Are you tired of the typical chips and dips that you usually serve at your gatherings? Why not mix things up and surprise your guests with some sweet dishes turned into savory versions? Here are 15 sweet that you can reimagine and serve as appetizers for your next home aperitif.
1. Savory Strawberry Bruschetta
Swap out the usual tomato for sliced strawberries on top of your toasted bread. Then, add a dollop of goat cheese and a sprinkle of basil leaves to create a unique and flavorful bruschetta.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
These bite-sized treats are perfect for a savory twist. Simply wrap medjool dates in strips of bacon and roast them until crispy. The sweet dates and salty bacon are a match made in heaven.
3. Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Aioli
Instead of seasoning sweet potato fries with cinnamon and sugar, toss them in salt and chili powder for a spicier kick. Dip them in a homemade chipotle aioli to cool off the heat.
4. Grilled Peach Salad
Grill halves of firm peaches and chop them up into pieces. Toss the peaches with arugula, blue cheese, walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing salad that hits all the right notes.
5. Savory Ricotta Tart
Replace the sugar in your ricotta tart recipe with garlic powder and chopped herbs. Top the tart with sliced tomatoes and shredded Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.
6. Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Bites
Just like the bacon-wrapped dates, substitute the dates with fresh pineapple. The juicy sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with smoky bacon.
7. Savory Zucchini Bread
Add grated zucchini, chopped onion, and shredded cheese to your standard zucchini bread recipe for a savory twist. Serve slices with a spread of herb-infused butter.
8. Tomato and Peach Caprese
Make a caprese salad with sliced tomatoes and fresh peaches. Drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze and sprinkle on some chopped basil for a colorful and delicious appetizer.
9. Savory Popcorn Mix
Instead of caramelizing your popcorn, toss it in a mixture of melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and chopped chives for a more savory snack.
10. Grilled Watermelon Salad
Slice watermelon into thick wedges and grill them until charred and caramelized. Toss the grilled watermelon with feta cheese, chopped mint, and a drizzle of honey balsamic glaze for a summery salad.
11. Sweet and Salty Trail Mix
Mix up your usual trail mix by adding a combination of sweet and salty ingredients such as almonds, pretzels, dried cranberries, and caramel popcorn.
12. Savory Apple Tart
Use a mixture of sliced apples and onions, seasoned with sage, thyme, and a pinch of salt, as a topping for your tart crust. Bake until the crust is golden and the apples are softened.
13. Grilled Apricot Bruschetta
Halve apricots and grill them until slightly charred. Place them on top of toasted baguette slices with prosciutto and ricotta cheese for a savory twist on a classic bruschetta.
14. Savory Cinnamon Roll
Add crumbled bacon, chopped spinach, and grated cheese to your traditional cinnamon roll dough. Bake until golden and flaky, then top with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a savory breakfast treat.
15. Tomato and Blueberry Salad
Toss together sliced tomatoes and fresh blueberries with chopped basil and mint. Drizzle the salad with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing appetizer that balances sweet and tart flavors.
In conclusion, these sweet recipes turned savory will add flavor and variety to your home aperitif menu. Try out some of these recipes and see how your guests react. Who knows, you may have just discovered a new favorite appetizer!