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3 Amazing Mexican Inspired Appetizer Ideas
Every good event or function has good food. It’s just understood. Whether you’re hosting a party with friends, celebrating with family, or watching the big game, you’ll need some snacks.
Luckily for you, we’ve put together this list of great ideas for your spread just in time for Cinco de Mayo. Keep reading to learn about some tasty mexican tapas that you can make right at home.
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos
For a tasty appetizer with a healthy kick, stuffed jalapeno peppers are the way to go. There are a few great ways to prepare stuffed jalapenos. You are likely to find breaded and deep fried jalapeno “poppers” at any Henderson restaurant that serves finger food, but deep fried isn’t the only way to enjoy them. Another great way to enjoy these delights is to wrap them in bacon and bake them on a lined cookie sheet until the bacon becomes crisp and the cheese has melted.
The easiest way to prepare raw jalapenos is to cut them lengthwise down the center, removing the stem, and carefully removing the seeds and vein of the pepper. Next, the halved peppers can be filled with blended cheeses such as monterey jack, spicy cream cheese or even cheddar.
Stuffed jalapenos are an exciting and unexpected appetizer that guests will love. Serve these with a chipotle ranch or a creamy southwest dipping sauce for a snack that will keep them coming back for seconds, and maybe even thirds.
Mini Quesadillas
Quesadillas are probably one of the most popular options served in many mexican restaurants. These simple sandwiches consist of cheese and sometimes meat or vegetables that are placed in the center of a tortilla, or in between two tortillas. The quesadillas are then grilled on both sides, allowing the cheese to melt and the tortilla to become crispy and golden brown.
Using smaller 6 inch tortillas, you can make a smaller, more portable finger food version of this favorite dish that is a great way to keep peckish guests satisfied. Monterey Jack is a favorite cheese for making quesadillas, as is mozzarella and even queso fresco if you’re looking to add the authentic touch. Shredded beef and chicken are also common ingredients to add to quesadillas, making them a bit more hearty and substantial.[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]Mini quesadillas can be made with flour or even corn tortillas, an your guests will probably appreciate a variety of options as far as tortilla and fillings. Serve these mini quesadillas on a large platter with small dishes of pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream in the center to create a festive and colorful centerpiece for the snack table.
DIY Taco and Nacho Bar
If you are expecting a large number of guests, it may just make a bit more sense to set up a self serve station complete with chips and various types of tortillas, taco fillings, toppings, and sauces to accompany them. [Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]While beef tacos are probably the most popular type of taco in the U.S., you may want to offer a couple of options for your guests who may not eat red meat, and even the vegans in the group.
Shredded chicken, or even slow cooked thinly sliced top steak round are great ideas, and for the veggie alternatives, buckwheat, tofu and even lentils can be turned into deliciously flavored taco filling that even carnivores can enjoy.[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]Keep hot foods hot with chafing dishes, and keep cold items cold by placing small dishes into a larger vessel filled with ice. This will allow you to only put out items out as they are needed, as well as prevent waste or food spoilage, as the unused portions can be kept refrigerated until they are needed.[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]For the toppings, a variety of different options are good idea. Various salsas, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, fresh jalapeno, cilantro, and fresh lime juice are just a few delicious options. The only real limit is your creativity in the kitchen.[Text Wrapping Break]
Conclusion
[Text Wrapping Break]When it comes to these appetizers, as with any other kind of food, care should be taken to prepare it with love. You are going to be feeding your loved ones after all, and they will appreciate the extra effort that you put in to make sure they are happy and comfortable when they arrive at the party.
Sharing a meal with people we care about is one of the simplest pleasures in life, and is something that anyone of any culture can surely relate to.[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]There are so many great mexican appetizers and food ideas, that no one blog could really do justice to the variety. These are just a few of our favorite ideas. But we have barely scratched the surface.[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]What are your favorite mexican finger foods and appetizers? Leave us a comment with your best suggestions below!
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