When I host parties, I always have at least 2 or 3 hot
appetizers for my guests to choose from. I am not a
"throw-a-can-of-peanuts-on-the-table" kind of gal!
It's important to me that I take the time to select
satisfying party appetizers that:
Are simple to make
Have few ingredients
Hold up well over time
Are pleasing to look at and of course,
Taste great!
Over the years, I have tried out a lot of easy party
appetizers on my friends and family and hands down, the
three below are my "Top 3 Most Requested Hot Appetizers"
(in no particular order).
Number One Most Requested Hot Appetizer--Warm Chipotle
Cheddar Dip
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1-8 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained (3/4 cup)
1-4 oz. can chopped green chili peppers, drained
2 teaspoons finely chopped canned chipotle chili peppers in
adobo sauce (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped (3/4 cup)
1/4 cup sliced green onion
2 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro
Vegetables, crackers or chips
I found this dip when I was on a low carb diet and was
looking for a party appetizer that would work well with
vegetables. Something with a robust flavor that would perk
up the veggies.
Well this one definitely fit the bill. This appetizer has
become a favorite among my friends. It's served multiple
times throughout the year at various parties that I either
host or attend.
You can make it as smokey and spicy as you want by
adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers (smoked jalepenos)
but watch out. You can easily go from mildly spicy to
blow-your-face-off hot by adding too much!
Steps to Make Cheddar Chipotle Dip
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Stir together cheeses, mayonnaise, corn, green chili
peppers, chipotle chili peppers and garlic powder in a
large mixing bowl. Spread mixture into a 1 quart, covered
dish.
Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly. Top with tomato, green
onion and cilantro. I like to make a pattern out of the
toppings so I put the tomatoes all in the middle, make a
ring around them with the green onion then sprinkle the
cilantro over all.
Serve with vegetables, like red, green and yellow peppers.
Tostido and Frito Scoops work well too.
Number Two Most Requested Hot Appetizer--Boneless Buffalo
Wings
1 large bag of popcorn chicken, thawed (I buy mine at Sam's
Club)
1 package dry Good Seasons Italian dressing mix
1 bottle Frank's Red Hot Sauce (or to taste)
1 stick margarine (butter will separate)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Pinch dried basil
In a saucepan, combine dressing mix, hot sauce, margarine,
lemon juice and basil and cook until margarine melts,
stirring constantly.
Place chicken in a large bowl and pour sauce over it. Stir
until well combined, then pour all into a Crock Pot. Cook
on low 4 hours. Crack the lid to keep down the steam and
prevent wings from getting soggy.
Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing (do not
use the reduced fat variety).
Number Three Most Requested Hot Appetizer--Warm Green Chili
Dip
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
8 oz. shredded mild cheddar cheese
2 cups mayonnaise
1 small sweet onion, minced
1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilis, drained
1-1/2 oz. chopped pepperoni
1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
Assorted veggies (baby carrots and peppers are great!)
Tostidos or Fritos Scoops
In a shallow baking dish, combine the first five
ingredients. Top mixture with the pepperoni and olives.
Bake at 325 degrees about 25 minutes or until bubbly. Serve
with Scoops, crackers or assorted fresh vegetables.
Note: I do not recommend using reduced fat mayonnaise.
Speaking from personal experience, these three hot
appetizers are guaranteed to be a hit at any get together.
WARNING: Get ready to hand out the recipes!
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Sandee Lembke from Theme Party Queen.com
(http://www.theme-party-queen.com ) invites you to visit
her site for more great theme party ideas and recipes.
