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Category: Appetisers

  • Queso Blanco

    Queso Blanco

    This recipe will teach you how to make queso blanco from scratch just like they serve at your favorite Mexican restaurant (without Velveeta!). It’s made of high quality cheese and fresh ingredients which come together to make the perfectly creamy dip!

    Is there anything better than a cheesy dip? I can’t resist making dip for every party I throw because everyone loves them. They are super quick and easy to whip up and are a total crowd pleaser. For your next party, you have to try this Super Easy Beer Cheese Dip, this delicious Baked Cream Cheese Sala Dip, and this Rotel Dip.

    A tortilla chip being dipped into queso blanco.

    Queso Blanco Recipe

    I absolutely love Mexican food! It’s always my family’s first choice when we are eating out. And everytime we go, we always have to order some queso blanco. It’s irresistible! I can fill up on it before my meal even arrives. I finally realized that this dish would be such a hit for my friends and party guests. Let me tell you, this recipe does not disappoint!

    A cheesy dip is something that can please everyone. For the corn lovers, I whip up hot corn dip. I have never gotten turned down for my hot spinach artichoke dip, it’s always gobbled up super fast. I am obsessed with my crack chicken dip, and so is everyone else. So I was actually pretty suprised that when I served this queso blanco dip, everyone said it was their favorite! The best part is, it’s so easy to whip up I will definitely be making it all the time.

    Ingredients

    I really love queso blanco because there are so many ways to make it! It’s a delicious blend of quality cheeses and fresh flavors like jalapenos and green chiles. They all blend together to make the most delicious cheesy dip. White American cheese is going to be your new favorite! You can find the full measurements below in the recipe card.

    • White American Cheese: White American cheese is a mild flavor that is sweet and salty. It has kind of a crumbly texture but it will melt really well. You can use any white cheese that you like as long as it is a cheese that will melt well.
    • Chopped Green Chiles: The easiest thing to do is to buy a can of diced green chiles.
    • Pickled Jalapeno and Juice: Pickled jalapneo is such a great flavor because they have a mild spice and also a nice sharpness because of the vinegar. The juice has SO much flavor, you are definitely going to want to take advantage of that!
    • Whole Milk: Whole milk has lots of fat in it which helps add a lot of flavor to the dip, and makes it has a really nice consistency.
    • Onion Powder: Onion powder has a really nice sweet and savory flavor. You could add fresh onions if you wanted to, or you could saute them first so they are soft and more flavorful.
    • Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is so great with all of these flavors. It really highlights all of the savory notes in the cheese.
    • Cumin: Cumin is so rich and hearty, and it actually has a little hint of citrus flavor.
    • Kosher Salt: A high quality salt is always going to make your dish taste better. Salt will help to bring out all of the flavors in the dip.
    Process photos showing the cheese being melted in a pot, the seasonings added, and then it all melted together.

    How to Make Queso Blanco

    This queso blanco dip is seriously so easy to make. It’s a quick recipe that I know you’ll be making again and again. I think it’s perfect amount of salty and savory, and served with tortilla chips it’s hard to beat. It’s perfect for a watch party or just a snack when you are in the mood.

    1. Heat: Add the cheese and milk to a large saucepan and heat over medium-low heat.
    2. Stir: Continue to stir until melted.
    3. Whisk: Once melted add in green chiles, jalapenos, pickled jalapeno juice, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Whisk to combine.
    4. Enjoy: Serve immediately with tortilla chips.
    Queso blanco dip in a black bowl with fresh jalapenos and chips around it.

    Tips for Making Queso Blanco

    This queso blanco dip is really so easy, there isn’t much to it! I thought I would include a few fun tips that I’ve really loved incorporating into this dip. It’s so flavorful, you can make it exactly as the recipe is written, or you can change it up with these tips.

    • Add Fresh Herbs: Of course, the first one that comes to mind is cilantro. It’s really great served on top! You could also add green onion or parsley, both add lots of great flavor.
    • Turn Up the Spice: If you love spice, there are some great ways to add more to this dip! You can add some cayenne pepper or some fresh serrano to really kick up the spice level! If you are on the other end of the scale and don’t like spice, definitely don’t add the seeds of the jalapeño, or leave the pepper out altogether.
    • Use the Crockpot: This is a great dip to make in your crockpot! Just add all of your ingredients to the pot and let it cook on low for 1-2 hours stirring occasionally to help all of the flavors come together.

    The dip in a bowl with a few chips sticking out of it.

    Storing Leftovers

    Queso can be really easy to reheat, so it actually makes great leftovers. Make sure when you reheat it you don’t get it too hot or it might separate. Here is how to store your leftovers.

    • In the Refrigerator: You can store your leftover queso blanco in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Other Dips to Try

    You can never have too many good dip recipes! At least I don’t think so. I have made so many dips over the years, and there are a few that we just keep coming back to. I think you are really going to love all of these recipes! Whether it’s sweet or savory, no one can resist these.

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    Queso Blanco

    This recipe will teach you how to make queso blanco from scratch just like they serve at your favorite Mexican restaurant (without Velveeta!). It's made of high quality cheese and fresh ingredients which come together to make the perfectly creamy dip!
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Mexican
    Keyword cheese dip, queso blanco
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 8
    Calories 232kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound white American cheese, roughly chopped into 1" pieces
    • 3 tablespoons chopped green chiles
    • 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeno, diced (more or less to your liking)
    • 2 tablespoons juice from the pickled jalapenos
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • dash of cumin, to taste
    • Kosher salt, to taste

    Instructions

    • Add the cheese and milk to a large saucepan and heat over medium-low heat.
    • Continue to stir until melted.
    • Once melted add in green chiles, jalapenos, pickled jalapeno juice, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Whisk to combine.
    • Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 1023mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 635IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 633mg | Iron: 0.5mg
  • Jalapeño Bacon Cheese Ball

    Jalapeño Bacon Cheese Ball

    This jalapeno bacon cheese ball is perfectly creamy, rolled in crunchy bacon, and topped off with green onions and salty pecans. It’s the perfect holiday appetizer and filled with SO much flavor!

    This cheese ball has the perfect combination of creaminess and spice. A few more yummy recipes to try are these bacon jalapeno poppers, cheeseburger stuffed jalapeno poppers, or jalapeno popper dip. They’re cheesy and delicious with the best amount of heat!

    Hero image of a jalapeno bacon cheese ball.

    Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Ball

    There’s a reason cheese balls are always a hit at any party. They’re creamy, soft, perfectly dippable, and have the best flavor! Jalapeno poppers are one of my all-time favorite appetizers, so naturally, I had to try it in cheese ball form. Let me tell you, it does not disappoint!

    Even if you’re not a huge fan of spice, you’ll love this recipe! The jalapenos give it just the right amount of kick. The cream cheese also helps to cool down the jalapeños. Trust me, one taste of this jalapeno bacon cheese ball and you’ll be hooked. This is a true holiday appetizer that is perfect for your holiday parties this season! Everyone is going to go crazy over it.

    Ingredients Needed for a Jalapeno Cheese Ball

    This jalapeno bacon cheeseball is hands-down one of the best appetizers I have ever had! This cheese ball is everything good about jalapeno poppers in one easy-to-make recipe. You won’t be able to get enough! Oh but let’s not forget the bacon! Everything’s better with bacon and this cheese ball is full of it, inside and out! This is the ultimate cheese ball and I know it will be a hit wherever you take it! Note: exact measurements can be found below in the recipe card.

    • Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it mixes together nicely with the other ingredients.
    • Jalapeños: I chopped mine into small pieces and removed any seeds to keep them from being too hot.
    • Cheddar Cheese: You can’t go wrong with shredded cheddar! You can also use shredded Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Mexican blend cheese for this recipe.
    • Bacon: I like to use pre-cooked bacon for easy prep.
    • Green Onions: Chopped green onions add the perfect pop of savory flavor to this jalapeno bacon cheese ball.
    • Seasoning Salt: To pack each bite with flavor! Use prepackaged seasoning salt or make your own blend using my quick and easy recipe here.
    • Garlic: Minced garlic adds the perfect savory flavor to the cheese ball.
    • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds an extra pop of flavor.
    • Cumin: Adds a little earthy spice.
    • Pecans: You’ll want these to be coarsely chopped so they coat the outside of the cheese ball evenly.

    How to Make a Jalapeño and Bacon Cheese Ball

    A delicious cheese ball packed with bacon and jalapeños. It doesn’t get any better than that! And did I mention that it comes together in a snap? 15 minutes and just a few simple steps of mixing and shaping will give you this knockout appetizer.

    1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, half of the jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, half of the bacon, green onions, seasoning salt, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cumin until fully incorporated.
    2. Coat: On a large plate, combine the other half of the bacon, jalapeños, and pecans. Then shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball and roll it onto the plate to coat.
    3. Chill and Serve: Cover with saran wrap and chill for an hour before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Forming Your Cheese Ball

    When rolling cheese balls, I find it easiest to transfer the mixture onto a section of Saran Wrap. Then pull the corners together and twist them to easily form a ball with minimal mess. Roll your cheese ball on the counter to help form the shape. Then finish shaping it with your hands. To remove the cheese ball, you can either cut the wrap at the base of the twist, or simply untwist it and transfer to a serving dish.

    Cheese ball ingredients being added to a glass bowl.

    Tips for Making the Perfect Cheese Ball

    As simple as this recipe may be, here are a few tips and tricks to hone your cheese ball-making skills. Once your friends and family get a taste, they will want to know what your secret is.

    • Use Softened Cream Cheese: Before you make your cheese ball, leave your cream cheese on the counter to soften. This will usually take about one hour.
    • More Mix-Ins: Feel free to add in more of your favorite mix-ins! A few of my favorites are walnuts, sliced almonds, crushed crackers, Chex mix, candied pecans, and other cheese variations. (Shredded pepper jack is great for adding more kick!)
    • Use Freshly Grated Cheese: When shredding cheese make sure to not use pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t stick well to things. Freshly grated cheese will also have better flavor.
    • Adjust Recipe: Be sure to double to recipe for a larger party or make multiple smaller cheese balls to go around the table. (Cheese ball bites are also a great option for finger food!)

    Stirring up the ingredients into a luscious mixture.

    What to Serve With Your Cheese Ball

    Vegetables, crackers, and bread are my go-to dipping snacks. They add extra flavor and the perfect texture when dipping into this jalapeño bacon cheese ball. Here are a few ideas to get you started!

    • Sliced Bell Peppers: Great for adding color to your serving tray! They taste great, too.
    • Bread: Usually a harder bread that is sliced and chunked. Try crostini!
    • Carrots: Baby carrots are the perfect size and shape for dipping.
    • Crackers: I always go for salty, buttery crackers like Ritz.
    • Pita Chips: These have the BEST crunch and are extra thick so you can load up each chip with plenty of dip!
    • Pretzels: Go with the bigger, flatter ones that are easier to dip.

    Rolling the cheese ball in the bacon, pecans, peppers, and onions.

    Storing Leftovers

    This jalapeno bacon cheese ball always gets devoured in what feels like seconds at my house. Leftovers are never a thing! (I wish they were, this would make the best snack for Netflix marathons!) If you’re lucky enough to have some of your cheese ball left over, here’s how to keep it tasting fresh.

    • In the Refrigerator: Store your cheese ball in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for 3-4 days. Allow to come to room temperature before serving so it’s nice and soft!

    A whole cheese ball served on a white tray with crackers and whole jalapenos for decoration.

    Can You Freeze a Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Ball?

    Yes! It makes it easy to plan ahead for the holidays or other occasions. To prepare it for the freezer, make the cheese ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Store the coating separately. Allow to thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

    Spreading cheese onto a cracker.

    Looking for More Delicious Cheese Ball Recipes?

    I have too many favorites to count! Here are just a few that come to mind. If you make these for a holiday party, they’re guaranteed to be a hit! Bring all of your favorite dippables and let these cheese balls do the rest.

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    Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseball

    This jalapeno bacon cheese ball is perfectly creamy, rolled in crunchy bacon, and topped off with green onions and salty pecans. It's the perfect holiday appetizer and filled with SO much flavor!
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Keyword cheeseball, cheeseball recipe, how to make a cheeseball, jalapeno bacon cheeseball, jalapeno bacon cheeseball recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 12 people
    Calories 131kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese softened
    • 3 jalapeños seeded and finely chopped, divided
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 8 slices of bacon cooked and chopped, divided
    • 1/4 cup green onions chopped
    • 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
    • 1/2 cup pecans coarsely chopped

    Instructions

    • In a medium-sized bowl, stir together cream cheese, half of the jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, half of the bacon, green onions, seasoning salt, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cumin until fully incorporated.
    • On a large plate combine other half of the bacon, jalapeños, and pecans. Shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball and roll it onto the plate to coat well.
    • Cover with saran wrap and chill for an hour before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Video

    Notes

    Updated December 29, 2022

    Originally posted on December 8, 2014

    Nutrition

    Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 355mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 158IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Salami Roll Ups

    Salami Roll Ups

    If you are looking for the perfect snack or appetizer, salami roll ups are your new best friend! Salami is wrapped around seasoned cream cheese for the perfect savory bite every time.

    I am a sucker for a good appetizer. I love all things dips and snacks, probably because I like to entertain guests pretty often. If you are like me, and just love a good app, you’ve got to try this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip, one of my absolute favorites these Jalapeño Poppers, and these quick and delicious Air Fryer Potato Skins.

    Salami roll ups on a plate with a bowl of olives in the background.

    Salami Cream Cheese Roll Ups

    You have just stumbled upon your new favorite appetizer! Ok, it’s a strong statement but seriously, these are so so good. I served them for my family the other day and they were hooked! I’ve never seen anything disappear from the table that fast. Which was so perfect for me because these were so easy to make! Just take a slice of salami, and fill it with seasoned cream cheese. Roll up the salami and hold it closed with a toothpick, and you have an adorable and tasty appetizer!

    I love charcuterie boards, mostly because they are full of my favorite things. I even make dessert boards and veggie boards, because who doesn’t love a fun board to snack from? Anyways, I realized that these roll-ups are my two favorite things about a charcuterie board, the salami and cheese! This savory combo never gets old, and you can keep it fresh by switching up the flavor of the cream cheese filling.

    Ingredients

    These salami roll-ups were so easy to put together. I had my kids help me and they had a great time! You don’t have to cook anything, and yet the flavors are off the charts. You can find the exact measurements below in the recipe card.

    • Salami Slices: You can get whatever kind of salami you like. I really love using Italian dry salami, but just pick up whatever you like best from the grocery store.
    • Cream Cheese: You will want a package of cream cheese. Make sure to leave it out at room temperature so its nice and soft for filling.
    • Green Onion: Fresh green onions add SO much flavor to the filling, you’ll definitely want to add it!
    • Dried Italian Seasoning: I love the herbs in Italian seasoning, and a teaspoon of this mix will add the perfect flavor to the filling.
    • Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is a slightly sweet and savory powder that will really ramp up the flavor in this cream cheese.
    • Onion Powder: I like onion powder better than fresh onions for this filling. You could sautee some onions to add to this filling if you wanted to! Onion powder is the easy way to get the flavor into the filling in no time at all.
    • Cracked Black Pepper: I love fresh cracked black pepper because it goes perfectly with the spice in the salami.
    • Toothpicks: This is to help the roll-ups stay closed. You could go with basic toothpicks, or really cute ones to spice things up!
    Process photos showing making the cream cheese filling, spreading it on the salami, rolling it up, and putting the toothpick in.

    Salami Roll Ups with Cream Cheese

    I think you are really going to enjoy putting these salami roll ups together! They are really fun and super easy because the only thing you have to prepare is the cream cheese filling. Once you flavor your cream cheese, you can get rolling!

    1. Make Filling: Add the softened cream cheese, green onion, Italian seasonings, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
    2. Mix: Using an electric hand mixer, mix until smooth and combined.
    3. Spread: Spread 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom half of a slice of salami.
    4. Roll: Roll up the salami and secure it with a toothpick.
    5. Repeat and Enjoy: Repeat the steps until all of the salami rolls are formed. Enjoy!

    Tips for Flavoring Salami Roll Ups

    These salami roll ups are so easy to switch up because so many flavors go great with salami and cheese! I have so many flavor combinations in mind, here are a few of my favorites.

    • Add Fresh Flavors: Chives, sauteed onions, and jalapeños are some of my favorite fresh flavors to add to the cream cheese. I’ve also tried banana peppers and they were fantastic!
    • Add Pickles: Dill pickles or pickled vegetables are SO good in these roll ups. I love layering a little bit of cream cheese on the bottom, adding a pickle, and then topping with cream cheese again.
    • Use Another Meat: I know it’s a salami roll up, but you could also try a different meat like pepperoni, turkey, or another type of cured meat. I like salami the best, but my kids go crazy for pepperoni.

    A roll up being held up by a hand over a plate of other salami roll ups.

    Storing Leftovers

    These salami roll ups are a great one to make ahead. They store easily and taste great the next day! Follow these tips for storing your leftovers.

    • In the Refrigerator: You can store your roll ups in an airtight container for at least a week in the fridge. Salami is a preserved meat, and cream cheese doesn’t go bad quickly. You can store them for as long as you want, but just make sure to check the expiration on the cream cheese and salami and go by those dates.

    Other Appetizers to Try

    I love appetizers and snacks! I don’t like letting guests get hungry, but sometimes you aren’t quite ready to serve dinner yet. Appetizers keep everyone happy and satisfied until you are ready for the big meal. I’ve hosted parties where all I served was appetizers and everyone loved it!ho

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    Salami Roll-Ups

    If you are looking for the perfect snack or appetizer, salami roll ups are your new best friend! Salami is wrapped around seasoned cream cheese for the perfect savory bite every time.
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Keyword 10 minute, salami roll-ups
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 24
    Calories 71kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • 24 large salami slices
    • 8 ounces cream cheese – softened
    • 3 tablespoons green onion, minced
    • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • cracked black pepper, to taste
    • 24 toothpicks

    Instructions

    • Add the softened cream cheese, green onion, Italian seasonings, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
    • Using an electric hand mixer, mix until smooth and combined.
    • Spread 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom half of a slice of salami.
    • Roll up the salami and secure it with a toothpick.
    • Repeat the steps until all of the salami rolls are formed. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1rollup | Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 233mg | Potassium: 52mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 136IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.2mg
  • Chicken Potstickers

    Chicken Potstickers

    Homemade Chicken Potstickers are an amazing appetizer or light meal filled with ground chicken, shredded carrots, green cabbage, and other flavorful ingredients. They are easy to make at home and are SO much better than store-bought!

    I absolutely love Asian inspired appetizers! There is something so amazing about the flavor combinations of sweet and savory that have me coming back for seconds and thirds. If you are like me, you are going to love these Shrimp Spring Rolls, these flavorful Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps and this unique and delicious Wonton Soup.

    Potstickers on a plate with soy sauce as dipping sauce and scallions garnished overtop.

    Homemade Chicken Potstickers

    Takeout will be the last thing you think of after cooking up these chicken potstickers! These are so easy to make and taste SO dang good. Chicken potstickers are filled with ground chicken, shredded carrots, and green cabbage. You can add other ingredients like garlic and ginger to ramp up the flavor. Simply add a small scoop to a dumpling wrapper and fold it in half, pinch off the sides, then cook in a skillet. It is that simple and easy!

    Potstickers are known to be a delicious appetizer at most Asian restaurants, but sometimes I like serving them as a meal, especially along with this super yummy potsticker sauce. It also goes great with a side of ham fried rice and a delicious Asian edamame ramen salad. If you are eating it as an appetizer, the perfect main course is slow cooker mongolian beef or my family’s favorite slow cooker cashew chicken.

    Ingredients

    Don’t let the number of ingredients scare you away! These are simple ingredients that come together quickly and easily. Chicken potsticker filling makes these potstickers tender on the inside with a crispy outside when fried in vegetable oil. These are sure to please everyone in your family!

    • Ground Chicken: This can either be from a can or already made chicken and shredded.
    • Carrots: Shredded with a grater or purchase them already shredded.
    • Green Cabbage: Shred with a knife or a grater.
    • Garlic Cloves: Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
    • Green Onions: Chop up as finely as you prefer.
    • Hoisin Sauce: This is a thick and flavorful sauce. 
    • Sesame Oil: Enhances Chinese flavoring and adds to the mixture.
    • Egg: Binds the mixture together
    • Vegetable Oil: Used for frying.
    • Dumpling Wrappers: These can be homemade or store-bought.
    • Soy Sauce for Dipping: I love a simple soy dipping sauce, or you can make the potsticker sauce I mentioned earlier!
    The process of making potstickers. Mixing the ingredients together in a glass bowl, then adding it to the dumpling wrappers and pinching them together.

    Chicken Potsticker Recipe

    Chicken potstickers are so easy to make! After you make them you will never buy them frozen again. The best part is you can actually freeze your homemade ones for later, and you will be so glad you did.

    1. Mix Filling: In a medium bowl combine ground chicken, carrots, green cabbage, garlic, green onions, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and egg. Mix until incorporated. Heat the vegetable oil to medium in a large saucepan.
    2. Make Potstickers: Lay the dumpling wrapper on a solid surface. Add a heaping teaspoon of the chicken mixture to the center. Wet the outside edges and fold the dumpling together and seal tightly.
    3. Cook: Place the dumplings in the skillet and cook on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Serve with soy sauce or your favorite Asian dipping sauce

    Tips for Making Potstickers

    Chicken potstickers are so easy to make, you are going to fall in love with the process! Here are a few tips I’ve learned over years of making them that will have you making potstickers like a pro.

    • Potsticker Filling: It is best to cut and shred all of the potsticker filling as finely as you can. This will ensure the stuffing holds together as well as easier to eat. Squeeze or drain any excessive amounts of liquid from the potsticker mixture. Tearing can happen if they are too wet on the inside. Try not to overfill the potsticker wrappers. It is best to be able to easily pinch or pleat the sides of the crescent shape. Overfilling can cause the filling to fall apart as they are being cooked.
    • Pleating the potstickers: Make sure there is no air in the potstickers. This will cause tearing as it cooks. If you are intimidated by the pleating, simply fold into triangles for an easier way of pinching them closed.
    • Overcrowding: Cook the potstickers several at a time leaving them enough room to move around and expand a bit. Overcrowding of the potstickers will not evenly cook them through.
    • Use A Food Processor: You can add your filling ingredients to a food processor instead of a bowl and pulse it a few times. This will make the entire mixture really fine, and it will fit really nicely in your wrappers.

    Potstickers being fried in a skillet.

    Potsticker Variations

    There are so many kinds of potstickers, you don’t have to always make chicken! Although chicken potstickers are probably what show up in my house the most, my family also loves all of these other variations.

    • Switch Up Protein: Ground pork, turkey, shrimp, crab or even salmon will work for these potstickers. Switch it up and use your favorite proteins, or make them vegetarian by leaving out the meat!
    • Use Different Seasonings: Rice vinegar goes so well in these potstickers. You could also add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy variation. I love ginger and garlic, and almost always add those!
    • Other Vegetables to Add: Add in water chestnuts, mushrooms, bell peppers or broccoli chopped up for a super yummy crunchy texture.
    • Dumpling Wrappers: Instead of dumpling wrappers you can use homemade wrappers or even wonton wrappers.

    Chicken potstickers up close photo garnished with sesame seeds and scallions.

    Storing Leftovers

    Chicken potstickers are one of my favorite leftovers. They taste even better the next day and are really easy to reheat. Follow these tips for storing your leftovers.

    • In the Refrigerator: Store your leftover potstickers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
    • In the Freezer: You can freeze your uncooked potstickers by lining them on a tray and freezing them for a few hours, and then transferring them to an airtight bag or container. They will last up to 3 months.
    • Cooking Frozen Potstickers: You can put your frozen potstickers in the pan with a little broth and oil and cook until soft and cooked through. Cover with a lid to steam them to help them cook all the way through. Remember, it is raw chicken so the insides have to be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

    The potsticker being dipped in soy sauce.

    Other Asian Inspired Recipes to Try

    If you loved these potstickers, you won’t be able to get enough of these recipes! I love sharing these recipes with everyone because they are always a crowd pleaser. Seriously, everyone loves these meals!

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    Chicken Potstickers

    Homemade Chicken Potstickers are an amazing appetizer or light meal filled with ground chicken, shredded carrots, green cabbage, and other flavorful ingredients. They are easy to make at home and are SO much better than storebought!
    Course Appetizer, Dinner
    Cuisine Asian American, Chinese
    Keyword Pot Stickers, Pot Stickers Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 8 People
    Calories 285kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound ground chicken
    • 1/2 cup carrots shredded
    • 1 cup green cabbage shredded
    • 3 garlic cloves
    • 1/4 cup green onions chopped
    • 1 tablespoon hoisen sauce
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 1 egg
    • 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
    • 40 dumpling wrappers
    • Soy sauce for dipping

    Instructions

    • In a medium bowl combine ground chicken, carrots, green cabbage, garlic, green onions, hoisin sauce, sesame oil and egg. Mix until incorporated. Heat the vegetable oil to medium in a large saucepan.
    • To make the potstickers, lay the dumpling wrapper on a solid surface. Add a heaping teaspoon of the chicken mixture to the center. Wet the outside edges and fold the dumpling together and seal tightly.
    • Place the dumplings in the skillet and cook on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Serve with soy sauce or favorite asian dipping sauce

    Notes

    Originally Posted Feb 18, 2020

    Updated Dec 27, 2022

    Nutrition

    Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 296mg | Potassium: 388mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1406IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg
  • Rotel Dip

    Rotel Dip

    This amazing Rotel Dip is the easiest and most delectable dip for any occasion! Perfectly spiced hamburger, creamy cheese, and full flavored Rotel tomatoes combine in this quick appetizer that everyone will love.

    Everyone loves a fabulous dip, there’s just something about taking crackers, veggies, or chips and dipping them into something creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. For more dips try this Insanely Delicious Hot Crab Dip, everyone’s favorite Loaded Creamy Ranch Dip, or this quick and easy 5 Minute Million Dollar Dip. 

    Creamy, spicy Rotel Dip with corn chips.

    Rotel Dip Recipe

    This dip couldn’t be any easier or faster. When you need a fast dip with tons of flavor, this is the winner! Rotel is canned tomatoes with green chilies, which adds just a touch of spice.  I use taco seasoning to create more of that Mexican flare, but you can make this dish your own. It is SO creamy and delicious, I can’t stop myself from eating it! And the fact that it’s so easy to make means you can whip this up whenever you need to.

    Make this for your next party, I promise your guests will love it! I have made this so many times, and it seriously never gets old. There’s just something perfect about creamy cheese, warm spices, and a pop of flavor from fresh veggies. It’s even perfect on a charcuterie board or served with your homemade air fryer tortilla chips. Any way you serve it, I guarantee your guests are going to love it!

    Ingredients

    With only 4 ingredients this couldn’t be easier! All the ingredients can be found at your local grocery store. You can switch up this recipe in so many different ways, you are going to love all of the combinations! You can find the exact measurements below in the recipe card.

    • Hamburger: I like to use lean ground beef.
    • Taco Seasoning: I love my homemade Taco Seasoning, but you can also use store-bought.
    • Rotel Tomatoes: This is diced canned tomatoes with green chilies. Do not drain the can, you want all of those juices!
    • Velveeta Cheese: Velveeta is processed cheese. I know it’s not for everyone, which is why I have a substitution down below.
    Mixing hamburger, cheese, spices and tomatoes for an amazing dip.

    How to Make Rotel Dip

    This dip is made all in the same pot, which is why it’s so easy to make and clean up. I’m in love with quick and easy crowd pleasing dishes! Done in no time and served warm, you’ll be the hero of appetizers.

    1. Crumble: In a medium-sized skillet gook the ground beef, crumbling as it cooks. Cook till no longer pink. Drain the excess grease.
    2. Add:  Add in the taco seasoning, tomatoes, and cheese. Stir till melted. Remember not to drain the tomatoes, you’ll want the juices to help keep it the right consistency.
    3. Serve: Pour dip into desired serving dish and serve warm.

    Crockpot Rotel Dip

    Rotel dip is simple to make in the slow cooker! I prefer this dip warm because as it cools it thickens. So even if you make it on the stovetop, serving it in a crock pot to keep warm during the party is such a great idea.

    • Crockpot Rotel Dip: To make cheese dip in the Slow Cooker first brown, crumble and drain the meat in a pan on the stovetop. Add it to the slow cooker. Then add the rest of the ingredients and turn on low for 2-3 hours, until everything is melted and smooth. Serve immediately or keep warm in the slow cooker. It’s that simple!

    Tips and Variations for Rotel Cheese Dip

    I love this dip because it’s so versatile. You can vary it to your liking, and do so without adding tons of other ingredients. Here are some of the ways I’ve made this dip that I think you will love! You seriously can’t go wrong when making this dip because every way I’ve made it has been a hit!

    • Alternative Proteins: I like to use ground turkey or chicken sometimes instead of ground beef. Spice it up with chorizo. Make it vegetarian by leaving out the meat, or using beans instead!
    • Adding Flavors: For a bit more bite, add chopped onions and sauté them. Add minced garlic too. There are so many different ways to spice this dish up. Add dashes of your favorite hot sauce, or add some crushed red pepper or jarred jalapeños. I love adding either chipotle chili powder or a teaspoon of chipotle chilis in adobo sauce. Or salsa is a great way to switch things up!
    • Tomatoes: You can sometimes find Rotel tomatoes in mild, medium, and hot. Use the heat level you and your family want. Do not drain the tomatoes. Add fresh tomatoes to garnish if you desire.
    • Use Another Cheese: If you’d prefer not to use Velveeta, you can use 8 oz cream cheese cut up. If you use cream cheese add some sharp shredded cheese for extra flavor.
    • Thin It Out: If you notice your dip is too thick (no one likes to break their chips in the dip). Thin it out with some milk a tablespoon at a time till it reaches the desired consistency.
    • What to Serve Dip With: If you are looking for ideas, some of my favorite things to dip in Rotel dip are corn chips, pita chips, crackers, pretzels, breadsticks, and veggies!

    Using a corn chip to dip into the Rotel Dip.

    Storing Leftovers

    This Rotel dip is amazing because it makes great leftovers! You can store it in the fridge or freezer, and the reheat is so easy.

    • In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
    • In the Freezer: Store leftovers in an airtight container or Ziploc bag and freeze for up to two months.

    More Munchable Appetizers

    It’s been appetizer season lately. With parties, holidays, and games to watch we’re in full swing! The best thing about appetizers is you don’t have to have a party to make them. They are great as a snack when you are in the mood, or just because you are craving them! Here are some of my favorite crave-able appetizers.

    Print

    Rotel Dip

    This amazing Rotel Dip is the easiest and most delectable dip for any occasion! Perfectly spiced hamburger, creamy cheese and full flavored Rotel tomatoes combine in this quick appetizer that everyone will love.
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Keyword rotel dip, rotel dip recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 12 People
    Calories 141kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound lean ground beef
    • 2 Tablespoons Homemade Taco Seasoning
    • 10 ounce can Rotel tomatoes
    • 16 ounce Velveeta Cheese Processed Cheese, cubed

    Instructions

    • In a medium sized skillet over medium high heat cook and crumble the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
    • Add in the taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and velveeta cheese. Stir until melted. Pour into desired serving dish and serve.

    Notes

    Originally Posted Dec 30, 2020

    Updated Dec 26, 2022

    Nutrition

    Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 659mg | Potassium: 317mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 607IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 223mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Italian Charcuterie Board

    Italian Charcuterie Board

    This classic Italian Charcuterie board is the perfect blend of savory and sweet. Loaded with nuts, dried fruit, cured meats, and a Caprese salad, this charcuterie board is perfect for your next get-together!

    Charcuterie boards are the perfect thing to make for any party or special day! It is full of hearty meats and cheeses that keep guests satisfied and the conversation flowing. I am in love with all of the different kinds of boards you can put together, like this adorable Halloween Hocus Pocus board, or this perfect for Christmas wreath-shaped charcuterie board. This simple charcuterie board is a great place to start if you are putting together your first one!

    An overview of the Italian charcuterie board with an assortment of meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruits.

    Italian Charcuterie Board

    The first time I had a charcuterie board was at a nice restaurant and I didn’t even know how to pronounce it. I thought it was too fancy for me to make at home, and forgot all about it. Then I went to a friends party and there was a charcuterie board! It looked so cute and was full of things I couldn’t wait to dive into. I realized how easy they really were to make at home and have been hooked ever since! I’ve even gotten into veggie boards and dessert boards because honestly things just look so yummy on a board!

    This Italian charcuterie board definitely lives up to it’s name. It has a cute little Caprese salad on it, and plenty of cured meats and yummy cheeses. I’ve included all of the steps you need to get started, as well as some ideas of what fruits, nuts, meats, and cheeses to use! The great thing about charcuterie boards, though, is that you can really put whatever you want on it! So feel free to swap out any of the items below.

    Let’s Start with Caprese Salad

    What is a Caprese salad? Only the best salad ever! It’s just mozzarella, tomato, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze. It is seriously the best salad out there and the perfect way to start your Italian charcuterie board. You could do it front and center, or you can put it off to the side like I did. It was one of the things we ate first so I put it off to the side for that reason. I knew it would disappear fast!

    A close up on the caprese salad and crostini.

    Adding Olives to Italian Charcuterie

    You know if it’s an Italian charcuterie board, you HAVE to have some olives on there! I like to get olives that are in jars rather than cans because the ones in the jars actually stay good longer. I prefer Kalamata and green olives, but you could choose whatever you like best. If you don’t like olives, artichokes are a great substitute!

    • Kalamata Olives
    • Green Olives
    A close up of the Italian charcuterie board with grapes, mangoes, cheeses, and crackers.

    Meats and Cheeses

    This is one of the most important elements on your Italian charcuterie board. You have to have some yummy cured meats and flavorful cheeses. Salami is a cured and aged sausage that has lots of seasoning to it, which means it’s full of flavor. I also love Prosciutto because it’s really fatty and cut really thinly. You could use coppa or ham! It’s a different taste and texture than the salami and it makes for a great mix of flavors. The cheese can be slices, cubes, or creamy. It’s great to have a salty option, like pecorino. It’s a hard cheese that has so much flavor! You could try any cheese you like, and then maybe pick up a cheese you’ve never tried before like burrata. You could also stick to the basics like parmesan or cheddar.

    Meats

    • Black Pepper Salami
    • Spicy Calabrese Dry Salami
    • Prosciutto di Parma

    Cheeses

    • Pecorino Romano
    • Gorgonzola Mountain
    A hand grabbing some meat from the charcuterie board.

    Fruits and Nuts

    I like to call this the miscellaneous section! This is the part where you can really have fun with putting things on your Italian charcuterie board. I like to include nuts because I know my family will eat them. I also add crackers and crostini because they go great with cheese and meat. And then don’t forget to add some fresh and dried fruits! These are a nice break from all of the salty and savory items on your board. I love grapes, dried apricots, dried mangos, and raisins. You can really add whatever you want here because it’s your board!

    Fruits

    • Dried Apricots
    • Dried Mango
    • Grapes

    Nuts and Crackers

    • Almonds
    • Variety of Crackers
    • Crostini

    Putting Your Italian Charcuterie Board Together

    Now it’s time to put everything on the board! This is the fun part because you really get to think about what would look nice together and how you want people to pick things up. I like to put things I know will definitely get eaten on the outside, and then people can work their way to the center. You will want to put things that can roll around in a bowl, like olives or loose grapes. Then you can even make a few salami roses to make your board look fancy. Just have fun with it, and as long as you like the things on the platter you will love eating it!

    1. Make Caprese: On a large charcuterie board place the Caprese along the side of the board. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
    2. Add Bowls and Olives: Place your small bowls with the olives. Then arrange your meats on the board.
    3. Add Cheese and Fruit: Add in the cheese and dried fruit.
    4. Fill in Gaps: Fill the rest of the board in with crackers, and then nuts.

    Other Party Snacks to Try

    I love a good party snack. It’s fun to be able to try lots of different foods throughout the night. I have a great collection of party dishes that always impress my guests, I think you are going to want to try at least one of these recipes at your next get together!

    Print

    Italian Charcuterie Board

    This classic Italian Charcuterie board is the perfect blend of savory and sweet. Loaded with nuts, dried fruit, cured meats, and a Caprese salad, this charcuterie board is perfect for your next get-together!
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Italian American
    Keyword 15 minute, charcuterie board, Italian charcuterie board
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 6 people
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    Caprese:

    • tomato
    • Fresh Sliced Mozzarella
    • fresh basil
    • balsamic glaze

    Olives:

    • Kalamata Olives
    • Green Olives

    Meats:

    • Black Pepper Salami
    • Spicy Calabrese Dry Salami
    • Prosciutto di parma

    Cheese:

    • Pecorino Romano
    • Gorgonzola Mountain

    Fruits:

    • Dried Apricots
    • Dried Mango
    • Grapes

    Nuts:

    • Almonds
    • Variety of Crackers
    • Crostini

    Instructions

    • On a large charcuterie board place the caprese along the side of the board. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
    • Place your small bowls with the olives. Arrange your meats on the board.
    • Add in the cheese and dried fruit.
    • Fill the rest of the board in with crackers, and nuts.
  • New Year’s Charcuterie Board

    New Year’s Charcuterie Board

    Throw a fun party and ring in the new year with this fantastic New Year’s charcuterie board! Endless options of sweet and savory finger foods will keep your guests awake until midnight.

    The end of the year is a great time to host a get-together with friends and family in town. I have so many favorite appetizers and recipes that are perfect for entertaining. You can even leave a spot on your board for some of these delicious appetizers. Serve this cheeseball, this easy 5-minute dip, or these air fryer eggrolls.

    Overhead view of new year's charcuterie board. Miniature sparkling ciders and disco balls surround the board.

    New Year’s Charcuterie Board

    Load up a beautiful new year’s charcuterie board with delicious cheeses, fruit, salami, and all the perfect foods for munching. Enjoy the last night of the year eating and visiting with loved ones gathered around this board. Everyone will LOVE the mini sparkling ciders because they are so cute on the board!

    I love charcuterie boards that are both fun and festive and are the highlight of the party. This board is sure to be exciting and satisfying for everyone that gets to enjoy it. Next time you throw a party for a holiday I have you covered. I make them for all of the holidays because they are such a hit with friends and family! The best part about these is that you can easily switch things out to your favorite foods and make them your own! I love this Halloween board, this Valentine’s board, or this fun Christmas board.

    Start By Making a Salami Rose

    Salami roses are the best way to elevate any charcuterie board, and it is so easy. I walk you through the process step by step. Feel free to do one big one, or make a couple to scatter around the board. It takes a lot of salami, so make sure you have enough before you start. I buy a couple of packages of salami because I want to be prepared. Use a small shallow dish to display the salami rose. It is so visually beautiful. Your guests are going to think it’s so fancy because it is!

    1. Roll Up the First Salami Piece: Start by taking a slice of salami. Roll up the Salami piece.
    2. Wrap Another Piece Around the Seam: Grab another piece of Salame and wrap it around the seam of the rolled-up salami.
    3. Continue to Wrap To Form a Rose: Continue to wrap around the seam with salami until it starts to take a rose shape and look like petals.
    4. Place Into a Bowl: Place in a small bowl to hold the shape and gently fan out the flower.
    5. Add to the Board: Place the flower in the center of the charcuterie board.
    First photo of how to make a salami rose starting in the middle and layering salami to build a rose. Second photo of placing the salami rose in the middle of the bowl. Third photo placing more salami on the rose to fill in the bowl. Fourth photo is fanning out the salami petals to resemble a rose on the charcuterie board.

    Arrange the Fruit and Dried Fruit

    The holidays are a perfect time for adding healthier options to feed your guests. Fruit adds vibrant color to your board. Dried fruit adds incredible texture and sophistication to your board. Pick anything you want because your guests will love it. There are so many wonderful fresh fruit and dried fruit options that would look lovely on this board. I love the moody feel that the dried fruit and aged cheeses bring to this New Year’s charcuterie board. Adults appreciate it and will enjoy every single bite. Arrange the fresh fruit and dried fruit pointing towards the flower in the center. Leave space for the cheese and crackers to be scattered in between the fruit.

    • Grapes
    • Strawberries
    • Blueberries
    • Raspberries 
    • Dried Mango

    Layer On the Cheese and Crackers

    Cheese is part of all classic charcuterie boards, so you can’t skip this step! It not only lends itself to a savory taste, but the texture of cheeses is just so different than anything else on the board. Plus, this is where you can get really creative with the flavors that you choose and then introduce your guests to new flavors. Here is a list of the cheese and crackers that I used for this charcuterie board. Place the cheese and crackers pointing towards the flower in the center. Fill in the spaces you left so the fruit, cheese, and crackers alternate in options. Then use the letter cutouts for the Havarti cheese that I linked below.

    Cheese

    • Garlic and Herb Bellavitano
    • Manchego
    • Garlic and Herb Brie
    • Fig and Grapefruit Goat Cheese
    • Havarti Happy New Year Cut-out
    • Letter Cheese Cutter

    Crackers

    • Round Butter Crackers
    • Nut Thin Crackers
    • Rectangular Snack Crackers

    Always Include Chocolate On Your Board

    This is my kids’ favorite part of any holiday charcuterie board that I make… the treats! After all, you are staying up late, so you’ll definitely want a late-night sugar fix. You can use any kind of chocolate that you love! Making this during the holidays is convenient because you most likely already have chocolate or candy in your house. Sweet is a must with all these savory snacks. Add in the chocolate candy all throughout the board where space needs to be filled.

    • Rolo Wrapped Chocolate
    • Chocolate Covered Almonds 
    • Ferrero Rocher

    Fill in with Pickles and Almonds

    Additional snacks like miniature dill pickles and raw almonds are delicious on your board. The salty pickles and crunchy nuts go perfectly with the cheese and salami. Everyone will fight over the pickles because cute little versions of food are so fun! You can also use savory-flavored almonds to mix things up. Snacking on this charcuterie board throughout the night will be the highlight of your New Year’s party. Fill in spaces and edges with the pickles and almonds.

    • Miniature Snacking Pickles
    • Almonds
    Close up view of fruit, crackers, cheese, and salami rose on charcuterie board.

    Finish Off the Board With New Year’s Props

    The fun New Year’s items are the best part of this charcuterie board! It completes the board by making it so festive. Gather your items ahead of time while everything is in stock and available. And if you see anything else that you want to add then get it, because the more the merrier! These are the best finishing touches to your board. Arrange the sparkling cider and disco balls on and also beside the board for your guests. Then display the cheese letters with “happy new year” along the top of the board.

    Tips for Building Your Charcuterie Board

    This New Year’s charcuterie board is a delicious appetizer board full of preserved meats and finger foods. In my opinion, a charcuterie board should be full of your favorite things to snack on! After all, the favorites will be picked over first anyways, so you might as well load up on everything you love!

    • Dried Fruits: Trader Joe’s has endless options for dried fruit. Dried apple slices and dates would also be beautiful on this board. Be creative and choose anything you like!
    • Crackers: Crackers are perfect for snacking. I like to pick smaller crackers, but you can use whatever you like! Small crostini are yummy too! Butter crackers and wheat thins are a few more ideas that are great.
    • Preserved Meats: We are definitely putting salami on this board, but a few of my other favorites are Proscuitto and Sopressatta. Yum!
    • Cheeses: I love brie on my board! I also loved provolone and sharp cheddar. Again, use whatever you know your family will like best.

    Close up view of fruit, crackers, cheese, chocolate candy, and salami rose on charcuterie board. A miniature sparkling cider and disco ball is garnished on the board.

    Healthy Recipes For the New Year

    The new year brings new commitments to eating at home and eating healthier! I love to making healthier versions of my favorite recipes like meatballs and lettuce wraps. Try some of these great recipes to start your year off on the right foot!

    Print

    New Year’s Eve Charcuterie Board

    Throw a fun party and ring in the new year with this fantastic New Year's charcuterie board! Endless options of sweet and savory finger foods will keep your guests awake until midnight.
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Keyword charcuterie board, new year’s charcuterie board
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 10
    Calories 15kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    Meats:

    • Italian Dry Salami

    Cheese:

    • Garlic and Herb Bellavitano
    • Manchego
    • Garlic and Herb Brie
    • Fig and Grapefruit Goat Cheese
    • Havarti (for "Happy New Year" Cut-out)
    • Letter Cheese Cutter

    Crackers

    • Round Butter Crackers
    • Nut Thins
    • Rectangular Snack Crackers

    Chocolate:

    • Rolo Wrapped Chocolate
    • Chocolate Covered Almonds
    • Ferrero Rocher

    Fruit:

    • Grapes
    • Strawberries
    • Blueberries
    • Raspberries
    • Dried Mango

    Pickles and Almonds

    • Miniature snacking pickles
    • Almonds

    Optional:

    Instructions

    To Make a Salami Rose

    • Start by taking a slice of salami. Roll up the Salami piece.
    • Grab another piece of Salame and wrap it around the seam of the rolled-up salami.
    • Continue to wrap around the seam with salami until it starts to take a rose shape and look like petals.
    • Place in a small bowl to hold the shape and gently fan out the flower.
    • Place the flower in the center of the charcuterie board.

    Putting Together the Charcuterie Board

    • Arrange the fresh fruit and dried fruit pointing towards the flower in the center. Leave space for the cheese and crackers to be scattered in between the fruit.
    • Place the cheese and crackers pointing towards the flower in the center. Fill in the spaces you left so the fruit, cheese, and crackers alternate in options. Then use the letter cutouts for the Havarti cheese that I linked below.
    • Add in the chocolate pieces all throughout the board where space needs to be filled.
    • Fill in spaces and edges with the pickles and almonds.
    • Arrange the sparkling cider and disco balls on and beside the board for guests.
    • Display the cheese letters with "happy new year" along the top of the board.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 0.3mg | Potassium: 30mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.1mg
  • How to Make a Salami Rose (2 ways!)

    How to Make a Salami Rose (2 ways!)

    A salami rose is the perfect way to dress up your charcuterie board. This recipe will show you how to make a salami rose in two different ways that will be fun to put together and really wow your guests!

    I love a good how-to recipe. I didn’t grow up cooking with my mom in the kitchen. I’ve had to look up a lot of things on the internet, which is why I also share a few great how-to recipes on my website. My favorite is How to Make Buttermilk, it’s come in handy so many times! Another one that sounds like a no-brainer but doesn’t work out unless you know the tips is How to Freeze Peaches. An easy one to save for later is How to make Half and Half!

    A charcuterie board with salami roses and an assortment of meats, cheeses, fruits and veggies.

    How to Make a Rose Out of Salami

    I had so much fun putting this tutorial together for you! Charcuterie boards are the best and I make one for almost every gathering. I always make a few for the holidays, like this beautiful wreath-shaped Christmas Charcuterie board. I really loved making these roses for my Valentine’s charcuterie board, but they are a great way to dress up your simple charcuterie board too!

    This recipe will walk you through step by step of how to fold your slices of salami using a wine glass (you can also use a champagne flute). I also show you how to fold salami slices without a glass and they look beautiful! You may have seen a tutorial online of someone using the rim of the glass to make salami roses, and thought, “I could do that!”. Well, now is your time to shine. You can totally do this, and I’m going to show you how!

    Ingredients

    You are going to need to get some sliced salami from the deli. This is usually refrigerated, or you can have them cut it fresh for you. Make sure to get it pre-sliced, because it needs to be really thin so it can bend into the rose shape. You could also use Proscuitto, pepperoni, turkey, roast beef, ham, or really any thin meat you wanted to! You will want to cut the meat using a biscuit cutter so that it is the same shape for making your meat rose. It’s a great way to make your appetizer beautiful. Don’t forget to grab grapes, olives, provolone, dried fruits, and crackers to fill up your snack board!

    • Italian Dry Salami: This salami is full of flavor and is what you usually find on a charcuterie board. It is full of savory spices and I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love it, especially with cheese!
    • Genoa Salami: This salami has wine and vinegar in it, which gives it a really bright and tangy flavor. It is so refreshing and delicious. You should be able to find it at your local grocery store.
    A step by step visual explanation of how to put together a salami rose using a wine glass.

    How to Make a Salami Rose Using Glass

    It is so simple, and you can make different size salami flowers by using different-sized glasses. Use a champagne flute for smaller flowers, and a wine glass for a little bit bigger, You could even use a regular water glass in your house and try different sizes to see the different sizes of beautiful roses you can make.

    • Fold: Start by folding a salami piece over the edge of the wine glass. You will have half of the salami inside the glass and half folded over the outside.
    • Layer: Start layering the salami about ¼ inch over each seam.
    • Repeat: Continue to layer the salami over each seam until the hole in the center starts to close.
    • Flip: Once the hole is closed then flip the glass on your charcuterie board.
    • Remove: Remove the glass and lightly fan the rose.
    Process photos showing the step by step process of how to put together a salami rose without a glass and putting them in a small bowl at the end.

    How to Make a Rose Inside Out

    This method is really pretty too. You can make smaller roses if you have small ramekins to put your beautiful rose into. This method is my favorite because it really looks exactly like a rose, and all of my guests love them too.

    • Roll: Start with one piece of salami and roll it up.
    • Wrap: Grab another piece of Salame and wrap it around the seam of the rolled-up salami. Continue to wrap around the seam with salami until it starts to take a rose shape and look like petals.
    • Put in Bowl: Place in a small bowl to hold the shape and gently fan out the flower. Place the flower in the center of a round board.
    A close up of the meat flowers on a wooden board.

    Tips for Building Your Charcuterie Board

    A charcuterie board is a delicious appetizer full of preserved meats. Now that you know how to make a salami rose, you can add those as well as different cheeses, dried fruits, fresh herbs, and crackers and breads. In my opinion, a charcuterie board should be full of your favorite things to snack on! After all, the favorites will be picked over first anyways, so you might as well load up on everything you love, and leave out the rest.

    • Dried Fruits: If you like fresh fruit better, than just do that! My family loves dried fruits, especially apricots and mangoes. I know a lot of people who love dates and tart cherries.
    • Crackers: I love good old Ritz crackers. I’m not ashamed to put them on my board! You can use a butter cracker, salted crackers, wheat thins, whatever you like!
    • Preserved Meats: We are definitely putting salami on this board, but a few of my other favorites are Proscuitto and Sopressatta. Yum!
    • Cheeses: I love brie on my board! I also loved provolone and sharp cheddar. Again, use whatever you know your family will like best.

    A close up of a charcuterie board with salami and crackers and cheese.

    Storing Leftovers

    If you have leftover salami roses, they are pretty simple to store. Because they are preserved meat, they last a pretty long time. You just don’t want to leave them out too long or they will dry out!

    In the Refrigerator: Store your salami rose in an airtight container and place in the fridge. They should last for up to three weeks.

    Charcuterie Boards to Make

    Now that you can make a gorgeous salami rose, it’s time to put together your charcuterie board! I like to make sweet boards too, as well as breakfast and cheese boards. You can really make up your own rules when it comes to a board because that’s the fun part of making it! Add all of your favorite things to your board and you’ll have a new favorite appetizer.

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    How to Make a Salami Rose

    A salami rose is the perfect way to dress up your charcuterie board. This recipe will show you how to make a salami rose in two different ways that will be fun to put together and really wow your guests!
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Keyword 5 minute, charcuterie board, salami rose
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 256kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • Italian Dry Salami (about 14 slices for a small rose) thinly sliced
    • Genoa Salami (about 14 slices for a small rose) thinly sliced

    Instructions

    How to make it with a wine glass:

    • Start by folding a salami piece over the edge of the wine glass. You will have half of the salami inside the glass and half folded over the outside.
    • Start layering the salami about ¼ inch over each seam.
    • Continue to layer the salami over each seam until the hole in the center starts to close.
    • Once the hole is closed then flip the glass on your charcuterie board.
    • Remove the glass and lightly fan the rose.

    How to make it from the inside out:

    • Start with one piece of salami and roll it up.
    • Grab another piece of Salame and wrap it around the seam of the rolled up salami. Continue to wrap around the seam with salami until it starts to take a rose shape and look like petals.
    • Place in a small bowl to hold the shape and gently fan out the flower. Place the flower in the center of a round board.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 1424mg | Potassium: 238mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Santa Veggie Tray

    Santa Veggie Tray

    Skip the store-bought platters and make this Santa veggie tray instead! It’s a healthy and delicious way to add a little extra holiday cheer to all of your Christmas get-togethers.

    Getting in your daily dose of veggies doesn’t have to be boring! For more nutritious appetizers that everyone will love, try this veggie charcuterie board, honey soy mushroom skewers, or balsamic honey grilled Brussels sprouts!

    Top-down view of a complete Santa veggie tray.

    Santa Claus Veggie Tray

    Say goodbye to those boring premade veggie platters, this Santa veggie tray is the best healthy appetizer for the holidays! Not only does this veggie tray look adorable, but it has a variety of fresh, delicious vegetables with all kinds of flavors and textures! There’s something for everyone. Complete with some creamy homemade hummus for dipping, your guests won’t be able to get enough. It’s the perfect way to tide over friends and family before the entree is served!

    The great thing about making your own veggie trays is that you can customize them however you’d like! I love dipping veggies in hummus. (It also works perfectly as Santa’s face!) But feel free to serve your veggie tray with things like guacamole, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or this tasty whipped feta dip! When I serve this veggie tray, I like to serve up lots of little bowls of dips. This way, there’s a flavor for every craving! Trust me, this Santa veggie tray will be a hit with even the picky eaters in your family!

    Let’s Start With the Board!

    For this Santa veggie tray, you’ll need a rectangular serving board or cutting board. You want to make sure it’s long enough to fit Santa’s beard! If you don’t already have one, here’s a recommendation for you!

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    Everything You Will Need to Make a Santa Veggie Tray

    Here is everything I used to put this Santa vegetable tray together! Feel free to mix and match veggies however you’d like! Just make sure you’re using nice, fresh vegetables since they’re the star of the show. You can find how much I used of each ingredient below in the recipe card.

    • Hummus: This is for dipping the veggies in. (And also acts as Santa’s face.) Homemade is always best! Find my quick and easy recipe here.
    • Bell Peppers: I used red bell peppers, sliced thin, for Santa’s hat.
    • Mozzarella Pearls: Because who doesn’t love some cheese! I used mozzarella balls the size of cherry tomatoes to add as the fur lining of Santa’s hat.
    • Cauliflower Florets: These act as Santa’s beard.
    • Cherry Tomato: Cut this in half to use it as Santa’s button nose! Grape tomatoes will also work.
    • Large Black Olives: Olives are a must-add for any veggie board at my house. My kids love putting them on their fingers! You’ll want to save a couple to use as Santa’s eyes.
    • Sliced Cucumber: Not only is cucumber tasty, but it has the perfect Christmas green color!
    • Sugar Snap Peas: More green for your Santa veggie tray!
    • Crackers: I love adding crackers to veggie boards to switch up textures. Use your favorite kind here!
    • Celery: No veggie tray is complete without celery!

    How to Make a Santa Face Veggie Tray

    Step one, start with the face! I’m using regular hummus as Santa’s face. (I have a great recipe for homemade hummus here!) When deciding where to place the hummus on your board, be sure to leave enough room for both the hat and the beard.

    1. Start With Hummus: On a large rectangular board, spread the hummus on a 6 inch plate. Then place it in the middle of the tray.
    2. Create the Shape of the Hat: Next, add the bell pepper strips into the hat on top of the hummus plate. Add mozzarella balls at the end of the hat and then around the top of his face. (The lining of his hat.)
    Hummus, mozzarella cheese balls, and sliced red peppers being shaped to look like a face and Santa hat.

    Making a Beard With Cauliflower Florets

    Use smaller pieces of cauliflower for the eyebrows and top of the beard. Then reserve the bigger pieces of cauliflower for the bottom of the beard where it’s extra fluffy! Here you’re also going to use olives, half of a cherry tomato, and piece of sliced red bell pepper to craft Santa’s face.

    1. Making Santa’s Face: Start creating the beard-like shape with layers of cauliflower. Add a strip of bell pepper to make his lips, then a cherry tomato for the nose and two black olives for the eyes. Use small pieces of cauliflower for the eyebrows and mustache.
    Santa's beard being made out of cauliflower florets.

    Making Arms and Assembling the Rest of the Santa Veggie Tray

    Now that you’ve got the shape of Santa’s face, beard, and hat done, we’re going to make some arms and fill in the rest of the board! For the arms, you’re going to use the rest of the sliced red bell peppers as well as olives for the cuffs of his sleeves.

    1. Create Arms, Fill in Board With Cucumbers: Fill in the sides of the board with sliced cucumbers, bell pepper sticks for the arms and black olives for the bottom of the arms.
    2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Fill in the rest of the board with small mozzarella pears, sugar snap peas, crackers and celery.
    Santa's arms being made out of sliced red peppers and olives.

    More Veggie Dips

    Fresh veggies are amazing, but a good dip really makes them shine. Ranch dressing is always a must! Hummus is also a great option and is quickly becoming my favorite thing to serve with any veggie charcuterie. Here are a few more tasty dips to try out with your Santa veggie tray. Your guests will love the variety!

    Closeup of Santa veggie tray.

    Other Fun Christmas Recipes

    Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with these other festive recipes! They’re perfect for all of your holiday gatherings! Not only are they super easy to make, but absolutely scrumptious, too! For more Christmas inspiration, find my full list of themed recipes here.

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    Santa Veggie Tray

    Skip the store-bought platters and make this Santa veggie tray instead! It's a healthy and delicious way to add a little extra holiday cheer to all of your Christmas get-togethers.
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Christmas charcuterie, christmas veggie tray, santa face veggie tray, santa veggie tray
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 6 people
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • 1 recipe hummus
    • 2 red bell pepper sliced thin
    • Mozzarella Pearls cherry tomato sized
    • 1 head cauliflower florets
    • 1 cherry tomato halved
    • 2 15 ounce can large black olives, drained
    • 1 cucumber sliced
    • small mozzarella pearls
    • 1 cup sugar snap peas
    • crackers of choice
    • 2 celery stalks cut into sticks

    Instructions

    • On a large rectangular board, spread the hummus on a 6 inch plate. Place it in the center of the board.
    • Next, add the bell pepper slices into the hat on top of the hummus plate. Add mozzarella balls at the end of his hat and around the top of his face.
    • Start shaping the beard with the cauliflower. Add a strip of bell pepper to make his lips, the cherry tomato for the nose and two black olives for the eyes. Use small pieces of cauliflower for the eyebrows and mustache.
    • Fill in the sides of the board with sliced cucumbers, bell pepper sticks for the arms and black olives for the bottom of the arms.
    • Fill in the rest of the board with small mozzarella pears, sugar snap peas, crackers and celery.
  • Potsticker Sauce

    Potsticker Sauce

    Potsticker sauce is easy to make at home and is the perfect dipping sauce for potstickers or any Asian appetizer! This delicious sauce is salty, and tangy, and has a touch of sweetness to balance out the flavors.

    I love to serve this potsticker sauce any time I serve Asian cuisine because it’s THAT good! It compliments so many delicious appetizers and recipes and it will be a staple in your house. Try this dipping sauce with egg rolls, cream cheese wontons, and of course my homemade potstickers!

    Close up view of potsticker sauce in a blue bowl. A potsticker is being dipped into the sauce with chopsticks.

    Potsticker Dipping Sauce

    Potsticker sauce is a must when serving Asian-inspired appetizers. It is a savory and salty sauce that elevates whatever you dip it in. The combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil are the perfect complimentary flavors in this dipping sauce. It has a salty tang with a hint of sweetness and spice. You are going to love how easy and delicious this sauce is to make!

    Everyone will love starting their meal off with potstickers and this amazing dipping sauce. Now let’s make the meal complete! Serve alongside my easy fried rice, this delicious cashew chicken, and my favorite lettuce wraps. Your family will ask for this meal over and over again. It’s the best!

    Ingredients For Potsticker Sauce

    This easy sauce for potstickers only takes 5 pantry ingredients to make! The garnishes are an extra bonus of flavors but are optional. The base of this recipe makes a perfect dipping sauce for potstickers, dumplings, gyoza, and egg rolls. This is a staple recipe for all your favorite Asian appetizers!

    • Soy Sauce: I love using low sodium soy sauce because it still has all the flavor and is better for the heart.
    • Rice Vinegar: This gives it a bit of tang. I love using Chinese vinegar in this recipe if you can find it. It adds a delicious authentic flavor.
    • Sesame Oil: Look for sesame oil near the oils or bottles of vinegar. It can also be found in the Asian aisle.
    • Sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to balance out the salt. You can use brown sugar or honey in this recipe with excellent results.
    • Green Onions: Sliced green onion is the perfect garnish for this sauce.
    • Red Pepper Flakes: This is optional but delicious if you like a little spice!
    • Sesame Seeds: Optional but adds great flavor and texture. It’s a beautiful garnish.

    Potsticker Sauce Recipe

    This potsticker sauce recipe takes less than 5 minutes to make! It’s tangy and salty with the perfect blend of sweetness and spice if you want. You are going to love how quickly this potsticker sauce comes together and how delicious it is too! It’s so easy to whip up when you need to take your appetizer game to the next level!

    1. Combine Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil, and Sugar: Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar together in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
    2. Add Green Onion and Garnishes: Stir in the sliced green onion then garnish with red pepper flakes and sesame seeds.
    3. Serve and Enjoy: Whisk well before serving then enjoy as a dipping sauce for potstickers, egg rolls, gyoza, or wontons.
    First photo of ingredients in separate bowls. Second photo of the sauce whisked together in a clear bowl. Third photo of the sauce in a bowl with onions and red pepper flakes garnished on top.

    Homemade Dipping Sauce Tips

    This dipping sauce for potstickers is the perfect combination of salty, sweet, spicy, and savory! You can make this sauce to your liking by adding more sweetness or making it spicier! This potsticker sauce recipe is so easy to make and so easy to flavor just the way you want. Try these extra tips for the best flavor! 

    • Make it Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free soy sauce and you have a luscious gluten-free sauce that will taste amazing.
    • Low Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to help control the salt. You won’t even taste the difference!
    • Replace Soy Sauce with Tamari: This Japanese version of soy sauce can be used in place of soy sauce. It is a little thicker, so you can add a splash of water to thin out the dipping sauce.
    • Sugar Swap: You can trade out the sugar for honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar if you desire. The honey and maple syrup will change the consistency and taste just a bit. So adapt the other ingredients as needed by tasting them!
    • Make it Spicy: Add a bit more spice with more red pepper flakes or a squeeze of sriracha sauce! I’ve also used a few drops of chili oil for extra spice. I love spicy!
    • Add More Flavor: This potsticker sauce is so versatile! Play around with the flavors by adding fresh garlic and ginger. It gives it more depth in flavor.

    Top view of potsticker sauce in a blue patterned bowl. Chopsticks and a plate of potstickers are styled beside the bowl.

    How to Store Sauce For Potstickers

    Use the homemade sauce immediately as needed or stored it in the refrigerator for later. This potsticker sauce is perfect to make ahead because the flavors meld together and the sauce gets better with time. I love to make this recipe a day in advance because it’s ready to serve when you need it.

    • In the Refrigerator: Place leftover sauce in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Whisk before serving. Garnish with green onions and red pepper flakes. Enjoy as a dipping sauce for potstickers, egg rolls, sushi, and much more!

    Top view of potstickers on a on a black plate with a small white bowl of sauce on the plate. Chopsticks and green onion are styled beside the plate.

    More Homemade Sauces

    There are so many delicious Asian flavored sauces to make and enjoy. I love making our favorite sauces at home. They always taste better, save us money and time. Sauces are also way easier to make than you think. Try some of these amazing sauces the next time you make Asian cuisine! You’re going to LOVE them!

    Print

    Potsticker Sauce

    Potsticker sauce is easy to make at home and is the perfect dipping sauce for potstickers or any Asian appetizer! This delicious sauce is salty, and tangy, and has a touch of sweetness to balance out the flavors.
    Course Sauce
    Cuisine Asian
    Keyword 5 minute, sauce for potstickers
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 50kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, or *Chinese vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
    • 2 tablespoons sugar, or honey to taste
    • 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced
    • crushed red pepper flakes, optional
    • sesame seeds, for garnish

    Instructions

    • Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar together in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
    • Stir in the sliced green onion then garnish with red pepper flakes and sesame seeds.
    • Whisk well before serving. Serve as a dipping sauce for potstickers, egg rolls, gyoza, or wontons.

    Notes

    *I love to use gold plum chin kiang vinegar. It is a Chinese black vinegar found in the Asian isle of most grocery stores. It adds great authentic flavor to the sauce.

     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2tablespoons. | Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 1620mg | Potassium: 66mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg