4 Easy Appetizer Tips with Crunchy Edamame Toasts
Remember the golden rule for entertaining, always make your guests feel at home, and start off a dinner party with a delicious appetizer, like these Crunchy Edamame Toasts!
Remember the golden rule for entertaining, always make your guests feel at home, and start off a dinner party with a yummy drink and a delicious appetizer, like these Crunchy Edamame Toasts!
Today Iโm sharing my 4 appetizer tips, and something I figured out a few years back when it comes to creating appetizers: That is that itโs okay to try something new!
If you want to try a new recipe.
The first course of a meal, the hors dโoeuvres, is a perfect time to try out a new food combination or recipe on your guests. Great idea! Itโs usually a few bites, the guests wonโt feel like they have to eat it if itโs something they detest, and itโs a fun time to watch their facial expressions, or listen to the comments regarding something new!
Mmm-m-m- โฆ what is this?
I love this combination.
This is healthy?
A new kind of cheese!
Iโve never had this before!
Sweet and savory?
Go ahead and break the rules.
Go ahead and break the rules and make appetizers in your own personal style.
Few tips to follow:
1. Appetizers are usually served in one bite, usually without a fork or spoon, and on a napkin. But, if youโre serving a dip or something gooey, I always set out little plates and plop a big spoon into the dish youโre serving.
2. Itโs okay if they are not homemade. Combining store-bought food items, such as cheese, olives, bread, crackers, fruit, jellies, spreads โ can be the perfect โquick fixโ appetizer. You can always make semi-homemade appetizers, such as using puff pastry, or bakery baguettes, and make your own dip (like todayโs recipe!).
3. For a larger group, try to serve 2-3 appetizers to please all the palates and different diets. For a smaller group, one appetizer is usually fine. People can choose to โpassโ on this first course, if they want to.
4. Appetizers donโt have to cost a lot of money. You can get a lot of bites out of one baguette, or a box of crackers with a homemade dip, or one wedge of cheese with grapes and crackers. Donโt overdo and set out a zillion appetizers that no one will eat, or that the guests will fill up on before the meal begins!
I also enjoy asking my guests to bring appetizers. Itโs a course that does not have to tie in with the main meal, which means as a hostess, itโs nice to have the first course arrive and be a surprise to all! (No controlling that portion of the menu.)
Keep edamame in the freezer.
My daughter whipped up this delicious homemade spread the other evening for our guests using frozen edamame. It was healthy, different, and each bite was a โwow, this is awesome!โ
I hope youโll enjoy it, and have fun creating your own appetizers!
Go ahead and break the rules!
Whatโs your โfavoriteโ appetizer that you have created?

Get the Recipe:
Crunchy Edamame Toasts
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup frozen shelled edamame
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 12 slices baguette bread, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 2 Tbsp. basil, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp. Roasted Garlic and Black Pepper, McCormick seasoning
Instructions
- Boil edamame in salted water for 5 minutes; drain.
- In a food processor, puree edamame, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and pressed garlic.
- Broil the bread with lightly brushed olive oil to make crunchy toasts.
- Spread the topping onto the toasts. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Roasted Garlic and Black Pepper seasoning. Serve.
More edamame recipes:
10-minute Restaurant Style Edamame {Kevin and Amanda}
Asian Quinoa Salad with Edamame {Two Peas and Their Pod}
Thai Spice Crispy Edamame {Well Plated}
I love this idea for an appetizer! I love that itโs a) quick and easy to make b) itโs healthy for you c) itโs completely different than other appetizers out there. Love this!
I love how portable these are. Perfect for an outdoor picnic!
I could have used this yesterday at a BBQ I attended!
This looks bright and would be great in the spring and summer. Less boring than chips and salsa.
You always have the very best tips and omg these toast! They sound delicious!