like a chicken, placed on a marble surface with a white napkin in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Creamy and tangy, Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese bring a twist of southern flavor to classic deviled eggs. This appetizer’s bold taste and easy presentation make it a great addition to any appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

Hot Corn and Bacon Beer Cheese Dip

Mouthwatering Hot Corn and Bacon Beer Cheese Dip
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Beer cheese dip is hot, cheesy, and delicious! This corn and bacon filled cheese dip is the perfect easy appetizer for game day.
Get the Recipe: Hot Corn and Bacon Beer Cheese Dip

Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos

A skillet piled high with pimento cheese nachos.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

For a unique take on nachos, Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos combine melted pimento cheese, gem peppers, and spicy chorizo on crispy chips. These bold appetizers from the South are ideal for sharing and bring lots of flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos

Carne Asada Fries

Tasty Carne Asada Fries on display
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These easy carne asada fries are loaded with cheese, jalapenos, tomatoes, sour cream, and tender steak for a filling appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Fries

Pickled Shrimp, Fried Green Tomatoes + Creole Remoulade

The image shows an overhead view of a glass containing shrimp, herbs, and sauce. Surrounding the glass are additional shrimp placed on the table.
Image Credit: Coley Cooks

Fresh and zesty, Pickled Shrimp, Fried Green Tomatoes + Creole Remoulade create a southern-style appetizer platter with lots of personality. This mix of tangy shrimp, crunchy tomatoes, and spicy remoulade makes for an unforgettable appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Shrimp, Fried Green Tomatoes + Creole Remoulade

BBQ Chex Mix

Mouthwatering BBQ Chex Mix
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This homemade BBQ Chex mix is the most perfect snacking recipe for game day and beyond! loaded with flavor and super easy to make!
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chex Mix

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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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