Category: Appetizers

Appetizer Recipes

Italian Sausage Wontons

This delicious appetizer (which more often than not turns into full-on dinner) has been a staple at our New Year’s Eve Olympics celebration for a few years. It fits all the requirements of our NYE menu: cheesy, tasty, and easy to make.

1 lb Italian sausage (cooked, drained)
1 large jar pimentos
3-4 C. shredded Mexican cheese
1 C. ranch salad dressing
3-4 boxes of wonton cups (mini fillo shells by Athens)

Mix ingredients together in a bowl. Fill wonton cups/mini fillo shells and place on a baking sheet or stone. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Appetizers Recipes with Pictures

Spiced Pecans

I got this spiced pecan recipe from chef Tom Skold. These spicy pecans have a little “kick” to them and make for a great party appetizer. Plus they are easily portable. Enjoy!!

1/2 C. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. salt
1 egg
1 lb. pecan halves
2 tsp. minced garlic

Combine sugar, cayenne and salt in a small bowl; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat egg white. Add pecans and garlic and stir until coated. Sprinkle cayenne mixture over pecans; mix well.

Spread in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes. Transfer the pecans to waxed paper while still warm. Cool before storing or serving.

Makes about 6 cups.

Tags Nuts, Pecans, Spicy

Appetizers Beef Pork

Hanky Panks

From the kitchen of Marcia Young.

1 lb. hamburger
1 lb. spicy sausage (i.e. Jimmy Dean Hot)
1 lb. Velveeta cheese

Mix meats well, brown in skillet, then drain. Melt cheese in skillet with meat.

Add (Optional):
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 T. Worcestershire sauce

While warm, spread on slice of Rye Bread (Party size for appetizers) and broil in oven. Can be frozen at this stage. Ready to serve when mixture bubbles. For pizza variation, spread pizza sauce on bread before meat mixture.)

Appetizers Cookbook Dips

Caramel Apple Dip

I got this recipe from my friend, Erin. The only way to eat green apples!

1/4 C. sugar
3/4 C. brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. vanilla
1 – 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

Combine in blender until smooth.

Appetizers Cookbook Dips

Val’s Pineapple Dip

This recipe is quick and easy and people love it.

2 – 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese
1/2 C. onion, chopped
1/2 C. green pepper, chopped
1 C. cheese, shredded
1 can crushed pineapple, drained
A little garlic powder
A little Lawry’s seasoned salt

Mix all ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until cheeses are melted. Cool and serve with crackers.

Appetizers Cookbook Dips

Vegetable Dip

1 C. sour cream
1/2 C. mayonnaise
2 tsp. Lawry’s seasoning salt
1 T. dried onion
1 tsp. parsley flakes

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate.

Appetizers Cookbook Dips

Spinach Artichoke Dip

1 – 10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 – 14 oz. jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 C. mayonnaise
2 – 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese
2 T. lemon juice
1 C. Parmesan cheese, grated

Cut cream cheese into small cubes; stir in remaining ingredients, except Parmesan cheese. Spread into shallow baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and bake at 350º for 20 minutes, or until bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers or sliced French bread.

Appetizers Beverages Cookbook

Cindy Van Wert’s Slush

1-12 oz. can frozen orange juice
1-12 oz. can frozen lemonade
1 C. sugar
1 C. strong tea (1 C. water with enough tea to make strong – really dark)
3 1/2 C. water
2 C. vodka (that’s right – the hard stuff)

Mix and freeze.

Scoop into glasses and add cold 7-Up.