When it comes to planning the menu for a dinner party, the appetizer is just as important as the main dish. They satisfy the guests’ appetite while the main dish is being prepared. While it’s convenient to just serve mixed nuts or some crackers, take this party a notch higher and prepare these unique but no-fuss appetizers – your guests will surely get excited about all your parties from now on!
Parmesan Potatoes Delight
What you need:
- 1 kg. red potatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cooking spray
In a small bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt and ground black pepper. Place potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Toss to coat. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese mixture over potatoes and mix until potatoes are coated with the mixture. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and brush the bottom with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Place coated potatoes cut side down on the pan and bake in a pre-heated oven (400F) for 20 minutes. Flip potatoes and bake for another 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Serve with sour cream.
Herbed Fried Cheese Ravioli
What you need:
- 1 large package refrigerated cheese ravioli (about 24 pcs.)
- 20 pcs. Ritz crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
- 1 egg
- 3 cups vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups warm marinara sauce for dipping
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
In a medium bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and milk. Dip each ravioli into the egg mixture then into the crumbs mixture. Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat then fry coated ravioli for 1 minute per side. Place on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve with marinara sauce.
Homemade Cheese Sticks
What you need:
- 24 sticks string cheese, halved crosswise
- 5 eggs, beaten
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- 3 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
Line parchment paper on a baking sheet then place eggs in a bowl and crumbs in a shallow bowl. Dip each cheese half in egg then into the crumbs and place on a prepared baking sheet. Let stand for 5 minutes and repeat dipping in egg and crumbs to thicken coating. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. When ready, Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan and fry coated cheese sticks until crisp and golden brown about 6 to 8 minutes.
Keep your guests wanting more with these no-fuss appetizer recipes!