Cuisine: appetizers

Spanakopita Spring Rolls

Spanakopita spring rolls are a delicious and crispy snack or appetizer that combines the flavors of traditional spanakopita (a Greek spinach pie) with the convenience of spring rolls. They are made with a filling of spinach, feta cheese, and dill, then wrapped in a spring roll wrapper, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and baked until golden brown. Serve with a lemony garlic yogurt dip.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: Makes 8

Lemon Za’atar Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Lemon Za'atar Spinach & Artichoke Dip is so light and refreshing and perfect for summer entertaining. You can serve this dip warm, room temperature, or cold with pita chips, crackers or bread. I opted for cold!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Roast Beef Sliders

These roast beef sliders are delicious! Slices of roast beef, caramelized onions, and cheese are layered between sweet Hawaiian rolls, which get a savory butter sauce on. Oh, and there is also au jus to dip them in! These are great for parties. Your guests will reach for seconds before they finish their first bite!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 50 mins
  • Yields: Makes 12 sliders

Ricotta and Roasted Grape Crostini

This Ricotta and Roasted Grape Crostini is an easy, elegant appetizer. By roasting the grapes that are doused in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it concentrates and intensifies the flavor. It's a great appetizer when paired with wine.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 12 crostini

Chili Crisp Baked Feta

This Chili Crisp Baked Feta is really good. It's a little bit spicy, salty, and delicious! Once out of the oven, it gets a drizzle of hot honey. If you've never had hot honey then you are missing out. I love it on pepperoni pizza.

By Leslie Blythe

Rosemary-Sizzled Salami, Dates, and Pecans

My daughter Zoe made Rosemary-Sizzled Salami, Dates, and Pecans from Bon Appétit for a party. It's a warm mix of nuts and salami which is perfect to add to a charcuterie plate. The salami gets slightly crispy and sweet dates chewy and pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the salami.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Yields: 6 - 8 Servings

Grape Jelly Meatballs

Suspend your disbelief and get out your slow cooker! These Grape Jelly Meatballs use frozen meatballs (I used IKEA meatballs), Concord grape jelly, and chili sauce (or BBQ sauce). It's a southern recipe and is sometimes called hillbilly meatballs. I promise you they are absolutely delicious!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 3 hrs
  • Yields: 12 Servings

Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Wrapped in Bacon

These Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Wrapped in Bacon are one of my favorite hors d'oeuvres. I love the sweetness of the dates with the saltiness of the bacon which all come together with the tangy goat cheese. I assemble them earlier in the day ready for the oven later.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Ikra, Eggplant Spread

Ikra is a Ukranian vegetable spread that's made of roasted eggplant, bell peppers, onions, carrots, and garlic. I had it at a restaurant recently and decided to make my own. This deliciously healthy spread can be served with sliced bread, pita chips or would work well with a charcuterie board.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 35 mins
  • Cook: 1 hrs 5 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Hot Corn Dip

This Hot Corn Dip is from Celebrate with Babs, by Barbara Costello, 2022. I have to say, it didn't last long, it's so good. You can make it ahead and put it in the oven before serving. I divided it into 2 separate casserole dishes, which worked well.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 35 mins
  • Yields: 10 - 12 Servings