It is the most sought-after aperitif in the South

It’s perfect for any meeting or occasion.

Southerners love to throw a party, gather for backyard barbecues, and celebrate the holidays with many loved ones. That means hosts need a handful of go-to appetizer recipes on hand all year long. The kind of recipes that don’t require a long list of ingredients, or tons of prep, and can also serve a crowd.

Related: 20 5-Star Appetizers Guaranteed to Get Your Party Started

When Southerners, like everyone else across the country, aren’t relying on Trader Joe’s to help them produce an impressive spread, they reach for an easy appetizer again and again: ham delights. This recipe is the most sought-after appetizer in the South, and we’re not surprised at all.

Ham delights recipe

These mini melty ham sandwiches are super satisfying and easy to eat, which is what everyone wants in an appetizer. Ham delights are also a host’s dream because they’re not difficult to make but look impressive, especially when brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with all the bagel seasoning.

What makes this appetizer so good

It’s hard to go wrong with the pairing of ham and cheese, but this appetizer perfects the pairing.

• The winning combo: Although often made with Swiss cheese, our ham delights are loaded with Gouda, which has a richer, nutty flavor. This recipe also proves to be a great way to use up leftover ham the day after the holidays, but deli slices work just as well any time of year.

• The layers: The choice of bun is important for this dish, and the subtle sweetness that a Hawaiian bun offers is our favorite. You can simply spread the buns with mayonnaise, but we choose to incorporate mustard and maple syrup for added tang and another layer of sweetness that pairs well with the savory ham.

• The finishing touches: There is something truly special about our ham delights that sets them apart from other recipes. After a generous coating of butter, they’re topped with all the bagel seasoning and flaky salt, for a little crunch and tons of extra flavor.

Why Southerners Love This Recipe

If you’ve ever attended a Southern gathering, you’ve probably enjoyed the delights of ham. A must-have for showers, barbecues and any party, these two-bite appetizers always satisfy a hungry crowd.

• They are quick and effortless: Our recipe also prepares in just 30 minutes, making it an easy warm appetizer to prepare shortly after guests arrive.

• They are infinitely customizable: Use your favorite spice blend instead of all the bagel seasoning, replace the turkey with ham, or replace the Gouda with your favorite melty cheese. Another fun twist is to customize the sandwich spread: feel free to mix in your favorite condiments or add a spicy twist.

• These are the public favorites: If you’re still not convinced how delicious this appetizer is, listen to what one of our readers, Carla Willard, has to say about the recipe. “I prepared them for a home group meeting. They were very easy to make and my family insisted that I make a little extra to leave for them. Everyone was delighted with them and the group also requested them for our Christmas party.

Related: This Is the Most Searched-for Cake Recipe in the South