Great Dip and Appetizer Recipes for the Entertainer
Prep for the Party
If you're anything like me, you love those easy recipes for your large entertaining needs. It could be a dinner party, just a casual dinner with friends, or even a football party. I have put together just a few of my favorite recipes.
Fresh Mediterranean Dip
1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup chopped tomato
1/2 cup cucumbers
1/2 cup chopped spinach leaves
1/2 cup chopped red onions
2 Tbsp. Greek Vinaigrette Dressing
1/4 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese with Basil & Tomato
Spread the cream cheese on the bottom of a pie pan. Mix remaining ingredients except feta cheese; spoon over the cream cheese. Sprinkle with feat cheese. Serve with crackers of your choice or assorted fresh vegetables.
*For less fat, use Neufchatel Cheese instead of cream cheese.
*Another variation of the dip would be to leave off the feta cheese. However, this cheese gives it an extra added touch.
*Prep Time: 10 minutes
*Makes 1 1/2 cups or 12 servings, 2 Tbsp each.
Cream Cheese Nibbles
1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese
1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing
2 cloves garlic, sliced
3 small sprigs fresh rosemary, stems removed
6 sprigs fresh thyme, cut into pieces
1 tsp. black peppercorns
Peel of 1 lemon, cut into thin strips
Cut cream cheese into 36 pieces. Place in a 9-inch pie plate.
Next add the remaining ingredients; toss lightly. Cover.
Refrigerate the nibbles for at least 1 hour, but can chill in the refrigerator for 24 hours. For best results, serve with crusty bread, crackers or pita chips.
Prep time: 10 minutes plus refrigeration time.
Makes 18 servings, 2 pieces each.
Ham Roll-Ups
1 pkg. (9 oz) Shaved Smoked Ham
5 Tbsp. Cream Cheese Spread
15 Asparagus Spears (approximately 1 lb.), trimmed
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Flatten ham slices and pat dry. Stack 2 slices of ham; spread with 1 tsp. of the cream cheese spread.
Place 1 asparagus spear on each stack of ham and cheese spread; roll up. Place in a baking dish.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Makes 15 servings, 1 roll-up each
Garden Vegetable Dip
2 pkg. (8 oz. each) Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup finely chopped broccoli
1 medium carrot, shredded
1/2 cup Blue Cheese Dressing
Mix cream cheese and dressing until well blended. Stir in vegetables and cover.
Place in the refrigerator for several hours or until chilled.
Serve with assorted cut up vegetables.
Prep time: 10 minutes plus refrigeration.
Makes 20 servings, 2 Tbsp. each
Hope you enjoy!
Resources for More Great Dip Ideas
- Dip Recipes : Food Network
Find dip recipes, videos, and ideas from Food Network. - 32 Unbelievably Good Dip Recipes | mrfood.com
32 Unbelievably Good Dip Recipes - 22 Crowd-Pleasing Dip Recipes | RealSimple.com
Get the recipe. These winning dips and spreads will score big at any gathering.
- Holiday Desserts
Sometimes it is a hard decision to know what dessert to have during a special holiday dinner. If you have more than one specialty, which one do you make? Here are 4 desserts that I have used through the years, that have been successful. Chocolate... - Holiday Appetizers and Party Drinks
Sometime during the holiday season, you may want to invite friends or out of town visitors to have appetizers and drinks with you, just for the fun of it. An appetizer tree, cheese ball and braunswiger (liverwurst) ball recipes are included in this.. - 15 Minute Holiday Appetizers That Will Be A Big Hit.
Simple elegant appetizers that take 15 minutes or less.
