Appetizers With 3 Ingredients

Lox and dill sprigs dress up a piece of flatbread.

With only three ingredients, you can whip up tasty appetizers that include two or more food groups. Contrasting colors, textures and flavors will help whet your guests' appetites as they anticipate the main entree.

Prepping for Appetizers

Ingredients to keep on hand for simple appetizers include a variety of breads, such as soft tortillas, flat breads and crackers. Vegetables such as roasted potatoes and bell peppers add texture and color to simple appetizers. Fresh and dried fruit complement cheese, nuts and meat.

Vegetables

Celery ribs resemble little boats filled with cream cheese or hummus. Hot sauce completes the spread. Broiled vegetables such as tomatoes or eggplant sliced and lightly buttered on the cut surface make savory snacks. Top the vegetables with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, and broil for a few minutes until golden brown. Stuff olives with almonds and cream cheese for a tasty treat. Trim the base of each olive so that it stands up after you've filled it.

Fruit

Slice open a dried apricot sliced to form a pocket for a 1/2-inch slice of cheese and toasted walnut or hazelnut. Sandwich a slice of apple and a slice of mozzarella between piece of ham without the bread.

Breads

For a quick bread wrap, place sliced cooked potatoes and red peppers on top of a warmed whole wheat tortilla. After rolling the tortilla, slice rounds or diagonally cut pieces. Layer lox and a dill sprig on a piece of flatbread. Use watercress or arugula in place of the dill for a crunchy alternative.

References

• Cooking4Busy Moms: 3 Ingredient Appetizers
• Cooks.com: Easy-spicy Stuffed Celery
• Simple Bites: Three Quick 3-Ingredient Appetizers