Appetizers are, by far, my favorite thing in the world.
If I invite you over? We’re having lots of appetizers. (I think I’ve only hosted two actual sit-down dinners).
If I offer to bring something over to you? It’s always appetizers.
When I eat out, I always choose appetizers over dessert. And often, I order a bunch of appetizers instead of an entree.
So, you get the point, right? I. love. appetizers.
And this time of year, it seems there’s endless opportunities for appetizers. Â Whooooowooo!
But as much as I love spending time in the kitchen, it’s important to have an arsenal of recipes that can be made ahead of time, don’t require cooking and can sit out at room temperature. These are some of my favorites!
 
Links: prosciutto wrapped figs | wine bar nut mix | warm olives with rosemary, garlic & lemon |beet-pickled deviled eggs | smoked salmon with potato chips and lemon crème fraîche | parmesan shards (cut chunks of high-quality parmesan)
What are you making this holiday season?Â
Mellissa
I love throwing parties with lots of apps, makes it easier for people to bring stuff and easier clean up!
Megan (Braise The Roof)
I’m so with you; appetizers are where it’s at. Especially for work potlucks when you have no access to anything other than a fridge and a microwave. I’m planning on bringing a Greek layer dip to my work party on Friday (hummus, jazzed up cream cheese, tomatoes, olives, feta and scallions) with pita chips. I also brought bacon-wrapped dates to a party over the weekend. Always a hit. 🙂
Emily
You can’t go wrong with bacon-wrapped dates. Or bacon-wrapped anything, I guess!
Rachel
All of these look awesome! I agree – I could forego actual meals for appetizers at any time! In fact, my family had changed our Christmas Eve tradition from a sit down dinner to cold and hot appetizers!
Emily
We used to do that when we celebrated with one of my Aunts, I LOVED that approach!
Luv What You Do
This is so perfect! I”m doing a wine party in January and need some tasty and fancy starters!
emily (a nutritionist eats)
I turned the smoked salmon on potato chips into a dip, which loses some of the presentation, but would be easier for a party!
Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner
I’m definitely with you! App-style dinner over a meat and potatoes dinner every time. This year, we’re making baked risotto balls, crab rangoon dip, and Scandinavian pickled herring bites for our app-style dinner with my in-laws.
emily (a nutritionist eats)
Um, what is crab rangoon dip?! Also, do you do anything with the herring or just serve with crackers? I actually have some in the fridge and I’ve only eaten them with crackers but if you have other ideas for pickled herring, I’m all ears!
Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner
My husband makes the dip. We both love crab rangoons, but it is a very time consuming process to make them. So instead he makes the filling and serves it with wonton chips. Sooo good. I found the pickled herring recipe on Eating Well last year and have been waiting to try it: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/pickled_herring_bites.html
Emily
Cute! I might try the pickled herring bites! (Also, crab rangoon dip – smart!)
Karla @ Foodologie
I love appetizers too! We should definitely have an appetizer party/meet up!
My friend had only appetizers for her wedding. It was awesome! Who needs dinner when you get passed food all night long!
Also can we talk about these prosciutto wrapped figs for a minute… OMG!Let’s be honest, I’d probably fill them with blue cheese or some salty hard cheese like pecorino and drizzle them with truffle honey, because sometime I like to get creative…
Emily
I agree, I’m game for an appetizer party. We didn’t have a sit-down dinner at our wedding either!
Dale
Smoked salmon on crackers? Definitely some creativity going on there, I might have to give that a try.
Hyedi
Apps are my favorite, too! I think I’ll be trying some of these for NYE this year 🙂