Appetizer cups are an elegant and easy-to-prepare option for cocktail hour. Cooks can choose from different types of cupping, including phyllo dough, pie dough, puff pastry, and even packaged refrigerated cookie dough. The range of ingredients that appetizer cups can hold is vast, from cheese and sour cream to ground beef, shredded chicken, canned tuna, or tofu. Different types of fillings can be used, including cream cheese, crab or lobster meat, and condensed mushroom, chicken, or celery soup.
Cocktail hour calls for a bite or two, and appetizer cups go triple that. They’re easy to prepare, hold their ingredients neatly, and impress guests with their elegance. Cooks can choose different types of cupping, including phyllo dough, pie dough, puff pastry, and even packaged refrigerated cookie dough. The range of ingredients that appetizer cups can hold doesn’t mean that neither the cook nor the company will ever be bored.
For cooks in a hurry, nothing beats chilled crescent rolls or buttermilk biscuits. Once cut to fit mini muffins, the dough is ready to receive a filling. A little grated cheese mixed with sour cream and a touch of cream cheese does the trick, especially with the dressing in the form of dried or fresh herbs or curry powder. For a heartier filling, many cooks like to include cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, canned tuna, or, for vegetarians, tofu.
Homemade or store-bought pie dough offers a different texture and taste. As with all appetizer cups, the filling depends on what’s on hand and the preferences of the cook. Ricotta, dry ricotta or goat cheese, spinach or fresh basil and an egg make a good base. This version loves some bacon, ham or smoked ham, sauteed mushrooms, onions, and maybe some Parmesan.
Another appetizer cup incorporates the cup and ingredients into one in the form of a batter that starts with a canned baking mix and takes shape in a muffin pan. A very popular version combines the chef’s choice of cheese, sauteed diced onion and several eggs, marjoram or Italian herbs. Many cooks have found that these savory morsels take on a new dimension when a little shredded summer squash or a carrot jumps into the mix.
The preformed phyllo cups offer tasters a completely different experience. The crunchy texture of the dough is the perfect foil for a sweet or savory lemon cream filling with cream cheese and salmon. Another option for these little yummies includes cilantro, basil pesto, or sun-dried tomatoes and olives. Noncheese variations include chicken, ham or shrimp salad, guacamole, artichokes, sauteed onion or wild mushroom salsa, and sour cream.
Perhaps the most impressive appetizer cups start with the buttery flaky pastry. A fabulous and simple filling that includes cream cheese, a little sour cream, and canned or fresh crab or lobster meat is sure to be a hit. Another almost effortless filling is one made with condensed mushroom, chicken or celery soup, a splash of heavy cream, and frozen mixed greens. Cheese isn’t essential to this variation, but sharp cheddar or smooth brie will add dimension.
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