Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Party Snacks and Dips Recipe Roundup

California Clam Dip

For your holiday munching pleasure

We’re deep into holiday season, and you’re probably planning to throw a bash or two.

But what to eat? You’ll need munchies, of course. So we’ve collected some of our favorite past recipes for savory goodies that fit the bill.

We’ll be enjoying these, too. This is our last post of the year (so we’ll have time to party hearty). See you again in 2018.


Crab Rangoon Dip

Holiday Dip Recipes
Candied Bacon

Holiday Snack Recipes
Milk Punch Cocktail

Holiday Cookies and Cocktails. And Thanks!

OK, man doesn’t live by dips and snacks alone. You’ll also need a nice cocktail to lubricate the holidays, plus a few sweets to round out the menu. So check out our previous recipe-roundup post for Christmas Cookies and Cocktails.

Happy Holidays! We’re grateful to everyone who drops by and reads our blog. Thank you.

See you next year.

88 comments:

Angie's Recipes said...

I have never thought of using clams in a dip! That candied bacon is still my top favourite!
Have a great holiday season, John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, that bacon is hard to resist, isn't it? :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!

Gerlinde de Broekert said...

You are tempting me with the clam dip. I have to put onion soup mix on my shopping list. Merry Christmas John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde, the onion soup in that clam dip is evil, but so good! Love the stuff. Thanks for the comment. And Merry Christmas! Not to mention Happy New Year. :-)

Lydia from Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen said...

A good onion dip on a crisp, salty chip...snacker's heaven! Thanks for sharing with us all year long. Hope you have a great holiday. See you in the New Year :)

Laura Dembowski said...

It doesn't get better than dips and snacks at a party. I would happily skip a main course with these on my side :)

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen said...

I could easily make a meal of appetizers. And reading this post is making me really hungry! Have a fabulous rest of 2017!

Savor The Best-Pat said...

Yum! That is a nice round-up of goodies, John. The clam dip is definitely a must. Isn't it amazing what you can do with a package of onion soup. Love it! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lydia, that onion dip is really good. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, yup, we can definitely eat several of these instead of a regular meal. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelise, sorry about that hunger thing. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat, that clam dip recipe is so 50's, and SO good! :-) Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas!

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

Have a happy holiday John. These dips have me drooling and wouldn't you know I'm having a great day fasting and not because I want too! Your killing me!

Tricia Buice said...

Fantastic roundup - and how did you know I've been looking for a good cheese straw recipe!? Thanks John. I hope you and your wonderful wife have a fun and blessed holiday season.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, sorry about the fasting and these goodies. Tomorrow you can indulge. :-) Thanks for the comment. And Happy Holidays!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, love those cheese straws! SO good. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!

Chef Mimi said...

What a fun post! And those stunning photos! Merry Christmas!

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

It's always good to have party snack ideas on hand! I never know what to make!

Mae Travels said...

Your dips all appeal to my munchie bone -- I like the way you convert other classics to a dip. But I found a better way: I invited someone to host a party at my house. Because of location, it's more convenient for guests to come here. Because I am lazy it's more convenient for her to figure out the menu and just assign me a dish to make. So I don't need dips! But maybe I will some day.

best ... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mimi, party food IS fun! :-) Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, now you'll have to throw a party just so you can make some of these. :D Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, that's sounds like a great way to have a party! Thanks for the comment.

Denise Browning said...

Oh, my! All of them sound simply delish. It's great to have handy recipes for the holidays. Merry Xmas!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, handy recipes are, well, handy. :-) Thanks for the comment and Merry Christmas!

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

Great roundup! I love all the snacks and dips! I hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, this is a snackin' time of the year, isn't it? Love it! :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!

Food Gal said...

Ooh, that clam dip looks sooo dangerous. I think if I made it, I'd polish it off before any of my guests arrived. I guess that means I have to make a double batch. Happy holidays! ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, yup, a double batch is in order. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!

mjskit said...

That first picture with the clam dip on the potato chip makes me really, really hungry! Great list of snacks! Sending it to my BIL for ideas. He's hosting this year and was asking me for appetizer ideas last night. This list is perfect. Thanks and a very Happy Holiday!

Jeff the Chef said...

Thanks for the roundup. I really need to make candied bacon one of these days. I love it.

Merryn said...

Fantastic and perfect timing tbank you John. Merry VmCjristmas to you, Mrs MKR and your family 🤗

handmade by amalia said...

What a great selection. Nice appetizers do help make a party. Happy Holidays!
Amalia
xo

Agness of Run Agness Run said...

Yummy! This is such a great list of snacks which I will definitely try for the upcoming holidays, John. I fell in love with that dip! ;)

Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) said...

Merry Christmas to you and your Family John. Great line of of appetizers - my favorite way to eat.

Deb|EastofEdenCooking said...

Great snacks are so addicting! So many choices, so much good food! We are blessed to have such abundance this holiday season. Happy Holidays John!

Debra Eliotseats said...

It's a great time to do these holiday round-ups. It helps us remember all the great posts throughout the year. I could make a meal alone on dips and appetizers (and cocktails and cookies)! Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Healthy World Cuisine said...

John, these photos are food porn! Wow, just stunning. Seriously speaking though we have not had pimento cheese spread in decades. So need to make this again soon. Wishing you and Mr.s Riff and Family a very safe and happy holiday season and a super 2018!

Judy Purcell said...

Wow, quite the tasty line-up! Merry Christmas to you and yours, may the New Year bring even more culinary delights. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, I hope your BIL finds this useful! And I love that clam dip. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, candied bacon is da bomb! It always goes like hotcakes. Or should I say it always goes like candied bacon? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Merryn, hope this is useful! Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amalia, love it when it's party time! Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Agness, it's way to easy to fall in love with that dip! Good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lea Ann, yup, we could have nothing but appetizers for dinner. And have! :-) Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deb, snacks really are addicting, aren't they? In a good sort of way. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, we've pigged out on most of these for dinner at one time or another. A fun way to eat (although not every day!). Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, pimento cheese is SO GOOD! We haven't had it for ages, and are planning to again. Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Judy, there's some good stuff here. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

OK, I want to try them all, so many good recipes to try for the holidays. But the candied bacon pic...SEXY! Wishing you and your family a very Happy and MERRY Holiday!

Unknown said...

Clams in a dip sounds like a delicious idea. My little would love it. Great round up.
Happy Holidays!!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, that candied bacon is wonderful stuff! Thanks for the comment, and have a wonderful holiday!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Asha, bet you'd like it, too. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!

Sippity Sup said...

Dips, dips, dips! I'm mad for dips. I never make them but I always lust after them at parties. Crunchy, creamy, and a little drippy. They’re the perfect excuse to take a nibble of something you may have never thought was quite right for you, or sneak a taste of some forgotten treat you long since swore off. I love dips. GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, so, tell us how you feel about dips? :-) Thanks for the comment.

GiGi Eats Celebrities said...

I would be all over those roasted chickpeas, which is WHY I cannot have them around because I would legit eat them ALL! hahaha! No one else would even have a chance to snag any! lol

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, who can resist roasted chickpeas? They're wonderful. aren't they? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Katerina said...

These dips are great especially these days that gatherings and dinners are happening almost every day! Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Katerina, can't have too many dips at this time of the year! :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!

amira said...

Love the artichoke dip, it is one f my favorite... Happy holidays John and Merry Christmas to all of you.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, artichoke dip is wonderful, isn't it? Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas!

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

Terrific line-up of recipes! Enjoy your holidays!

Eva Taylor said...

I am loving this round up, I’ve been out of ideas and tired so having them all in one place is awesome. Hope your eyes are coming along. I wish you and Mrs. KR a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, thanks! And Happy Holidays!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eva, eyes are doing well -- my eyesight is almost back to where it was before the surgery (it takes a couple of months before it reaches "normal"). Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

So many winners! There are quite a few I want to print off for future entertaining. Wishing you and Mrs. KR a very Merry Christmas!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, you can't have too many recipes for munchies, can you? :-) Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas!

Frank said...

You could gain some serious weight sampling all those dips, John. But I think I might have to give it a try anyway. ;-) Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Frank, yup, serious weight gain IS a downside of sampling all of these. Worth it, though. :D Thanks for the comment,and Merry Christmas!

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Have a very Merry Christmas. I'm wondering which one of your many cocktails you will be celebrating the holidays with.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, we're having bubbly! Can't beat Champagne at this time of the year. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas!

Emma @ Bake Then Eat said...

I could quite happily live off of chips and dips at this time of year. Great round up, I hope you and your family had a great Christmas :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Emma, this is one of the few times of the year we eat this type of stuff. Love it when we do! :-) Thanks for the comment., and hope your holiday was wonderful!

Marcellina said...

The Velveeta Tex Mex dip looks so easy and delicious! In Australia we don't have Velveeta, do you think Philadelphia Cream cheese would be a good substitute?

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcellina, cream cheese might work, but the flavor would be all wrong. I'd just melt some cheddar -- better flavor, and that's how the dip is often made. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Anne@ASaladForAllSeasons said...

What a great round up of apps! I love your variety of salsas. And that photo of that potato chip dressed perfectly in the clam dip...wow! But I'm afraid that candied bacon would never make it out to my guests! Yummy stuff! Thanks for your great ideas! And Happy New Year to you and Mrs. KR! :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anne, that candied bacon is impossible to resist. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy New Year!

lisa is cooking said...

Happy Holidays! I think I could live on dips and snacks. At least for the next few days. Love this list.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lisa, we've been having way too much of this list for the last week or so. :-) Fun to do, isn't it? Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Just had to stop back by and wish you all the best in the New Year. Can't wait to see what you will be sharing with us in 2018.

Pam said...

That clam dip sounds great, John! So many good things here! Have a wonderful Happy New Year!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, Happy New Year! We'll have a fun cocktail this coming week. :-)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, isn't this nice? Thanks for the comment, and Happy New Year!

Marion said...

You have sold me on the clam dip. I made it with reservations because a while back I made a dip with a store brand mix which turned out inedible. I was afraid this would be too salty but it's just right and will be made regularly. I can't wait to try more of your dips and sauces. One of my resolutions is to eat more fiber and vegetables. Your recipes will help to make that resolution not only possible but pleasurable, no doubt. At Christmas, I studied your Cajun recipes and made a lovely 'stew' of black eyed peas, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, green pepper, jalapenos, spinach, lots of black pepper, rice, bacon, and Better Than Boullion ham base and let it cook a long time while I did house work. Everything pretty much disintegrated and it wasn't pretty but it was very good and I got to eat a LOT of vegetables painlessly. Now, for something quite different, I am studying the information on making cocktails. Your blog is truly invaluable and I'm looking forward to much, much more. So glad you are recovering well from your surgery. Thanks again and I hope you and your wife have a wonderful 2018. Thanks very much. Yours sincerely, Marion McClung.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marion, glad you like the dip! Enjoy the others. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy New Year!

Marcelle said...

That Crab Rangoon dip looks really good!! As do so many of these other party snacks. We love snacks and appetizers at my house and we will be trying several of yours, John! Great recipe roundup!! Happy New Year to you and the Mrs.!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcelle, hard to have too many snack ideas, isn't it? :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy New Year!

Raymund said...

Amazing round up! Definitely will be helpful for me specially this coming weekend as we have a potluck. Bookmarked!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, enjoy! :-) Thanks for the comment.