Two Effortlessly Delicious Appetizers for Any Occasion
Crispy rolls and vibrant dips combine for a fuss-free spread that delights every guest.
When it comes to hosting a gathering or simply enjoying snacks at home, nothing beats the combination of vibrant dips and crispy bites. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s famous recipes, this guide introduces two super simple appetizers: Mini Sausage Rolls and an Epic Dip Platter. Both are packed with flavor, quick to assemble, and guaranteed to impress both novice cooks and seasoned entertainers.
Why Simple Appetizers Are Party Game-Changers
- Minimal prep means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with guests.
- Versatile flavors appeal to all ages and tastes.
- Scalable recipes can be doubled for crowds or halved for intimate gatherings.
- Presentation is as beautiful as it is functional—colorful, inviting, and stress-free.
Mini Sausage Rolls: Crisp, Savory Bites for All Occasions
These highly addictive rolls combine golden puff pastry, savory sausage, and cheesy goodness. They are simple to make and perfect for cocktail parties, picnics, or family snacks.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces country sausage
- 2/3 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 large egg, separated (white for mixing, yolk for brushing)
- One 17.3-ounce package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- Whole grain mustard (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep and Mix: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a bowl, mix sausage, cheese, maple syrup, and egg white.
- Shape: Lay puff pastry sheets flat, cut each in half lengthwise. Place the sausage mixture in a line down the center of each strip.
- Seal and Slice: Whisk the yolk. Brush one edge of each strip with yolk. Roll up, seal edges, and slice each roll into 9 bite-sized pieces.
- Bake: Arrange rolls on parchment-lined baking sheets, brush tops with yolk, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Pair with whole grain mustard for dipping.
Tips for Making Perfect Sausage Rolls
- Puff pastry: Keep it cold until ready to use to ensure maximum flakiness.
- Sausage: Country-style or breakfast sausage works best, but feel free to substitute with your favorite savory sausage blend.
- Cheese: White Cheddar provides a creamy, sharp bite, but you can swap for Monterey Jack or Gouda for variety.
- Seasoning: Everything bagel seasoning adds crunch and flavor; substitute with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if desired.
- Egg wash: Provides a glossy, golden finish and helps seasonings stick.
Serving Suggestions
- Offer dipping sauces like mustard, ketchup, or aioli for extra flavor.
- Serve warm straight from the oven, or at room temperature during a party.
- Ideal for lunchboxes, buffets, or cocktail hour.
Epic Dip Platter: A Colorful, Flavor-Packed Centerpiece
If you want to wow your guests with minimal effort, Ree Drummond’s Epic Dip Platter achieves just that. This vibrant arrangement features three dips—Roasted Corn Dip, Green Goddess Dip, and Whipped Feta—surrounded by fresh vegetables and crunchy chips. A feast for the eyes and the palate!
What Makes This Dip Platter Special?
- Variety: Three distinctive dips cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
- Customization: Easily adjust the veggies and chips to your liking.
- Visual appeal: Bright, fresh colors make it a showstopper.
Dips Included
| Dip Name | Flavor Profile | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Corn Dip | Smoky, creamy, tangy | Corn, cream cheese, sour cream, cheeses, spices |
| Green Goddess Dip | Herby, bright, zesty | Avocado, sour cream, mayo, herbs, lemon |
| Whipped Feta | Salty, creamy, fresh | Feta, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, heavy cream, dill |
Ingredients for Your Platter
- 8 rainbow carrots, halved lengthwise
- 4 mini cucumbers, quartered
- 6 mini peppers, halved and deseeded
- 3 celery ribs, cut into 3-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup pickle chips
- 2 cups kettle chips
- The three dips: Roasted Corn Dip, Green Goddess Dip, Whipped Feta
How to Assemble the Epic Dip Platter
- Prepare Dips: Make each dip according to recipe (see below).
- Arrange: Scoop each dip into a bowl and place on a large platter.
- Fill Spaces: Surround dips with assorted fresh veggies and chips.
- Garnish: Add fresh herbs (like dill sprigs) for extra flair.
What others are reading
Detailed Dip Recipes
Roasted Corn Dip
- 2 ears sweet corn
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Pinch cayenne pepper and paprika
- Hot sauce, to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Kosher salt & pepper
- 1/4 cup sharp Cheddar, grated
- 1/4 cup Monterey Jack, grated
- 1/4 cup queso fresco, crumbled
- Char corn over gas burner or under broiler. Cool and slice off kernels.
- In a food processor, blend cream cheese, sour cream, spices, hot sauce, green onions, lime juice, salt and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the cheeses and reserved corn kernels. Fold lightly to combine.
- Chill for 2 hours before serving for best flavor.
Green Goddess Dip
- 2 medium avocados, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup chives, sliced
- 1/2 cup dill, fresh
- 1/2 cup parsley leaves, fresh
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped
- Kosher salt & pepper
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice & zest of 1 lemon
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
- Process until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill.
Whipped Feta
- 1 cup feta crumbles
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- Splash of heavy cream
- Fresh dill sprigs (for garnish)
- Place feta, yogurt, cream cheese, and cream in food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to bowl and garnish with dill sprigs.
- Chill until serving.
Veggies and Chips for Dipping
Make your platter a feast by varying colors and textures:
- Rainbow carrots
- Mini cucumbers
- Mini bell peppers
- Celery sticks
- Pickle chips for briny crunch
- Kettle chips for salty, crunchy contrast
Platter Presentation Tips
- Use bowls for each dip—easy to scoop, visually pleasing.
- Place dips off-center and fill platter with veggies and chips around them.
- Add pops of color with fresh herbs or edible flowers.
- Offer small spoons or spreaders for dips to keep things neat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?
Yes! Sausage rolls can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving. Dips benefit from chilling, allowing flavors to meld. Assemble the platter shortly before guests arrive for maximum freshness.
What can I substitute in the sausage rolls if I don’t eat pork?
Chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausages work well. Adjust seasonings to enhance flavor as needed.
Are these dips gluten-free?
All three dips are gluten-free. Provide gluten-free chips and veggies for dipping if needed.
What other vegetables work for dipping?
Broccoli florets, snap peas, cherry tomatoes, or radishes add color and crunch.
Can kids help with these recipes?
Absolutely! Kids can help mix ingredients, arrange veggies, and garnish the platter. Adult supervision is advised when using the oven or food processor.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
- Store leftover sausage rolls refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Rewarm in oven for a crisp finish.
- Dips can be refrigerated up to 2 days. Stir before serving.
- Fresh veggies should be kept in the fridge, wrapped so they stay crisp.
- Perfect for lunchboxes: Pack cooled sausage rolls and a small container of dip for on-the-go snacking.
Variations to Try
- Rolls: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or swap Cheddar with pepper jack cheese.
- Dips: Stir in smoked paprika to the whipped feta, or swap dill with mint for a Mediterranean twist.
- Platter: Include olives, roasted nuts, or slices of baguette for extra variety.
Conclusion: Impress Effortlessly
These two appetizers—a platter of golden mini sausage rolls and a rainbow of vibrant dips—offer the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, Ree Drummond’s recipes are a surefire way to elevate your next gathering. Try them out, customize to your crowd, and make every snack moment a celebration.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXR-jkCyoYM
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIRY4C0Kyjw
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g41831715/pinwheel-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a12163/two-super-simple-appetizers/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43989547/labor-day-appetizers/
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