15 Must-Try Southern Starters

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Kick off your tailgate or backyard gathering with these Southern starters that bring all the charm and flavor of down-home cooking to the table. From a creamy, Cold Cajun Crab Dip with cream cheese and spices to classic Muscadine Cocktail Meatballs, these recipes are bursting with Southern hospitality. Try the crispy 5 Ingredient Southern Fried Zucchini Fritters or dive into a batch of Jalapeño Poppers loaded with brisket and bacon. Each of these appetizers is sure to make a tasty first impression!

Corn Ribs

Mouthwatering Corn Ribs
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Bake these seasoned Corn Ribs in the oven for a simple yet flavorful appetizer or side dish. It’s a fun new way to eat corn on the cob!
Get the Recipe: Corn Ribs

Fritos Popcorn Chicken

A beautifully presented photo of Fritos Popcorn Chicken
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Easy to make, this Fritos popcorn chicken recipe is the real deal! Deep fried for maximum flavor and crunch. Serve as an appetizer or main.
Get the Recipe: Fritos Popcorn Chicken

Dilly Vegetable Dip

Dilly Vegetable Dip
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

This super quick and flavorful vegetable dip makes snacking on fresh produce easy and delicious. Use as a vegetable or chip dip, or sandwich spread.
Get the Recipe: Dilly Vegetable Dip

Pulled Pork Nachos

Scrumptious Pulled Pork Nachos photo
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These Pulled Pork Nachos are layered with tender pork, tortilla chips, cheese, and tons of toppings. An easy appetizer to make for game day!
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Nachos

Chocolate Popcorn

Chocolate Popcorn served fresh
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Treat the one you love this Valentine’s Day with this delicious chocolate popcorn recipe. Simple to make and addictive to eat!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Popcorn

Baked Shrimp Toast

Toasted bread slices topped with melted cheese, chopped shrimp, and green onions, arranged on a baking tray.
Image Credit: Small Town Woman

Baked Shrimp Toast combines shrimp, cheese, and a touch of Cajun spice for a rich Southern-inspired bite. Perfectly creamy with a hint of heat, it’s an easy appetizer to start any Southern feast.
Get the Recipe: Baked Shrimp Toast

Best Sausage Ball Recipe

A plate of sausage balls is on pink striped paper, accompanied by a blue bowl containing yellow dipping sauce with a spoon.
Image Credit: Quiche My Grits

Best Sausage Ball Recipe mixes spicy sausage and cheddar cheese for a warm and cheesy starter. These savory bites are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit at any Southern-themed gathering.
Get the Recipe: Best Sausage Ball Recipe

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

Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip serves up a taste of the Lowcountry in every creamy bite. This cold crab dip brings coastal vibes to any table, making it a refreshing pick for a Southern starter.
Get the Recipe: Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip

Jalapeño Poppers with Brisket and Bacon

A tray of jalapeño poppers is topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, set on a checkered cloth. Surrounding the tray are sliced jalapeños and cilantro. Two drinks are placed next to a bowl of shredded cheese.
Image Credit: Out Grilling

Jalapeño Poppers with Brisket and Bacon mix smoky brisket, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapeños for a Southern-style snack that’s hard to resist. These poppers are bold and flavorful, perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Poppers with Brisket and Bacon

Cheesy Corn Dip with Chorizo

Cheesy Corn Dip with Chorizo
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Hot & Cheesy Mexican Corn Dip! Loaded with meat, veggies, & ooey-gooey, creamy, melted cheese. An epic game-day recipe!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Corn Dip with Chorizo

Classic Muscadine Cocktail Meatballs

Cocktail meatballs in a dish.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Classic Muscadine Cocktail Meatballs use grape jelly and a touch of Southern flair to create a sweet and savory appetizer. These meatballs are perfect for adding a unique Southern touch to any party spread.
Get the Recipe: Classic Muscadine Cocktail Meatballs

Cold Cajun Crab Dip with Cream Cheese

A hand holds a pita chip topped with creamy dip and garnished with chopped herbs, with lemon slices in the background.
Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

Cold Cajun Crab Dip with Cream Cheese combines crab, spices, and creamy cheese for a chilled starter with Southern charm. This dip’s bold flavors make it a memorable choice for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Cold Cajun Crab Dip with Cream Cheese

5 Ingredient Southern Fried Zucchini Fritters

A plate of golden-brown fritters garnished with chopped herbs and sea salt, with toothpicks inserted into some.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

5 Ingredient Southern Fried Zucchini Fritters are crispy, light, and perfect for any Southern-inspired menu. With simple ingredients and a touch of sea salt, these fritters make a deliciously crunchy bite.
Get the Recipe: 5 Ingredient Southern Fried Zucchini Fritters

Best Ever Texas Caviar Dip Appetizer

A bowl containing bean salad, corn, tomato, cucumber, and herbs, garnished with a lime wedge.
Image Credit: Living Sweet Moments

Best Ever Texas Caviar Dip Appetizer is packed with fresh veggies, beans, and tangy dressing for a refreshing Southern-style dip. This colorful, healthy option adds a lively touch to any appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Texas Caviar Dip Appetizer

Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe

The image shows jars of pimento cheese spread on a marble surface, with round crackers nearby. One cracker has cheese spread on top.
Image Credit: Quiche My Grits

Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with just the right amount of pimentos. This classic Southern starter pairs perfectly with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe

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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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