Chicken bites are yummy bite-sized chicken breast pieces seasoned and cooked by baking or frying until juicy and tender. They are similar to chicken nuggets but without the extra ingredients of different chicken parts that nuggets include. Chicken bites can be made as healthy as you prefer and served in several different ways. They are …
Quesadillas are a go-to comfort food that has seen us through all the twists and turns this world has thrown at us. The origami of cuisine is always there for you, be it a hearty breakfast, gourmet dinner, snacks for game day, dessert, or munching around the BBQ. Plus, the versatile dish can be adapted …
Bruschetta is a scrumptious dish made with toasted Italian bread, drizzled (or rather drenched) in olive oil, and topped with tomatoes, garlic, olives, cheese, etc. It is delicious any time of the day, whether you want it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or appetizer, and it works as a main meal or side dish. The great …
Most people know that marinating meat can increase the flavor and tenderness of most meats. However, most folks use marinades that contain juice, vinegar, and other acidic ingredients when they marinate chicken, pork, or beef. The acids in the meat help to tenderize the meat and the flavors of the seasonings add to the taste …
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish that originated in the 1940s. This recipe features boneless skinless chicken breasts that are filled with a creamy cheese, like Swiss or provolone, along with a savory meat like ham or prosciutto. The chicken breasts are breaded and baked or fried to have a crispy crust. Our recipe cooks …
If you’ve not been eating crostini, now is a good time to start. But what’s the difference between crostini and bruschetta? Aren’t they the same thing? Not quite. The main difference between crostini and bruschetta is the type of bread used. Traditionally, bread for bruschetta is toasted with wide slices of sourdough or Italian bread. …
I know that seafood is a controversial subject. For every person who loves seafood, there’s another who hates it. I have to admit that I wasn’t a big fan of mussels until I learned how to cook them correctly. Now, I cook steamed mussels all the time. In fact, I’ve convinced a lot of people …
Look, I get it. Brussel sprouts aren’t really part of most people’s fantasy dinners. The truth is that they weren’t part of mine until recently either. I actually love brussel sprouts, and I’ve found that they are actually really good when you know how to prepare them. You don’t need to just boil your brussels. …
As a kid, I remember pineapple and cheese sticks being a ubiquitous party snack – particularly around Christmas. It was also the first canapé I remember consuming at weddings and funerals before I even knew what a canapé was. For the most part they were simply passed around on a giant plate, the mini-skewers littered …
So pumpkin bruschetta. Oh my god, yes. Smear with creamy fresh ricotta (I used buffalo), slowly oozed caramelized onions and a few flakes of crispy sage bits and you have yourself probably one of the most orgasmic, delicious, sultry, vegetarian friendly dishes you could ever hope for. I suggest eating them for breakfast, a quick …
Is there anything more salt of the Earth than farm fresh, tenderly sweet, just picked beets? You know, except salt. And maybe Texans. But chances are, most good Texans don’t enjoy being plucked from their homes, chopped up and roasted to 425 degree oven perfection so we’ll stick with beets. And salt. Mmmm…. salt. We’re …
As you prepare this recipe, be sure to be very careful as you slice and clean your peppers. The pepper oil that gives hot peppers their “spice” is called capsaicin. It is particularly concentrated in the seeds inside the peppers and in the white inner membrane that holds the seeds. Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers are usually …
Most people will love these mushrooms, but every now and then you may have a family member who absolutely hates mushrooms. That is actually okay, because the filling of this recipe is quite versatile. You can take this same filling and pack it into baby peppers or even a hollowed out tomato. Bake these up …
The first time I tried calamari, I was a bit reluctant. I’m an adventurous eater, but squid was outside my comfort zone. Of course, once I had that first bite, I fell in love. Good calamari can be hard to find, and I’ve tried lots of recipes over the years. If you’ve never tried calamari, …
One of my true passions in life is spicy peppers. While jalapenos are pretty tame in comparison to other hot peppers out there, they still pack quite a punch when you pair them with the right flavors. I love jalapeno poppers, and making them with chicken is a great way to bring out an explosive …
All you really need are a few seasonal ingredients and some fish. A Note on Your Fish: Clams are pretty much always Ocean wise. Farmed mussels are typically a good choice when it comes to inhaling seafood – just make sure they’re “off-bottom culture” and not dredged from the seabed. If you have them in your area, the ones from …
If anything gets made this weekend, it should be this: Sautéed calamari with crispy pancetta, wilted radicchio, and Moroccan black olives all tucked in nice and cozy like with a smokey Spanish Romesco sauce. Oh yeah, with lots of lemon too, And wine, And damn good friends. Because really, is there any other kind? Related …
I will be the first to admit that I love nachos. I eat them so much that my family is sick of them. Honestly, it is the perfect food. First, you have a base layer with cheese, and then the possibilities are endless from there. They are easy to make and are the perfect meal. …
It’s smooth. It’s crunchy. It’s classic. It’s spicy. It’s smoky. It’s sweet. It’s pretty much an awesome fiesta of Mexi-yum. This dip is loaded with flavors and textures that are going to make your mouth sing and your feet do a little dance. I won’t lie – this deconstructed Mexican hummus dip is my new …
With the classic toppings of beef, cheese, tomatoes, and peppers, along with delicious seasonings like cumin, paprika, and garlic, everyone knows that a plate of nachos is classic Mexican fare. What most people don’t know, however, is that nachos are a fairly new creation in the world of food. It has only been in existence …
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing quite like serving up a bowl of cool, delicious corn dip. By combining cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar and jalapenos, you can create a variety of mouth-watering dips. There are hundreds of different options based on what you have in your refrigerator when you decide to make corn …
Crepe has been around for centuries and will be going nowhere, well other than in our mouths and those of many generations to come. Think fillings like Nutella, strawberry, banana, blueberry, cream cheese…you get the point! If you enjoy sweet and savory as I do, then you’ve come to the sweet spot where I’ll walk …
When most people think of baking bread, they picture someone standing in the kitchen with one’s hands in the dough, kneading the bread. The kneading of bread dough allows it to form gluten, a structure of stretchy proteins that trap bubbles and help the bread to rise. Kneading can take time, but it helps the …
Potato bread, potato pancake, potato farls–all of these are favorite mealtime components of the Irish. Potato farls are fried cakes simply made from mashed potatoes and flour. The dough is patted into shape, divided into fourths, and pan-fried until brown and crispy. There are versions of this tasty bread in other countries. In Scotland, these …
Shroom stuffing, am I right? As I develop a recipe book for my fans in the cookbook work, I always start with a single ingredient. This time around, that ingredient is mushrooms for party foods. Fortunately, this ingredient has endless varieties of flavors, textures, smells, and tastes. You can use mushrooms to boost vitamin D …
Cheese bread is one of those foods you never would think could have so many variations. But they start with cheese bread on the bottom, as in the Parmesan Bread Bowls, or cheese bread for a topper with cheese bread dumplings. Then there is the quick bread that is semi-homemade, followed by the slow-rising cheese …
If you have ever traveled to Europe or the Middle East, one thing that you probably enjoyed was the fresh bread that was available each and every day. Often, in many places, families do not go to the supermarket to get a bag of bread from a factory far from their homes. Instead, these families …
For these recipes, I got out my trusty cast iron tortilla press I bought back when COVID-19 first started. I knew then I would be making a lot of breads, including flatbreads and tortillas, and a tortilla press is perfect for doing a lot of these fast and efficiently. I also purchased a flat skillet …
My love for ham and cheese knows no bounds. I will add these two ingredients in almost anything and everything. It’s no surprise that I’ve managed to create a list of my favorite ham and cheese scones recipe. Talk about taking a traditionally sweet snack to make it a savory and flavorsome one. The thing …
Yummy for breakfast, perfect for a share and tear meal, ideal to bake ahead of time and freeze—yes, that’s right, I’m talking about focaccia. It’s great bread. I savor the flavors of a powerfully full focaccia, because for me it’s all about the toppers. What goes on and into the focaccia is everything in this …
When you think of egg rolls, you probably think of a crispy exterior filled with delicious veggies. Maybe you dip your egg rolls in soy sauce or hot mustard, adding a slight umami flavor to your favorite appetizer. If you maintain a vegan diet, you may want to find ways to incorporate egg rolls …
Many people are intimidated by the thought of making homemade bread. After all, the steps seem complicated and time-consuming and using yeast sounds really hard! Baking bread, however, shouldn’t be something that induces fear. After all, people have been baking bread for centuries, even before the advent of commercially produced yeasts and electric ovens. This …
This bread is loaded with all kinds of flavor. It has the tastes of savory pepperoni, basil, garlic, and onion. It also features two different kinds of cheese. This bread is perfect to serve alongside a pan of lasagna or a plate of spaghetti. For many yeast breads, you have to allow several hours for the …
While fried chicken wings have been a staple of Southern cooking for centuries, the idea of deep-frying chicken wings, coating them in a spicy sauce and serving them as appetizers or snacks is relatively new. In 1964, in Buffalo, New York, the owner of the Anchor Bar cooked some leftover chicken wings and covered them …
Flatbreads are any quick-cooked bread that is fried or baked on a thin flat sheet. They can look like pizza, but usually don’t require yeast. That means the cook can skip time-consuming kneading and proofing and get right into cooking. These bread recipes are popular around the world, making them an easy gateway into other …
Homemade bread is tasty, but who has time to wait for the dough to rise and each loaf to bake for about an hour? Nevertheless, you can serve your family fresh, piping hot, and delicious homemade bread. The dough in our recipe for Quick and Easy Flatbread comes together in only five minutes. To cook …
Perhaps you are looking for a great bread recipe to accompany your spaghetti or lasagna, but you are uncertain about using a yeast bread recipe. After all, yeast bread needs time and attention as they go through the rising process. If you have too much to do to make homemade yeast bread, our recipe for …
Made from nutritious ingredients, hummus is a tasty, filling snack that is perfect for dipping at parties or just eating in the afternoon after school. Many flavors of hummus can tickle your taste buds, but adding roasted red peppers adds a delightful flavor and a beautiful red color to the hummus. Related: Hummus Recipes | …
You may wonder what is the difference between kosher dill pickles and ordinary dill pickles. Most people know that the term “kosher” describes foods that are permitted for individuals who are Jewish. While, yes, these pickles are allowed under Jewish dietary laws, that actually isn’t the reason that these pickles are labeled as kosher. Many …
Finding after-school snacks that kids love can be hard. Parents want their kids to eat things that are at least somewhat healthy, while kids naturally gravitate toward snacks that are loaded with fat, sugar, salt, and artificial flavors. If you are tired of the complaints about the fruit and nuts you’re offering after school, you …
Originating in Central America, corn is one of those foods that is distinctly American. It was a cornerstone of American cuisine, particularly in Central America for centuries. This grain goes back as far as the Aztec civilization, and it is still popular despite the availability of other kinds of food. The version of Mexican street …
Air fryers are currently one of the hottest kitchen appliances available. It seems that almost everyone is talking about the last meal that they made with their air fryer. Rumor has it that air fryers cook meats with tasty golden brown crusts while the inside stays moist and tender. Air fried veggies are perfectly crisp and …
You may have enjoyed soft pretzels at a mall bakery. What makes these fresh pretzels so wonderful is the unique texture of the crust. The secret to this texture is a brief dip in an alkaline solution before baking. In our recipe, we dip the dough into a baking soda and water bath before baking. …
When you have a family, one kitchen essential is to have plenty of snacks on hand. Of course, many people do not have an unlimited grocery budget to keep the kids satisfied, so they choose very inexpensive snacks for the kids to enjoy between meals. Popcorn is a favorite snack for school age kids as …
Quick, simple, A totally delicious, some of the best kinds of food are made from basic ingredients and easy recipes. While some people may believe that you have to be a skilled cook to make a tasty meal, that is actually a misconception. You can serve a classic, tasty meal like our recipe for Garlic …
While they were made a bit differently than what we think of like deviled eggs, the deviled egg goes back as far as ancient Rome, when citizens flavored their hard-boiled eggs with various sauces and seasonings. Just like today, the Romans considered these eggs to be an appetizer and were served as the first course …
While authentic chefs may make their own puff pastry from scratch, most home cooks know that hand-made puff pastry isn’t really that much better than the stuff that is available in stores. When you buy manufactured puff pastry, all of a sudden all kinds of amazing, delicious, and beautiful pastries are now within your reach. …
When you host a kids’ party in your home, finding activities that are enjoyable for a group can sometimes be challenging. One thing that most kids like is cooking. Whether you are baking a batch of cookies or decorating cupcakes, kids love making something delicious themselves. When the food is a favorite flavor, that makes …
Everyone knows that one great snack is salsa. Typically, salsas are made from a base of tomatoes and peppers, but did you know that you can make them from many other kinds of vegetables? This is a great thing to know if you have someone who isn’t crazy about tomatoes, and yet, they are trying …
Although most people would think that quiche is of French origins, they would actually be wrong. Surprisingly, quiche is of German origins. This dish originally came from the area of Lorraine, which has been under Germanic rule at various times in its history. The oldest recipes for quiche were a simple savory pie that featured …
Special occasions call for special foods. Small, quickly eaten foods that are savory or sweet can be eaten in a couple of bites. In addition, a spread of appetizers can help keep crowds satisfied for cocktail parties, wedding receptions, and other events.
You can serve appetizers as the only food at an event, or they can proceed with dinner as a first course. Food makes people happy and can help keep them busy while mingling and waiting for the main event.
Appetizers are small bites of food with distinct flavors and can be savory or sweet. In addition, appetizers can include foods that are salty, pickled, and dairy, meat, and vegetables.
There are several different types of appetizers. You will serve some during the cocktail hour before dinner, while others you can serve as a first course.
Many occasions call for appetizers, including weddings, anniversaries, gatherings before a holiday or business meal, and other celebrations.
Some appetizers are classic favorites; some are new creations, while others are used because they are easy. For example, picking up five dozen wings from the local grocer or fast food restaurant saves time and work when you need appetizers for an event.
You can also get cheese and crudité platters from the grocery. Taking shortcuts is quite acceptable if time is of the essence, and you must put out an appetizer spread in the next few hours. Transfer the food from the plastic trays to your china, and no one will ever know.
These are recipes for foods that are often served as a first course before a meal. The shrimp cocktail is a prime example. However, other appetizer cocktails include:
There are many other recipes for starters, as first courses are often called, as well as appetizers. Gator tail and fried green tomatoes are typical appetizers on menus in the south. Some areas of the Midwest prefer appetizers like Swiss-artichoke dip, a cheese ball made with ripe olives, or turkey pesto sliders.
Northeasterners may prefer spinach, artichoke dip on a wonton, lobster, and corn fritters, with a truffle sauce and other local foods. The point is that every part of the world has an appetizer typical of the locals. So the appetizer menu in Seattle may be very different from what is served as appetizers in Virginia.
A canape is a bite-sized portion of finger food usually made from a base, like a cracker, crust, toast, or a slice of vegetable with a topping and garnish. Bruschetta is a classic canape that is very flavorful.
Canapes can be as simple as cheese on a cracker with a sprig of a fresh herb. On the other hand, they can be very decorative, have layers of spread, meat, and garnish piled high, and they can be sweet or savory.
With canapes, you have many choices of what to serve. Some of these items are easy to make, and you can find more than one recipe for each with a quick search. However, many canape items in the bakery and freezer section of many grocery stores can help you make short work of an appetizer menu.
Whether you buy finished items or use shortcuts such as premade tart shells, bake and serve spanakopita or baklava. These shortcuts can help you make an impression on your guests while making your job easier. Also, do not forget the local bakery if you are stumped on what to serve as an appetizer.
They may have fresh bread, spinach dip already made, and small pastries that will also be suitable.
Using French baguettes for bruschetta, crostini or filling a scooped-out round loaf of pumpernickel bread for a dip is a fast and easy way to make an appetizer for your guests.
The line gets thin between types of appetizers because the heading covers all kinds, and hors d’oeuvres recipes do. Common hors d’oeuvres include recipes from around the world, like
Mini-quiche – made in tiny tart shells; you can make them or buy a frozen product. They are perfect for an appetizer buffet or for passing around on trays to your guests.
Escargot – these are snails cooked in garlic butter, and although chewy, they do not taste too bad, and many people love them.
Bruschetta – an antipasto (starter dish) is grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil and salt. It can have tomatoes and cheese to give it more substance and flavor.
Pigs in a blanket – most of us have had or made these at one time, and they are still an easy-to-make finger food that you can serve alone or with ketchup and mustard.
Cocktail sausages – in a grape jelly sauce are also standard fare on appetizer menus, especially around the winter holidays.
BBQ Meatballs – with this recipe, you can make your meatballs or grab a bag from the market’s freezer section. However, homemade food is better and easier to make and will not be full of preservatives.
Crostini – like bruschetta, crostini is thinly sliced toasted or grilled bread. You then top it with cheese, meat, veggies, and condiments. However, you can serve crostini with a brush of olive oil, a few herbs, or a little tomato sauce.
Mini-pizza – bite-size pizzas are welcome at any event. You can buy frozen pizzas and cook them quickly in the oven—these work well for adults and the younger crowd.
Spring rolls, also called dim sum, are rolled appetizers filled with vegetables and flavors such as chicken, shrimp, or pork. Egg and spring rolls are not hard to make. The biggest challenge is ensuring you have all the necessary ingredients before you start. Once you learn to make them fresh, you will never want anyone else’s again.
Items served on a skewer add a visual effect to an appetizer selection. Whether served alone or with different appetizers, they are time-consuming to make. However, they are worth the wow factor when your guests try them. Kebabs can be made from meat and vegetables or fruit.
Satay – is an Asian dish that resembles kebabs. However, made with strips of meat skewered and then grilled, you serve this appetizer with a spicy sauce that is often made with peanuts.
Stuffed mushrooms – are a classic and can be filled with cheese, crab meat, and cheese brushed with garlic butter and topped with parmesan. They are easy to make and can be made with various mushrooms. However, button mushrooms that are an inch or more in diameter will work well.
Fried chicken wings – are another appetizer you can serve right before a meal. Or, they can be a meal and often are. However, they are often seen on appetizer buffets, and you can serve them with different dips.
Chicken nuggets – are as popular as chicken wings as an appetizer and do not have bones you have to deal with. You can serve them with dipping sauces, but they will not last long. So, be sure to buy or make plenty.
Chimichanga with toppings – on the side is an interesting appetizer choice. A Chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito. Frying adds a different flavor profile that is very appealing.
Chimichanga can be made in a bite or full size and served with shredded lettuce, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, cheese sauce, tomato, and olives if you want to go all out.
Potato croquettes – are mashed potatoes mixed with bacon, cheese, and a little flour for binding, then deep-fried. You can serve potato croquettes with sour cream, chives, and other toppings. However, they are delicious all by themselves.
Fish fingers or nuggets – are a great addition to an appetizer menu if kids are involved. However, I like fish almost any way I can get it and would be glad to see this item in a display of appetizers.
Coconut shrimp – these are common on menus in many restaurants and are great as a first course or on an appetizer buffet. Add dipping sauces; be sure you have enough because shrimp is popular on any menu.
One of the most often served appetizers is veggies with ranch or blue cheese dip. It is easy to make and not as expensive as some of the appetizers listed here. You can take advantage of precut veggies from the market and make or buy ranch dressing for dipping sauce.
Fruit trays are as popular on appetizer menus as veggies. Sliced fresh fruit with a flavored yogurt dip is healthy and refreshing on a warm day. For winter events, change the menu to seasonal fruits like apples and pears, and change your dipping sauce to chocolate or caramel.
Although we seldom consider salad an appetizer, a small salad served before the main course can stimulate your appetite. The same is true for most appetizers. They are not supposed to be a meal but a repast in anticipation of a meal or soak up the cocktails you consume at a party.
Fruit salad, green salad, or composed salads, such as Waldorf or Watergate salad, are suitable to serve as appetizers. These dishes offer your guests something a little on the lighter side.
The standard formula for estimating how much food you need is to allow 12 pieces per person. Multiply the number of people by 12 and divide by the number of different appetizers you are serving.
You can make some appetizers ahead of time. Prep work for other recipes you need to cook before serving can be made and refrigerated until you need them.
You can serve simple canape menus, such as cheese and crackers, platters of veggies and dip, and fresh fruit for a reasonable price. However, the cost per serving can double or even triple when adding proteins such as fish, shrimp, or charcuterie meat to appetizers.