:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Bacon_Wrapped_Smokies_008-5a59cdd0a69f405289dd97e6b16108f4.jpg)
When autumn rolls around, we know we can expect chilly days, colorful leaves, and plenty of trips to Grandma’s house. Whether it’s for the weekly Sunday football watch party or the highly anticipated Thanksgiving feast, one thing’s for certain: the food at Grandma’s always brings us together. From the savory crunch of cheddar cheese straws to the buttery perfection of sweet potato biscuits, many of these appetizers have been passed down through generations and continue to make every fall gathering special. Here are a dozen recipes you can try in honor of your Grandma’s good cooking.
Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Grandma has a knack for turning simple ingredients into something spectacular, and these stuffed mushrooms are no exception. According to one five-star reviewer, this appetizer is “so easy to throw together and absolutely delicious.”
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Fluffy and buttery with a hint of sweetness, this appetizer puts a fun and festive spin on the classic biscuits Grandma made us as kids. The dough for these sweet potato biscuits can be customized to include cinnamon, cheese, or even bacon.
Caitlin Bensel
Nothing says Sunday football like this dreamy 6-ingredient appetizer. This recipe allows your slow cooker to do most of the work while you focus on the rest of dinner. In other words, it’s Grandma-approved.
Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Grandma loves an elegant and effortless recipe, and this appetizer is far less complicated than it sounds. Brie, puff pastry, pepper jelly, and egg wash are all you need to get an appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion.
There’s no quicker way to please a crowd than with Grandma’s cheese dip, and this recipe happens to include a generous helping of crab meat. “This was delicious. Everyone loved it,” one five-star reviewer said.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Grandma’s spinach and artichoke dip is always a crowd favorite, and when you add three cheeses, it becomes even more irresistible. This recipe calls for cream cheese, Monterrey Jack, and parmesan cheese.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
It doesn’t get much more nostalgic than these bacon wrapped bites of heaven. This 3-ingredient recipe will surely have your guests coming back for seconds.
When you transform Grandma’s chicken pot pie into bite-sized morsels, you get a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will be gone in a matter of minutes. These handheld pies use buttery crescent dough, saving you time without sacrificing any of the flavor.
It’s not a Southern gathering without the deviled eggs, and Grandma always makes the best. “Love the little crunch and sour/sweetness from the dill pickle relish,” one five-star reviewer said.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Nothing beats the sharp, savory crunch of cheese straws fresh from Grandma’s oven. This classic recipe is reminiscent of the generational, homec-ooked cheese straws we all know and love.
Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin
Grandma’s stash of Hawaiian rolls is the secret to the perfect sliders, especially for a Sunday football watch party. Customize this recipe with your favorite deli meats and cheeses, but when in doubt, our classic ham and Gruyère recipe always does the trick.
Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
Pimento cheese and family gatherings go hand-in-hand. You’ll find this on Grandma’s dining table all year long, but somehow it tastes even better when football season rolls around.