BBQ Hot Dog Appetizers

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving dinner is the big selection of appetizers. You gotta have something to munch on while you’re waiting on the meal to get ready. These little BBQ hot dog appetizers are very easy, but also very tasty. Sure you can cheat and just toss some dogs with store-bought BBQ sauce. But, you’ll find that this homemade version is oh so much better.

BBQ Hot Dog Appetizers

The Perfect Super Bowl Snack

Of course, you can eat these any time of the year. They’re the perfect kind of treat that can be thrown together quickly when watching the big game.

This same recipe for BBQ hot dog appetizers would also be great with smoke sausages cut into bite-sized pieces.

Also try my BBQ pinwheels.

BBQ Hot Dog Appetizers
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

BBQ Hot Dog Appetizers

These little BBQ hot dog appetizers are very easy, but also very tasty. Sure you can cheat and just toss some dogs with store-bought BBQ sauce, but you’ll find that this homemade version is oh so much better.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 177kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in medium sauce pan over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and saute until it just starts to soften.
  • Add the ketchup, vinegar, water, mustard, paprika and Worcestershire sauce. Stir. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
  • Taste and add hot sauce if desired.
  • Add the hot dogs and simmer until warm. Serve warm.

Notes

Also try dipping these in mustard!

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 179mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs

Everyone’s seen them. Everyone’s had them. The key to really good appetizer meatballs? The BBQ sauce. And good meatballs too of course. I had some leftover pre-made meatballs, so that’s what I ended up using. The sauce has to be a little sweet. And I want some bite behind that kiss. Know what I mean? These sweet-and-sassy appetizer meatballs are the perfect combination of both.

Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs

Get Sauced

We’re big fans of Grandma Foster’s sauces. The smooth & spicy has just the right amount of kick, and is perfect on ribs, pulled pork… and in these sweet-and-sassy appetizer meatballs! If you don’t have Grandma Foster’s where you’re at, our second-best (and it’s a very close second) is the BBQ sauce from Weber. You can find it at your local grocery store. Of substitute whatever your favorite is. Just make sure it has a little kick to it.

Also try my slow cooker bourbon cocktail sausages and my peach and chili sauce meatballs.

Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs

Everyone’s seen them. Everyone’s had them. The key to really good appetizer meatballs? The BBQ sauce. And good meatballs too of course.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, spicy, sweet
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 324kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce to a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the cranberry sauce is melted, stirring often.
  • Add the meatballs and cook until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Notes

I served these in a fondue pot to keep them warm, but a crockpot also works well.

Nutrition

Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 433mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 106IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Bratwurst-Stuffed Mushrooms

I glanced into the fridge while trying to think of something for dinner, and noticed that I had a few bratwurst leftover from a recent cookout. I was going to just slice them and serve them with some spicy mustard for dipping, but I wanted something a bit more… different. So I added them to some portobella caps along with a few other goodies. I served these bratwurst-stuffed mushrooms as a main dish. Instead, you could size them down, using smaller mushrooms, and serve them as appetizers.

Bratwurst-Stuffed Mushrooms

Try These Variations, Too!

To make these bratwurst-stuffed mushrooms even more incredible, grill them over indirect heat on a cedar plank. Soak the plank in water ahead of time for 30 minutes. The cedar really adds an amazing flavor. You can also substitute other types of sausage, like andouille (my favorite), Spanish chorizo, or smoked sausage.

My Buffalo chicken stuffed mushrooms are good too! Give them a try!

Bratwurst-Stuffed Mushrooms
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Bratwurst-Stuffed Mushrooms

I served these bratwurst-stuffed mushrooms as a main dish, but you could size them down, using smaller mushrooms, and serve them as appetizers.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword bratwurst, mushroom
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 1531kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 pound bratwurst cooked, cut into 1/2" thick pieces
  • 4 large mushrooms stems removed
  • pepperjack cheese shredded
  • Pickled jalapenos sliced. optional

Instructions

  • Fill insides of mushrooms with the bratwurst.
  • Top with cheese.
  • Cook on grill over indirect heat until mushrooms start to soften, about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can cook them in a 350 F oven.
  • Serve topped with jalapeno slices.

Notes

Use smaller mushrooms to make bite-sized appetizers.

Nutrition

Calories: 1531kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 65g | Fat: 133g | Saturated Fat: 45g | Cholesterol: 336mg | Sodium: 3842mg | Potassium: 1871mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 27IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cheez-It-alianos

Oh boy, don’t even try to grab a handful of these Cheez-It-alianos treats out of my bowl! I want them ALL to myself! These are definitely Cheez-Its taken to an all-new savory level. The Ranch and Italian seasonings go so well with the cheddar cracker flavor. You’ll find yourself licking your fingers and the bowl.

Cheez-It-alianos

It Doesn’t Have To Be Italian, Either

You can substitute pretty much anything you like for the Italian seasonings. The original recipe used hot pepper flakes, but I went for a more savory flavor. Also, if you don’t have Cheez-Its on hand, try this same recipe with oyster crackers!

Try your hand at making Cheez-It crackers at home. They’re fun!

Cheez-It-alianos
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cheez-It-alianos

Oh boy, don’t even try to grab a handful of these Cheez-It-alianos treats out of my bowl! I want them ALL to myself! These are definitely Cheez-Its taken to an all-new savory level.
Course Appetiser
Cuisine American
Keyword crackers, Italian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 362kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 250 F.
  • Pour Cheez-Its into a large bowl.
  • Drizzle with oil and stir to coat.
  • Add remaining ingredients and stir well.
  • Pour mixture out onto a baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes.
  • Stir and bake another 5-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Let cool before serving. Crackers will get crunchy again after cooling.

Notes

Substitute any crackers you like.

Nutrition

Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 671mg | Potassium: 9mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Wonton Potstickers

This was my first time ever making potstickers. My wife agrees – they were fantastic! No, they’re not authentic. I didn’t make my own dough. I cheated and used wonton wrappers instead. They were an excellent first attempt at making wonton potstickers, and we’d make them the same way again the next time! I found them to be very addicting. And very difficult to stop eating. The flavor is so great, I think I smiled the entire time while eating them!

Wonton Potstickers

Spice ‘Em Up!

If you  like a little kick in your wonton potstickers, add a little dried pepper flake to the meat mixture before wrapping them. They also add a nice kick to the dipping sauce.

Also try my herbed wonton crisps. They make for a delicious snack. For something with more of a kick, try my creamy Cajun sausage ravioli.

Wonton Potstickers
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Wonton Potstickers

No, they’re not authentic. I didn’t make my own dough. I cheated and used wonton wrappers instead. They were an excellent first attempt at making wonton potstickers, and we’d make them the same way again the next time!
Course Main
Cuisine Chinese
Keyword wontons
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 170kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the potstickers

For the dipping sauce

Instructions

  • Mix cabbage and 2 teaspoons of salt in a large bowl and set aside for 5 minutes. Squeeze out any excess moisture.
  • Add in the pork, green onions, wine, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well.
  • Working in batches, spoon about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture into the centers of the wrappers. Fold up edges to seal into a triangle.
  • Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok. Add won tons, but don’t add so many at one time that they get crowded.
  • Fry for 2-3 minutes or until bottoms are browned.
  • Flip the wrappers and add 1/2 cup of water.
  • Put a lid on the skillet and let cook another 6-7 minutes or until the water has been absorbed.
  • Remove to a plate and continue cooking remaining wontons in the same fashion.
  • Serve with the dipping sauce.

For the dipping sauce

  • Combine all ingredients

Notes

Best served immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 440mg | Potassium: 256mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 125IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts

It’s that time of year when there are lots and lots of sports on TV. That calls for game snacks, like this tasty treat. The Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke really make these southern spicy roasted peanuts taste different from your usual roasted nuts. It’s a great flavor combination that gets better the longer the peanuts set. I recommend waiting at least 6 hours before diving in. The wait is more than worth it.

Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts

Tasty. But Maybe Not Sexy.

I found it difficult to make a bowl of golden brown roasted peanuts look sexy. But believe me, these southern spicy roasted peanuts are mighty good. The flavors are different in a very good way. Me, I like my peanuts a bit on the spicy side. So I added a bit more of the cayenne pepper.

Also try my chipotle honey roasted nuts.

Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts

It’s that time of year when there are lots and lots of sports on TV. That calls for game snacks, like this tasty treat.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword peanuts, roasted, southern, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 35 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 1313kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the peanuts in a large bowl. Add the Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke and toss to coat. Let set for 30 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 325 F.
  • Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
  • Add butter to a large skillet and melt over medium low heat.
  • Reduce heat to low.
  • Stir in the vinegar, hot sauce, salt and cayenne.
  • Add in the peanuts and stir to coat well.
  • Pour nuts out evenly onto the baking sheet.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or so, stirring every 5 minutes, until the nuts are a dark golden brown.
  • Remove to a rack or another (dry) baking sheet and let cool, uncovered, for 5-6 hours.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 1313kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 113g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 1244mg | Potassium: 1816mg | Fiber: 22g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 97IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 272mg | Iron: 10mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Goldfish Cracker Treats

If you’re a follower of this blog you already know that I make a lot of variations on roasted crackers, covering them in everything from the sweet to the savory. These little Goldfish Cracker treats are no exception. They’re very addictive. But, if you don’t have the dressing mix or dill on hand, use any spice combination you have. And even dried oregano and thyme work just fine!

Goldfish Cracker Treats

Great. Now Goldfish Are Even More Addicting.

I often take store-bought treats, like Goldfish crackers, oyster crackers or even chips, and kick them up by adding simple spice mixes. But it doesn’t take much to transform something right out of a box. These Goldfish cracker treats are unexpected. You don’t usually find dill on a cracker.

Also try my Buffalo ranch snack mix.

Goldfish Cracker Treats
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Goldfish Cracker Treats

These little Goldfish Cracker treats are no exception. They’re very addicting. But, if you don’t have the dressing mix or dill on hand, use anything spice combination you have.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword crackers, treats
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 24
Calories 606kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 250 F.
  • Pour goldfish into a large bowl.
  • Drizzle with the oil and butter.
  • Add the dressing mix and dill and toss to coat well.
  • Pour onto a baking sheet (I needed two) and bake for 15-20 minutes, stopping to toss the crackers after 10 minutes.
  • Let cool before serving.

Notes

The crackers will get crunchier after they cool.

Nutrition

Calories: 606kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 57g | Saturated Fat: 46g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 2194mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 275IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Greek Salad Bites

I was making grilled lamb gyros the other day and figured I’d better scout around for a Greek-inspired side dish. I didn’t want to do the ‘usual’ Greek salad, but I wanted something light. These little Greek salad bite appetizers worked just great as a side. My wife is a big fan of sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives, so she really liked these. The basil sprinkled on top really brings these little morsels together.

Greek Salad Bites

Cucumber Coolness And Crunch

I think that the cucumbers made for a great vessel for these Greek salad bites. But really, you don’t have to use them. You can substitute your favorite cracker instead. Cucumbers scream ‘Greek’ to me. Who has ever had a Greek salad or a gyro without them?

Also try my grilled zucchini roll-ups.

Greek Salad Bites
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Greek Salad Bites

These little Greek salad bite appetizers worked just great as a side. My wife's a big fan of sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives, so she really liked these. The basil sprinkled on top really brings these little morsels together.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Greek
Keyword Greek, salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 61kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fold together the feta, yogurt, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and black pepper in small bowl.
  • Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, up to 24.
  • Slice cucumber into slices.
  • Spoon mixture onto the tops of the cucumbers.
  • Sprinkle tops of cucumbers with the olives, followed by a pinch of the crumbled dried basil.

Notes

You can use thicker cucumber slices instead. Using a small scoop or spoon, scoop out some of the tops of the slices and add the filling.

Nutrition

Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 233mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 274IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Spicy Roasted Olives

We absolutely loved this recipe for spicy roasted olives. It combines a little heat, some herbs, and great roasted flavor. These are fantastic. They are salty, briny, hot, and herby. They disappear in seconds! With it just being us I kept the jalapeno slices in the bowl with the olives. For a party I might take them out. Or maybe not. They do let people know that they are in for some heat. I wouldn’t want grandma to accidentally grab an olive expecting the ‘usual’.

Spicy Roasted Olives

Use Dried Herbs In A Pinch

You can substitute dried rosemary if you don’t have any fresh on hand. Make sure you grind it up well in a mortar and pestle or blender before adding it to these spicy roasted olives. You want to make sure that there aren’t any large pieces of rosemary. They’ll be difficult to bite into.

Smoked olives are also out-of-this-world great. Try them and grilled bacon-wrapped olives too!

Spicy Roasted Olives
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Spicy Roasted Olives

We absolutely loved this recipe for spicy roasted olives. It combines a little heat, some herbs, and great roasted flavor. These are fantastic. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword olives, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 208kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
  • Place olives, rosemary, jalapeno and garlic into a large bowl. Stir.
  • Squeeze juice from the tangerines into the bowl.
  • Add the tangerines halves in also.
  • Drizzle with the olive oil and vinegar and stir well.
  • Pour into an 8" x 8" baking dish.
  • Cover and bake for 1 hour.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

If serving as leftovers (as if there will be any), let them come to room temperature first.

Nutrition

Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 789mg | Potassium: 69mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 369IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Bruschetta with Gorgonzola and Honey

These little crunchy bruschetta with gorgonzola and honey bites combine the bite of Gorgonzola and honey. They’re incredibly addicting. A little crunchy, a little tang, and a little sweet. What’s not to love?

Bruschetta with Gorgonzola and Honey

Yummy. And Quick.

Yep, the recipe for this Bruschetta with Gorgonzola and honey is easy to make. It’s the contrast between the blue cheese and the honey that is fantastically addicting. The honey really mellows the cheese, making for a great, flavorful bruschetta bites.

I like to make these on the grill. They make for a great side dish to any grilled meal. You don’t always expect grilled bread so it’s a nice change.

Also try my herbed ricotta bruschetta and my grilled blistered tomato and ricotta bruschetta.

Inspired by a recipe from Giada de Laurentiis.

Bruschetta with Gorgonzola and Honey
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Bruschetta with Gorgonzola and Honey

These little crunchy bruschetta with gorgonzola and honey bites combine the bite of Gorgonzola and honey. They’re incredibly addicting. A little crunchy, a little tang, and a little sweet. What’s not to love?
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword blue cheese, bread, honey
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 328kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Cut bread into thin slices.
  • Brush bread with oil and place onto a baking pan. Bake about 10 minutes or until the bread is golden.
  • Top bread with cheese and bake another 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  • Serve drizzled with honey.

Notes

You can also use regular blue cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 652mg | Potassium: 141mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 216IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.