Easy Appetizer Ideas
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Delicious, easy appetizer ideas perfect for parties or a lazy night at home! Whether you’re looking for appetizer recipes to make for your next dinner party, happy hour with friends, game day, or a work potluck, we’ve got you covered! We are sharing 50 of the best apps to snack on including bite-sized finger foods, delicious dips, shareable snack platters, sweet treats and more.
There is an easy appetizer recipe for everyone, including warm cheesy snacks, healthy and gluten-free options, and vegetarian and vegan appetizers. Plus, tons of kid-friendly recipes too.
Reasons you’ll love these easy recipes
The appetizer ideas in this collection fall into one or more categories below, which makes them super simple, yet they are all so tasty!
- Quick & easy: Most are ready in less than 20 minutes.
- Simple ingredients: All of these recipes use minimal ingredients and lots of pantry staples.
- Make ahead: Many can be made ahead of time. In fact, most of the dips are even tastier after some chill time in the fridge.
- Delicious: We love tasty apps because everyone can choose what they like best. There is sure to be something for everyone!
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular appetizers?
Some of the most popular American appetizers are nachos, buffalo chicken wings, potato skins, bruschetta and crab cakes.
What are some good finger foods for a party?
We love pigs in a blanket, antipasto skewers, pepperoni pizza rolls, fried mac and cheese balls, deviled eggs, jalapeño poppers, air fryer cauliflower bites and stuffed mushrooms.
What is considered the simplest appetizer?
One of the simplest appetizers is an arrangement of fresh fruits or vegetables. This type of spread is great for everyone, especially health-conscious guests or those with specific diet concerns. We love to serve lots of fresh fruit with our sweet cream cheese fruit dip and freshly-cut veggies with our fresh herb cream cheese dip.
Delicious dips
Become known as the life of the party by always bringing that perfect dip or salsa recipe! Just don’t forget the potato chips, pita chips or crackers for dipping!
From my family’s favorite Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus to my husband’s hit recipe for the Best Salsa to my mom’s go-to Spinach Dip, we have lots of options that are great for large groups or for entertaining your own family at home!
Cream Cheese Dip
This fresh herb cream cheese dip is loaded with flavor and will quickly become your new go-to snack recipe! Not only is it delicious, but it's super quick and easy to whip up!
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Mexican Sour Cream Dip
This Mexican Sour Cream Dip is creamy, cheesy, zesty and totally addicting! It’s made with a blend of sour cream, tomatoes, green chiles, taco seasoning and cheddar cheese. Serve with tortilla chips or Fritos for the ultimate party snack.
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Black-Eyed Pea Dip
Black-Eyed Pea Dip will be the star of your next party and is the ultimate New Year's Eve appetizer. This EASY Black-Eyed Pea Dip recipe is loaded with black-eyed peas (for good luck!), Rotel, green chiles and cheesy deliciousness! Serve with tortilla chips for a crowd pleasing appetizer!
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Grandma’s Clam Dip
Creamy, flavorful, and 100% addicting, my grandma's clam dip will be the star of every party!! This is the perfect chip dip to serve for game day, holiday get togethers, or potlucks. Just be sure to make a double batch because it goes fast!
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Spinach Dip Recipe
Delicious and addicting spinach dip is a cool, creamy blend of sour cream, mayo, spinach and seasonings. It's fresh, flavorful and irresistible! Serve with crackers, sliced cucumber, bell pepper slices or anything else your heart desires.
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Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
This Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip is a mix of spinach, artichoke hearts and three types of cheese, all baked to creamy perfection in your slow cooker. An easy appetizer that's great with a variety of dippers and is always a hit at parties. So cheesy and delicious, you'll never believe it's lightened up!
Greek Yogurt Dip
One of Trader Joe's most popular snack items is the Reduced Guilt Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip, and if you've ever tasted it, you know why it's so loved. The recipe is made with mostly Greek yogurt and vegetables, so there's no need to feel guilty about polishing off an entire bowl of dip! It pairs perfectly with fresh-cut veggies, crackers or chips, and is great for parties and potlucks!
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Cheesy Sausage Dip
Bubbly and hot, cheesy sausage dip is made with two types of cheese, sausage, onion, tomato and spices for an amazing appetizer. If you’re looking for party food that everyone will enjoy, I highly recommend serving this sausage dip recipe for your next event or gathering! You can even add it to a small Crockpot to keep it warm for serving.
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Cilantro Jalapeno Hummus
This copycat recipe of Trader Joe's Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus is a smooth and creamy blend of chickpeas, jalapeños, cilantro, tahini, lemon juice and garlic. Homemade hummus is so much better than anything you’d get at the store, and it also happens to be quick & easy to make!
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3 Easy Dipping Sauces
These delicious, easy dipping sauces are perfect for game day snacking, holiday entertaining or anytime you want to branch out from plain ketchup. Honey mustard, BBQ honey mustard and apricot sweet chili are simple to make and super tasty! Pair them with chicken tenders, smoked sausage, French fries or drizzle them over grilled chicken.
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Easy Chipotle Ranch Dressing or Dip
A super easy chipotle ranch dressing or dip made in the blender with plenty of flavor and a delicious spicy kick. This dip (or dressing) will be a new favorite to drizzle on tacos or Southwestern inspired meals and is so perfect for dipping with tortilla chips.
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Chipotle White Bean Hummus
The most flavorful Chipotle White Bean Hummus made with 4 key ingredients for a delicious snack in just 10 minutes. This easy, slightly spicy hummus recipe is super versatile and makes the perfect dip for veggies, spread for sandwiches, and more. Get ready to fall in love with the smoky flavor of chipotle peppers!
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Crack Dip
An amazing dip for parties with only four ingredients! A creamy base with bacon, cheddar and ranch seasoning mix.
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Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy Caviar is an easy, fresh and flavorful dip made with black-eyed peas, tomatoes and veggies all tossed with creamy avocado in your favorite salsa. Endlessly adaptable, it's the perfect tasty, light, make-ahead dip for any party or gathering!
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Caramelized Onion Dip
This caramelized onion dip is a total crowd pleaser! Serve with chips, pita or bagel crisps, or on sandwiches and burgers. YUM.
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Easy Dill Dip
This easy dill dip is creamy, flavorful, made with fresh herbs and ready in minutes! Dill dip is great served with your favorite fresh chopped vegetables, chips, crackers, and toasted bread!
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Finger foods
Finger foods are great because they are individually portioned and can be eaten without utensils, aren’t usually too messy, and are easy to enjoy when mingling with friends.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are creamy and flavorful with the perfect kick of heat. Bake a batch of these super easy stuffed jalapeños and watch them disappear! The best appetizer recipe for parties, game day or Super Bowl!
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Brie Stuffed Mushrooms
Brie stuffed mushrooms are the ultimate delicious appetizer for any occasion! Not only are these stuffed mushrooms SUPER tasty, this simple recipe makes mushrooms taste so good! Even non-mushroom lovers can't resist brie stuffed mushrooms!
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Best Deviled Eggs
The best deviled eggs made with mayo, sweet pickle juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a few drops of Tabasco sauce. This recipe always gets rave reviews!
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Easy Pulled Pork Sliders
Pulled pork takes a new form in these hearty sandwiches. These pulled pork sliders are warm sandwiches filled with shredded pulled pork and coleslaw. The buns are brushed with a flavorful butter mix and baked to golden brown perfection. These easy pulled pork sliders are super quick to whip up, full of flavor, and absolutely drool-worthy. The ultimate party snack!
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Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Need an idea for using up all of the Thanksgiving leftovers? My favorite way to turn the turkey into a whole new meal is to make Turkey Cranberry Sliders. They couldn't be easier and they are super tasty! Simply fill Hawaiian rolls with turkey, cranberry sauce, your favorite cheese, and you could even add potatoes or stuffing.
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Goat Cheese Crostini
Sweet notes from the honey meld perfectly with the smooth and creamy goat cheese which is then topped with fresh thyme – all complimented by the crunch from the pecans. This is one appetizer everyone is sure to love!
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Salmon Croquettes
Salmon Croquettes are full of flavor, crispy on the outside, and perfectly tender inside. They're easy to make using cooked salmon, breadcrumbs, and herbs, and are ready to serve in just over 30 minutes! Enjoy as a starter or main course with your favorite sides or over a fresh green salad.
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Bacon Wrapped Dates
Bacon Wrapped Dates are a SIMPLE 3 ingredient appetizer that is loved by EVERYONE! Salty, smokey bacon is wrapped around a sweet Medjool date that has been stuffed with a pecan or almond and baked to crispy-soft perfection for an irresistible appetizer!
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Coconut Shrimp
Homemade coconut shrimp that's super crispy with a wonderful coconut crunchiness. Easy & quick enough to enjoy on busy weeknights! It takes a few minutes to set up the ingredients for breading the shrimp, but once you get rollin’, you’ll have hot, crispy coconut shrimp ready to eat in no time!
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Caprese Skewers – Love and Lemons
These Caprese skewers are a fun, fresh party appetizer! They’re made with cherry tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and an easy balsamic glaze.
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Homemade Taquitos – Love and Lemons
These easy homemade taquitos are the ultimate party appetizer! Crispy corn tortillas are rolled over a spicy, cheesy filling. Delicious with salsa and guac!
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Cranberry Brie Bites (+Video)
Cranberry Brie Bites are a super easy but beautiful appetizer. Made with crescent roll dough, brie, cranberry sauce and a sprig of rosemary!
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Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce
The easiest party appetizer on the planet is also the most delicious. Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce is a lifesaver for hungry crowds.
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Ham and Swiss Puff Pastry Twists.
This ham and swiss puff pastry is twisted into a beautiful holiday star and such a delicious crowd-pleasing appetizer! Melty cheese and crispy ham are layered with the buttery, flaky pastry and baked until golden. This is so good!
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Keto Sausage Balls Recipe With Cream Cheese
Make keto sausage balls with cream cheese using just 6 ingredients + 25 minutes! This easy sausage ball recipe makes an irresistible low carb appetizer or snack.
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Snack mixes
Quick and easy snack mixes that are totally addictive! These recipes are so tasty that they are sure to disappear quick!
Chex Mix Recipe
Are you ready for the Best Chex Mix Recipe ever? This snack is absolutely irresistible! It's not your everyday Chex cereal mix that you can find at the grocery store. Instead, we have a beautifully golden, buttery, savory, salty mix of crunchy goodness that will have you reaching for more until the very last bite. It’s easy to make and everyone loves it!
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Candied Pecans
Delicious Candied Pecans cooked in the microwave in less than 10 minutes! This sweet treat is made with pecans coated in a brown sugar glaze, spiced with cinnamon to make an addicting snack for any occasion! They work great as a holiday treat, for gift giving or as a topping for salads, pancakes, yogurt and so much more!
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Ranch Oyster Crackers
These easy Ranch Oyster Crackers are no bake, full of flavor, and INSANELY addictive! Crackers tossed in butter and spices, yes!
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Homemade Caramel Corn (Old-Fashioned Recipe) – Sally’s Baking Addiction
Brimming with buttery flavor, sweet crunch, and homemade caramel, each handful of this 7-ingredient caramel corn is undeniably irresistible.
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Ooey Gooey Chex Mix
Ooey Gooey Chex Mix is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, crunchy and a soft mixture of cereals, sliced almonds and shredded coconuts all covered in a white chocolate sugar mixture. This is a MUST make for the holiday season!
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Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe
This sweet and salty marshmallow popcorn recipe is great for movie night, game day, Halloween, or any day! It never lasts long!
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Everything Ranch Crackers and Pretzels.
Everything Ranch Crackers and Pretzels: Perfectly seasoned, salty, buttery, crunchy, and cheesy…the easiest holiday appetizer!
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Taco Oyster Crackers
Taco Oyster are delicious seasoned crackers perfect for snacking on! Tossed in taco seasoning they are crunchy with the perfect amount of zip. Great for parties, game night and watching movies.
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Sweet & Spicy Honey Chex Mix – Sally’s Baking Addiction
This completely addicting sweet & spicy honey Chex mix is made with extra sauce for extra flavor! Pour the sauce on top and bake. It’s so easy!
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Charcuterie boards
Charcuterie (pronounced shar-koo-tuh-ree) boards traditionally feature meat and cheese (the definition of charcuterie means a collection of cooked meats). However, now you can find a themed snack tray for just about any occasion! You can find everything from the classic meats and cheeses, to other delicious food such as fruit, candy, veggies, and everything in between!
These are so packed with deliciousness, they can even double as a main dish for dinner!
Veggie Charcuterie Board – The Recipe Critic
Every get-together needs a nutritious veggie charcuterie board full of colorful vegetables beautifully displayed all together. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, this healthy board of fresh veggies is a hit served with a side of hummus and ranch dressing.
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Summer Charcuterie Board
An easy guide for a charcuterie board that's perfect for summer entertaining!
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The Perfect Charcuterie Board
Everything you need to know to make the perfect Charcuterie Board including food ideas, recipes, and pro tips for assembling and displaying your charcuterie board for any season or occasion. This is the easiest way to serve snacks or appetizers in a fun and festive way!
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How to Make a Charcuterie Board
Learn how to make a Charcuterie board for a simple party snack! A meat & cheese board with simple everyday ingredients is an easy appetizer.
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How to Make A Dessert Charcuterie Board
If you’re looking for an easy dessert that will wow your guests, look no further than a dessert charcuterie board! This is the easiest dessert you’ll ever
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How to Make the Perfect Veggie Platter
Customizable and ready to share in just 10 minutes.
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Italian Charcuterie Board
A beautiful Italian Charcuterie board filled with Italian meats and cheeses and paired with sauces, fruits, and vegetables. Perfect to pair with your Italian meal
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Sweet appetizers
It’s always nice to have some sweet snacks to balance out the savory options! They are honestly some of my favorite appetizer recipes!
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks
When you’re looking for a sweet and salty treat that’s fast, easy to make, and everyone loves, this Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks recipe is what you’ll want.
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Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip is a creamy, sweet, delicious treat that’s easy to make with cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, whipping cream and marshmallows. It is great for showers, parties and after school snacks!
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Booty Dip
This cream cheese, no-bake Booty Dip is a creamy and sweet dip that is as easy to whip together as it is to eat with your favorite sweet crackers or apples!
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Best Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies)
The Best Puppy Chow Recipe (AKA: Muddy Buddies) ever! Only 4 ingredients (no butter) and a few minutes results in an irresistible dessert loaded with chocolate and peanut butter!
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Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries (Strawberry Blossoms)
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries are such an easy appetizer idea! They take about 10 minutes to make and are so elegant. Perfect for Valentine’s Day!
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Cheesecake Cups
No-bake cheesecake cups are an easy and delicious sweet treat for just about any occasion. They’re fun to make, and even more fun to eat! Light and fluffy cheesecake filling is layered with sweet graham cracker crust and topped with fresh berries in small glasses (or jars) to create a perfectly portioned, luscious, decadent dessert that everyone loves!
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Banana Pudding Cups
Banana Pudding Cups are an easy and delicious sweet treat for just about any occasion. They’re fun to make, and even more fun to eat! Creamy pudding and fresh bananas are layered with sweet Nilla wafers in small glasses (or cups) to create a perfectly portioned, luscious, decadent dessert that everyone loves!
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Mini Pecan Pies
Mini pecan pies are perfectly sweet, with an ooey gooey center filling and flaky buttery crust that will melt in your mouth. So delicious, you can't have just one!
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Best Brownies Recipe
This is seriously the BEST Brownies Recipe out there! These bake up perfectly thick, chewy, and stay moist for days. They have three different types of chocolate making them super decadent and extra fudgy. Plus, they are SO easy and quick to make in less than an hour. You’ll never need another brownie recipe!
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Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup lovers, this recipe is for you! Simply, place homemade peanut butter cookie dough into a mini muffin pan, bake to perfection and then press a mini peanut butter cup into the center. They are loved by everyone and are a unique and delicious cookie to serve for parties and the holidays!
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If you try any of these appetizer ideas, let me know! Leave a comment and if you love it, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Beet Hummus
Beet hummus tastes spectacular! It radiates a lightly sweet earthy flavor and a gorgeous burst of color.
Ingredients
- 2-3 medium to large (about 1 pound) beets, roasted, peeled and chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained (reserve the liquid for adding to the hummus if it's too thick)
- 1/4 cup tahini, ground sesame seed (tahini can be found near the other nut and seed butters in grocery store)
- 5 tablespoons lemon juice or the juice from about 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt, more if desired to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- To roast beets, cut stems and clean them, wrap them in foil, place them in an oven-safe pan and roast at 400 degrees for about 50 to 60 mins. The longer they cook, the easier they are to peel and chop. See this roasting beets tutorial.
- When the cooked beets are cool enough to handle. Run them under water and use a washcloth to scrub the peel off. Or you can hold one of them at a time in a paper towel and use it to rub the skin away. The skin should peel away easily; if it doesn't, the beets likely need to cook for a little longer.
- Place all ingredients except olive oil into a food processor or high-powered blender and blend until smooth, about 60 seconds.
- Last, drizzle in olive oil as the hummus is mixing. Continue to mix for about a minute or until it’s vibrant and super creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, lemon juice, or olive oil if needed. If it’s too thick, add 1 tbsp at a time of reserved chickpea liquid or a bit of water, and continue mixing until you achieve desired consistency.
- Garnish with an extra drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs such as minced parsley and sprinkle with some black and white sesame seeds, if you'd like. Serve with crackers, chips, veggies, or as a sandwich spread.
Notes
This recipe makes a large amount! It is a great make ahead or meal prep recipe because once the flavors have a chance to intensify and marry together, it’s even more delicious. It also is great to store for snacking on all week. Serve with some veggies and you have a healthy snack full of fiber and vitamins that is super good for you! This is a hit with everyone that tries it!
- In the refrigerator: It is best to store leftover beet hummus in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator. It will thicken as it chills, so stir in 1-2 tablespoons of cold water, as needed. It will add moisture and make it nice and creamy again.
Serving: 0.25cup, Calories: 94kcal, Carbohydrates: 9.9g, Protein: 3.2g, Fat: 5.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.7g, Sodium: 247.9mg, Fiber: 2.8g, Sugar: 2.4g
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These are great ideas! And I made that beet hummus, it was super tasty!