Best Frozen Appetizers

Praise Rachel Ray! In her latest issue of EVERYDAY with Rachel Ray, she has conducted a taste test of all kinds of frozen appetizers available at the supermarket. So whether you're having last-minute cocktails or just don't have enough time to prepare everything from scratch,"preheat the oven, toss the boxes and practice your most gracious smile - these hors d'oeuvres practically guarantee compliments!"

BEST JALAPENO POPPER: Popper's Cream Cheese Jalapenos ($3.60 for 9 at grocery stores) We had some serious popper lovers in the room, and they found perfection in Poppers' "creamy, crunchy, spicy" bites. (They also rated the brand's cheddar variety a close second.) The whole peppers—breaded from stem to tip and bursting with cheese—delivered spice without being too hot. "The cream cheese cools the jalapeño heat," said one taster.

BEST PIZZA ROLL: Schwan's Snack Rolls, Pepperoni Pizza Flavored ($9 for 24, schwans.com) These aren't your average pizza rolls: The pepperoni, sausage and mozzarella are housed inside a "super-crispy" wrapper, which trounced other "soggy," "doughy" entries. Tasters gushed over how the "spicy, saucy" filling and golden-brown exterior came together in a "tasty combo of crunch and chewiness." These "handy" goodies earned a permanent spot in the freezer.

BEST PIG IN A BLANKET: Artiko Franks in a Blanket ($18 for 20, artikochef.com) This small, "snappy" dog swaddled in "delicate pastry" from Independence, Missouri-based Artiko leaped over the competition. Judges said the "flaky wrapping" and juicy, all-beef center was "everything you want" in a cocktail frank. Said one taster, "I could eat a dozen—easy."

BEST SPRING ROLL: Chung's Shrimp Spring Rolls ($3.50 for 5 at grocery stores) Just when the mushy, salty competition had convinced us there wasn't a good roll to be found outside an Asian restaurant, these beauties came along. The "hearty" spring rolls—stuffed with cabbage, carrot, celery, shiitake mushrooms and shrimp—delivered "fresh taste" and "layers of crispy pastry."

BEST PARTY MEATBALL: Farm Rich Meatballs ($7 for about 76 at grocery stores) We wouldn't hesitate to serve our guests Farm Rich's version of this cocktail-party staple. "It tastes like Nana's meatloaf!" one judge said. The onion-flecked orbs of "quality meat" (a beef-and-pork blend with a garlicky kick) emerged from the oven "browned outside and soft inside"—just begging for the sharp end of a toothpick.

BEST CHEESE STICK: Alexia Mozzarella Stix ($4.60 for about 12 at grocery stores and natural markets) Amazing but true: We found our favorite cheese sticks in a health-food market! These all-natural, "satisfyingly gooey" snacks are made with real mozzarella that's rolled in herbed breadcrumbs and fried in olive oil; the result is "Italian-restaurant taste." Note to hosts with acting skills: Get rid of the box—these "look like they were breaded by you."

BEST BABY QUICHE: Whole Kitchen Mini Quiche Trio ($5.80 for 15 at Whole Foods Market) "These could pass for homemade," one taster said of Whole Foods Markets' "melt-in-your-mouth" quiche cups. The sampler box includes three-cheese, spinach florentine and mushroom varieties—tasters loved the "fresh taste" and "rich texture" of them all. Serve these no-plate-necessary poppers and prepare to be cornered in the kitchen. "Guests will ask for the recipe," one judge said.

BEST ODDBALL: Fillo Factory Brie & Raspberry Fillo Rolls ($6.50 for 12 at Central Market and other select stores These "quick and easy" yet "glamorous" apps wowed palates with their "flaky" exterior and sweet-savory center of "oozing cheese and fruity preserves." The secret ingredient: toasted almond flakes, which add texture to the pillowy rolls and temper the raspberry filling's sweetness. "Indulgent" and "delicious," these all-natural snacks are a glass of bubbly's perfect match.