10 Light Party Snack Recipes

Published December 31, 2014 06:17PM

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.

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.

3. Chevre & Herb-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Tangy and sweet goat’s milk chèvre forms the savory, calcium-rich base of this visually appealing appetizer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.