Charcuterie trays are great to pick on pre-dinner, but who hasn’t done that already?
When you really want to wow your guests, reach for one of these unique appetizer recipes.
Sweet Heat
Nothing gets the taste buds tingling quite like a little heat. You can make a delicious pepper jelly dip that will combine the heat of the jelly with the sweetness of cream cheese.
Hot pepper jelly cheese dip with bacon also adds an element of salt. Beat 8 ounces of cream cheese in a large bowl until creamy, then add 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, 1 minced garlic clove, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir in ½ of a 10/5-ounce jar of pepper jelly.
Here’s where the salt comes in: Cook 4 slices of bacon per any method you prefer, then crumble those up once they cool. Stir that into the cream cheese mixture.
Pour the whole thing into a 1-quart baking dish, and bake at 350 °F for 35 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly.
Warm up the remaining pepper jelly in the jar, and top the dip with it before serving.
Fresh Italian Flavor
If you’re looking to serve something with a fresh test, try these caprese skewers with a balsamic drizzle. This is also a great last-minute app, as they require minimal prep and are easy to assemble.
You’re going to need cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, fresh basil torn into pieces, and balsamic vinegar. The quantity will depend on how many people you are serving.
Cut the tomatoes in half. Take a toothpick and skewer it with a mozzarella ball, piece of basil, and tomato chunk. Do this until all your ingredients are used up.
Place all your skewers on a tray or surface you don’t mind dirtying, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Finish them off by drizzling balsamic vinegar over top.
Melt In Your Mouth Goodness
These savory Tuscan truffles are little balls of salt and cream that melt in your mouth, and are easy to make.
Blend together these ingredients in a large bowl: 8 ounces of fresh goat cheese, 8 ounces of mascarpone cheese, 6 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 and ½ teaspoons of olive oil, 1 and ½ teaspoons of white balsamic vinegar, ¾ teaspoon of grated lemon zest, 3 ounces of chopped prosciutto, 3 ounces of finely chopped dried figs, 3 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper.
Shape this into 36 equal-sized balls. Roll each ball in roasted and chopped pine nuts, then serve.
Tea Time
Another light app to serve is also reminiscent of elegance and taking tea: cucumber sandwiches.
Peel a cucumber and slice thinly. Place on a paper towel, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry.
Blend together 8 ounces of cream cheese, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon minced dill, 1 tablespoon minced chives, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
Spread the mixture on white soft sandwich bread, add cucumber slices, then top with another piece of bread. Remove the crusts from the sandwiches and cut each into bite-size squares.