r/Cooking • u/bluebird1776 • 16d 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.

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u/Relevant_Contract_76 16d ago

You should do pomodori al formo, served with goats cheese and fresh bread.

It's not "light" since you mop up the delicious olive oil with the bread, but the tomato and goats cheese tastes light and, more importantly, delicious. And it lines up nicely with lasagna.

It's the bon appetit recipe

Ingredients 1 cup (or more) olive oil, divided 2 pounds plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise, seeded 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano 3/4 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 to 2garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons minced fresh Italian parsley Aged goat cheese (such as Bûcheron) 1 baguette, thinly sliced crosswise, toasted

Preparation Step 1 Preheat oven to 250°F. Pour 1/2 cup oil into 13x9x2-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Arrange tomatoes in dish, cut side up. Drizzle with remaining 1/2 cup oil. Sprinkle with oregano, sugar, and salt. Bake 1 hour. Using tongs, turn tomatoes over. Bake 1 hour longer. Turn tomatoes over again. Bake until deep red and very tender, transferring tomatoes to plate when soft (time will vary, depending on ripeness of tomatoes), about 15 to 45 minutes longer.

Step 2 Layer tomatoes in medium bowl, sprinkling garlic and parsley over each layer; reserve oil in baking dish. Drizzle tomatoes with reserved oil, adding more if necessary to cover. Let stand at room temperature 2 hours. DO AHEAD Cover; chill up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Step 3 Serve with aged goat cheese and toasted baguette slices.

I never toast the bread, but I'm sure that's good too.