Hosting a holiday party? Are neighbors coming over to watch the game? Or maybe you just love entertaining? No matter what the occasion, when it’s party time, it’s appetizer time! So, we thought it was time to compile a list of our favorites. As you read, just click on the name of each recipe to print or screenshot the ingredients/instructions. And don’t forget to look for the G.A.P. Animal Welfare Certified label when you shop for meat or eggs! Every time you purchase an item with the G.A.P. label, you are voting with your dollars for better farm animal welfare practices. Warning: these photos will make you hungry…
#1 – Swedish Meatballs
Who doesn’t love this tried-and-true favorite? Make them ahead and then add the gravy and simmer when it’s party time. Add to a plate and grab a toothpick — you won’t have leftovers of this meaty deliciousness.
#2 – Deviled Eggs with Bacon
This party favorite screams “it’s the holidays!” but who doesn’t love deviled eggs all year?! We love the addition of bacon crumbles to make it extra. These are also great to make ahead so you’re not stressed when it’s “go time”.
#3 – Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Sausage, cheese, breadcrumbs, butter… the makings of a perfect bite of food. Stuff it into a mushroom and you get your veggies, too! Another perfect finger food for the party table.
#4 – Cheesy Beef Empanadas
We love these little pockets of beefy cheesiness. You can make these ahead and then pop them in the oven before your guests arrive. Don’t forget the salsa and sour cream for dipping!
#5 – Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ah, buffalo chicken. Make this one for the holiday party, your football-watching party, or your summer picnic. No matter the occasion, this one is sure to please. Use shredded rotisserie chicken if you don’t have time to bake or cook chicken in a crockpot the day before.
#6 – Greek Lamb Sliders
Ground lamb is one of our favorites. Mix and form the patties and make the sauce the day before so all you have to do is grill and assemble before the party. These are delish!
#7 – Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket
This is a brilliant idea… marrying two of your favorite apps – pigs in a blanket and jalapeno poppers – to make an amazing new app! These might be the talk of the party table.
#8 – Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Another favorite we couldn’t leave off the list. Thread the skewers ahead of time and make the sauce, so all you have to do is grill these (with the lamb burgers) before guests arrive. We love the addition of lime wedges for an added zip – and it makes the dish look even more delicious.
#9 – Bacon Pastry Twists
Bacon + Pastry = yes, please! This recipe calls for a side of beer cheese for dipping and we think it’s a MUST. Your guests will ask for this recipe.
#10 – Turkey Taco Bites
These little guys are easy and you can make a large amount with just a pound of ground turkey meat and phyllo dough shells. Keep it simple with a cheese topping and salsa/sour cream for dipping or add some diced tomatoes and green onions on top to make it even more festive. Queso for dipping would be ah-mazing, too.
#11 – Cheesy BBQ Pulled Pork Dip
Oh pulled pork – how we love thee. Cook and shred your pork the day before to save time on party day. Pro Tip: save some pulled pork for the next day when you’re craving a delicious sandwich but don’t want to move from the couch.
#12 – Little Smokies
All you need for this easy app is a 14 oz. package of cocktail weenies, 12 strips bacon, and 3/4 cup of brown sugar (packed). Cut bacon strips into thirds and wrap each weenie. Secure with a toothpick and place seam down. Load them into a dish tightly and coat with brown sugar. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes, remove, baste with the mixture from the bottom of the pan and bake for another 15 minutes. Then they’re ready for prime-time.
Best of luck with the party! Thanks for helping us #MakeitGAP when you cook. For more recipe inspiration, check out our Recipes page. If you’re holiday shopping, check out our “Food Gifts That Matter” blog highlighting G.A.P. Animal Welfare Certified partners who offer gift boxes for the season. New to our program and want to learn more about G.A.P. certification and what it means? Check out our website. Happy entertaining!
