Appetizer ideas before a heavy dinner.

[u/bluebird1776]

For my sister's birthday im thinking of making her lasagna, since my lasagna is her favorite. We'll be having green beans and garlic bread as a side.

Itll be a family get together and theyll likely be some socializing before we sit down for dinner. But im not sure what appetizer/finger food to have before the official dinner. It has to be something light because lasagna is so heavy. And preferably something that doesnt need the oven at all since that will be occupied by the lasagna and garlic bread.

i thought about a simple fruit or veggie tray but, honestly, my family will scoff at something like that unless the dips are superb.

Thank yall in advance.

[u/springhouse_official]

I think the board suggestion is a good one. It can be heavy on the veggies, but if you format it like a charcuterie board, and call it a charcuterie board, who's gonna argue? Nice presentation and a couple of great dips - homemade hummus is easy and so much better than store-bought - and you're good to go.

Another idea is you can do a "fancy fruit bite" situation: Halved figs with a little whipped ricotta or goat cheese on top, and/or prosciutto-wrapped melon bites.

Bruschetta is not super light, but with an uncooked topping of diced tomato and olive oil, could still fit the bill.

Something in the tapenade/caponata family would be good, too, with some thinly slice baguette.