This Simple Appetizer Was The First To Disappear At My Housewarming Party

Even with over a decade of experience writing about food and entertaining, the idea of hosting more than a small dinner party can feel overwhelming. Living alone and frequently dining outconsidering travel and restaurant experiences among my top investments besides retirementI rarely host more than six guests at a time.

When I sent invitations for my late-summer housewarming, I expected only half of the guests to attend. To my surprise, almost everyone RSVP-ed yes, which meant preparing for over 30 friends in my patio and kitchen. The scale of the event was beyond what I could handle alone, from food and drinks to table settings and music.

To manage the workload, I hired a caterer to provide a variety of heavy appetizers, accommodating dietary preferences such as gluten-free and vegan. The menu included cheese and charcuterie boards, queso and pretzel bites, a trio of salsas with chips, plant-based dips with fresh vegetables, and lettuce wraps. I was pleased with the menu but realized that the beverage selection, while sufficient in quantity, needed more variety to keep everyone satisfied and refreshed.

My solution was to create a simple, semi-homemade dish to complement the catered spread. I prepared a quick two-ingredient appetizer:

• 1 jar of marinara sauce (Raos preferred)
• 1 bag of Simeks Classic Turkey Meatballs

In a large saucepan, I combined the marinara and meatballs, heated them over medium, and then lowered the heat to keep them warm. This combination catered to those looking for gluten-free options and protein-packed bites. Guests could enjoy the meatballs on their own or paired with crostini from the cheese and charcuterie selection.

Why This Appetizer Works

Simple: One trip to Target and five minutes of preparation was all it took. The appetizer quickly became a highlight of the buffet.

Crowd-Pleasing: Similar to popular bacon-wrapped crackers, this two-ingredient dish is easy, feeds a large group, and works for any season. Marinara and Simeks products are also available at Walmart and Harris Teeter, or you can swap in your favorite meatball variety.

When in doubt about what your appetizer menu might be missing, consider this easy, satisfying option thats sure to impress your guests.

Author: Sophia Brooks