5 Homemade Appetizers that are Super-Easy to Make

We know it’s a great feeling to have friends and family drop by for a meal or a quick chat. We also know how tiring it can get to whip up some food at the last minute, especially after a long day at work. Take a look at our top picks for some quick, easy and delightful party appetizers for such occasions.

Crunchy Carrot Fries

These crunchy carrot fries are really easy to put together and are great to serve with your aperitifs. Unlike what the name suggests, these are really healthy as they are baked (and not fried). You can even leave the flour out of the recipe if you so wish, although it does give them a lovely, crisp coating. We suggest you play around with this recipe, adjust your baking times and try it with parsnips or even potato wedges for an added twist.

Source: http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a19058/crunchy-carrot-fries-recipe-opr0412/

Ingredients

· 2 pounds large carrots

· 6 tablespoons white rice flour

· 6 tablespoons canola oil

· 2 teaspoons garam masala (you can get this at any supermarket selling Indian foods)

· 2 teaspoons kosher salt

Instructions

Need ideas for a dip? Check out our blog article ‘Super Bowl Dips with a Twist’

Pigs in a Blanket

These appetizers make you feel as warm and fuzzy as their name suggests. This rich take on the classic finger food is a favorite with meat lovers everywhere. The caramelized onions add a jazzy touch and feel free to substitute the Chinese mustard with any of your preferred ones.

This recipe is really easy if you like working with pastry; it might take you longer the first time if you aren’t. It gets easier with practice. Trust us, it’s worth it!

http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a15149/pigs-in-a-blanket-recipe-opr0211/

Ingredients

• · 2 tablespoons butter
  
• · 1 large yellow onion
  
• · ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  
• · ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
  
• · 1 egg
  
• · 1 frozen all-butter puff pastry dough
  
• · 4 pork hot dogs or beef hot dogs
  
• · Chinese hot mustard
  

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Chop the onion finely. Chop the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces.

Don’t have enough time to play around with pastry? Try our Pork with Bbq Sauce Wrapped in Bacon appetizers!

Pizza Popcorn

Why not combine two of everyone’s favorite snacks for a fun snack? This pizza-flavored popcorn is sure to bring a smile to your guests’ lips. It’s great for a movie night, too!

Source: http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a15964/pizza-popcorn-recipe-opr0911/

Ingredients

• · 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• · 10 cups popped popcorn
  
• · ½ cup grated Parmesan
  
• · 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  
• · 1 tablespoon finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  
• · ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  
• · ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Toss the popped popcorn in a large bowl with the olive oil.

2. Add the remaining ingredients and toss again.

3. Serve and enjoy!

Roasted Root Vegetable Skewers

These are really easy to make, even if they need a little planning in advance. Marinade your vegetables before you leave for work so you just need to bake them once you get home. You can use beetroots, carrots, parsnips or any of your favorite veggies to make these delicious (and healthy!) skewers.

https://www.appetizersusa.com/root-vegetable-kabob-_8_141_26259.html

Ingredients

· 2 pounds mixed root vegetables, trimmed

For the Marinade

· 3 tablespoons olive oil

· 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

· 1 tablespoon maple syrup

· 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

· 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

· 1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped

· Salt

Instructions

1. Cube your chosen veggies.

2. Mix together all the ingredients for the marinade

3. Marinate your vegetables in a large Ziploc bag for at least 2 hours in your refrigerator.

4. Place the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 450°F.

5. Thread the roasted veggies onto to skewers and serve.

Alternatively, you can try our Root Vegetable Kabobs.

Recipe source: http://www.ediblefingerlakes.com/roasted-root-vegetable-skewers

Coconut Shrimp

Try this fun coconut rum flavored shrimp that your guests will absolutely love! This hassle-free recipe lets you throw it together whilst you are sipping your drinks and the conversation is flowing!

http://www.food.com/recipe/ive-got-the-rum-in-the-coconut-shrimp-373672

Ingredients

· 1 1⁄2 pounds shrimp (peeled & deveined)

For the Marinade

· 1⁄3 cup coconut rum

· 2 tablespoons brown sugar

· 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ginger (fresh-grated)

· 1 1⁄2 tablespoons lime juice

· 1 teaspoon lime zest

· 1 1⁄2 tablespoons soy sauce

· 3 garlic cloves (minced)

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients for the marinade in a large bowl.

2. Marinade the shrimp for about 30 minutes.

3. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill for about 6 minutes until cooked.

4. Turn them midway through grilling and make sure to baste them with the marinade occasionally.

Serve with a pineapple dip to really bring the tropics home! If you have too many guests to cook for, try our Malibu Coconut Shrimp.

Happy cooking!

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