Let’s Start With Something Savory
Like little dinner entrees, many of the new appetizers are now miniature versions of full size favorites and treats. I like this one for spaghetti and meatballs. then try some of the healthy ones with mainly veggies, or dig into one of the many that feature cream cheese. Even some that serve as little desserts.
1. Tiny Spaghetti And Meatballs
2. Grilled Zucchini And Smoked Salmon Rolls
3. Gussied Up Cream Cheese
Here is an idea from helloluvvy.com with just three ingredients:
- Flattened and cutout cream cheese
- Red pepper jelly
- Jalapeno slivers
Just serve with a selection of crackers.
That sounds really yum, but I have a secret ingredient I like that would be perfect with this:
Harry and David’s Pepper and Onion Relish. Yes, that is what I would slather on top of the darling little cream cheese shapes (which btw, you could use cookie cutters to make any shape you wanted).
Just in case you need an easy access, try this link to the original ( there are other flavors for this popular relish)
I really think you should get it in bulk because over the year you will find all sorts of things that taste better with a dollop of this relish: eggs, sandwiches, cold meats, etc.
4. Lapsang Souchong (Tea) Eggs
5. Caramel Grapes
Cute AND sweet! These make a nice change from the savories. Little fresh fruit bites are simply large juicy grapes dipped into caramel and then into chopped nuts (just like their big sister caramel apples). Make and serve right on the toothpicks.
6. Little Piglets
Making pigs in a blanket look like the real thing.
Use this recipe for dough, and assemble around the pieces of sausage.
7. Zucchini Parmesan Crisps
8. Mini Waffles And ?
Southern Living has them topped with chicken, but there are oodles of other things to make an appetizer that really stands out.
You will need a mini waffle maker iron for these. worth it if you have children or just want to make these as a regular appetizer base.
Topping could include:
- Dipped in chocolate and sprinkles
- Fruit and whipped cream
- Bacon and scrambled egg with touch of salsa
- Shredded BBQ pork or Chicken
9. Mini Potatoes
Your favorite potato, baby sized. Cook til golden brown, slice open and fill with your favorite topping. This one is simple sour cream and chives.
10. Fairy Toadstool Eggs
Hard boil small or pullet sized eggs, peel. Prepare cherry tomato halves. either construct using hardboiled eggs or slice off top and scoop out yolk to mix with mayonnaise and mustard. Cap with cherry tomato half. Arrange on bed of Alfalfa sprouts. Crumble some feta cheese and apply to caps.
I hope these cute appetizer ideas get you inspired to add something special to the start of your holiday meals and parties.
The beginning image is from the recipe for tiny lemon tarts on The 350 Degree Oven made from 3 simple ready-made ingredients:
pie crust, lemon curd, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
