#easyappetizers

Mini Pretzel Dogs Ingredients: ¾ cup warm water 2 teaspoons sugar 1½ teaspoons active dry yeast 2¼ cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon butter, melted 10 cups water ? cup baking soda 1 package Lil’ Smokies sausages 1 large egg yolk + 1 tablespoon water, whisked together Coarse salt (Jacobsen salt recommended) Directions: Prepare Dough: In a large bowl (or stand mixer bowl), combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let stand for 5 minutes, until foamy. Add flour, salt, and melted butter, then mix until combined. Knead for 5–10 minutes, until dough is smooth and pliable. Shape into a ball, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner and spray with cooking spray. Boil Baking Soda Water: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Shape and Roll Pretzel Dogs: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 3 equal-sized portions. Roll each portion into a 12-inch circle. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut each circle into 12 wedges. Place a Lil’ Smokie at the wide end of each wedge and roll it up, sealing the end with your fingers. Boil and Bake Pretzel Dogs: Working in batches, place the wrapped pretzel dogs into the boiling baking soda water for 30–60 seconds, then remove and place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rise time) Cooking Time: 12 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes Kcal: 110 kcal per mini pretzel dog Servings: 36 mini pretzel dogs These Mini Pretzel Dogs are a fun and tasty twist on classic pretzels, perfect for parties, game day, or as a delicious snack! Wrapped in homemade pretzel dough and filled with savory Lil’ Smokies, each bite is both chewy and flavorful. The baking soda bath gives these mini dogs a beautifully golden, crisp exterior, while the soft dough inside makes them a crowd-pleasing comfort food. With their attractive golden color and irresistible aroma, these Mini Pretzel Dogs are sure to impress. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces, and watch them disappear in minutes. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a cozy snack, these bite-sized delights are always a hit.

👉 Full recipe here: https://www.unclehenryskitchen.com/lobster-mac-and-cheese-bites/

👉 Full recipe here: https://www.leoskitchentable.com/crack-chicken-pinwheels/

Spinach Artichoke Squares are a delicious low-carb spin on classic spinach artichoke dip for the perfect party treat everyone can enjoy!  Great for breakfast or brunch, too!

Maple Roasted Pumpkin with Hazelnuts and Mint Ingredients: 850 g pumpkin (Long Island Cheese or preferred variety) 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon sweet paprika 1 teaspoon ginger powder 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Salt, to taste 1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted 10 fresh mint leaves Zest of half a lemon Directions: Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 210ºC (410ºF), fan-assisted. Prepare the Pumpkin: Using a large knife, cut the top and bottom off the pumpkin. Slice it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Cut each half into wedges. Season the Pumpkin: Place the pumpkin wedges on a baking tray. Add the maple syrup, olive oil, sweet paprika, ginger powder, nutmeg, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Use your hands to coat the pumpkin evenly with the seasonings. Roast: Bake for about 30 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender and caramelized. Add Toppings: Let the pumpkin cool slightly, then sprinkle with roughly crushed hazelnuts, chopped mint, and lemon zest. Serve: Enjoy this dish warm as a side or appetizer. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 150 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings This Maple Roasted Pumpkin with Hazelnuts and Mint is a delightful balance of earthy, sweet, and fresh flavors. The pumpkin’s natural sweetness is elevated by maple syrup and warm spices, while toasted hazelnuts add a satisfying crunch. Fresh mint and lemon zest bring a pop of freshness, making this dish as vibrant as it is delicious. Ideal as a seasonal side or appetizer, this dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy autumn meals. Its beautiful presentation and unique flavor profile make it a stand-out choice for any fall or winter table, delivering both elegance and comfort in every bite.

Easy Caprese Crostini Appetizer Ingredients: Half of a French baguette, sliced into rounds 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 12 cherry tomatoes 12 slices fresh mozzarella cheese 12 fresh basil leaves 1 tbsp coarse salt 3 tbsp balsamic glaze Directions: Make the Crostini: Preheat the broiler. Slice the French baguette into rounds and brush both sides of each slice with olive oil. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place under the broiler or in a toaster oven and toast until the top side is golden brown. Remove the bread, flip each slice, and broil again until the other side is also golden brown. Once toasted, remove the bread from the oven and rub one side of each piece with a peeled garlic clove for added flavor. Assemble the Crostini: On each crostini, place a slice of mozzarella cheese and a slice of tomato (or half of a cherry tomato). Sprinkle a pinch of coarse salt over the tomatoes. Drizzle the crostini with balsamic glaze and generously top with torn or chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately for the best flavor and crunch. Enjoy! Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Kcal: 90 kcal per serving Servings: 12 servings This Caprese Crostini is a delightful appetizer that combines the best of fresh Italian flavors. With creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil on a crispy baguette slice, this dish is drizzled with a sweet, tangy balsamic glaze. Each bite offers a perfect blend of texture and taste, making it an ideal choice for parties, gatherings, or casual snacking. This easy-to-make appetizer is visually appealing and bursting with flavor. The contrast between the crunchy bread and the soft mozzarella with fresh toppings creates an irresistible bite. Serve these Caprese Crostini immediately to enjoy them at their peak freshness!

Spinach Feta Mini Rolls Ingredients: 1 package frozen phyllo (filo) dough For the filling: 1 bag frozen spinach (450 grams), thawed and drained 1 cup crumbled feta cheese 1 egg ½ cup grated Romano cheese 1 red onion, finely chopped Salt and pepper, to taste ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom 1 cup fresh mint, chopped 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped Directions: Thaw Phyllo Dough: Thaw the phyllo dough according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Prepare the Filling: In a food processor, combine spinach, feta, egg, grated Romano, chopped red onion, salt, pepper, cardamom, mint, and parsley. Blend until a creamy paste forms. Prepare Phyllo Sheets: Take one sheet of phyllo dough and keep the remaining sheets covered with a clean kitchen towel to prevent drying. Cut the sheet into 3 long strips. Assemble Rolls: Brush each strip lightly with oil, then fold each strip in half for a double layer. Place 1 teaspoon of filling along the short side of the rectangle and roll the dough tightly to enclose the filling. Brush the finished roll with a little oil. Repeat: Continue with the remaining phyllo sheets and filling to make additional rolls. Cook the Rolls: Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Air fry rolls for 4 minutes until golden and crisp. Oven or Frying Option: If not using an air fryer, you can bake the rolls in a preheated oven, brushed with a little oil, or fry them in oil until golden brown. Serve: Serve the mini rolls warm with Greek yogurt for dipping. Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 4 minutes per batch Total Time: 19 minutes Kcal: 70 kcal per roll Servings: 20–25 rolls These Spinach Feta Mini Rolls are a delightful combination of creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and tender spinach wrapped in flaky phyllo dough. The filling, made with feta, Romano, red onion, mint, and parsley, brings a rich, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispiness of the phyllo. They’re ideal as an appetizer or party snack and can be made quickly in an air fryer, oven, or by frying. Serve these savory bites with a side of Greek yogurt for a refreshing dip, adding a touch of creaminess to every bite. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy snack at home, these rolls are sure to impress.

Hasselback Kielbasa Bites Ingredients: 2 large Kielbasa sausages (about 1.5 pounds) 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for added flavor) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish Directions: Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare Kielbasa: Place each Kielbasa sausage on a cutting board. Make diagonal cuts every half-inch along each sausage, slicing almost but not completely through. Season Sausages: In a small bowl, combine olive oil and smoked paprika (if using). Brush each sausage with the oil mixture, ensuring even coverage. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bake Kielbasa: Arrange the sausages on a baking tray and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the sausages are cooked to your liking. Garnish and Serve: Remove the Kielbasa bites from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving for a touch of freshness. Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 150 kcal per serving Servings: 4 servings These Hasselback Kielbasa Bites are a delicious twist on a classic favorite. With a touch of smoked paprika, they come out of the oven with crispy edges and a smoky, savory flavor that’s perfect for any gathering. The Hasselback technique allows the flavors to infuse deeply, creating a mouthwatering bite in every slice. Serve these warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Whether for a party, game day, or a cozy night in, these bites are simple to make and bursting with flavor.