Finger food appetizers, very easy and quick to prepare, perfect for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, but also for a buffet or a cocktail party.
When you need to prepare a buffet, you often have to consider the time available to make it. Among all the options, appetizers are definitely the most popular: they set the tone, are quickly consumed, and are essential, the most requested. However, they are also the courses that require the most time and patience.
The ones I propose today are quick, no-cook, and also simple to prepare.
The first finger food is a skewer made with salami (presented in a rose shape), small mozzarella balls, and cherry tomatoes. The second appetizer consists of savory bites based on crackers (I used Ritz, but croutons or savory biscuits are also fine), topped with cheese spread, garnished with salami in a candy shape, and completed with an olive.
Simple and irresistible, they disappear in no time.
Let’s see together how to make the Finger Food Appetizers. Gather the ingredients and let’s start!
And if you try them, don’t forget to let me know in the comments on my Facebook page HERE. If you want, give a Like to the page: it would make me very happy. See you.
Gabriella
Other delicious recipes to try:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3.5 oz salami
- as needed yellow cherry tomatoes
- as needed cherry tomatoes
- as needed small mozzarella balls
- as needed crackers
- 7 oz fresh cheese (spreadable like Philadelphia)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or 2)
- as needed chives
- as needed salt
- as needed pepper
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for a touch of freshness)
- 3.5 oz salami
- as needed green olives (pitted)
Tools
- Skewers
- 1 Bowl
Steps
First, drain the mozzarella balls in a colander and pat them dry with kitchen paper. Wash the cherry tomatoes, dry them, and set aside.
In the meantime, prepare the salami roses. Overlap two slices of salami (even just one slice is enough), fold them in half, then start rolling them
until you form a cone.
At this point, proceed to assemble the skewers in this order: cherry tomato, mozzarella ball, salami, again mozzarella ball, and then cherry tomato.
In a bowl, place the cream cheese (e.g., Philadelphia), add 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, 2-3 sprigs of chopped chives, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (optional). Mix well with a fork until you get a smooth cream.
If you prefer a softer consistency, you can add another half tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. If you want a lighter cream, add a tablespoon of plain or Greek yogurt.
Now prepare the salami candies. Take a slice of salami, pinch it in the center, and close it with a pitted olive (to make it easier to insert, I cut a small piece off).
Cover the crackers with a layer of cheese cream and place the salami candies in the center.
At this point, compose the plate. I arranged the skewers in the center and all around the bites with the salami candies. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Here are the Finger Food Appetizers ready. Enjoy your meal!
Simple and irresistible, they disappear in no time.
Until the next recipe
Storage
You can store the Finger Food Appetizers in the fridge for 1-2 days in an airtight container.
Tips and Suggestions
– Fresh basil: it’s the classic and essential pairing. Insert 1 or 2 fresh basil leaves between the mozzarella and the cherry tomato for an even more beautiful effect.
– Dressing for the skewers: if you want, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of fine salt, only on the cherry tomato, or possibly even a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
– You can enrich the cheese cream for the bites by adding other finely chopped aromatic herbs, such as basil, parsley, or dill.
– If you want to prepare them in advance and optimize the timing, you can organize like this. The day before, you can prepare the cheese cream and wash the cherry tomatoes. On the same day, you just have to assemble the skewers and prepare the salami candies and compose the bites.
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FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What is the best way to make salami roses?
Use thin slices of salami. Fold the slice in half and then gently roll it onto itself to form a rose. Secure it with a toothpick immediately to keep it in shape.
Which salami is most suitable?
Salame Milano or Hungarian (because they are cut very thin and bend easily). You can also use thin mortadella or cooked ham.
What can I add to vary the skewers?
Pitted olives, fresh basil leaves between the ingredients, cucumber cubes, or a touch of balsamic glaze.
How long in advance can I prepare the crackers?
Ideally, prepare them no more than 1-2 hours in advance. Crackers, especially Ritz, tend to soften quickly when in contact with the cheese cream.
