Not all of us have the time and skill to prepare glorious, glamorous meals in the kitchen, let alone to tackle other food conundrums like drinks, desserts, and appetizers.
As for the latter of these tertiary additions to the main course, look no further, as we’ve rounded up a few extra simple 3-ingredient appetizers that are as easy to make as they are delicious.
The next time you’re cooking dinner for friends or family, consider stepping up your culinary game by adding these appetizers to your menu and offer guests tasty options to complement their main dish:
Jalapeno poppers
Jalapenos, bacon, cream cheese (plus oil for frying).
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut jalapeños in half length-wise and remove the seeds and ribs.
- Fill the jalapeno halves with about 1.5 teaspoons of cream cheese.
- Then wrap the stuffed jalapeno halves with bacon.
- Arrange them on a baking sheet, lined with silicone mat, or aluminum foil. (Secure bacon with toothpick, if needed.)
- Bake the jalapeno poppers for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked. Enjoy warm, or at room temperature.
Pigs in a blanket
Mini hot dogs, puff pastry sheet, slices of cheddar cheese.
1. Preheat oven to 425°F/220˚C.
2. Slice the puff pastry into 6 even rectangles.
3. Place a slice of cheddar on top of each puff pastry piece.
4. Place a hot dog on the cheddar, then roll it up.
5. Slice each roll into 3 even pieces, and arrange the pieces evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper with a 1-inch gap between the pieces.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown and flaky.
Egg roll mozzarella sticks
Egg roll wrappers, cheese sticks, marinara sauce (plus water and oil for frying).
- Unwrap the egg roll wrappers and cover with a wet paper towel to prevent drying out. Pour a little bit of water in a small dish.
- Cut each wrap in half. Place 1 string cheese on lower part of the wrap and roll as if you’re rolling a burrito, tucking the ends. Wet the outer edge and seal.
- Preheat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the prepared mozzarella sticks until golden brown, about 3 minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks onto a baking sheet, lined with wire rack.
Barbecue chicken nuggets
Chicken breast, bread crumbs, barbecue sauce.
1. Preheat oven to 375°F/190°C and spray a baking sheet with nonstick oil.
2. Cut chicken breasts into bite-size pieces and place in a bowl.
3. Add the barbecue sauce to bowl with chicken and stir.
4. In a large ziplock bag, crush the barbecue chips into desired crumbs (to replace bread crumbs).
5. Coat each piece of chicken in chip crumbs until fully covered and place on prepared baking tray.
6. Bake chicken until golden brown, about 12 minutes.
7. Enjoy with a side of ranch dressing or any sauce!
