Melted Cheese Appetizers That'll Warm Your Soul

October 12, 2018
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Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey
When the going gets tough (or even if everything is great), drown yourself in cheese. 
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Greek Crab Dip

Time Inc., Video Studio
Greek Crab Dip Recipe

With the salty richness of feta cheese and brightness from fresh lemon juice and herbs, this is an incredible twist on a classic creamy crab dip. Lump crab meat gives the dip an added touch of decadence, but it could also be made with less-expensive claw meat. Served with warm, crusty baguette slices this savory crab dip is the perfect “something different” to bring to your next potluck or party.  

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Flaming Cheese (Saganaki)

Time Inc. Video Studio
Flaming Cheese (Saganaki) Recipe

This decadent cheesy appetizer is easy to make, fun to serve, and sure to impress. Enjoy this gooey, buttery melted cheese dish right from the skillet with plenty of toasted bread. Kasseri is a Greek cheese made from a blend of sheep and goat’s milk; good kasseri cheese can be found at Middle Eastern markets, or you can purchase a block online.  

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Lobster and Corn Quesadillas 

Photo: Sara Tane
Lobster and Corn Quesadillas  Recipe

Inspired by a simple, classic lobster and corn chowder, these decadent Maine lobster quesadillas can be served family-style as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or plated with a simple green salad for an exceptional meal. If you want to go with a milder cheese, shredded Monterey Jack or Swiss would both work great. Filled with delicate sweetness and savory richness, this high-low dish is sure to be a dinner party hit. 

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Everything Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers

Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Blakeslee Giles; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
Everything Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

We all know that the addictiveness of the savory everything spice blend is amplified when paired with smooth cream cheese. Each popper is bursting with flavor and a variety of optional toppings keeps each bite interesting (and makes for a gorgeous platter). It seems you've found your new go-to party appetizer. Make sure that the jalapenos are par-cooked  before adding the cream cheese filling to ensure that the cream cheese doesn't burn. 

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Blue-Cheese Puffs

Photo: Alexandra Grablewski; Styling: Lynn Miller
Blue-Cheese Puffs Recipe

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Jalapeño Popper Dip

Photo: kenzipooch
Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe

Creamy cheese, crisp bacon, and spicy jalapeño. What more could you want in a dip?

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Beer and Cheese Dip

Beer and Cheese Dip Recipe

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Loaded Totchos

Styling: Rishon Hanners and Audrey Davis, Photo: Caitlin Bensel
Loaded Totchos Recipe

This sensational spud riff on nachos is an hommage to party food lovers everywhere. Loaded with toppings and drizzled with a hot cheese dip, these totchos are ready to rock and roll right onto your plate.

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Deviled Crab Melts

Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Deviled Crab Melts Recipe

Kick off a summer party with crunchy crostinis topped with lightly spiced crab, fresh tomatoes, and gooey cheese. Keep a close eye on the crab melts when they are under the broiler and pull the pan out of the oven just as the cheese is starting to brown.

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Harvest-Baked Brie

Harvest-Baked Brie Recipe
This Harvest-Baked Brie is a wheel of Brie topped with fig jam, cranberries, rosemary and toasted pecans, and is folded up in a puff pastry.

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Stuffed Mushrooms

Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro, Laura Zapalowski
Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Olive Garden is famous for its generous portions of classic Italian dishes: pasta, pizza, breadsticks and that endless salad. The clam-stuffed mushrooms are a treat as a starter. Go out for a batch tonight, or try our easy at-home version.

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Fried Mozzarella-Stuffed Zucchini

Time Inc. Video Studio
Fried Mozzarella-Stuffed Zucchini Recipe

This mozzarella stick-meets-zucchini fries hybrid is an awesome way to change up your appetizer game; not to mention, it’s a great recipe for getting picky eaters to munch on some vegetables. And if you’re finding yourself a little worn out on summer’s abundance of zucchini, stuffing the veggie with cheese and then deep-frying gives it an incredibly tasty transformation. 

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Spider Bagel Pizza Bites

Photo: Kate Sears; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps    
Spider Bagel Pizza Bites Recipe

These adorablly spooky pizza bagel bites make a tasty app for guests before your Halloween feast starts.

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Inside-Out Spiced Brie

Photo: Lisa Romerein; Styling: Dani Fisher
Inside-Out Spiced Brie Recipe
This twist on the classic whole melted brie is great for cocktail parties—and it's incredibly easy. We love how the spices toast while the cheese warms up. If you're not a fan of hot and spicy, just omit the chile flakes.

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Pepper-Glazed Goat Cheese Gratin

Jonny Valiant
Pepper-Glazed Goat Cheese Gratin Recipe
This warm, sweet-spicy goat cheese dip is an easy alternative to a cheese plate.
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Warm Kale-and-Asiago Dip

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas 
Warm Kale-and-Asiago Dip Recipe
Bacon and trendy kale update the hot spinach dip.

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Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl
Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip Recipe
If you're looking for a warm appetizer to serve at your next gathering, offer guests the popular Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip. Pepper Jack cheese lends a kick to this classic dip.

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Warm Brie With Ginger-Citrus Glaze

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey
Warm Brie With Ginger-Citrus Glaze Recipe
If you are serving bread with this warm cheese, place slices on the same baking sheet with the Brie. They will toast while the cheese cooks.
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