5 Easy Appetizers for Any Spring Occasion
Heading out to a delightful spring-time gathering? Arrive with one of these easy appetizers in hand, and you'll wow the crowd!
As the weather begins to warm, folks naturally emerge from hibernation and begin enjoying each otherβs company at fun spring-time get togethers. If youβre filling up your calendar with various get togethers and hang-outs, youβll undoubtedly need to arrive with something to contribute to the spread. Here are some easy appetizers you can prepare to snack on while you get re-acquainted with your nearest and dearest. Enjoy!
Easy Appetizers From the StyleBlueprint Archives
Caprese Skewers
This recipe first appeared in this StyleBlueprint articleΒ and hails from the kitchen ofΒ Dora Sarris Cothren, co-owner ofΒ Theadora AbbeyluxeΒ in Homewood, AL.Β βI always make capreseΒ skewers when I have company over,β Dora shares. βItβs great as a starter or a side, and theΒ bestΒ part is that I can make them a day ahead.Β They are pretty, light and tasty, and all ages love them.β She recommends serving them with a nice, chilled glass of rosΓ©.
Caprese Skewers
IngredientsΒ Β
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes cut in half
- Fresh basil leaves
- Mozzarella balls Dora recommends using the Costco mozzarella balls, because they are marinated in olive oil and herbs.
- 25 4-inch bamboo skewers
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic vinegar optional
InstructionsΒ
- Thread a tomato half, basil leaf and mozzarella ball onto each skewer.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving plate, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Lightly drizzle with balsamic vinegar, if desired.
Nutrition
Prosciutto, Gorgonzola and Spinach
In a pinch? This easy app is simple to pull together and has a sophisticated air. We first featured it in this article, suggesting it for a fall appetizer, but really, prosciutto is perfect anytime!
Prosciutto, Gorgonzola & Spinach Wraps
IngredientsΒ Β
- Prosciutto
- Spinach
- Gorgonzola
- Dried cranberries
- Pine nuts
InstructionsΒ
- Lay out the prosciutto and top with a couple of leaves of spinach.
- Sprinkle with Gorgonzola, 3-4 dried cranberries and 6-8 pine nuts.
- Roll up and place on platter.
RELATED: How to Make the Perfect Charcuterie Board at Home
Black Olive Tapenade
We first featured this recipe in this articleΒ back in 2014. This easy recipe is courtesy of Kathy Katz, owner of Cooper Street 20/20 in Memphis. Collect your ingredients, throw them in the food processor, and let βer rip. Serve with some grilled pita or fresh veggies, and youβre good to go!
Black Olive Tapenade
IngredientsΒ Β
- 16 ounces Kalamata olives drained and pitted
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 clove garlic
- ΒΌ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
InstructionsΒ
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor until you achieve a coarse paste. Tapenade is easy and tastes great with grilled pita or sliced veggies.
Nutrition
Benedictine Spread or Dip
We recently featured this recipe in our article on βSouthern Entertaining Essentials,β and it bears revisiting.Β This light-green cucumber spread is a Kentucky tradition, named for Jennie Benedict, who ran a tea room in Louisville, KY, in the early 1900s.Β Melissa Eads, spokesperson for Kroger, says, βTry it on thin cocktail bread for the perfect tea or finger sandwich. Add a thin round slice of cucumber on top the spread for even more of that cucumber taste, and to reduce calories, forgo the mayonnaise.β As an added bonus, Benedictine spread can also be used as a dip for vegetables. Just stir in a little heavy cream or sour cream to thin slightly for a better dip consistency.
Benedictine Spread or Dip Recipe
IngredientsΒ Β
- 1 large cucumber peeled
- Β½ small onion peeled
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- β teaspoon salt
- 2 drops green food coloring
InstructionsΒ
- Grate the cucumber and onion into a colander; drain well, pressing to remove all excess moisture.
- Blend the cream cheese and mayonnaise with a mixer or food processor.
- Add the salt and grated cucumber and onion.
- Stir in the green food coloring.
- To make sandwiches, spread bread slices with mayonnaise, then a layer of Benedictine. To use as a dip for vegetables, stir in a little heavy cream or sour cream to thin slightly.
Nutrition
RELATED: 5 Steps to a Simple Springtime Gathering
Aunt Sarahβs Corn Dip
Ever since we featured this article in our popular β4 No-Fail Dump Recipesβ article, weβve been craving this deliciousness! SUPER simple to pull together, and youβll be relishing the compliments long after the dip disappears!
Aunt Sarah's Corn Dip
IngredientsΒ Β
- 2 cans white corn drained
- 2 cans black beans drained and rinsed
- 8 oz. feta cheese crumbled
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3/4 cup salad oil
- 1 cup green onion chopped
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- garlic powder to taste
InstructionsΒ
- Mix all ingredients together. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. Serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Enjoy your get-together!Β
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Ashley Haugen
Ashley is a StyleBlueprint contributor who was born and raised in the South. She loves hiking, travel, photography, and spending time with family and friends.