15 Southern Christmas Appetizers

Southern Pimento Cheese

Simultaneously creamy, tangy, and sweet, pimento cheese is a southern staple. Serve a batch of this spreadable dip with crackers, cut veggies, or in little finger sandwiches made with (what else?) white bread without the crusts.

Old-Fashioned Roasted Pecans

Whether you're serving them to guests or bagging some up for an edible holiday gift, these roasted pecans are a show-stopping snack. Sweet sugar and spicy cinnamon combine to make this recipe a real treat.

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Tomato and Bacon Jam

Naturally sweet tomatoes and smoky bacon work together to create this savory jam. Serve over a block of cream cheese with a side of crackers to delight guests. Better yet, jar some up for each guest, and offer it to them as a thank you gift at the end of the evening.

Kentucky Beer Cheese Spread

Beer and cheese, what more do you need? Chef John's delicious dip has all the flavor of beer cheese, but without the effort of baking.

Potato Salad Deviled Eggs

In this recipe, two Southern favorites combine into a wow-worthy appetizer. "I don't think I'll ever make regular deviled eggs again!" says user Erin. "Easy and inexpensive."

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Sausage Cheese Balls

Pretty much every Southern grandmother has their own spin on this classic appetizer. This recipe is a bit more involved, with the addition of onions, celery, and garlic powder for extra flavor. But it'll be a stand-out among the more basic sausage balls your guests have likely had before.

Muffuletta Pinwheels

Based off the famous New Orleans sandwich, these bite-size pinwheels pack a punch of flavor thanks to layers of ham, salami, and cheese.

Cheese Straws

Delightfully crunchy and savory, it wouldn't be a Southern get-together without a plate of cheese straws. "This is the perfect cheese straw recipe!" says Allrecipes user Laura C.

Southern Made Cheese Ball

Creole-style seasoning is the secret ingredient in this utterly Southern cheese ball. "I made this for a party and had everyone raving," says user Jami C. "I was lucky to even get it to the party because my family wanted it for themselves!"

Southern Cajun Boiled Peanuts

Boiled peanuts by themselves are a Southern treat, but this amped up recipe takes this Southern snack to a whole new level. Tangy pickles, spicy peppers, and salty Cajun seasoning transforms them into an irresistible appetizer.

Vidalia Sweet Onion Dip

Vidalia onions, a sweet variety that is grown exclusively in Georgia, is the star of this savory dip. This recipe is great served with everything from crackers to fresh veggie slices. It's even better if the flavors have had a day or two to "mingle."

Grape Jelly Meatballs

Sweet grape jelly melds with spicy chili sauce to create an irresistible glaze for tender meatballs. Switch the heat setting to low, and serve straight out of the slow cooker to guests.

Kentucky Beer Cheese Spread

"If you're a fan of beer and cheese like I am, you're going to enjoy this unique and super-easy cheese spread," says recipe creator Chef John. And since this spread is served cold, you don't have to worry about it becoming too thick like warm cheese dips when they cool.

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Alabama Fire Crackers

Transform a sleeve of basic crackers into a wow-worthy appetizer. Flavored with packets of ranch dressing seasoning, spicy red pepper flakes, and peppy garlic powder, these crackers are excellent as-is or served with a creamy dip.

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

With so much of the South having access to fresh seafood, it's a no-brainer to make these crab stuffed mushrooms. If fresh crab isn't available near you, or it's not in this year's budget, recipe creator Wilma Scott says you can easily substitute in imitation or canned crab meat.