Pellau Magazine: Easy Appetizers to Make Fast

6:41 PM | Posted by Pellau | Edit Post

Appetizers are the perfect offering for guests--whether they are expected or not. For those times when unexpected guests catch you off guard, whip up some easy appetizers in just minutes. By keeping a few convenient staples in your refrigerator and pantry, you can be ready to entertain on a moment's notice.

Biscuit Dough

Keep a couple of cans of refrigerator biscuit dough handy. Roll round biscuit dough with a rolling pin and a little flour. Top with marinara sauce and shredded cheese. Add olives, capers, and/or pepperoni. Bake according to package directions.

Cut a triangle of crescent roll dough into three smaller triangles. Wrap each triangle around a cocktail weiner and bake according to package instructions. Set out spicy mustard as a dipping sauce.

Melba Toast

If you have a few extra minutes, and a stale baguette lying around the kitchen, you can make homemade toast rounds. Simply slice the baguette, spread a little butter on the slices, and toast in your oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes. If you don't have those few extra minutes, and you've been totally caught off guard with guests to feed, open up a box of melba toast. Keep a couple of boxes handy, as they are very versatile.

Spread the toasts with ricotta cheese, then top with roasted red peppers. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Spread the toasts with gorgonzola cheese and top with sliced canned pears.

Top the toasts with pesto, then add shaved Parmesan cheese.

Top the toasts with very thin slices of apple. Grate some sharp cheddar on top. Broil until the cheese is melted.

Fruits and Veggies

Small cubes or chunks of fruit can be turned into a delicious appetizer in no time--even if the fruit comes in a can. Skewer chunks of fruit and a few cubes of cheese onto toothpicks or bamboo skewers. Make a tangy dipping sauce with equal parts sour cream and mayonnaise and a dash of curry powder.

Have a stash of pizza rounds on hand. Spread cream cheese onto the 6-inch pizza rounds, and top with a variety of raw or cooked veggies. Even leftovers work for this appetizer. Sprinkle on some blue cheese or feta crumbles and bake at 350 F for about 20 minutes.