6 Quick and Inexpensive Appetizer Options
When time is short and you need to entertain guests quickly, try offering one of these easy appetizers. Most of the time you'll have one or more of these foods on hand, but if not you're guaranteed to find them at your local market fast and cheaply.
Edamame
In Japan, these salt-covered soy beans are considered beer nuts. Buy them in bulk at the grocery store (they're in the frozen food department), boil them quickly, and salt them. Set them out in bowls, along with empty bowls for discarded shells.
A Selection of Olives
Olives are often a cocktail staple that everyone enjoys. Head to the grocery store and pick up any version you'd like such as imported Sicilian, French picholine, French black with herbs, French black with roasted garlic, or pitted kalamatas. Make sure to provide napkins or side dishes for the pits!
Crudites
Raw veggies are a quick, tasty and healthy alternative to chips. Cut up carrots, peppers, squash, cucumber, celery, even okra, a sadly under-rated veggie into bite size pieces. Then, hollow out a pepper to hold the dip. If you don't feel like doing the slicing, you can find pre-cut vegetables at a grocery or gourmet store.
Mixed Dried Fruits
You can buy goodies like dried dates, figs, and apricots prepackaged from speciality stores and keep your cabinet stocked and ready for last minute company.
Gourmet Cheese
Whatever your preference, cheese is an easy nibble to offer guests. Purchase your selection at the supermarket and cut into small slices or cubes that can be picked up by hand or with a toothpick. Place the cheese in the middle of a platter and pair with crackers, seedless grapes, cherries, apple slices, pepperoni, etc.
Breadsticks and Cheesesticks
These are often ready made, but if you find the store is out, make your own. Simply pick up a container of dinner roll dough (we prefer the croissant dinner size for easy rolling) and bake. Want to add more taste? Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and garlic powder before popping it in the oven. Once baked serve the bread in style by displaying the sticks in buckets or tall glasses.
Krissy Winnick
