Easy Snacks & Apps to Share

What's better than my morning cup of coffee??

Making crave worthy food to share with the ones I love! Cheesy I know but these are the things that fill up my cup. Get it? :)
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When a long weekend approaches that involves friends or family I am always planning what snacks to bring. If you are like me you need food every few hours to remain happy......no one likes to be hangry! Below is a roundup of some of my favorite snacks & heavy apps to bring to any small gathering. Most are travel worthy & can be brought on-the-go to any gathering. 

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BYO Nachos

​Nachos are a great appetizer if you have access to an oven.

I like to layer mine with:
+ Tortilla chips
+ Grilled chicken
+ Black beans
+ Cherry tomatoes
+ Corn
+ Shredded Mexican blend cheese
& bake on 400 degrees for 5-10 minutes.

Top with fresh tomato salsa, avocado, & Jalapeno Ranch (Lighthouse dressing).

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Antipasto Skewers

These are so versatile! So many options to customize based on your needs.
- Swap green or black olives for kalamata
- Add peppers, artichokes, or marinated mushrooms
- Use turkey, ham, or pepperoni instead of salami
- Make them into caprese skewers with balsamic glaze
- Drizzle with pesto
​- Ditch the cheese for dairy free version or ditch the meat for vegetarian version

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Spiced Nuts
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Truffled Italian Walnuts &
Spicy Lime Cashews
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Learn how to make these delicious spiced nuts by watching the video above! Such an easy snack to share & bring on the go!

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Charcuterie

Cheese boards are always a hit! They are so easy to put together & can be transported in containers to go anywhere. I always include a few specialty items (spiced nuts, different dried fruits, or jam. Along with various cheeses, raw veggies, gluten-free & regular crackers, Italian meats, & fresh fruit. You can even make a kid's version with rolled up turkey or ham, carrots, mild cheese like cheddar or havarti & their favorite fruit!

Dip: sour cream & ranch dressing mix

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Corn & Tomato Bruschetta 

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Crispy Brussels with Truffle Mayo

​Trim ends & cut brussel sprouts in half. In a container overnight add brussel sprouts & 1 TBSP avocado oil (or olive oil). This will make them soften a bit & help them get crispy!

Put onto a baking sheet & season with garlic salt. 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, the loose leaves will begin to "burn" but that is okay. Stir half way.


Truffle Mayo: 
- 3 TBSP mayo
- 1 teas. truffle oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- S & P

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Pimento Cheese

To be honest I am lazy at times and buy this but it isn't too hard to make. Plus it has less preservatives if you make it at home! This stores well in the fridge for a few days.

Recipe from Designer Bags & Dirty Diapers- The best pimento cheese I have had!

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And some of my favorite snacks & sides from Pinterest & beyond...

Buffalo Chicken Dip from Real Girl's Kitchen- extra chicken & less "dip" makes it the BEST buffalo dip

Truffle Deviled Eggs from Real Girl's Kitchen- I could eat a dozen of these deviled eggs, perfect for a crowd but make extra!!

​Jalapeno Popper Dip- YUM

BLT Pasta Salad- such a crowd pleaser, also a great weeknight meal. I sub spinach for romaine.

Tuscan Tortellini Salad- easy to prep ahead of time!




Well I am thoroughly hungry now.......I guess I am off to make one of these delights instead of simply talking about them!