Spinach and Artichoke Dip With Tortilla Chips

Can’t forget the flavor of the cheesy spinach dip you had in your favorite restaurant? You can prepare one at home and enjoy the same authentic flavors for a relishing appetizer. This delicious, simple dip can be served with tortilla chips or croutons on the top and enjoyed before you are ready to serve the meal.

Ingredients

• Garlic, 4 cloves
• Frozen spinach (thawed and drained), 1 pkg.
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded), 1 cup
• Alfredo style pasta sauce, 1 container
• Parmesan cheese (grated), 1/3 cup
• Artichoke hearts (chopped and drained), 1 can
• Cream cheese (softened), ¾ cup
• Salt, to taste

Preparation

1. Set the oven to preheat at 350 degrees F.
2. In a baking dish, place garlic and set to bake for 20 minutes until tender. Remove and let cool. Squeeze out garlic from the skins and set aside.
3. Spread the squeezed out garlic in a baking dish along with artichoke hearts, spinach, mozzarella cheese, Alfredo-style sauce, parmesan cheese and cream cheese. Sprinkle some salt and set to bake.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until cheeses are completely melted and bubbly.
5. Remove from oven and transfer to a serving bowl along with lots of tortilla chips and enjoy!

Portobello Mushrooms With Kale Guacamole

The soothing kale guacamole flavors are combined with Portobello mushrooms to create this amazing appetizer. These are great to look at and delicious for your taste buds. Serve before your meal and enjoy.

Ingredients

• 3 large Portobello mushrooms (remove stems, rinse caps)
• Baby kale leaves, 2 cups
• Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup, (freshly grated)
• Garlic, 3 cloves
• Extra-virgin olive oil (divided use), 4 tbsp
• Coarse salt, a pinch
• Pine nuts, 2 tbsp, (lightly toasted),
• 1 ripe avocado
• Queso fresco cheese (crumbled), ¼ cup
• Salt and pepper, according to taste

Preparation

1. Rub oil on the mushroom caps. Place them on a prepared baking sheet, cap-side down. Season with some salt and pepper. Set to roast in a preheated oven at 450 degrees F until soft for 15 minutes. When done, drain the juices.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Place pine nuts, kale, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of coarse salt in a food processor. Process to smooth out while you gradually add the remaining 3 tbsp olive oil in the processor. Continue until the pesto is prepared.
3. Mash ripe avocado in a separate bowl. Add to the pesto and stir to combine. When the mushrooms are done, fill each cap up with generous pesto.
4. Top with queso fresco and enjoy!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Want to prepare a great party appetizer? This recipe is a crowd pleaser! The amazing flavors of cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch makes this a great party appetizer option. Serve with French bread or tortilla chips for the perfect starter.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese (softened), 1 pkg.
• White chicken chunk (drained), 1 can
• Buffalo wing sauce, ½ cup
• Ranch salad dressing, ½ cup
• Monterey Jack cheese (shredded), 2 cups
• Baguette slices, tortilla chips or celery ribs to serve with.

Preparation

1. Set the oven to preheat at 350 degrees F.
2. In a shallow baking dish, spread cream cheese. Layer with wing sauce, chicken, and salad dressing. Sprinkle and cover with cheese.
3. Set to bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Remove from oven and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with the option of your choice and enjoy before your meal.

Devilled Potatoes

Ingredients

• Petite red potatoes, 1 lb
• Olive oil, 1 tbsp
• Kosher salt, 1 ½ tsp (divided)
• Sour cream, ½ cup
• Brined capers (rinsed, drained), 2 tbsp
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley (chopped), 2 tsp + more for garnish
• Whole grain mustard, 2 tsp
• Lemon zest, 1 tsp
• Fresh dill (chopped), 2 tsp

Preparation

1. Set the oven to preheat at 350 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, place potatoes and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and rub to coat well. Place on a prepared baking sheet and set to bake for 40 minutes until tender. When done, remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
3. Slice potatoes in half crosswise. Keep the shells intact as you scoop out the tender potato pulp. Place the shells on a baking sheet (the cut-side up) and set to bake for another 10 minutes until dry. Let cool completely.
4. To prepare the filling, stir together sour cream, reserved potato pulp, dill, parsley, capers, mustard, salt, and zest. Mix well and taste to adjust seasoning. When shells are dry, spoon the mixture generously in each shell. Serve immediately.

Blue Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients

• Bacon (cooked), 3 strips
• 6 large-sized mushrooms
• Butter, 1 tbsp
• ½ onion, diced
• Cream cheese, ½ cup
• Garlic (sliced), 1 clove
• Blue cheese, ¼ cup
• Bread crumbs, 1/3 cup

Preparation

1. Remove mushroom stems and chop. Set caps aside.
2. Use olive oil or bacon grease to grease skillet. Add butter and place over low-med heat. Stir in chopped mushroom stems along with garlic and onion. Stir and cook for 15 minutes until onions are caramelized.
3. Set the oven to preheat at 350 degrees F. Prepare a baking dish with cooking spray.
4. Once the onion mixture is deep brown color, add it to a blender along with blue cheese, cream cheese, bacon, and bread crumbs. Process at low speed until ingredients are combined and roughly chopped. Transfer back to a bowl.
5. Place mushroom caps in a baking dish and fill each up with the cheese mixture. Set to bake for 10-15 minutes until lightly browned and bubbly. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Bacon Cheeseburger Party Meatball

Ingredients

• Olive oil, ½ tbsp
• 1 large-sized onion, chopped
• Bacon (crispy cooked and diced), 1 pkg.
• Lean ground beef, 2 lb
• Cheddar cheese, ¾ cup
• Italian bread crumbs, ½ cup
• 2 egg
• Salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• Brown sugar, 2 tbsp
• Catsup, ½ cup

Preparation

1. Set the oven to preheat at 450 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet and set aside.
2. Place a small skillet over low-med heat. Add oil.
3. Stir in onions and sauce for 10 minutes until caramelized.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs, ground beef, bacon, eggs, cheese, and onions. Season with salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
5. Prepare 15 meatballs with the mixture and place on a baking dish at least an inch apart. Set to bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.
6. Meanwhile, combine catsup and brown sugar together in a skillet until well combined. To serve the meatballs, brush the sugar mixture on each.
7. Serve with a lollipop stick inserted into each meatball and enjoy the perfect appetizer.