Easy and Appealing Appetizers

Throwing a football pregame party? Having a movie night with friends in the comfort of your theater room? Enjoying a birthday celebration? These appetizers will be a big hit no matter the occassion, and, the best part, they are SharpMoms simply delicious picks!

Asparagus Wraps

If you like the classic pigs in a blanket, you’ll be a fan of these scrumptious wraps!

What you need:

1/2 pound uncooked, chilled pizza dough or Pillsbury cresent rolls dough 
8 to12 asparagus stalks, trimmed and cooked*
1 small tomato, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
2 ounces cheddar or mozzarella cheese, sliced

Make it fast:

1.  Heat oven to 375.
2. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces.
3. On a lightly floured surface with lightly floured hands, flatten the 4 pieces of dough to about 1/4 inch thick, approximately 2 by 5 inches.
4. Bundle 3-4 sticks of asparagus. Then cut in half lengthwise.
5. Lay each asparagus bundle along one side of a piece of dough.
6. Cover asparagus with a tomato slice, then layer cheese over it.
7. Roll dough, starting with side closest to fillings, to form the blanket, ending seam side down.
8. Line a baking sheet with foil lightly coated with olive oil or cooking spray.
9. Let blankets sit on baking sheet about 15 minutes, or until they’re room temperature.
10. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
11. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Outstanding Onion Dip

What you need: 

2 cups sweet onion, peeled and chopped
2 cups mayonnaise
2 cups Parmesan cheese

Make it fast:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. .
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, onions and cheese.
3. Pour the mixture into a 2 quart, sprayed, baking dish and bake for approximately 45 minutes, until the top is slightly brown.
4. Serve hot with buttery, round crackers or pita chips. SharpMoms likes Spicy French Rounds available at most fine markets.

Ravioli Dippers

We know ravioli is usually a dinner entree, but why not mix it up a little with this fun appetizer. SharpMoms things it’s great for kids too!

What you need:

1 pound frozen cheese ravioli, thawed
cooking oil
salt (to taste)
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce

Make it fast:

1. Pat dry thawed ravioli with a paper towel.
2. Heat oil on medium heat in a large, heavy skillet to a depth of one inch.
3. Fry in batches until golden brown, with a fry-time of about 5 minutes per batch.
4. Drain well on paper toweling, salt as desired, and serve with warm marinara sauce.

You can also choose raviolis with different filling and mix up the sauces. SharpMoms likes butter garlic sauce, alfredo sauce, or spicy ranch.