9/23

3 Easy Party Appetizer Ideas

Appetizers, Food, Halfway Homemade, Party Trays, Small Bites
By Emma Chapman

Easy party appetizersMy philosophy when it comes to planning a menu for a party is pretty much this: what will taste delicious and be really easy to throw together. I don't like spending a whole party in the kitchen by myself. No thank you.

If I'm preparing for a dinner party with multiple courses, then I do anticipate more prep work. But for our housewarming party, I had decided to just serve small, bite-sized items. And if folks ended up staying later, we could always order pizza. 🙂

Anyway, I thought I'd share three appetizers I served in case any of you have a party coming up that you'd want some ideas for.

Ricotta and blueberry toastsFirst up, I "made" these blueberry ricotta toasts. They are topped with honey and a little salt + pepper. I like to serve them with a fragrant herb on the serving board since they don't have a strong aroma. I used basil (because I already had some), but rosemary or sage would be a good option as well.

Super easy appetizer ideasI toasted the bread the day before the party and stored it in a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Then about forty-five minutes before guests arrived, I spread on the ricotta and topped with blueberries and honey. Easy.

If I had been ambitious, I could have made my own ricotta. But… I was not that week. 🙂

Watermelon and feta skewersSecond, I made watermelon and feta skewers. I can't remember where I first had this combination together. I feel like it was at someone's wedding reception. Hmm. I don't remember. But the juicy, sweet watermelon goes great with sharp feta. I don't have a photo of the table, but I served this along side a balsamic vinegar reduction guests could drizzle or dip with. But these are great without that too.

Watermelon and feta skewers The only trick to preparing these is to cut the watermelon into cubes about the same size as your feta cubes. This makes for a pretty presentation. Also, remember to buy a seedless watermelon to save your guests some trouble. 🙂

Cheesy tomato tartsThese mini cheddar tomato tarts were the most difficult item on the menu, but they were also my favorite. They sort of taste like pizza, so of course I loved them. 🙂

You simply cut out small circles (or hearts) of puff pastry with a cookie cutter. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle on a little white cheddar cheese (shredded), then top with a tomato slice. Bake at 325°F for 20-25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown and look crispy. Top with a little basil leaf (or just chopped basil) just before serving. 

Easy tomato basil tartsI made my tarts earlier in the day and just rewarmed them in the oven before guests arrived. 

Now I want pizza. 

Thanks for letting me share! If you have any easy party recipes you're known for making, tell us. xo. Emma

Credits // Author: Emma Chapman, Photography: Janae Hardy. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions. 

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