Artichoke Jalapeno Bread

This is a great heavy app for watching the game or playing a game. 1 loaf French bread. Costco's Country French is my favorite. 2 C. mayo 2 C. grated parmesan 1 C. shredded cheese. Last time I used a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar. 1 jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped...

French Quarter Cheese Spread (EASY)

I saw a picture of this on TikTok and had to try it. It was as good as it looked, and super easy. I didn't think the tiny amounts of Worcestershire and mustard would add much but they totally did. I had leftovers so I put them in an oven-safe bowl and put it in...

Pour in the Pan Pizza

I found this recipe on Christopher Kimball's Milk Street website. He said it's a focaccia dough that he redesigned to be more like a crispy pizza. He points out that the hardest part about making pizza is panning out the dough, and with this recipe you don't have to. The dough is so thin you literally...

Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

I don't know what possessed me to make these meat-wrapped-meat sticks but I have to admit they were fantastic. Perfect football food. Makes about 35. 1 lb. bacon, cut in thirds 1 package mini sausage like Hillshire Farm Lit'l Smokies 1/2 C. brown sugar 1/2 tsp. cayenne or 1 tsp. black pepper 30-40 wooden toothpicks...

Cheese Ball

"Cheeseball" doesn't sound like the most elegant appetizer but it's a classic because it's delicious. It's basically any kind of shredded cheese mixed with a block of cream cheese, rolled in nuts or bacon green onions or whatever you want. To make it more spreadable, add a little mayo. This particular recipe I adapted from...

Smoked Salmon Spread

Mom used to make this back in the 70s/80s for guests and I always loved it. It's a great thing to make ahead of time and can be used as an appetizer with crackers or spread on a bagel or toast. 1 can wild Alaskan sockeye salmon (not pink), drained, skin and bones removed4 oz....

Party Sliders

Also called Football sandwiches, these are a good hearty appetizer or second main dish, like at a BBQ to serve alongside burgers. You can use any type of meat and cheese. The important part is the Hawaiian rolls and the tangy mustard topping. Ingredients: 12 Hawaiian rolls6 Tbsp. yellow mustard12 thin slices deli ham or...

Thai Chicken Dip

I found this recipe on a blog I like. I had to try it because she calls it "the most amazing dip on the whole planet earth". It really is good, and super easy. I'm not including measurements because it's not even necessary; just eyeball it all. Ingredients: Soy sauce (I like a combo of...

Candied Bacon

You can eat this any time of day. Obviously it's good with breakfast but I think it makes a great appetizer. It really dresses up a plate of cheese & crackers. It's smoky, salty, sweet and spicy. Very addicting. 12 oz. package center-cut bacon (Not thick cut, not regular bacon- has to be "center cut"...

Grilled Artichokes

Personally I don't love artichokes all that much. When people order it at restaurants for the table, I enjoy the grilled flavor and a few leaves dipped in whatever and then I'm back to my wine and other apps. Still, I like serving them because they're somewhat unusual and elegant and a fun change from...