This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Van’s Foods. The opinions and text are all mine.
Let’s get real friends. When I’m getting ready to have a party I have a gazillion other things to do other than spend hours in the kitchen on hors d’oeuvres, am I right? I’m running around straightening up, stashing things in the closet (did I just say that out loud?), getting dressed, etc. So therefore, I’m all about easy appetizers.
Apps that take 5 minutes or less are my happy place.
I’ve gathered up easy appetizers over the years that do not sacrifice taste or presentation and they also won’t sacrifice your precious time.
You with me? Good, I thought so. 😉
The easy appetizers I’m sharing today all start with Van’s Dry Goods Lots of Everything Crackers. Where are my everything bagel fans? These are for you! Even if you’re not an everything bagel fan, these are for you too! Every bite sized cracker packs an amazing burst of flavor that is so satisfying, with an appetizer recipe or just on their own. They’re made from fresh simple ingredients, whole grains, are gluten free and very nutrient-dense so they make a perfect snack.
Hopefully it goes without saying that they are delightful served with any kind of cheese (the yin to crackers’ yang) so these are some of my favorite pairings when I want to go beyond cheese and crackers.
Italian Party Mix
Ingredients
1 box Van’s Dry Goods Lots of Everything Crackers
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried basil
Directions
Add all ingredients to large bowl; toss together and serve.
Cream Cheese & Hot Pepper Jelly Spread
Ingredients
1 package cream cheese
½ jar hot pepper jelly
Van’s Dry Goods Lots of Everything Crackers
Directions
Spread cream cheese into a bowl, creating an even layer.
Spoon hot pepper jelly on top of cream cheese.
Serve with crackers.
Everything Party Mix
Ingredients
½ cup Van’s Dry Goods Lots of Everything Crackers
½ cup rice cereal
½ cup pretzels
½ cup honey roasted peanuts
Directions
Toss all ingredients together and serve.
Caprese Bites
Ingredients
Fresh mozzarella
Small basil leaves
Cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
Van’s Dry Goods Lots of Everything Crackers
Directions
Cut fresh mozzarella into small cubes and place on crackers
Pick the small basil leaves from the top of a basil plant and lay on top of mozzarella.
Slice cherry tomatoes in half and place half on top of basil.
Luau Olé Party Dip
Ingredients
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can yellow corn, drained
1 jar mango lime salsa
Cilantro
Van’s Dry Goods Lots of Everything Crackers
Directions
Mix together black beans, corn and salsa.
Garnish with cilantro if desired; serve with crackers.
How were those for easy?!
What are some of your favorite quick and easy apps to pair with crackers? I’d love to get your ideas in the comments below!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Van’s Foods. The opinions and text are all mine.
Heather says
You had me at caprese bites! Yummy
Lydia says
I’m with you Heather, I love caprese ANYTHING!
Katie says
Very tasty!!
Lydia says
Thanks Katie!