10 Party Snacks Worth Celebrating
Whether you're heading to a New Year's Eve potluck or hosting a birthday party, appetizers are a must. Here are some of our favorite, low-calorie hors d'oeuvres.
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1. Roasted Potato & Cauliflower Peirogi
While protein-rich Greek yogurt and milk are a harmonious egg substitute, this modernized dish also harkens back to time-honored recipes by calling for mild and nutritious farmer’s cheese, a light variety similar to cottage cheese.
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2. Cheddar Cornbread Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are generally laden with cheese, breaded and deep-fried – not exactly a clean snack! We reduced the cheese and mixed it into a baked cornbread batter. Serve these with your favorite salsa and a bit of sour cream.
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3. Chevre & Herb-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Tangy and sweet goat’s milk chèvre forms the savory, calcium-rich base of this visually appealing appetizer.
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4. Goat Cheese Fondue
This fondue is a light, clean twist on a dish of melted cheese that’s bound to please. Try Aimee Olexy’s goat cheese version for a great appetizer or winter warmer.
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5. Thai Chicken Endive Boats
Impress your guests with these mouthwatering endive boats – with only 35 minutes of work! Bean sprouts, carrots and cilantro are tossed with seasoning then topped with chicken breast and creamy peanut sauce to make the ultimate exotic appetizer.
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6. Stuffed Dates with Ricotta
This intensely satisfying treat, infused with traditional Middle Eastern flavors, relies on dates for its sweetness – remember to use pit-in dates; they contain more moisture than their pitted counterparts.
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7. Mini Crab Cakes
Crab cakes often include little-to-no actual crustacean, but Food Network star Ellie Krieger’s recipe lets the crab shine through by only panko-crusting the exterior.
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8. TLT Lettuce Wraps
Replace the bacon in your BLT with lean tuna and you’ve got a CE-approved snack or easy app. We’ve also swapped out the bread for Boston lettuce for a sushi-inspired mini-meal – with each wrap packing a mere 52 calories!
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9. Tomato Tartines
Ingredients vary widely when it comes to these trendy, French bistro-style, open-faced sandwiches. Start with our basic recipe for snack time and, later on, try adding lean chicken, turkey, fish or more vegetables for a heartier meal.
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10. Poblano & Mushroom Queso Fundido
We lighten up the traditionally rich Mexican appetizer queso fundido, Spanish for “cheese fondue,” with Greek yogurt and cream cheese.
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