Appetizer Recipes

Loaded Cauliflower Bites

Roasted cauliflower is topped with bacon and cheese in this satisfying twist on baked potato skins that can be served as an appetizer or family-friendly side dish. A “steak” option makes for a heartier side dish, and a few extra ingredients will turn the recipe into a protein-rich meal.    Initially, I went back and…

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

A few helpful tips and an easy technique yield the crispiest, most irresistible pumpkin seeds with the simplest of ingredients. The snack-worthy recipe is reason to carve a pumpkin, even if you don’t have kids!    I’d venture to say that the annual ritual of pumpkin carving is almost as much fun for a parent as…

Game Day Charcuterie Board

A deliciously eye-catching charcuterie board is easy to create, and the following suggestions are sure to make it a game day win. A few “bonus” additions will turn it into a meal!    What’s your favorite thing about game days? Perhaps it’s cheering on your favorite team (Go Eagles!), watching the half time-shows, or simply…

Easy Cheesy Pepper Poppers

A flavor-packed appetizer that can also be served as a tasty side dish, these 3-ingredient bites are quick to assemble and bake to golden, cheesy perfection. An optional fourth ingredient offers a spicy-sweet variation! Jalapeño poppers have long been a party favorite. But what if you could make a quicker, easier, every-bit-as-tasty popper with mild…

Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

A few key ingredients add vibrant color and flavor to this classically creamy, protein-rich dip. And while perfect as a filling snack or easy appetizer, hummus can be enjoyed in other unexpected ways as well!   Traditional hummus pulls its weight as a filling snack and easy appetizer, but the creamy, protein-rich dip doesn’t stop there.…

Taco Refrigerator Pickles

Cool, crisp refrigerator pickles get a new flavor twist in this easy recipe that’s perfect for snacking, adding to sandwiches, and serving alongside a variety of barbecue fare. No canning required!     On his holiday shopping expedition last year, Christian stopped in a local store that makes a small but impressive variety of pickles. Along…

Whole Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower

A whole roasted head of cauliflower is delicious AND impressive. It can also be easy and relatively quick thanks to a helpful shortcut!   A whole roasted head of cauliflower can be really impressive: beautifully golden brown with a delightfully savory, lightly nutty flavor. It can also take a really long time to cook. But…

Roasted Beet & Green Bean Salad

Clever cooking techniques, make-ahead convenience, and lots of options add to the appeal of this vibrant salad. The versatile vinaigrette is an absolute keeper that comes together quickly with basic pantry items.   One of the first things I learned when I started The Fountain Avenue Kitchen in 2012 was just how polarizing certain foods can…

Salsa Verde

Have you sized up what look like little green tomatoes with papery husks while strolling through the produce section of the grocery store, only to pass them by? This green salsa offers a compelling reason to put what are actually tomatillos in your cart.   I first fell in love with salsa verde while in…

Easiest Vegan Zucchini Fritters

Inexpensive, easy-to-make fritters start with two base ingredients and make an endlessly customizable, protein-rich side or vegan entree.   Two main ingredients get you started with these healthy fritters, and then you can experiment with all sorts of combinations. Adding to the appeal, the easy-to-make recipe will pull double duty as a crowd-pleasing side or vegan…

Cowboy Caviar

A make-ahead recipe with a cheeky name, this bean-based dip, commonly served with tortilla chips, is equally delicious as a salad or salsa. Perfect for family meals and casual entertaining, Cowboy Caviar is always a hit!   Some may be wondering. What exactly is cowboy caviar? To clarify, there are no fish eggs in cowboy…

Porcupine Meatballs

The silly name becomes apparent when these tender meatballs are pulled from the oven. For a satisfying entree portion, we like to make jumbo meatballs, but you may roll them smaller if preferred.   Meatballs are classic comfort food, for sure. These quirky meatballs, however, have the ability to truly satisfy while stimulating some light-hearted…

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