The Chef Next Door: Appetizer
Showing posts with label Appetizer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Appetizer. Show all posts

Hot Onion Cheese Dip

I am honored to be a Stonyfield Ambassador and I thank them for sponsoring today’s post.  
All opinions, as always, are my own.

Looking for an easy party appetizer? This Hot Onion Cheese Dip is so delicious and simple to make!
Looking for an easy party appetizer? This Hot Onion Cheese Dip is so delicious and simple to make!
I've never been one to go out on New Years Eve, at least ever since I've had kids. Sure when I was young I did, but I can count on one hand the number of times I've actually went on NYE over the past 20 years. I know some people love going out that night, but I've always enjoyed staying in and watching football during the day and then watching all the fun festivities on TV at night. I also do a big appetizer spread which typically consists of our favorites, including my mom's famous shrimp dip and her delicious BBQ meatballs, but each year I love to surprise everyone with some new dishes as well. This year I'm adding this Hot Onion Cheese Dip to the table because not only is it delicious, but it's really easy to make too!  

Red Chile Chicken Flatbread Pizzas

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. 
#KingOfFlavor #FieldToBottle #CollectiveBias

These rich and flavorful Red Chile Chicken Flatbread Pizzas come together quickly and 
are perfect for tailgating or as an easy weeknight meal!
These rich and flavorful Red Chile Chicken Flatbread Pizzas come together quickly and are perfect for tailgating or as an easy weeknight meal!
Fall is finally in full swing here in Michigan. After a week or so of being in the 80's, the temps have dropped, leaves are changing, and we are in the thick of football season. My favorite thing! I've been spending the weekends watching games with my friends and family and making lots of delicious dishes so no one goes hungry. I like to focus on recipes that are easy to make and don't take a lot of time, and these Red Chile Chicken Flatbread Pizzas are no exception. Just a handful of ingredients is all you need to make these hearty and flavor packed pizzas.

One shortcut I've been touting for years is store bought rotisserie chicken. One chicken can go a long way and can be used in so many different recipes. When I bring one home I immediately pull the chicken off the bones and shred it up. I pack it up in a large plastic bag and it's ready to go whenever I need it. 

Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Cheese Bread

This Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Cheese Bread is the perfect appetizer for game day! Creamy dip gets stuffed into a loaf of fresh bread, topped with shredded mozzarella, then baked to cheesy perfection.

This recipe was developed in partnership with La Terra Fina and I thank them for sponsoring this post! 
All opinions, as always, are my own.
This Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Cheese Bread is the perfect appetizer for game day! Creamy dip gets stuffed into a loaf of fresh bread, topped with shredded mozzarella, then baked to cheesy perfection.
There are so many things I love about fall, but one of my most favorites is that it's football season. I've loved football for as long as I can remember, and my favorite memories are sitting in front of our fireplace on Sunday's and watching it on TV with my dad. My mom would make a big Sunday dinner early in the day, then in the evening we'd have appetizers or snacks while watching the games. I still spend weekends watching football and other sports with my sons and I love to make special foods for us to enjoy. This simple, three ingredient Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Cheese Bread is our new favorite! 

Stuffed Cherry Peppers

Three simple ingredients are all you need to make these delicious appetizers, 
perfect for game day, cocktail parties, or just for a snack! 
Three simple ingredients are all you need to make these delicious appetizers, perfect for game day, cocktail parties, or just for a snack!
I'm a big fan of all kinds of peppers. Not anything that's super hot, but I can take a little heat. Peppers are good in so many dishes and I love eating them plain as well. Not too long ago I was at my favorite local sub shop and they asked if I wanted sweet peppers on my sub. Oddly enough, I had never eaten them on my sub before! I said yes, and I quickly fell in love with them. Sweet, sour, with a touch of heat, they are perfect.

Italian Cheese Straws

These Italian Cheese Straws are simple to make and are a delicious holiday appetizer! Pair them with a few 
other festive treats and a couple bottles of wine, and you've got everything you need for the perfect holiday party!
These Italian Cheese Straws are simple to make and are a delicious holiday appetizer! Pair them with a few other festive treats and a couple bottles of wine, and you've got everything you need for the perfect holiday party!
I am honored, and so, so excited, to share with you that I have been selected by CK Mondavi to be one of their first ever CK Mondavi Ambassadors! I had the opportunity to meet the CK Mondavi team earlier this year at the Food Wine Conference in Orlando. I also sat down one on one with Janice Mondavi, wife of a third-generation owner of the family owned C. Mondavi & Family wine company. We talked about the business, the rich history of their company, and most importantly, we talked about family. I instantly felt a connection to Janice and couldn't be more proud to be working with CK Mondavi now.

Mini Spinach Artichoke Pies

These bite-sized Mini Spinach Artichoke Pies couldn't be easier to make! These delicious 
appetizers are perfect for game day, the holidays, or just as a treat for your family and friends. 
I think it's fair to say that I'm obsessed with spinach and artichoke dip. There's just something about that warm, cheesy, gooey and flavorful dip that I just can't get enough of. I order it often as an appetizer when we go out to eat, and I occasionally make it at home. Even my kids, who don't really like spinach or artichokes alone, gobble it up. I call that a win for getting them to eat those veggies! One of my other favorite treats are spinach pies. What's not to love about all that goodness tucked inside cripsy phyllo dough? YUM is all I can say.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Just 5 ingredients and 30 minutes is all you need to make this warm and cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip!  
It's the perfect appetizer for your next tailgate or game day party!
Buffalo Chicken Dip | The Chef Next Door
My kids absolutely love buffalo chicken wings. Me, not so much. I like the flavor, just not the mess that comes along with eating them. It never fails that I have sauce all over my face, my hands and sometimes, my clothes. I'm a hot mess! I recently started making an amazing Buffalo Chicken Dip that has all the flavors of those beloved chicken wings, it's just a bit cleaner and easier to eat at a tailgate or party.

Spicy Hot Crab Dip

This Spicy Hot Crab Dip is decadent and delicious but so simple to make. Warm and cheesy 
with a little bit of a kick, this dip is the perfect appetizer for your next tailgate or party!
Spicy Hot Crab Dip | The Chef Next Door
Everyone already knows how much I love football, so it can't be much of a surprise that I love to have a big spread for my family and friends on game day. Whether we are out tailgating or enjoying the game at home, the food is one of the most important parts! Easy appetizers and finger goods are a given on game day, but I also like to serve some warm dishes. Wings, sliders, nachos, those are all favorites of course. But how about a delicious, warm dip? This Spicy Hot Crab Dip is rich and flavorful and looks pretty fancy, but it couldn't be easier to make!


Pesto Deviled Eggs

These rich and creamy Pesto Deviled Eggs are full of flavor and lightened up with the addition of Greek yogurt. 
They are the perfect little bite for your next potluck or family BBQ!
These rich and creamy Pesto Deviled Eggs are full of flavor and lightened up with the addition of Greek yogurt.

Deviled eggs have been a staple at our summer BBQ's and family gatherings for as long as I can remember. My mom was always in charge of making them, and they were quickly devoured in no time at all. I bet I didn't make my very own deviled eggs until just a few years ago. My mom's were so good, I figured I could never make anything better!

This summer I decided to make these little beauties myself, but with a twist. Instead of using the traditional mayo in my deviled eggs, I swapped it out for Greek yogurt. Light and creamy Stonyfield Organic Greek Plain Yogurt to be exact.  AND, I added some pesto to my filling as well. The result was the most incredible and flavorful deviled eggs I've ever tasted! (Don't worry mom, I still love yours too!)

Ham & Cheddar Cheese Ball

A perfect snack to serve at any party or family gathering, this Ham & Cheddar Cheese Ball 
is a crowd-pleaser. Bonus, it's super simple to make!
Ham & Cheddar Cheese Ball | The Chef Next Door
Let's be honest here, who doesn't love a good cheese ball? Truthfully, it's been years since I made a cheese ball myself. Now that I have, I'm questioning my life choices and wondering why I didn't do it sooner! It's really the perfect appetizer for any occasion, and I think it fits in nicely at family gatherings and summer BBQ's. Plus, it's super simple to make!

If you've been reading my blog for awhile then you know I've been a partner of the United Dairy Industry of Michigan for a few years now. I absolutely love the organization and what they represent, and I love my partnership with them. Plus, my family consumes a lot of dairy. Milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, we love it all! In honor of June Dairy Month, I was partnered with a Michigan dairy farmer to interview, and then create a recipe inspired by her. I was really excited to be partnered with Cathy McCune of the McCune Centennial Farm as I've actually had the opportunity to meet Cathy in person! I really enjoyed getting to know more about her, her family, and her farm. Plus, this delicious Ham & Cheddar Cheese Ball was inspired by her!

Creamy Guacamole Dip

This creamy and smooth guacamole dip comes together quickly and is a delicious summer snack or appetizer!

During the summer we entertain quite a bit. From family barbecues to Sunday dinners and even brunch, we often have people over. I love to grill because it's easy, the options are endless, and it doesn't require heating up the house. I also love to make simple side dishes and appetizers that don't need to be cooked or heated up, again keeping the stove off.

This Creamy Guacamole is my newest creation and quickly has become my favorite summer dip. Made with Stonyfield organic plain Greek yogurt, the traditional guacamole gets a tangy, creamy kick. 

Soft Pretzel Bites + Hatchery Review & Giveaway!

Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, these salty little pretzel bites are 
the perfect treat for kids and adults of all ages! 

I'm a snacker. Late afternoon and early evening are my favorite times to snack. Hummus and pita bread and chips and salsa are my favorite go-to afternoon snacks, and popcorn is my favorite evening snack. I have popcorn almost every single night. It's a problem. An addiction really. I just love, love, love that stuff. But my afternoon snacks change from time to time and sometimes I crave something different. I love salty snacks, like pretzels. Especially soft pretzels. And I was recently inspired to make my own homemade soft pretzel bites. Let me give you a little backstory as to how this came about.

I was recently sent a Hatchery Tasting Box to enjoy and review a few weeks ago. Have you heard of Hatchery? No? Well, let me tell you all about them! Hatchery focuses on small-batch, artisan products and delivers sample-size ingredients and condiments from their Marketplace each month to their customers. Each delivery includes items such as jams, honeys, syrups, spreads, cooking sauces, oils, vinegars, salts, spices, seasonings and much more. They also send along a Tasting Guide that includes info about each product, a short bio about the artisan maker, and suggested recipes and pairings.

Pimento Cheese Spread

 Tangy, sweet, and a little spicy, this pimento cheese spread is great on everything from crackers to veggies and is perfect for your next get together!

With my obvious love for cheese and all things cheese related, it should be no surprise that I love pimento cheese spread. I've always bought the little container from the grocery store and never even considered making it myself. That is, up until a few weeks ago. I decided, why not try my hand at it instead of buying it? I figured, it can't be that hard!

I am really, really happy that I talked myself into making my own recipe. This cheese spread is amazing, people. AMAZING! The longer it sits in the refrigerator the better it tastes. It's creamy and cheesy and tangy and just a bit spicy. But most importantly, it's delicious. I spread it onto every single kind of cracker that we had in the house. I dipped my veggies in it. I want to make a grilled cheese sandwich with it. But that will have to happen later because, you see, we ate the whole bowl of spread! My boys loved it, too.


Layered Greek Dip with Mezzetta Memories!

This delicious dip is filled with the flavors of the Mediterranean and guaranteed to be a hit at your next holiday party!
Layered Greek Dip | The Chef Next Door

With the holiday season in full swing and many parties on the way, I've been in my kitchen a lot lately experimenting with new recipes. You can imagine my excitement when I was asked to participate in the Mezzetta Memories campaign and share my family traditions with you, as well as create a new recipe!

For the last several years my family has been gathering on Christmas Eve after mass for food, drinks, and games. Instead of preparing a heavy meal, we fill the table with our favorite appetizers! Wings, cocktail weenies, veggies and dip, cocktail shrimp and, of course, lots of different dips are on the menu.

Roasted Garlic Dip

I love to put a few easy appetizers on the table before our holiday meal starts. So as my guests are arriving, they have something to snack on!

I wanted to make an easy dip, something to go with crackers, veggies, chips, you name it. I had the idea for this Roasted Garlic Dip one night when the family was watching football. I don't know why it hit me then, but it just did.

Have you ever roasted garlic before? The process is simple and the result is pure deliciousness. The garlic gets very soft and caramelized. It's great in this dip, but also is amazing just spread on a baguette. And don't worry, it gets milder as it roasts.