Simplicity Meets Sophistication – 5 Ingredient (or less) Appetizers

Appetizers set the stage for any meal, offering a taste of what’s to come without overwhelming the palate. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or planning an elegant dinner party, quick and easy appetizers can be the perfect solution. With just a handful of ingredients, these five appetizers are designed to impress your guests with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company and the occasion.

Here are five simple appetizers with five or fewer ingredients:

1. Caprese Skewers

• Ingredients:
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Balsamic glaze
  • Olive oil (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto small skewers.
  2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and a touch of olive oil if desired.

2. Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese

• Ingredients:
  • Medjool dates (pitted)
  • Goat cheese
  • Almonds or walnuts
  • Honey (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Slice the dates lengthwise and remove the pit.
  2. Stuff each date with a small amount of goat cheese and an almond or walnut.
  3. Drizzle with honey for added sweetness.

3. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon

• Ingredients:
  • Cantaloupe or honeydew melon
  • Prosciutto
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional)
  • Olive oil (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Cut the melon into bite-sized cubes or wedges.
  2. Wrap each piece of melon with a slice of prosciutto.
  3. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

4. Cucumber Bites with Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon

• Ingredients:
  • Cucumber
  • Cream cheese
  • Smoked salmon
  • Fresh dill or chives
• Instructions:
  1. Slice the cucumber into rounds.
  2. Spread a small amount of cream cheese on each cucumber slice.
  3. Top with a piece of smoked salmon and garnish with dill or chives.

5. Mini Pesto Pizzas

• Ingredients:
  • Mini naan or pita bread
  • Pesto sauce
  • Cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • Fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella
  • Fresh basil (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Spread pesto sauce on each mini naan or pita bread.
  2. Top with halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.
  3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

These appetizers are quick to prepare, delicious, and perfect for any occasion!