Entertaining Made Easy: 15 Tasty Snacks You Can Serve Cold

Make entertaining easy by serving up some cold snacks so you can have more time to enjoy your guests. From creamy dips to crunchy candied nuts and sweet treats like chocolate-covered pretzels, cold snacks are as versatile as they are delicious.

Air Fryer Candied Pecans

Candied pecans in a small blue bowl. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

Sweet, crunchy candied pecans have never been easier. These delicious nuts are ready in less than 10 minutes using the air fryer. Coated in sweet brown sugar and cinnamon with just a hint of maple syrup, these candied nuts are great as a snack.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Candied Pecans

Ranch Snack Mix

Ranch party mix is an easy recipe made with just a few simple ingredients. This mix is nut-free and comes together quickly. A mix of pretzels, Bugles, crackers, and Chex coated in savory ranch seasoning will become your new favorite snack. Super easy to customize based on what you have in the pantry.

Get the Recipe: Ranch Snack Mix

Eggnog Dip

A bowl of eggnog fluff with apple slices and cookies. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

This easy and quick eggnog dessert dip is the perfect treat for the holidays! Coming together in minutes it’s made with creamy vanilla pudding, frozen whipped topping, and a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg. Serve with cookies, fruit slices, or pretzels.

Get the Recipe: Eggnog Dip

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Pretzel rods dipped in chocolate and sprinkles. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

Crunchy, salty pretzel rods coated in decadent milk chocolate make a delicious snack. The combination of chocolate and salt goes perfectly together. Get creative and add sprinkles, crushed mint, or chopped nuts.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Sour Cream Chive Dip

Sour cream and chive dip with chips. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

This sour cream and chive dip, made with fresh chives, is creamy, tangy, and full of flavor. A blend of sour cream and mayonnaise makes the base of this dip, which is blended with chives, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon. This dip is perfect for serving with a big bowl of chips or fresh garden veggies.

Get the Recipe: Sour Cream Chive Dip

Slow Cooker Candied Nuts

Candied nuts in a crystal bowl — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

Candied nuts are a popular holiday snack and these slow cooker candied nuts are sure to become a favourite. Coated in brown sugar and maple syrup and seasoned with aromatic apple pie spice these nuts are a sweet treat that is crunchy and addictive.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Candied Nuts

Pecan Turtles

Pecans and caramel coated in chocoalte. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

Chocolate pecan turtles are a holiday favorite. Crunchy toasted pecans are chopped and smothered in smooth, creamy caramel then topped with a layer of chocolate. They are always a hit and only take about an hour to make.

Get the Recipe: Pecan Turtles

Baked Pita Chips

A pita chip and veggies with a bowl of dip. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

These crispy baked pita chips are the perfect crunchy snack. Brushed with oil, and sprinkled with seasonings, these crispy chips are a great snack on their own or with your favorite dip. Enjoy them with tzatziki, salsa, or a bowl of melty cheese dip. They are quick and easy to make, baking in only 10 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Baked Pita Chips

Elote Dip

Corn dip with cilantro and feta cheese. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

A flavourful dip of corn, spices, cheese, and lime, Elote dip turns delicious Mexican street corn into a tasty appetizer or snack that is easy to prepare. Made with simple ingredients, this dip comes together quickly and is packed with flavor.

Get the Recipe: Elote Dip

Chocolate Peanut Clusters

Peanut clusters coated in chocolate. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

Crunch and sweet, chocolate-covered peanut clusters are a decadent candy that is incredibly easy to make. Dry roasted peanuts are mixed with melted chocolate, scooped into clusters, and allowed to set. A few candy sprinkles or a dusting of sea salt makes them extra special.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Clusters

Mango Habanero Salsa

Salsa with mango, tomato, peppers, and cilantro in a bowl. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

This fresh salsa is bursting with juicy sweet mango, Roma tomatoes, bell peppers, and spicy habaneros. Combined with fresh cilantro and lime, this sweet and spicy salsa is delicious with a bowl of tortilla chips.

Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Cinnamon Pita Chips

Pita chips with cinnamon and sugar. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

These baked cinnamon sugar pita chips are sweet and crispy. Brushed with butter, and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, these crispy, sweet chips are a great snack on their own or with your favorite dessert dip.

Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Pita Chips

Chocolate Covered Gummy Bears

Sweet, fruity gummy bears coated in milk chocolate are a delicious, gourmet treat that you can make quickly and easily in your own kitchen. Chocolate-covered gummy bears are made with simple ingredients and are a fun treat to add to any snack tray.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Gummy Bears

Pumpkin Fluff Dip

A bowl of pumpkin dip with caramel drizzle with a plate of cinnamon pita chips. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

With the warm spices and the flavor of pumpkin pie, this dip is delicious with cookies, cinnamon chips, or fruit. Serve it as a snack, or scoop it into tart shells for a quick, no-bake dessert.

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Fluff Dip

Crispy Pasta Chips

These air-fried pasta chips make a fun, quick snack. Just take some cooked pasta noodles, toss them in some cheese and seasoning, and air fry until crisp. These little chips are an addicting little treat. Serve with your favorite dip and enjoy.

Get the Recipe: Crispy Pasta Chips