There is one thing I have learned to do as a mom of four {other than how to juggle a phone conversation while stirring a pot and wiping a nose all at the same time} and that is how to stretch a buck.
Especially when it comes to entertaining. I don’t entertain as much as I would like but when I get the chance I’m like a kid on Christmas morning. No joke. It’s kinda my thing.
When Hass Avocado approached me about sharing a few recipes I thought, why not! I’m a California girl, born and raised. I know avocados. The trick to using avocados in appetizers {in my opinion} is to pair them with other fresh ingredients and pantry staples. It proves for some budget friendly appetizers that look like you spent way more time and money on them than you did.
Here are four appetizers that are sure to please a crowd without breaking the bank.
Sweet Potato Sliders
From the kitchen of Budget Gourmet Mom
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 1 avocado
- salt and pepper
- 1 tsp canola oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- Clean and scrub the sweet potato well. Use a peeler to remove any rough spots but don't peel the whole potato. Using a mandolin or sharp knife slice 1/8" slices on an angle. Place the slices in a small bowl and toss with 1 tsp of oil.
- Lay out onto a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Flip and bake another 10 minutes watching carefully not to burn them.
- Lay out the sweet potato chips.
- Remove the skin and pit from the avocado. Slice it into sticks and stack two sticks onto each chip.
- Place a small scoop of pico de gallo on top of the avocado. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper and serve.
Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
- 2 tblsp red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp hot sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp canola oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 2/3 c sliced green onions
- 2/3 c chopped cilantro
- 1/2 lb tomato, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl whisk together the first 5 ingredients.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and toss to coat.
- Salt to taste and serve with chips.
BLTA Bites
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of bread
- 12 oz bacon
- 2 roma tomatoes or a handful of cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1 avocado
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Dice the bacon and cook until crispy. Place in a bowl lined with paper towels and set aside.
- Toast the bread. Cut off the crust and slice each piece into 4 equal squares. Place onto a serving platter.
- In a small bowl mash the avocado and add salt.
- Place a 1/2 tsp of avocado onto each piece of toast. Top with a slice of tomato and sprinkle it with bacon.
- Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper before serving.
Head on over to Hass to check out their recipe for Guacamole!
OH I love avocado–these all look fabulous!
These look delicious! We entertain often and I always like to have a few appetizers sitting out while preparing dinner. I love avocados and these look so delicious, definitely going to try these!
Thanks, Jennifer! I hope you and your guests enjoy these little bites at your next party!
Look at all that avocado deliciousness!
All very good ideas and recipes. And of course, there’s always good old guacamole!
Uhhh, YUMMMM!! I love avocado and I was looking for an appetizer to bring to my work’s potluck on Monday…going to try making your sweet potato bites, they look amazing! Awesome post, Krista!
Thanks, Steph! Those were by far my favorite! If you like spice try sprinkling the sweet potatoes with a little cayenne pepper. I didn’t think of it until later but I think a hint of heat would add a whole other level of flavor. Hope you like them!
LOVE avocados & you have some awesome recipes here girl!
Thanks, Marla! I am SO excited avocados are going down in price at the store. I’m definitely getting my fill!
Love avocados and some great recipes here! Very nice!