Serve these recipes for snacks, dips and appetizers at your March Madness party and guests will be hoping for overtime.
39 Appetizers for Your March Madness Watch Party
Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Blanket
For New Year’s, I used to make beef and cheddar pigs in a blanket, but now I like apple and Gouda for an even better flavor celebration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin
1/39
2/39
Nacho Tots
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can't find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are wonderful, too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 378 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1152mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
3/39
Coconut Chicken and Shrimp
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was looking for a fun, easy weeknight dinner based on our favorite shrimp dish that was healthier than fast food. This has become a favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 659 calories, 31g fat (14g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
4/39
Crudite Dip
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
To bring out the crudite dip’s tangy flavor, chill it before serving. This will allow the flavors time to blend. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 102 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
5/39
Taco Pinwheels
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 dozen pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
These pinwheels come together quickly when you start with leftover taco meat. They make an appealing party appetizer served with salsa, or a fun lunch option with a salad on the side. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 51 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
6/39
Bruschetta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I drew inspiration from my grandma’s recipe for this garden-fresh bruschetta. The crisp bread and tomato goodness make a great party appetizer, but the dish also works alongside your favorite Italian entree. —Jean Franzoni, Rutland, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 77 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
7/39
Pizza Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
24 servings (about 3 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
You can assemble this easy appetizer in a jiffy. The pizza dip goes very fast, so you may want to make two batches. —Stacie Morse, South Otselic, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 62 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
8/39
Tangy Barbecue Wings
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
2 dozen wings (2 sections each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 wing (2 sections): 178 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
9/39
Cucumber Party Sandwiches
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is cooking. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 53 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
10/39
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves Buffalo wings, but they are so messy! These Buffalo chicken rolls are mess-free and always go fast at parties—and they're much tastier than regular Buffalo wings, if you ask me. —Tiffinie Cichon, Gulfport, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 175 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
11/39
Cheeseburger Dip
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
16 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
This fun dip recipe uses ingredients that I always have in the fridge, so it's easy to throw together on short notice. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 157 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 225mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
12/39
Teriyaki Shish Kabobs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 306 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 1203mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
13/39
Game-Day Thai Chicken Meatballs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These Thai chicken meatballs make a great game-day snack. We also like to serve them as a main dish over stir-fried veggies. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 98 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 369mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
14/39
Homemade Guacamole
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
15/39
Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this dish to fill two pans because these sliders disappear fast. Cut the recipe in half if you want one batch. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 380 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
16/39
Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Wondering how to make potato skins taste great? Both crisp and hearty, this restaurant-quality snack is one that my family requests often. —Trish Perrin, Keizer, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 potato skin: 350 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
17/39
Glazed Chicken Wings
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this easy wing recipe from a cousin on Vancouver Island during a visit there a few years ago. They're an appealing appetizer, but also a favorite for Sunday lunch with rice and a salad. —Joan Airey, Rivers, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 86 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
18/39
Hot Cheese Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
When a colleague brought this cheesy dip to school for a teachers potluck, I immediately gave it an A+. I had to have the recipe for this irresistibly creamy recipe to make for my family! —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 201 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
19/39
Antipasto Skewers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. —Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 66 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
20/39
Like ‘Em Hot Wings
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These spicy Buffalo-style chicken wings are wonderfully seasoned. They are an easy, crowd-pleasing snack that disappears quickly. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken wing section: 43 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
21/39
Blue Cheese Garlic Bread
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an irresistible way to dress up an ordinary loaf of bread. Serve slices as an appetizer or with a meal. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 250 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
22/39
Spicy Crab Dip
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
With cayenne pepper and hot sauce (both optional), this delicious dip doubles up on the heat. Chock-full of crabmeat, this appetizer feels special, yet it only takes minutes to prepare. —Carol Forcum, Marion, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 82 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
23/39
Smoky Jalapenos
Total Time
55 min
Servings
14 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
When I make these bacon-wrapped appetizers, there are no leftovers. They can also be made with mild banana peppers or yellow chili peppers. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 86 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
24/39
Taco Meatball Ring
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. —Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 203 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 457mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
25/39
Pretzel Bread Bowl with Cheese Dip
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our town is known as Pretzel City—even our local sports teams are known as The Pretzels. I came up with this dish for an annual community recipe contest. People couldn’t believe that the delicious bread had pretzels in the mix! For variety, try using different flavors of pretzels. —Andrea Johnson, Freeport, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 212 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 445mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
26/39
Chinese Meatballs
Total Time
3 hours 35 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These were a huge hit at a cookout I attended recently! You can use two tablespoons of chopped crystallized ginger in place of the fresh ginger if you like. —Pat Barnes, Panama City, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 41 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
27/39
Smoked Deviled Eggs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Give all those leftover Easter eggs a flavor upgrade. The grilling step gives these deviled eggs a distinctive smoky taste that will have everyone talking. —Catherine Woods, Lexington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 52 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 91mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
28/39
Portobello Mushroom and Cream Cheese Taquitos
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This party appetizer was inspired by a dish I saw on an episode of Top Chef. I simplified it a little and tweaked the flavors a bit. The taquitos can be made ahead and reheated in a 250° oven for 10 minutes. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 375 calories, 25g fat (7g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
29/39
Caramel Corn
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 5-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
My guests say they can't stop eating my caramel corn! For our basketball party I fix enough to fill a big red tin with our team's logo. The delectable syrup coats the popcorn well but isn't sticky. —Sharon Landeen, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 230 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 343mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
30/39
Queso Fundido
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Dig in to this one-skillet dip and enjoy the gooey cheese and the spicy kicks from chorizo and pepper jack. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 161 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 365mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
31/39
Mac and Cheese Bites
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. To my surprise, it was the adults who devoured these mini mac and cheese bites. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
32/39
Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fabulous sauce, green pepper and pineapple chunks transform premade meatballs into something special. Serving them over rice makes for a satisfying main dish. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
5 meatballs: 389 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
33/39
Jalapeno Ranch Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2-1/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Ranch dressing got its start on a real dude ranch in California. Punch up the western original with green salsa, green chiles, jalapenos and cilantro for more color and spice. Serve the dip along with your favorite wings to feed a crowd. —Lindsay Duke, Goodrich, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without chicken wings): 252 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 502mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
34/39
Italian Meatball Buns
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These soft little rolls come with a pleasant surprise inside—savory Italian meatballs. The apps are wonderful dipped in marinara sauce, which makes them fun for my grandkids—and adults too. I love how easy they are to put together. —Trina Linder-Mobley, Clover, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 bun with 1 tablespoon sauce: 98 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
35/39
Three-Pepper Guacamole
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're serious about guacamole, use a molcajete. The lava stone makes a big difference on the pepper paste and is fun for guests. — Laura Levy, Lyons, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without chips): 76 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
36/39
Turkey & Swiss Biscuit Sliders
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my favorite things to whip up in the kitchen is homemade buttermilk biscuits. Simple sandwiches are a wonderful way to showcase these melt-in-your-mouth treats. —Cindy Esposito, Bloomfield, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 198 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
37/39
Chili-Lime Chicken Wings
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Who would have guessed that mixing maple syrup, chili sauce and lime juice would make chicken wings taste so good? Family and guests alike will scramble to ensure they get more than one of these utterly delicious wings - so be sure to make extras! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 142 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
38/39
Sesame Chicken Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
36 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can't tell you how many times I'm asked to bring this easy dip to holidays, birthday parties or girls' weekend getaways. It's fresh and light, and it has the Asian flavors that make it stand out. The rice crackers are a must! —Dawn Schutte, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip: 97 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
39/39
Chicken Nachos
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken nachos recipe is delicious and so simple. Rotisserie (or leftover) chicken keeps it quick, and the seasonings and splash of lime juice lend fantastic flavor. My husband enjoys this snack so much that he often requests it for dinner! —Gail Cawsey, Geneseo, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 221 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
