My wonderful friend, Colleen Maria, grew up in an Italian home and is a hosting queen who can pull off amazing, last-minute hors d'oeuvres parties without even leaving her pantry. While most of us would need days of planning and multiple grocery runs, Colleen effortlessly creates easy meals and impressive spreads with what she already has on hand. In honor of Colleen’s knack for organization and love for all things food, I’ve compiled a list of 10 easy recipes that use pantry basics. Plus, I’ll share a list of essential groceries to keep your pantry stocked so you're always ready to entertain with easy meals at a moment’s notice.
Essential Pantry and Kitchen Items:
- Cheeses: Cheddar, Parmesan, Brie, and cream cheese
- Cured meats: Salami, prosciutto, pepperoni
- Crackers and Bread: A variety of crackers, crostini, and a baguette
- Canned or jarred items: Olives, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, pickles
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and mixed nuts
- Spices and herbs: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes
- Oils and vinegars: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar
- Condiments: Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise
- Fresh produce: Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, lemons, garlic, onions
- Frozen items: Puff pastry, spinach, shrimp
- Miscellaneous: Tortilla chips, pita chips, breadsticks, capers
10 Easy (but Impressive) Appetizers:
1. Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts
Ingredients:
- Brie cheese
- Honey
- Mixed nuts
- Crackers or crostini
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the Brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle honey over the top of the Brie.
4. Sprinkle mixed nuts on top.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is soft and melty.
6. Serve warm with crackers or crostini.
2. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
Ingredients:
- Prosciutto
- Melon (cantaloupe or honeydew)
Instructions:
1. Slice the melon into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cut the prosciutto slices in half.
3. Wrap each melon piece with a slice of prosciutto.
4. Arrange on a platter and serve.
3. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Ingredients:
- Frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
- Canned artichoke hearts (chopped)
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and garlic powder.
3. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Serve warm with tortilla chips, pita chips, or breadsticks.
4. Shrimp Cocktail
Ingredients:
- Frozen shrimp (thawed and cooked)
- Lemon wedges
- Cocktail sauce
Instructions:
1. Arrange the cooked shrimp on a platter.
2. Serve with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce on the side.
5. Mini Caprese Skewers
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Toothpicks or small skewers
Instructions:
1. Assemble the skewers by alternating cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
2. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve cold.
6. Olive Tapenade
Ingredients:
- Olives (green, black, or a mix)
- Capers
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Baguette or crackers
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine olives, capers, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
2. Pulse until you reach a chunky paste consistency.
3. Serve the tapenade with sliced baguette or crackers.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- Button mushrooms
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the cream cheese mixture.
5. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if desired.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden.
8. Sun-Dried Tomato and Cheese Puffs
Ingredients:
- Puff pastry (thawed)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- Parmesan or cheddar cheese (grated)
- Olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into small squares.
3. Place a small amount of sun-dried tomatoes and cheese on each square.
4. Fold the squares in half to form triangles and press the edges to seal.
5. Brush with a little olive oil.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and puffed.
9. Cucumber and Cream Cheese Bites
Ingredients:
- Cucumbers (sliced)
- Cream cheese
- Fresh herbs (like dill or chives)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Slice the cucumbers into thick rounds.
2. Spread a small amount of cream cheese on each slice.
3. Top with fresh herbs, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve chilled.
10. Parmesan Garlic Breadsticks
Ingredients:
- Breadsticks
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange breadsticks on a baking sheet.
3. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
5. Serve warm.
With these pantry essentials and recipes, you'll always be prepared to host a fabulous appetizer party just like Colleen Maria! I hope this makes grocery shopping a little faster, and hosting guests in your home more frequent. What are your favorite go to recipes for last minute guests?
Visit www.thecharmingdiplomat.com for all things hosting and lifestyle!
#hosting #hostess #TheCharmingDiplomat #meals #dinner #whatsfordinner #easydinner #groceryshopping #pantry #appetizers #party
Comments