Kate’s Simple Party Snack Favourites
I love a good dinner party and I love a good pre-dinner snack. There’s a risk that this could ruin one’s appetite prior to the dinner but it can’t be helped. A snack with drinks is a must for any house party.
Below are some of my “go-to” party snacks that are super simple to do, but by adding just a few extra ingredients, will turn a standard snack into a deliciously memorable one.
- Guacamole
A firm favourite for any event. If you want to make Guacamole with a twist, try adding a bit of paprika or Sriracha. Cut up and fry some bacon bits, then add it to your dip for Guacamole with a crunch. Another tip if you want it extra creamy, is to put some Greek yoghurt into the dish. This makes the texture smoother and silkier. Lastly, if you want to try a smokey flavour, brush some olive oil on your halved avocados and grill for 2-4 minutes before mashing.
- Cheese
My Achilles' heel. It doesn’t matter the time of day or the meal. If cheese is involved, I’m sold. Of course, a cheese board, generally at the end of the dinner is always a treat. One could also put together a few cheese and fruits as a starter. If that seems a little too rich and risky I suggest a brie or camembert wheel in the oven. Score the top of the wheel, add a few blueberries on top and pop it in the oven for a few minutes. If you want to go even fancier, add honey, pistachios and a few springs of thyme and you have yourself a gamechanger. Don’t forget to place your baking paper underneath. This will get gooey. Serve with crackers.
- Hummus
A classic but go the extra mile and make it from scratch. It’s not hard, it will taste better than store bought, and people will notice. Here’s a very authentic and tasty hummus recipe I like to use from The Mediterranean Dish.
- Bruschetta
I love me some toasted French bread and you really can get creative with the toppings. Keep it simple with a herbed goats cheese and tomato, or the classic salmon, cream cheese, lemon, salt and dill. If you want to take it to a lip-smacking level then it’s all about the steak. Thinly sliced steak with blue cheese bruschetta with onion and roasted tomato jam. Also thinly sliced steak bruschetta with a little parmesan, oil, garlic, mozzarella and chopped mushrooms. Ladies and Gentleman, you have yourself a winner.
- Flatbreads
Another, more communal route to go. Peach and Prosciutto go really well together, as does Mozzarella and Pesto. Another fave is Pepper, Onion & Italian Sausage Flatbread but honestly, the options are endless and it goes really far, depending on the square size you cut. Although it's doubtful, if you do have any leftover Flatbread, remember it will keep in an eco-friendly zipper bag at room temperature for about 2 days. They can also be frozen (once completely cooled) wrapped airtight in recyclable cling wrap for up to one month.
- Potstickers
Realistically, this would be a pre-order situation for me and steam it on the day. There are loads of places doing frozen potstickers now, Home Bao is my go-to online store. Don’t forget to line your basket with some naturally siliconized baking paper, add a little dipping sauce when serving and you’ve got yourself a tasty and unique snack option.
- Zucchini Chips
Underrated in my opinion and oh so easy to make. The trick is to trim and thinly slice the zucchini into rounds. Drizzle with olive oil, lay flat down in the oven and roast until Crispy. Add a creamy dipping sauce to this and you’re good to serve.
Happy snacking!