Who doesn’t love a good appetizer? When you’re hungry and waiting for dinner, a delicious starter can really hit the spot. At Grocery Outlet, you can satisfy your guests and not empty your wallet. Here is a brief selection of our favorite cheap and easy appetizer recipes to surprise and delight friends and family.
Pistachio Goat Cheese Balls
1/2 cup shelled salted pistachios
6 ounces goat cheese, softened
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
Toast nuts in small skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3 minutes; chop finely. Combine goat cheese and cream cheese in a medium bowl. Drop mixture by heaping teaspoons onto a parchment-lined baking sheet; refrigerate 15 minutes. Roll into balls, and then roll in chopped nuts. Refrigerate, tightly covered, up to 1 day. Serves 10, makes 30 balls.
BLT Bites
48 whole cherry tomatoes
1 lb bacon (cooked and crumbled)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
3 green onions (chopped)
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (snipped)
Cut a thin slice off the top of each tomato. Scoop out and discard the pulp (I use the handle end of a small teaspoon, or use a melon-baller). Invert tomatoes on paper towels to drain. In a small bowl, combine all remaining ingredients and mix well. Spoon into tomatoes. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serves 12, makes 48.
Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
6 roma tomatoes, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 1/4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
8 slices Italian bread, cut about 1 inch thick
2 tablespoons grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
Whisk together chopped garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, and basil. When combined, slowly drizzle in oil. Add tomatoes and let sit for 20 minutes at room temp. Toast the bread. This can be done either in the toaster (if it's got really wide slots) or under the broiler (if using this method watch closely so it doesn't become a brick). When the bread is toasted rub each piece, on one side, with the whole garlic pieces. Place the bread on a cookie sheet and top with tomato mixture. Sprinkle on a little cheese and broil until the cheese melts. Serve immediately. Serves 4.
Nearly all the ingredients in these recipes can be bought at Grocery Outlet at a significant value. Other ideas for appetizers would be chopped vegetables with guacamole and hummus, chunks of fruit with sweet yogurt dip, nuts, crackers and cheese. We’ve got a significant selection of all of those items, so shop your local Grocery Outlet to save while you stock up for holiday parties!