Quick and Easy Appetizers

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Tasty Tuesday is thrilled to be a stop on Amy’s Bloggy Progressive Dinner.

It’s very fitting that I host the appetizer portion since we are HUGE quick and easy appetizer consumers in this home. My children have learned to whip them up for snack time, so we probably have our infamous taco dip (using my Homemade Gourmet taco soup seasoning) at least three times a week. I don’t see appetizers just for parties any more.

As I started tying to narrow down our favorite appetizers/dips, I realized there are too many for one post, so I will be adding additional favorites as I make them.

Easiest and Tastiest Cheese ball EVER!!

(We are not huge mayo fans, but this mixture is so good it will become one of your favorites as well.

1 Pound Sharp Cheddar Cheese

1 cup chopped toasted pecans

1 cup Hellman’s mayonnaise

1 small onion grated

Dash salt

Dash cayenne pepper

Strawberry preserves

Combine and refrigerate. May need to add more mayonnaise based on preference. One hour prior to serving form into a ring.

Place strawberry preserves in middle. This is a MUST! For two years, I was served this cheese ball and refused to dip my cracker into  the strawberry preserves. I had never tried that mix of flavors up North, but wow,  I was missing it. It is an absolute favorite and even has passed the “kid” test. I drizzle the strawberry jam right on the cheeseball for my own family, but serve it separately in the middle for guests. And this photo is strategically up close since the other half of the ring has been devoured.

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Using mini Phillo shells are one of my favorite ways to serve  appetizers when I entertain. Creativity knows no bounds when using these. Serve them hot or cold, for desserts or appetizers. We served my son breakfast in bed this morning and my daughters were in charge. Besides the toast with loads of whip cream, these mini phillo cups were served with a little yogurt and sprinkles.

It’s simple to buy mini quiche at Sam’s Club,  but they are SO easy and cheap to make by following these directions. You can also make them in mini muffin pans without the Phillo dough.

HAM AND CHEESE QUICHE

Ingredients

1 egg,  1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons small diced cooked ham
2 tablespoons small diced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon small diced green bell pepper
15 Athens® Mini Fillo Shells (1 box)
3 tablespoons shredded pepper jack cheese, for garnish

In small bowl, wisk together egg and heavy whipping cream. In another small bowl, mix ham and peppers. Spoon 1 teaspoon of ham and pepper filling into each Fillo Shell. Add 1 teaspoon of egg mixture into each shell. Garnish with 1/2 teaspoon of shredded cheese. Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Serve warm

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Use your favorite chicken salad recipe for this easy, eye catching appetizer.

CHICKEN AND PICO DE GALLO

Ingredients
1/2 cup cooked medium-diced chicken
1 small diced avocado
1 small seeded and diced tomato
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
2 teaspoons minced jalapeño (optional)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (I omit)
1/4 teaspoon salt
15  Mini Fillo Shells (1 box)
15 cilantro sprigs, for garnish

In a small bowl combine chicken, avocado, tomato, green onions, jalapeño, mayonnaise, vinegar, cilantro and salt mixing well. Chill for 1 hour. Place 1 rounded tablespoon of mixture into each Fillo Shell. Garnish each with a sprig of cilantro. Serve immediately.

Makes 15 Appetizers

Need a few more ideas? See Southern Caviar and Easy Beer Dip – Delicious Dips for Any Occasion.