10 Quick-Prep Appetizers
You might always have a bottle of wine in the fridge, but never food to offer when guests unexpectedly arrive. But, don't panic, here are our favorite go-to quick appetizer ideas that come together in minutes (and if you're really in a pinch, a couple of these served together can substitute for a full meal).
Serve Warm:
Warm Camembert with Wild Mushroom Fricassee
From FoodandWine.com
Creamy Camembert, when warmed in the oven, takes on an extra-gooey texture. When served with a quick sauté of wild mushrooms, and served with toast points, this elegant dish looks like it took a lot longer to prepare.
The Red Cat's Quick Sauté of Zucchini
From TasteBook.com
A signature dish at The Red Cat in New York City, this dish is a great way to utilize farm market zucchini. The sweet-nuttiness of the toasted almonds, along with the saltiness of the pecorino, goes so well with the zucchini.
From Epicurious.com
Like an open-face eggplant parmesan, but with goat cheese. Served warm, this quick appetizer is sure to satisfy.
From Eating Out Loud
This savory variation of elephant ears uses pesto as a filling. You can also try different prepared spreads, like sundried tomato or olive tapenade.
Serve at Room Temperature:
From FoodandWine.com
Bagna cauda is an easy, anchovy-olive based alternative to dip. This recipe calls for red wine, a unique addition, giving it a red appearance. Serve with baby carrots, red pepper slices, cucumber slices, and celery sticks, and you have an easy, and healthy, appetizer.
Arugula Salad with Jerusalem Artichokes and Bacon
From Dinner: A Love Story
Here Jerusalem artichokes, aka sunchokes, are cooked and then sautéed with bacon and onion until just crispy. Tossed with arugula and a balsamic vinaigrette, and served with plenty of Parmigiano, this dish is will soon become a favorite.
From JamieOliver.com
Crostinis are simply grilled small slices of bread, rubbed with a garlic clove while still warm, and drizzled with olive oil. While a tomato topping, like bruschetta, is often served, you can try different variations, like creamy pesto, or a salty-sweet fig and prosciutto mix.
From TheKitchn.com
What is more enjoyable than a glass of wine, crackers, and cheese? Follow these tips for picking a good combination of cheeses, suggestions for nut and fruit accompaniments, and serve with a baguette, and you'll find success every time.
From Orangette
Hummus is a quick and easy favorite to serve as an appetizer. This variation uses white beans instead of chickpeas for a slightly smoother flavor.