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MY COOLER
Appetizers are a necessity for any get-together. Post social distancing, we're all eager to get out into the world, enjoy a fun time together, and don't want to be bogged down by heavy food. Bite-sized appetizers or skewers with tasty bites are the way to go. If you're not convinced, you will be after we remind you that bite-size food also means you won't be left with years worth of dishes. Which, hint hint, means you can spend more time relaxing post socializing. Or keep socializing. Who knows? Here are the accessible party food ideas we have on our "must-make" list this summer.
Finger Foods
Deviled Eggs
Simple and made with ingredients you probably already have, deviled eggs are never a bad idea for a party menu. With salt, creaminess, and a touch of tang, they overachieve at whetting your guest's appetite and making them hungry for more of your delicious yummies. Plus, there are a variety of ways you can make them, from "Source Cream and Onion" to "Ranch and Bacon" to "Goat Cheese," you could have a party where you serve just deviled eggs, and people would still be satisfied. And if you do, feel free to invite us.
Bev Recipe Suggestion: for a classic deviled egg, you'll love Downshiftology's Deviled eggs.
Potato Skins
What's better than russet potato halves loaded with juicy cheese and savory bacon? Oh, and did we mention they're fluffy and tender? And how could we forget about the sour cream and scallions?! Silly us! There is truly nothing like a plate packed with crispy potato skins, and the more we write about them, the hungrier and grumpier we get!
Bev Recipe Suggestion: get your hands on this recipe from Spend with Pennies because you're going to keep using it.
Mini Quiches
The ideal party snack that is easily assembled and, get this, you can make them in a muffin tin.
Bev Recipe Suggestion: Add a Pinch has a great recipe of the breakfast for dinner variety.
French Bread Pizza
If food with incredible texture is your thing, look no further: French Bread Pizza. It has an excellent flavor, and replacing dough with basked French bread creates a fantastic texture that's both crisps on the outside and soft on the inside. Plus, there are so many flavors and types of pizzas out there, so you have absolute freedom and creativity to do as you please! Whether your guests love ham and pineapple on pizza or prefer a classic tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella recipe, French Bread Pizza is an instant crowd-pleaser.
You can even prepare these ahead and stick them in the freezer before your next party, then pop them in the oven a few hours before your guests for a quick and easy party appetizer.
Bev Recipe Suggestion: Cooking Classy knows their way around French Bread Piazza.
Sliders
While some less educated slider enthusiasts may argue that sliders only apply to mini hamburgers or cheddar cheeseburgers, we contest this theory. Sliders can mean anything from a chicken and biscuit sandwiches to mini meatball subs. If you're looking for a no-brainer way to keep everyone happy, you've found your treat. The only bummer is how fast these babies fly off their plates, so advice: make as many as humanly possible. And if there are leftovers (there won't be), you can eat them for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner the next day and be equally as satisfied and happy. And if you want to add a special twist, the dipping possibilities are endless—serve classic sliders with mustard and ketchup, chicken and biscuit sandwiches with a side of gravy, or mini grilled cheese sandwiches with a mini cup of tomato soup.
Bev Recipe Suggestion: These Italian Sliders will have you craving them so hard you might make them now.
Mini Empanadas
Let's talk about the half-moon snacks that are packed with flavor and impressive to your party guests. With a deep-fried or baked, flaky, buttery crust, empanadas are filled with meat or veggies for a complete service delight!
Bev Recipe Suggestion: Pure Wow has your empanada recipe needs covered.
Bruschetta
Hailing from Italy, bruschetta is an antipasto that consists of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil, tomatoes, and salt. Of course, there are various variations on the classic Italian dish, and you can throw in your version with veggies, beans, cured meat, and other cheeses! The world is your bruschetta-making oyster, do with it as you will! Especially if your main course is pasta, a nice bruschetta will keep your party snacks on theme.
Bev Recipe Suggestion: The Spruce Eats will walk you through some authentic deliciousness.
Sausage Rolls
Easy, satisfying, and excellent for parties, Sausage Rolls come in a variety of different styles. Make them as you please but do us a favor and make them savory, meaty, and full of just the proper amount of spices! Load them up with peppers or serve them with spicy mustard.
Bev Recipe Suggestion: Make it a puff pastry delight with The Bitter Side of Sweet's recipe.
Dippers
There is just something about dunking food into tasty mixtures. And like most of the items on this list, you can go crazy with what dipper variations you want. Shrimp and cocktail sauce, chicken and barbecue sauce, pretzels and beer cheese, cookies and chocolate sauce, mini bagels and cream cheese...the endless list is well...endless. We selected a few of our favorite dipper variations that we think you're going to love!
Nachos
While there are many variations to the classic snack food, nachos call for simply chips and cheese at its most simplistic. Done! Of course, you can add any kind of ingredient from lemon chicken to salmon to Soyrizo, but if you're in the mood for simple, you found your match in nachos!
Bev Recipe Suggestion: Get a load of these sheet pan nachos from Damn' Delicious.
Cheese and Artichoke Dip
Rich, creamy, cheesy, and filled with spinach and artichokes, cheese and artichoke dip are always a crowd favorite. While you can make it from scratch, dozens of pre-made varieties only require baking them in the oven for cheesy goodness! Or, for some no-fuss preparation, just pop it in the slow cooker. Serve it up with crackers, and watch it disappear.
Bev Recipe Suggestion: Why have one cheese when you can have five? Take a look at A Taste Of Home's Five-Cheese concoction.
Baked Brie
Ditch the cheese balls—take your cheese game up a level and create a show-stopping starter that will have people raving. Like Camembert, brie can be baked until the middle is super melty and oozy, making it ideal for dunking in toasts or veg crudités. While a great addition to a cheeseboard, it can also be your entire meal.
Bev Recipe Suggestion: And, why not make it a little more delicious with some puff pastry? Check out The Kitchn's recipe here.
Pull-Apart Party Bread
Bread created in a shape that makes distinct markings to allow it to be pulled into individual servings, pull-apart party bread is a classic addition to any party. Plus, pull-apart bread can be crafted into a dessert quite simply!
Bev Recipe Suggestion: Make it a cheesy delight with Dinner at the Zoo's variation.
Mediterranean Dip with Pita Chips
A delicious little slice of Greece, a Mediterranean Dip with Pita chips is an original way to bring an authentic taste to the party. Add pretzel bites, too, for an awesome flavor combination. Mediterranean dip pairs great with salads, rice bowls, or falafel for a menu to remember.
Bev Recipe Suggestion: Get in all of the layers of Greece with Life Love Good Food's take.
