6 Easy appetizers you can make with pantry staples

Are you planning a get-together or need something to bring to a holiday gathering? I find that planning and purchasing the ingredients for appetizers can be fun but also a bit overwhelming because there are so many amazing recipes! Inevitably I find myself at the grocery store buying expensive ingredients I don’t usually use – and so may not use all of.

This week I started thinking about how helpful it would be for budget, food waste and overall simplicity purposes if I could make several easy appetizers with ingredients that I already have on hand. I started to look around for recipes that will use items I already have on hand, kind of like a Christmas pantry challenge.

If you’ve never heard of a pantry challenge before, it’s a way to use up items that you purchased in past grocery shops but have been sitting unused in your cupboard. We’ve previously posted about doing a pantry challenge here!

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So in the spirit of a Christmas pantry challenge, here are some recipes I’ve made in the past, as well a few that I want to try!

Easy appetizer 1: Chickpea Hummus

If you have a can of chickpeas, olive oil, and some basic seasonings, you can make hummus! Simply blend:

1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic (optional)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (or a splash of vinegar if you’re out of lemons)
Salt and pepper to taste

Serve with crackers, sliced veggies, or even toasted bread. Feeling ambitious? I’ve made these crackers before – they’re delicious and are made of items I usually have on hand, but can also be found very affordably in the bulk foods section.

Easy appetizer 2: Spiced Nuts

A handful of nuts transforms into a savory snack with a little seasoning. Toss:

1 cup mixed nuts (or whatever you have)
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
A pinch of salt, paprika, and a touch of sugar or cinnamon

Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Easy appetizer 3: Quick Bruschetta

Got a can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce? Pair it with bread to make bruschetta. Mix:

1 cup canned tomatoes
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried basil or oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Spread the mixture on toasted bread or crackers.

Easy appetizer 4: Bean Dip

Canned beans like black beans or white beans make for a hearty dip. Blend:

1 can of beans (drained and rinsed)
2 tablespoons olive oil
A splash of vinegar or lime juice
Salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin or chili powder

Serve with tortilla chips or veggies.

Easy appetizer 5: Cheesy Quesadilla Bites

All you need are tortillas and some cheese. Simply:

Sprinkle shredded cheese on a tortilla, fold it in half, and heat in a skillet until the cheese melts
Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with salsa or sour cream

Easy appetizer 6: Popcorn with a Twist

Popcorn isn’t just for movie nights. Make it gourmet by tossing:

Freshly popped popcorn
A drizzle of olive oil or melted butter
Your favorite seasonings, recipes for a few options here!

With just a few pantry staples, it’s easy to create appetizers that are easy and delicious. These recipes are flexible, so don’t hesitate to get creative with what you have on hand!

What is your go-to appetizer recipe?

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