I love vacations. And it’s because I love to eat. Memorial Day is fast approaching and we are having a barbecue to celebrate and remember loved ones who bravely fought and died for our country.
here are some Memorial Day Appetizers that will not only make you salivate, but you can use them throughout the summer. I have always loved focaccia, crostini and bruschetta recipes. Try these that I am sharing here and see if you don’t agree that they are easy to make and even more fun to eat. Enjoy and remember what is the true meaning of these holidays.
Delicious onion focaccia
If you’ve never tried Focaccia bread, then start with this delicious Caramelized Onion Focaccia Sandwich. This is an easy appetizer recipe that makes a great snack and everyone will love it.
If you’re running out of ideas for a different appetizer or snack late at a party, pull out this recipe, make and bake, and you’re good to go!
What you will need:
– 2 butter spoons
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 2 onions (chopped)
– salt and pepper to taste)
– 8 slices of provolone cheese (but really, any type of cheese you like will work)
– 1 focaccia (from the delicatessen section) or a Boboli cheese crust (split horizontally)
To do:
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Next, melt the butter and olive oil in your favorite skillet. Then cook the onions for about 15-20 minutes while stirring often. You will want the onions to brown and caramelize as this brings out the sugars in the onions and adds a wonderful flavor to the overall recipe. Just make sure you don’t overcook the onions so they burn.
Sprinkle the onions with a little salt and pepper and continue stirring.
Next, place the divided focaccia base or Boboli pizza dough on an ungreased cookie sheet that you’ve lined with foil. Place half of the cheese on top of your focaccia. Now, you will finish by sprinkling with the caramelized onions and the rest of your cheese slices.
The final step is to take the top slice of focaccia and place it on top like a sandwich. Wrap it tightly in foil and bake for about 15-20 minutes until you see the cheese has melted.
Take out of the oven and cool for 5 minutes then cut into wedges and serve to your hungry crowd.
You can also make this ahead of time, keep it refrigerated, and then warm it up in the oven before serving. Everyone will love it! Enjoy!
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Goat Cheese Crostini
The great thing about this easy recipe is that it can be an appetizer on its own or paired with a delicious salad to make it more of a side dish or meal. This type of cheese likes to mix other flavors, so don’t be shy, use your imagination. All kinds of herbs work well. This is a great recipe for a Mother’s Day brunch too, but you can also serve it as an appetizer in a cocktail party.
What you will need:
– 8 slices of French OR Italian bread (cut diagonally)
– 1 package (5 ounces) goat cheese – make sure it’s nice and soft and leave it out to come to room temperature
– 2 tablespoons chives (chopped very fine) – you can also use any other herb that sounds good to you
– Salt and pepper (freshly ground) to taste
– 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
To do:
Preheat oven to 350*F (175*C).
Toast the bread slices on a baking sheet in the middle of the oven until nicely golden, about 10 minutes. Remove the now toasted bread and preheat your grill. (The nice thing about this is that the toast can be made up to 2 days in advance. Cool completely and store tightly covered.)
While the bread is toasting, combine the goat cheese, spring onions (or other herbs), salt and pepper in a small bowl, mixing all ingredients well. Spread cheese mixture over toasted bread slices and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.*
Grill crostini until cheese is lightly browned and bubbling slightly, about 2 minutes.
This easy appetizer recipe makes 32 beautiful servings. Serve on your favorite party platter or salad plates.
*Cheese mixture can be made ahead of time, covered and refrigerated, for up to 2 days.
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Asparagus and cheese bruschetta
I love Bruschetta recipes. It’s easy to make and they taste great. This Asparagus and Cheese Bruschetta is a long-time favorite of mine. Every time I do it for a crowd, they disappear almost instantly!
What you will need:
– 1 pound. asparagus (break off ends and cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
– 8 oz. Gruyère (or Swiss) cheese (shredded)
– 6 oz. country ham or for a lower fat version: use Canadian bacon (finely chopped or shred in a food processor)
– 1 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch slices (broil or toast the slices)
– 3 garlic cloves, (peeled and cut in half)
– extra virgin olive oil (use what you need to drizzle at the end)
– Kosher salt (to taste)
– black pepper (best results if you use it freshly ground)
To do:
Fire up your grill.
Use a large sauté pan: fill 3/4 full with salted water and bring to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook about 2 minutes to keep it crisp-tender. Drain the asparagus in a colander, while running cold water over it to prevent the asparagus from cooking. Save money.
Mix cheese and ham in a small bowl. Save money.
Next, take the garlic halves and rub them against one side of the toasted slices for flavor. Then drizzle the olive oil over the top of the toast.
Arrange the lightly cooked asparagus on the toast and then place small spoonfuls filled with the evenly divided ham-cheese mixture on top of the asparagus. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Finally, place the freshly made bruschetta on a baking sheet. Place the sheet on your broiler and let it bake until the cheese is melted, browned and bubbly. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. This should be about 2 minutes.
Serve immediately while hot. This delicious easy appetizer recipe makes 12 servings (3 pieces each).
And there you have it. Prepare these delicious appetizers and surprise your crowds. Have a happy and safe Memorial Day!