From high-energy, crowded tailgating parties to chill, intimate get-togethers, there is always a need for easy appetizers that can feed a crowd. Everyone has different food preferences you must try to accommodate throughout the event. And it would be ideal if you didn’t have to spend all day in the kitchen.

With that in mind, try these three easy appetizers for a crowd made with delicious dairy.

Milk is naturally nutritious. When compared side-by-side, milk contains fewer ingredients and more naturally occurring nutrients than many plant-based alternatives. As a natural wellness food, adding milk and other dairy products to your diet and your go-to appetizers is a must!

These recipes are a few of those featured in “Dairy Delicious: A Cookbook for College Students,” a partnership between the Tennessee Technological Dietetics Department and The Dairy Alliance. The cookbook features wholesome and comforting dairy recipes with easy-to-follow instructions for every college foodie trying to prep meals in their dorm room, so you know it will be a breeze to whip up at home before the guests arrive.

Spinach Dip Bites

Savor the bite-sized goodness of our spinach-packed treats! These delectable morsels combine creamy spinach dip with a crispy outer shell, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. These are irresistibly tasty party starters! This recipe can also be easily adapted to make a spinach dip.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Carefully place wonton wrappers in mini-muffin tin pans. Bake the wrappers for 7-8 minutes and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, ½ cup of sour cream, 1 cup parmesan, a tablespoon of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of garlic salt, and pepper to taste. Add 10 ounces of drained, thawed spinach and 1 cup of artichoke hearts to the mixture, stirring until well-combined. Spoon this filling into each of the wonton shells, using the back of the spoon to press the filling in. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of parmesan on top of spinach bites. Bake for 10-15 minutes and enjoy!

Dreamy Chocolate Truffles

For a sweet treat or light dessert, indulge in pure chocolate bliss with these decadent chocolate truffles! These delightful treats feature a velvety-smooth center enrobed in rich, luscious chocolate. Each bite is a heavenly experience that will satisfy even the most refined sweet tooth.

To make the base, chop 8 ounces of chocolate or use chocolate chips. Set aside. Add 2/3 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of butter, and a dash of salt into a microwave-safe pie dish. Microwave on high and stir in 30-second intervals for 80-90 seconds. Immediately add chocolate to the hot cream mixture. Let sit for 15 seconds and stir with a spoon until the chocolate has melted. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

When it is time to form the truffles, remove the base from the fridge and check with a spoon to see if it is malleable. Use a spoon to scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Return the truffle balls to the fridge until they reharden. Then, melt candy melts or chocolate according to package instructions. Use a fork to lower each truffle ball into melted chocolate. When covered fully, lift it out of the melted chocolate and place it on a parchment-lined plate or tray.

Roll truffle balls in cocoa powder and decorate. Cover and refrigerate decorated truffles until ready to serve!

Fiesta Parfait Dip

This vibrant fiesta dip layers zesty salsa, creamy guacamole, and tangy Greek yogurt, resulting in a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing!

In a small bowl, mix 3/8 cup of refried beans with 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning. Layer this on the bottom of a serving bowl. Next, layer ¼ cup of guacamole on top of beans. In a small bowl, mix 3/8 cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream with 1 teaspoon taco seasoning. Layer this next in your serving bowl. Layer ¼ cup of salsa on top. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the dip and a dollop of Greek yogurt in the middle. Sprinkle green onions and taco seasoning. Enjoy with chips and peppers!

These appetizers give your guests variety in their snacking, delicious flavors to try, and good-for-you dairy. These appetizers for a crowd are a win for everyone involved! For more dairy delicious appetizers, browse our Dairy Recipes section.

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