The Brilliance of Cheese Appetizers

Even if you aren't really big on entertaining, or you don't live in a household that puts a great deal of store in appetizers, there is going to come a time when you will need to be able to put together an appetizer tray. The idea of putting together this particular item scares a lot of people. They seem to think that if they are serving appetizers that they need to be able to create tiny finger foods that both look and taste great. This simply isn't the case at all. Some of the best appetizer trays are very simple, and a nice cheese is one of the best things you can use that will have people complimenting your tray.

In addition to being able to use cheese to put together a tasty and elegant appetizer tray, cheese is also a perfect solution for those times when you need appetizers and you need them right now. This is sometimes because unexpected guests have suddenly popped in and sometimes because something horrible has happened to the meal you were planning on serving and now you need something to distract them. In just a few simple steps, that block of Cheddar cheese you have sitting in your refrigerator can be cubed, neatly arranged, and served. Everyone will think you planned on serving the cheese all along.

The really great thing about using cheese as an appetizer is that in addition to being simple, there are lots of different ways you can serve the cheese. Cheese is very versatile and making a small change can change the entire tone of your dinner party.

One of the simplest ways to use cheese to create an appetizer is slicing the cheese very thin. Spread some crackers on a tray and add one slice of cheese to each cracker. The appetizers can be served like this, or you can add a slice of some type of meat if you wish. Even though this is a very basic appetizer it is also a crowd pleaser. Adding some fruit or tomato slices will give your guests even more options.

Another simple way to use cheese as an appetizer is to take a block of cheese and cut into bite size cubes. Sticking a toothpick into the middle of each cube makes them easy for your guests to pick up and eat. If you are hosting a holiday themed party, you should take a trip to your favorite party supply store and see if you can find any toothpicks that have been decorated to match the mood of the holiday.

Spreads are always a crowd pleaser though they do take a little more time to put together and you will want to make them before your guests start to arrive. Flavored cheese crumbles are the best way to make spreads that will pack a flavorful punch. After making the spread set it out on a plate and make sure there are plenty of crackers nearby, as well as small plates and a knife for your guests to use. Don't be surprised if your cheese spread is gone almost as soon as you set it out. People can't resist a good cheese spread.

The ways you can use cheese as an appetizer are unlimited, you just need to tap into your creativity.

-Written by Lilly Babineau