It's always nice to have a few appetizers or snacks out for guests as they arrive for a party, get-together or dinner at your house. These appetizers don't have to be fancy, cook-all-day affairs. In fact, I believe that simpler is better.
Here are some ideas for easy, no-fuss (but delicious) appetizers that take just a few minutes to prepare. All of them use the very versatile cream cheese!
Add your own great ideas to the comments section of this article!
Hot Mexican Dip
- 1 large block cream cheese, softened
- 1 can of your favorite chili with beans
- 1 cup shredded cheese
In an oven-proof dish such as a glass pie plate, spread the softened cream cheese on the bottom, followed by the chili and the cheese. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the mixture just starts to bubble. Serve with tortilla chips.
Restaurant Style Poppers
- 12 jalapeno peppers
- cream cheese, softened
- 12 strips of bacon, halved
Cut the peppers in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and stem. Stuff each with a little cream cheese. Wrap each one with a half-strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick. You can bake them on a rimmed cookie sheet at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until the bacon is crisp or grill them on your gas grill.
Smoked Salmon Spread
- 1 small package of smoked salmon
- 1 4 oz. container of cream cheese
- 1 T chopped onion
- 1 T fresh lemon juice
- 1 T capers, optional
Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Place in a serving bowl and refrigerate for a few hours. Serve with hearty crackers or triangles of toast points.
Easiest Cheese and Spicy Spread
Take a small serving plate and place one large block of room temperature cream cheese on it. Pour one small jar of hot-pepper jelly over the cream cheese. Serve with crackers.
