Fast and Yummy Appetizers
Easy Pepperoni Bread, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, and Meatballs
Three quick and easy recipes to keep your clan well-fed on game day.
Fall is upon us, and for many people, the cooler temperatures and turning leaves mean one thing: It’s football season!
Depending on the teams they follow, some people end up spending several entire Sundays indoors, watching two or three games back-to-back on TV. They need their energy to root on their favorite teams. They could order takeout, but why do that when so many tasty appetizers can be made at home, with just a little bit of work?
Homemade snacks like pepperoni bread, spinach-artichoke dip, and meatballs are game-day staples. All of these recipes can be pre-made the night before, so all that needs to be done on Sunday is put them in the oven and let them hang out until they’re ready—leaving free time to watch the opening kickoff!
Pepperoni Bread
- 1 lb. frozen bread dough, thawed
- 8 oz. turkey pepperoni*
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning**
- Egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tbsp. water)
*Turkey pepperoni is recommended because it’s not as greasy as regular, but just as tasty. Of course, regular pepperoni can also be used.
**Italian seasoning is fast and doesn't involve messing around with a lot of different spices. But a creative cook can feel free to substitute garlic powder, basil, oregano, or any mix of spices.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Roll bread dough into a flat rectangle. Spread pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese over the dough; sprinkle seasoning on top. Roll the bread up, jelly-roll style, and pinch the edges to seal. Brush loaf with egg wash.
Place loaf on a greased cookie sheet and bake until golden, 30-40 minutes. Slice and enjoy!
Spinach-Artichoke Dip
- 1 10-oz. box frozen spinach, thawed but not drained
- 1 15-oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 10 oz. alfredo sauce
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Transfer to a casserole dish; bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Serve hot, with tortilla chips, bread, or cut-up veggies.
Easy Meatballs
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 tsp. Worcestireshire sauce
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp. salt (more or less, according to taste)
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1 jar marinara sauce
Combine beef, egg, Worcestershire sauce, bread crumbs, cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Form into meatballs—each should be slightly bigger than a golf ball. Place meatballs on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink.
Meanwhile, heat marinara sauce over low-medium heat on the stovetop.
When meatballs are finished, add them to the sauce. (They don’t need to be drained first because they’re baked, not fried—less mess and healthier!)
Serve immediately or keep warm in a Crock-Pot until ready to eat.
