Easy Cheese Sticks

Easy Cheese Sticks

This is a really great recipe to make for a snack or an appetizer. It’s full of delicious melted cheese and its because of the golden brown outer layer.
Ingredients -
1 Pound Monterey Jack Cheddar, cut into 3x1/2-inch sticks
Olive Oil
1 Cup Original Bisquick Mix
1 Teaspoon Paprika
1/2 Cup Whole Milk
1 Egg
Marinara sauce

Preparation:
1.    Place the cheese sticks on a tray and freeze at least 1 hour.

2.    Heat 2 inches of oil to 375ºF in a large heavy saucepan or follow the manufacturer's direction on the deep fryer.

3.    Beat the Bisquick mix, paprika, milk and egg until smooth.

4.    Dip the cheese, 1 stick at a time, into batter, covering cheese completely.

5.    Fry 8 to 10 sticks at a time 1 to 2 minutes, turning carefully, until golden brown.

6.    Drain on paper towels. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve with marinara sauce.

Herbed Chicken Nuggets

Herbed Chicken Nuggets

For a tender and tasty snack try this herbed chicken nugget recipe. Everyone that tastes one will be begging you for the recipe.
Ingredients -
4 Chicken Breasts, skinless, boneless
2 Eggs, beaten
1 Tablespoon Water
1 Teaspoon Fresh Parsley, chopped
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
1 Pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 Cup Dried Bread Crumbs, seasoned
1/2 Cup Wheat Germ
1 Teaspoon Dried Basil
1 Teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

Preparation:
1.    Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2.    Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

3.    Trim away all of the fat from the chicken breasts.

4.    Cut into 1 inch cubes.

5.    Beat the eggs with the water and add the chicken in a bowl.

6.    Combine the bread crumbs, wheat germ, parsley, thyme, red pepper, basil and ground pepper.

7.    Stir in the vegetable oil with a fork and mix well to distribute evenly.

8.    Pour the seasoning mixture into a resalable plastic bag and the chicken pieces to coat.

9.    Place the coated chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes.

10.    Turn the pieces and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Double Tomato Bruschetta

Double Tomato Bruschetta

This is the simplest appetizer recipe to make and it tastes delicious. By adding the balsamic vinegar it makes it have a little bite. Although you can substitute dried herbs for the fresh herbs, using fresh herbs makes it turn out perfect.
Ingredients -
6 Roma Tomatoes, chopped
1/2 Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, packed in oil
3 Cloves Garlic, minced
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 Cup Fresh Basil, stems removed
1/4 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1 French Baguette
2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

Preparation:
1.    Preheat the oven on broiler setting.

2.    Combine the roma tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

3.    Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes.

4.    Cut the baguette into 3/4-inch slices.

5.    On a baking sheet, arrange the baguette slices in a single layer.

6.    Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, until slightly brown.

7.    Divide the tomato mixture evenly over the baguette slices.

8.    Top the slices with mozzarella cheese.

9.    Broil for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Cilantro Cream Sauce

 

Cilantro Cream Sauce

This is a very versatile recipe that can be used as a dip for veggies and chips, or you can use it as a sauce for your favorite fish or chicken.
Ingredients -
1 Package Cream Cheese, (8 ounce), softened
1 Tablespoon Sour Cream
1 Can Tomatillo Salsa, (7 ounce)
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
1 Teaspoon Celery Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
1 Bunch Fresh Cilantro, chopped
1 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice

Preparation:
1.    Combine the pepper, celery salt, sour cream, cream cheese, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, cilantro and lime juice in a blender or food processor.

2.    Blend until smooth and creamy.

3.    Place in a serving bowl.

Jalapeno Popper Spread

Jalapeno Popper Spread

Sometimes the simplest recipes turn out the best. It tastes as if you are eating a jalapeno hot popper. It’s great on crackers, chips or bread.
Ingredients -
2 Packages Cream Cheese, (8 ounce), softened
1 Cup Mayonnaise
1 Can Green Chilies, (4 ounce), drained, chopped
2 ounces Canned Diced Jalapeno Peppers, drained
1 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

Preparation:
1.    In a large bowl stir together the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.

2.    Stir in the green chilies and jalapeno peppers.

3.    Pour the mixture into a microwave safe serving dish.

4.    Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

5.    Microwave on High until hot which takes about 3 minutes.

Chili Con Queso Bites

Chili Con Queso Bites

These bites are spicy and delicious. The Pace Picante sauce, chili powder, green onion and cheddar cheese make them fantastic to eat and enjoy.
Ingredients -
4 Eggs
1/2 Cup Picante Sauce
1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour
2 Teaspoon Chili Powder
1 1/2 Cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1 Green Onion, chopped

Preparation:
1.    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2.    Grease 24 muffin-pan cups.

3.    Mix the eggs, chili powder, flour and picante sauce.

4.    Stir in the cheese and onion.

5.    Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture into each one of the cups.

6.    Bake them for about 10 minutes or until they are golden brown.

7.    Serve them warm or at room temperature with additional picante sauce.

Mini Pizza Appetizer

Mini Pizza Appetizer

This is a quick, easy and delicious mini pizza appetizer recipe. If you would rather, you can substitute 2 English Muffins for the pre-made pizza crusts. Simply split the muffins and toast them before putting the toppings on.
Ingredients -
2 Six-inch Pre-Made Pizza Crusts
1/2 Cup of Pizza Sauce
3 Green Onions (chopped)
1/2 Cup Pepperoni, sliced
1 1/2 Cups of Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)

Preparation:
1.    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2.    Spread the pizza sauce evenly over each crust.

3.    Finish by topping with the green onion, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese.

4.    Bake for about 8-10 minutes on until the cheese is melting and bubbly and the crust has turned to a golden brown on the bottom.

5.    Serve and enjoy!

Cheesy Herb Pinwheels

Cheesy Herb Pinwheels

As an appetizer bread accompaniment, these delicious pinwheels are Flaky and light and smothered with cheese!
Ingredients -
3 Cups Original Bisquick
1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
2/3 Cup Water
2 Tablespoons Butter
1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
1 Cup Pizza Sauce

Preparation:
1.    Heat the oven to 425 degrees.

2.    Grease the cookie sheet.

3.    Mix the Italian seasoning , Bisquick,, water garlic powder and until a dough forms.

4.    Turn the dough onto a surface dusted with the dough and gently roll it into the dough to coat.

5.    Knead the dough 10 times.

6.    Roll it into a 18x10-inch rectangle.

7.    Brush the dough with melted butter.

8.    Sprinkle with the parmesan and mozzarella.

9.    Tightly roll up the dough and pinch the edge to seal.

10.    Cut the roll into eighteen 1-inch slices.

11.    Place them on a cookie sheet.

12.    Bake until golden.

13.    Heat the pizza sauce until hot.

14.    Dip pinwheels into sauce.

Cashew Truffles

Cashew Truffles

Truffles alone are so good and amazing to the taste except normal chocolate is made with just chocolate but this version adds the delicious nutty taste of cashews.
Ingredients -
1 Cup Plus 2 Tablespoons Whipping Cream
1/4 Cup Butter
12 Ounces Semisweet Chocolate, cut into chunks
6 Ounces Milk Chocolate, cut into chunks
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
2 Cups Cashews

Preparation:
1.    In a small saucepan bring the cream and butter to a boil.

2.    Remove the pan from the heat.

3.    Add the chocolates and vanilla and stir until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

4.    Refrigerate the mixture for about 2 hours until the candy is firm enough to handle easily.

5.    Form the mixture into 1 inch balls and then roll in chopped the cashews.

Pecan Date Cheese Ball

Pecan Date Cheese Ball

Graham crackers are the perfect cracker to eat with the sweet cheese ball. The balls are lightly sweet and so tasty. It’s a good recipe for the holidays and is sure to please.
Ingredients -
1 Teaspoon Mustard, ground
1 Teaspoon Water
2 Packages Cream Cheese, softened, (8 ounces each)
1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg, ground
2 Cups Cheddar Cheese, (8 ounces)
1 Cup Dates, chopped
1 Cup Pecans, chopped
Crackers

Preparation:
1.    Dissolve the mustard in water in a small bowl.

2.    Let it stand for 10 minutes.

3.    Beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise in a mixing bowl until it is smooth.

4.    Add the nutmeg and mustard to the mixture.

5.    Stir in the dates and cheese.

6.    Chill it for 15 minutes.

7.    Shape it into a ball roll it in the chopped pecans.

8.    Chill.

9.    Serve it with crackers and refrigerate the leftovers.

Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad

The wonderful flavors of the tomatoes and the texture combination of soft and delicious fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese make this salad a keeper and a favorite of most.
Ingredients -
Beefsteak Tomatoes
Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese
Basil, chopped coarsely
Sea Salt
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Red Wine

Preparation:
1.    Slice the tomatoes into thick slices.

2.    Salt and pepper to taste.

3.    Slice the mozzarella cheese also in similarly thick slices.

4.    Arrange the tomatoes and cheese on a platter, alternating and overlapping slightly.

5.    Sprinkle over all with oil, then vinegar and chopped basil.

6.    Let mature at room temperature for a few minutes to an hour before eating as an appetizer.

Pita Chips

Pita Chips

These little baked pita chips go fantastically with and spread or dip.

Ingredients -
12 Pita Bread Pockets
1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1 Teaspoon Garlic Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Basil
1 Teaspoon Dried Chervil

Preparation:
1.    Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2.    Cut each piece of pita bread into 8 triangles.

3.    Place the triangles on a lined cookie sheet.

4.    Combine the oil, pepper, salt, basil and chervil in a small bowl.

5.    Brush each triangle with the oil mixture.

6.    Bake in a preheated oven for about 7 minutes, or until lightly browned and crispy.

Image Credits
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Baba_ganoush_and_pita.jpg

Salsa Strips

Salsa Strips

These are fun little finger foods. The combination of the crescent rolls , salsa and mozzarella make for a delicious appetizer that you’ll want to make over and over.
Ingredients -
8 Ounces Refrigerated Crescent Rolls
2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
3/4 Cup Salsa
1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (4 oz.)
Fresh Cilantro, minced

Preparation:
1.    Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 4 rectangles.

2.    Place on greased baking sheets.

3.    Spread mustard and salsa on each rectangle.

4.    Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

5.    Sprinkle with mozzarella and bake until golden brown.

6.    Cool for 10 minutes.

7.    Cut each into 4 strips and sprinkle with cilantro.

Bruschetta Romana Recipe

Bruschetta Romana

This recipe is amazing. The roasted peppers, garlic, parsley coupled with delicious parmesan is wonderful. It’s a great recipe as an appetizer or you can take it to a party. Just put the bruschetta on at the last moment.

Ingredients -
1 Jar Roasted Red Bell Peppers, drained and cut into 1/2 inch strips (7 ounces)
2 Medium Cloves of Garlic, finely chopped
2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, shredded
1 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 Teaspoons Sea Salt
1/4 Teaspoons Fresh Ground Black Pepper
12 Baguette Slices, each 1/2 inch thick

Preparation:
1.    Heat the oven to 450 degrees.

2.    Except the baguette, mix all the ingredients.

3.    Place the baguette slices on an ungreased cookie sheet.

4.    Spoon the bell pepper mixture onto the bread slices.

5.    Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

More Inspiration

 

imge credits:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruschetta

Savory Spinach Balls

Savory Spinach Balls Recipe

This is the perfect appetizer because you can make it ahead of time and freeze it. Then you just take them out of the freezer and bake as instructed.

Ingredients -
2 Packages Frozen Spinach, chopped , cooked and drained
1 Large Yellow Onion, chopped fine
4 Eggs, beaten
3/4 Cup Butter
1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
2 Cups Stuffing Mix

Preparation:
1.    Mix the spinach, eggs, butter, salt, garlic salt, thyme, Parmesan cheese and stuffing in a large bowl.

2.    Chill 1/2 hour.

3.    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

4.    Grease cookie sheets with shortening or line with parchment paper.

5.    Roll the spinach mixture into small balls.

6.    Bake 15 minutes.

Image Credits
http://savorynotebook.blogspot.de/2005/09/spinach-balls.html