Entertaining is a great way to bring together friends and family. With the holiday season approaching, seasonal gatherings and family get-togethers are right around the corner. While hosting an event is exciting, it also comes with plenty of responsibility. You'll want to think about how you'll decorate, who you'll invite, what you'll wear, and most importantly, what you'll serve for food! If you're searching for budget-friendly appetizers that are sure to make a favorable impression on your guests, then you've landed on the perfect article. Keep scrolling to discover eight of our favorite cheap party snacks that you can serve up at any time of the year.
Dairy Free Spinach Artichoke Dip
The number one rule for an appetizer table? There has to be some kind of dip. A flavorful dip can turn a bland appetizer table into one that guests will be willing to wait in line to try. We're not sure if it's the creaminess, the fact that it can be paired with nearly anything, or the fantastic flavor that gets mouths watering. Whatever it is, we're not questioning it. One of the things we love most about dip is that it's a versatile appetizer that can be whipped up for nearly any event. Whether you're celebrating your favorite sport being back on television or you’re preparing a holiday get-together with family, there's undoubtedly a dip that will heighten the experience.
To upgrade your appetizer table and to make a snack that everyone will love, make this Dairy Free Spinach and Artichoke Dip. A vegan version of widely loved spinach dip harnesses all of the traditional recipe's cheesy-goodness flavors without the dairy. Dairy free cream cheese and nutritional yeast are combined with spinach, artichoke hearts and herbs to make a savory dip that tastes great with warm crackers, baby carrots or spread on a delicious sandwich.
Gluten Free Baked Onion Rings
There's something unique about the sweet and tangy flavor of onion rings that other appetizers can't match. However, just because onion rings are a restaurant-worthy dish doesn't mean that's the only place you can find them. If you believe that baked onion rings are an appetizer reserved only for restaurants and skilled chefs, think again. The truth is, this dish is amazingly easy to make. And because it uses minimal ingredients, it's budget-friendly as well.
For a mouthwatering onion ring recipe that you and your guests won't be able to get enough of, try out this Gluten Free Baked Onion Ring Recipe. Crispy, crunchy and over the top delicious, these onion rings can be enjoyed alone or used as a topping on our Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole. Made with onions, chickpea flour, and various spices, they're entirely gluten and dairy free, making them the perfect appetizer to whip up for friends with dietary restrictions.
Sweet and Spicy Crispy Chickpeas
When planning any event, you'll want an easy appetizer that guests can snack on throughout the day, and a grab-and-go treat like chickpeas may be just the answer. But before you bust out the chickpeas just yet, it's crucial to think about how you'll serve them. Over the past few months, we've been washing our hands more than normal, and when it comes to germs, a large bowl of chips or chickpeas for people to grab from might not seem like the most sanitary idea. To keep germs from creeping into your appetizers, we suggest separating it into portioned-sized containers or serving guests in small baggies. This will help ensure that your appetizer stays fresh and your guests stay healthy.
To make the perfect chickpea appetizer, make a batch of these Sweet and Spicy Crispy Chickpeas. A treat that takes garbanzo beans to new heights, they're loaded with spicy flavors that you're guests will love. Pair them with a refreshing drink like sparkling water or a cold beer and enjoy!
Ham and Asparagus Quiche Cups
Serving individual, bite-sized appetizers at your next gathering is sure to leave a thoughtful impression on guests. In all honesty, not many people enjoy sharing their food. And why would they? If we have a delicious meal sitting in front of us, we're savoring every last drop. So, make your guests feel extra special and whip up a quick, easy and delicious recipe that is all theirs.
These Ham and Asparagus Quiche Cups are the perfect bite-sized treat to fill your appetizer table. Made with wholesome and healthy ingredients, they're also incredibly budget-friendly. Ideal for brunch, lunch or dinner, the buttery crust holds in the creamy filling of eggs, cheese, ham and asparagus. To make the most of your time, Prepare these quiche cups in advance and freeze until you’re ready to eat. Reheat then and serve for an appetizer everyone will be raving about.
Nacho Popcorn
No appetizer list would be quite complete without the mention of popcorn. When made with wholesome and cheap ingredients, popcorn is a healthy snack that everyone will love. A whole-grain food, popcorn is loaded with beneficial nutrients to keep you feeling healthy, happy and strong. To turn your kernels into a delicious appetizer, get creative with your popcorn toppings. From sweet to savory popcorn recipes, there are loads of ingredients for you to choose from. Before deciding on an appropriate recipe for your event, it's essential to consider your guests' dietary restrictions.
If you know of a few people attending who are sensitive to dairy, we recommend choosing a vegan recipe like this Nacho Popcorn. Free of dairy and gluten, this recipe uses nutritional yeast, coconut oil, and spices to create a savory, cheesy flavor that your guest will love. All of these ingredients are good for the body, making it a nutrient-rich snack that your friends and family can enjoy risk-free!
Buckwheat Pesto Salad
When we talk about budget-friendly health food, one of the first things that come to mind is a salad. While a salad full of veggies and greens is undoubtedly delicious, there are countless ways that you can whip up a scrumptious salad recipe without using lettuce at all. Some of our favorite salads are made entirely of grains! Grains like quinoa, bulgur and farro can be transformed into nutritious "salads" that are so good you'll be tempted to serve it as the main course.
To make a flavorful salad that won't break your budget, try out this Buckwheat Pesto Salad. In this salad, the nutty flavors of buckwheat groats and walnuts are combined with savory herbs to create a mouthwatering dish worth talking about. It's filling and nutritious, and the perfect dish to hold your guests over until dinner time. Whip up a large batch of this before your next event, and let the compliments roll in.
Spinach Quinoa Bites
If you're throwing a smaller gathering, party platters are a great way to spruce up the appetizer table. Not only are they fun to create, they're also easy for guests to grab from. Fruits, veggies and even meat can be added to a party platter to make a dish that will keep your attendees satisfied until the main course.
Need help getting started? Add these Spinach Quinoa Bites to your next platter! They're the perfect bite-sized treat to pair with creamy dips or savory sauces. Plus, you can use them as a vegetarian option for meatballs over pasta if you have leftovers. Loved by vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters, this easy-to-grab treat is sure to have guests lining up for seconds.
Leftover Mashed Potato Pierogies
The fall season is in full swing, and if there's a savory food that you associate with it, we're betting it's mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes can be paired with several foods to create a warm, filling meal, fit for the season. With large meals often comes leftovers. Before offering your leftovers up, we encourage you to think about all of the next-day dishes you can create with them! Using leftovers to create new, flavorful meals is one of our favorite tips for saving money.
If you find that you have leftover mashed potatoes, whip up a batch of these Mashed Potato Pierogies. A tasty and satisfying appetizer, they're the ideal comfort food for the fall season. Make them with your leftover mash, shredded cheese, and additional goodies on hand, like bacon, onion and parsley. This mouthwatering appetizer can be frozen and reheated, to ensure that nothing goes to waste.
We hope that this list of budget-friendly appetizers has inspired you to go out and make one of your own. From popcorn to artichoke dip, we're confident your guests will enjoy any recipe you choose! From everyone at Bob’s Red Mill, happy baking!
