15 Snack Dinners for When All Else Fails

Maybe you’re not that hungry tonight. Maybe you're hosting and aren't up for putting together an elaborate, multi-course meal. Maybe, maaaybe, you just don’t feel like using a fork and knife. You know what that means: Snacks for dinner!

The world of snacking is multifaceted and complex: We've had snacks on the go, snacks for card games, snacks to make ahead, and snacks for kids. This time around, we're taking snacks to the next level: They're the main course and the main event. We've done our best to define the three major categories of snack dinners: spreads and dips, bites, and tarts, toasts, and flatbreads. Here are a few ideas to get you snacking for dinner:

Spreads and Dips
These recipes take minimal effort, little to no heat, and are done in 4 steps or less.  

Basic Hummus by Genius Recipes

 

Two-Pea Pesto Chicken Salad by Kendra Vaculin

 

 

White Bean Dip with Fresh Herbs by Gena Hamshaw

 

Grilled Lemon Tzatziki by Chase the Flavors

 

Smoked Mackerel Pâté with Horseradish and Dill by TasteFood

 

Bites
These recipes require a bit more time and prep work, but your efforts will be rewarded.

Chevre Devils by gingerroot

 

Salt-Crusted Potatoes with Cilantro Mojo by Genius Recipes 

 

Sweet Potato and Pancetta Gratin by cnevertz

 

Serrano Ham and Manchego Croquetas with Smoked Pimentón Aioli by Sonali aka the Foodie Physician

 

Flaky Baked Samosas by Kendra Vaculin 

 

Tarts, Toasts, and Flatbreads
Snacks good enough to share... or not. 

Tomato Tart with Goat Cheese, Quark, Prosciutto, and Gremolata by Phyllis Grant

 

Toasted Goat Cheese Crostini with Basil and Red Onion Jam by Merrill Stubbs

 

Leek, Fennel, and Mushroom Galette by Waverly

 

Pan con Tomate with Burrata by meganvt01

 

Leek, Bacon, and Goat Cheese Pizza by Savour

And if all else fails, you can always count on a delicious cheese plate.  

What are whipping up tonight? Share your favorite snack dinners in the comments!