You know when someone sets down a plate of apps, it’s serious.
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As a college-age host, making these preciously prepared snacks say, “Hey, I’m trying to be a real-world human being, appreciate my class. Don’t worry I have guac, too.” Appetizers are like a pregame before a great night out, but for your dinner, and it gives guests confidence that the full meal will be killer. Feast your eyes on these snacks, appetizers, small plates, hors d’oeuvres—no matter which euphemism you use they’re a sophisticated touch to your student life.
1. Wine and Cheese
Photo by Jocelyn Hsu
A class act that is great to indulge in while your epic chicken dinner is cooking, or as a meal of its own. If your cheese to wine ratio is on, it’s a balanced meal, right?
2. Cheese’n’sausage balls with dip
Photo by Elizabeth Layman
Can’t go wrong with these baked balls. Cheesy, meaty and overall pleasing with a side of creamy mustard dip.
3. Pickle & ham pinwheels
Photo by Elizabeth Layman
This go-to platter can be rolled and toothpicked in minutes, especially since you should always have a jar of pickles in your fridge.
4. Fried pickles
Photo by Elizabeth Layman
Speaking of pickles, we like ours fried too. Deep fried pickles are a delicacy of the South and county fairs. You might think you’re above fried food after living off of dining hall food, but you’re not.
5. Salmon dip
Photo by Eva Reynolds
Your taste buds might not be sophisticated enough to handle a full salmon fillet, but ease yourself and your friends into the tasty world of seafood with this incredible salmon dip. Quick, someone grab the crackers or we’re gonna use our hands.
6. Not-your-average chips
Photo by Maddy Shannon
Save your Doritos, Tostitos, or any “ito” family member for your drunchie fix, and satisfy your craving with a refined variation of apple, kale or sweet potato chips.
7. Dining hall bruschetta
Photo by Yair Sakols
Learning how to navigate the dining hall is an under-appreciated skill that should be acceptable on resumes. Even though there are plenty #collegefood fails, there are also some wins, like this bruschetta courtesy of the salad bar. Click here for the Ultimate Dining Hall Hacks.
8. Marinated olives
Photo by Charlotte Hull
Quick, easy, salty, savory, juicy—all things we love, especially when it comes to olives. Add a dirty martini to your pre-dinner shenanigans and have a real party.
8. Roasted chickpeas
Photo by Kirby Barth
Last time we checked, chickpeas are the new quinoa in the world of health foods, so nosh on these semi-guilt free roasted chickpeas all you want.
9. Bacon wrapped dates
Photo by Maya Krasnow
Bacon wrapped dates are a no-brainer, especially when you stuff them with rosemary and goat cheese.
10. Skinny dip 3 ways
Photo by Kathryn Stouffer
Photo by Kathryn Stouffer
Photo by Kathryn Stouffer
Whether it’s the black bean, salsa, or sweet apple dip, these dips will help your maintain your swim suit (or birthday suit) body.
11. Chocolate pretzel bites
Photo by Rozina Fonyo
Since you’re kind of a grown up, you can kind of get away with having dessert for an appetizer. Emphasis on the kind of, but regardless it’s still a trendy pairing of sweet and salty.
12. Parmesan-baked edamame
Photo by Elyse Belarge
They’re like the roasted chickpeas less-hipster cousin, but their melt-in-your-mouth coating makes up for it.
13. Homemade spring rolls
Photo by Jessica Chu
Take out is tempting, but put down the phone, you can do this. Show your friends who’s boss in the kitchen before the real meal even comes out by making your own spring rolls.
14. Bacon jalapeño poppers
Photo by Brian Cleary
Watch out, these little rolls will getcha.
15. DIY Guacamole
Photo from DIY guacamole video by Julie Adam
You can’t go wrong with a bag of chips and zesty guac. Plus, you don’t have to wait for a waiter to bring out another bowl when you devour it in minutes (seconds*).