Anytime I have ever had guests over for a party or get together of any sort, I try to make my life as easy as possible. I want to serve a small variety of good food that is easy to handle, leaves options for my guests, can be prepared in advance, and allows me time to actually enjoy my company.
What’s the purpose of having friends over if you’re spending the entire time with clean up, serving, etc.?
Here are my overall preparation tips, as well as recipes for simple, easy to make Tapas style appetizers for game day or any other occasion!
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The Planning…
The first thing I try to do when planning for having guests, is to come up with a menu. I try to choose snacks I feel will be well received by my guests and items that don’t require too much work.
The next thing I do is go to the store(s) a day or so in advance (if possible), for any food ingredients I might need, appropriate liquid refreshments, disposable products, etc.
Third, I begin to create my “plan of action”. What menu items require the most prep time? Can those items be somewhat prepped sooner than later? Which items require last minute prep, because they are to be served hot and yummy? Can those items be somewhat prepped earlier and then just reheated without losing texture, moisture, etc.? I make my To Do list based on the answers to those main questions.
Last, I start getting any prep I can do and safely store early, out of the way as soon as I can. When the day of the event arrives, all I have to do is minimal work and clean up, and enjoy my guests!
My favorite cooking and serving options for a few of the recipes below…
Without further delay, here are just some delicious snack ideas that have been a success with very little stress!
1. BBQ Pulled Pork In A Crockpot
Pretty much anything that can be slow cooked in my crockpot over the course of several hours without much maintenance, will always be my Go To.
Life gets busy, between work, kids, pets, etc….it’s exhausting! I want to enjoy my spare time with friends (as little as that might be).
This recipe requires just a little prep in the beginning. Follow the instructions, get the pork in the crockpot, set it on low, and ignore for 6-8 hours (with the exception, of course, to stir and taste test every couple of hours!)
The best part is the use of Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce. Soo good!
2. 35 Delicious Charcuterie Board Ideas
I’ve had to arrange several charcuterie boards throughout my time in the hospitality business. I always had fun with it! It’s quick and easy. The only thing you really need to pay attention to, is making sure you have a tray or cutting board available. Other than that, it’s just about deciding what cheeses, meats, fruits, and jams you want to serve! If you have a couple of small spreading knives (or small knives in general), add to the tray for the uncut cheese wedges, and let everyone go to town! That easy!
3. Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
Anything that combines good bread and cheese...oh, wait, …and garlic…so there! You can’t keep me away from cheesy bread if my life depended on it! It will probably give me a heart attack someday, but I’m not much into caring about that at this point in my life.!
4. Sloppy Joe On Tostito Scoops
I like the basics of this recipe, with the onion and pepper aspect added to the meat and Manwich sauce. I personally, prefer to just make this app with those simple basic ingredients, throw it into a bowl, and serve with Tostito Scoops. We enjoy doing this with taco style meat as well. We will serve with sides of shredded cheese, taco sauce (mild/hot), shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sour cream…and BAM! Mini bite size taco or sloppy joes right there! Everyone can choose what they want for toppings with no stress to you! The salt of the chips off sets the tangy or spicy flavors of the meat…Ah, Beautiful!
5. Easy Slow Cooker Chili Dogs
This is my Infamous Chili recipe. It’s perfect for a chili dog. The chili slow cooks through the day (barely any maintenance), you add some hot dogs as a side, rolls, and let ’em go at it! Barely any stress and the reviews are always great!
- Comes with a temperature probe.
- Clip-tight locking gasket lid.
- Large capacity for 6 pound chicken or 4 pound roast.
- Automatic switch to warm when food reaches time/temperature.
- Stainless Steel.
- Six Liners, each measuring 13 x 21 inches to fit 3- to 8-quart oval and round slow cookers.
- Easy Cleanup.
- No Soaking or Scrubbing.
- BPA Free And Safe For High Temperatures.
6. Classic Deviled Eggs
I don’t use the garlic in this recipe. I go old school with just mayo, mustard, salt and pepper, with paprika as a topping. No reason to complicate this recipe too much. Deviled eggs with the basic ingredients are more than enough!
7. Slow Cooker Wings
This is yet another delicious, low stress recipe. There is a bit of prep, but then, barely any maintenance at all. Cooks all day while you’re focused on something else…and your guests are happy campers!
8. Caprese Salad Kabobs
This is a beautiful appetizer. Many people love Caprese and this recipe is sure to wow your guests with only a few minutes of effort. Pick up the ingredients from the store, assemble, refrigerate, and serve when ready. This appetizer can be prepared for the most part early. If it were me, I would drizzle the balsamic at the last minute, for freshness.
9. Pigs In A Blanket
Who Doesn’t love pigs in a blanket? Let’s see…. Hotdogs… (only probably one of the most iconic foods in recent U.S. history) with a flaky outer layer (far better than your average hot dog roll!) This is a super easy recipe that can be whipped up in a hurry and is always a crowd pleaser!
10. Chicken Salad (With Ritz Crackers)
I love this chicken salad! It is delicious on bread, but most times, we prefer it on Ritz Crackers. I do prefer to use rotisserie chicken for this. When it comes to salt and pepper, I use the “coverage area” rule. I let it fall in love with itself in the fridge for a few hours. The salt of the crackers blend quite well with the flavors of the salad. Not too salty, Not too Bland…Just Right..
11. Brie Cups
These Brie Cups will have your eyes rolling to the back of your head! The creamy nature of the Brie, combined with the mildly salty flavor of the Prosciutto, accented by the sweetness of the Jam is perfection! Super easy to make. The prosciutto is nice and thin, perfect for a bite. Pair it up with a nice glass of wine…Heaven…
12. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
I can be perfectly happy eating about 4-6 of these stuffed mushrooms for dinner, and have on occasion! However, unless you want a very full belly at the end of the night, this is better suited as an appetizer split between friends. These guys are quite filling, Absolutely Delicious and will leave you craving more. Super easy to make, popular among seafood lovers, and contains a vegetable! (check!)
Easy Snack Serving…
13. Spinach Artichoke Dip
We all know Spinach/Artichoke Dip is kind of a staple for Go To quick appetizers. Why not? It’s shamefully good, addictive, and requires very little effort. This is a wonderful version of the recipe that I came across. Even better with Tostitos Scoops (I’m a big fan of the Tostitos brand, can’t ya tell?)
14. Easy 7 Layer Dip
This is a yummy dip that is just an easier way of eating tacos, in my opinion. It has all of the ingredients within the 7 layers, that you would expect on a taco, except it isn’t too Sloppy! Set a pile of tortilla chips in a bowl next to the One Pan Creation, and Done! Finger food at it’s best!
- Durable anti-chip, scratch resistant, bright surface, easy to clean.
- Microwave and dishwasher safe.
- 4 Different sizes to meet all needs.
- Textured design with handles.
- Easy to clean.
15. Apple, Prosciutto, Brie Wrap
Yes, Please! The sweet/tart of the apple, combined with the tangy vinegar flavor of the balsamic, the creamy brie, along with the salty aspect of the prosciutto…Oh my! I’m not one for Balsamic, but the layers of flavor in this recipe blend quite nicely. Your guests won’t be disappointed!
16. Cuban Sliders On Sweet Hawaiian Rolls
We love Cuban Sandwiches in this house! What’s even more, is that we are huge fans of Sweet Hawaiian Rolls. This recipe is one of my favorites, because it involves only a handful of ingredients and is always a crowd pleaser. The prep is minimal as is the cook time. Warm and melty, you will keep this snack at the top of your list!
17. Easy Pizza Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Pizza at home! This recipe involves very little time, No Delivery Fees, and Happy Tummies at the end! Quick, Easy, and Perfect for dinner, lunch, or appetizer…the options are endless! The smiles are the reward!
18. Cheesy Meatball Sliders
This is a favorite for those colder fall/winter days. Your belly wants something warm, cozy, and filling. Even as a slider, this recipe is sure to do the trick! It takes virtually no time to prepare and no major clean up. The cheese is melty goodness, the meatballs are nicely cooked and they make great finger food options. Who doesn’t like meatball sandwiches, anyway? I can’t say that I know of anyone…
19. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
For those guests who don’t opt for meat at the moment (for whatever reason – don’t ask me!), this recipe is a yummy alternative. Cauliflower is delicious by itself. Add a bit of buffalo and your vegetable senses are satisfied in more ways than one. Of course, it is simple to prepare and takes no time!
20. Spicy Chicken Chutney & Cream Cheese Tarts
Holy Hell, Batman! Food Porn Forever!
Why?
The Chutney. How do I explain that orgasm of a flavor? Mango Chutney is a condiment that absolutely has to be in this house at all times. It makes Everything better! (I use it most on fish, chicken or pork.) Your taste buds will explode with this one.
(Side Note – I use rotisserie chicken for this. The blend of dark and white meat is always better).
- Stonewall Kitchen Mango Chutney, 8.5 oz.
- A must for the well-stocked pantry; Convenient and flavorful.
- Sweet mango and delicious complementary spices.
- Try it as a topping or add it to grilled fish or meat.
21. Mini Crescent Burgers
This recipe is perfect for a group who appreciates some good “throw down” finger food. It’s the burger without the mess, the flaky crust that isn’t so dense, and the DIY condiment aspect that makes this a hit at any event. Even better….It is easy to prepare in a hurry!
22. Easy Slow Cooker Party Mix
A party mix that includes Chex, pretzels, nuts, and cheerios…add that smoky flavor of the paprika, Worcestershire (mmm..), butter…perfect. It can be prepared easily, quickly, and stored for later use. Also a hit, especially if beer is a part of the theme 🙂
23. Mini Mac n’ Cheese Bites
Old School, Homemade Mac N’ Cheese in bite size….Okay, I’m done! It’s satisfying, cheesy, and Delicious! This recipe is easy to follow and the results are sure to make your guests ask for more!
24. Antipasto Skewers
This classic Italian appetizer is always a safe and popular go-to for any occasion. Cured meat, cheese, tortellini and veggies, topped with tangy Italian dressing…Mmm…delicious and super easy to make!
25. Fried Ravioli
Mmm…cheese ravioli is a good snack any day of the week, in my book! How can something so simple, taste so absolutely delicious? If you like cheese ravioli, this fried version is the perfect finger food and it takes no time to prepare. Crowd pleaser every time!
26. Sausage Wontons
I haven’t tried this recipe just yet, but I certainly plan to! Cheese, sausage, green pepper and ranch = Yummy! It takes no time to prepare and it will no doubt, be a hit with the crowd! Mouth – watering!
27. Homemade Jalapeno Poppers (Baked)
Jalapeno poppers have become such a hit over the years that they have almost become a must-have at holiday gatherings and game day parties. Cheesy goodness with the perfect balance of heat. Delicious and super easy to make!
28. Puff Pastry Bacon Pinwheels
Oh my bacon! These pinwheels look so delicious, I can taste them now! With just a few ingredients and a few minutes of time, you can have a mouth watering appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more! Bacon, cheese, a bit of ketchup and sweet chili sauce, wrapped in puff pasty. Yes please!
29. Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
Bang Bang sauce is very popular in this house, so this recipe is perfect for snacks! Grilled shrimp is delicious anyway, but this sauce takes it to a whole new level. Garnish with green onion and voila! Yummy goodness everyone will love! The best part is you can easily tailor the sauce to be as spicy as you want.
30. Homemade Chicken Taquitos W/ Cilantro & Pepper Jack Cheese
I love chicken taquitos! So many delicious flavors, rolled into one tasty snack that is as easy to make as it is to eat! The main ingredients are chicken, cilantro, garlic, cream cheese, green chilis, and pepper jack cheese. How can you go wrong? The best part is they can be made in advance, frozen, and reheated in a hurry!
We would love to hear from you, with any nifty little appetizer ideas you might have! Again, Food is my Kryptonite! Recipes and Reviews…Love them!
Until next time, my friends…Eat Well!
Other Recipes You May Enjoy…
1. 21 Best Easy Crostini Appetizer Recipes & Topping Ideas
3. How To Make An Easy Crostini Appetizer Board Or Toppings Bar – Ideas & Recipes
5. 50 Best Easy Tailgate Party Food Ideas & Game Day Recipes
It’s football season and these snack ideas are perfect for a Super Bowl party or a game night with friends and family. The mini crescent burgers and sliders are two of my top favorites. Thanks for sharing.
We love sliders around here…We tend to keep hawaiian slider rolls in stock. There is just so much you can do with them!
These look so good, I now want to plan my party!! Pinned this and will definitely try a few recipes. Yum
Awesome…so glad you enjoyed! You will have to let us know which recipe you try and how it turns out 🙂