Valerie Bertinelli’s Ultimate Party Snacks

The next time you’re having guests over for a card game or movie night, skip the chips and popcorn and make some tapas instead. Serve these cheese-stuffed piquillo peppers along with a bowl of olives and a charcuterie board with serrano ham and chorizo for a party-ready spread.

These crispy, sweet and spicy bacon bites are scrumptious and simple to make. Valerie suggests cooking the bacon on a rack so that it crisps up evenly, and the sesame seeds will add even more crunch.

Tiny rounds of sourdough bread are topped with thinly-sliced, fried bologna, grainy mustard, and homemade pickled summer squash. Finish each open-faced mini sandwich with a sprig of fresh dill.

You’ll never buy taro chips again once you realize how easy they are to make at home. These lightly salted, oven-baked chips are paired with a homemade sweet and spicy pineapple salsa.

In this homemade version of a pub appetizer, halved jalapeño peppers are stuffed with a blend of smoked Gouda, Cheddar and cream cheese. A twist comes in the form of sliced bacon, which is wrapped around each popper.