Cuisine: Hors d'oeuvres

Fried Pickle Dip

Because my family is into anything to do with pickles... I made this Fried Pickle Dip, which is a creamy, tangy, and savory dip made with dill pickles, cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. It is a popular appetizer or snack, and is often served with potato chips, pretzels, or vegetables.

By Leslie Blythe

Bacon-Wrapped Apricots Stuffed with Pistachios and Mozzarella

Bacon-Wrapped Apricots Stuffed with Pistachios and Mozzarella is a delicious appetizer that combines sweet, savory, and salty flavors. The recipe involves dried apricots poached in a spiced sherry vinegar, stuffed with pistachios and mozzarella, and then wrapped in bacon for a simple yet unforgettable party snack.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 25 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins

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

Peanut Butter, Scallion, and Bacon Canapés

We used to be members of the California Club in downtown Los Angeles. They often served these peanut butter and bacon canapés that were our favorite. Peanut butter and bacon are a classic combination, and the scallions add a nice freshness and crunch. The combination of salty and sweet flavors is really addictive. I will admit, the recipe sounds extremely strange, and when I made these, they disappeared in less than 5 minutes! My husband insists that the Cal Club version was lots of butter, then peanut butter, then bacon on toast.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: Makes 36 canapés

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

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

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

Fried Cheese Wedges with Everything but the Bagel Seasoning

I will admit that I happen to love Laughing Cow Cheese. I made Fried Cheese Wedges with Everything but the Bagel Seasoning and it was a revelation. Dip them in flour, egg, seasoning, and fry. Serve with crackers.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Cheesy Pickle Chips

I made these Cheesy Pickle Chips and my family went crazy. It's so quick and easy to make and it's a Keto recipe. You just put some grated cheese in a muffin tin, put a pickle on the cheese, sprinkle with ranch seasoning (you could use your favorite season), top with more cheese, and bake for 10 minutes. As Ina would say, how easy is that!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins