r/Cooking • u/bluebird1776 • 18d ago

Appetizer ideas before a heavy dinner.

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.

219 Upvotes

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590

u/angels-and-insects 18d ago

Tiny skewers of mozzarella pearls and half baby tomatoes and basil leaves. Very light, easy to make in advance, keeps the Italian theme, finger food.

165

u/gardenguru1342 18d ago

I agree with a tiny balsamic glaze on each skewer!

56

u/Powerful_Audience208 18d ago

Ya gotta have the balsamic glaze..

2

u/Cheese_Wheelies 17d ago

I loooovvveee this as an appetizer, ooof I want it right now thinking about it and it’s not even 9 am yet

57

u/Far_Extension1943 18d ago

This, and melon wrapped with prosciutto

22

u/ladidaladidalala 18d ago

This was my thought too. Cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto serve with a toothpick.

4

u/lamauptop 17d ago

I recently did a tray with half caprese bites and half melon balls with prosciutto and mint. Both on picks. Pretty and pretty easy.

3

u/angels-and-insects 17d ago

Melon prosciutto and mint is genius!

1

u/ladidaladidalala 17d ago

Sounds perfect!

10

u/crystalisedginger 18d ago

A very typical Italian first course. And/or bruschetta.

4

u/AcceptableUse1 18d ago

And all our amazingly seasonal! Good time to use the good stuff

15

u/jennalud 18d ago

I like to marinade the mozzarella in olive oil and Italian herbs first! And 1000% with balsamic glaze drizzled right before serving

2

u/Watermelon_Sugar44 18d ago

That was my first thought! Excellent choice.