This snack is a prefect easy appetizer especially for last minute entertaining. All you need is a block of cream cheese, your spice cabinet and a few crackers to make easy appetizers in an instant that will have your guests wondering how you do it all so gracefully. Using the Pretty Plate Principles of Color, Shape and Texture you can turn everyday cream cheese into a gourmet treat.

Cream Cheese Trio is a perfect inexpensive, easy, delicious and impressive appetizer. You can have it ready in a moment’s notice.

Great things about cream cheese:

It is relatively inexpensive. Look for it on sale and pick up as few to have on hand.
As long as the package is kept sealed it will stay fresh for almost 2 months.
It goes well with so many different flavors and most people already love cream cheese.

Here is how to do it:

Cream Cheese Trio

Turn a regular block of cream cheese into an Easy Appetizers in an Instant

Take an ordinary block of cream cheese cut it in half to have to squares. Cut one square in half at an angle to create two triangles and cut the other square cut in half lengthwise to get two smaller rectangles. We cut 4 pieces but only need 3 for this application. Wrap one of the triangles and save it for other spreads or breakfast. I add toppings to the other three to make them interesting and unique.
Take one of the rectangles, lightly dust it with your favorite herb seasoning, Italian and garlic, lemon pepper, Cajun, whatever your family and friends like best.
Take the next piece and press it into some chopped toasted nuts, sesame seeds or even some cut up crumbs from crunchy-flavored crackers.
For the remaining piece – top it with your favorite jam: raspberry, orange marmalade, strawberry, almost anything will work.
Place all three pieces on a serving plate, add crackers, fresh veggies if desired and serving utensils.

You just made cream cheese a festive quick and delightful appetizer!

Remember cream cheese is white and pretty basic like a blank canvas. The goal is to add color, shape and texture to it, making it a stunning treat.

Pick up your copy of The Pretty Plate for more simple techniques and recipes, and learn about the five elements to make your everyday meals magnificent.

How to make easy appetizers

Watch Rachel

Featured again on Twin Cities Live! This week it was all about easy appetizers. You have all the tips you need for summer entertaining and even making those special summer drinks.

Something to talk about. Now lets give you some delicious easy appetizers to get the party started.

I love using puff pastry for easy appetizers because it is just so versatile. You can use things you already have on hand to make both sweet and savory easy appetizers at any time.

Basic Savory Herb Cheese Pinwheel

I love this shape because you can make several different bites, really quickly and it does not involve any special folding techniques. Just simply spread your topping, roll it up, slice, bake and you have lots of easy appetizers quickly.

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

4oz softened cream cheese

2 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Pinch of salt and pepper

Optional 1-2 dash of hot sauce

In a small bowl combine cream cheese, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper and optional hot sauce.

Roll out the pastry dough to a 9×9 square on a lightly flowered surface. Spread the herb cheese mixture over the dough. Roll the dough over itself until you get to the end. Seal the edge by brushing with a little water and lightly pinching the seam closed.

With the roll seam side down cut with a serrated knife ¼ inch slices. Place on a parchment lined or a greased baking sheet. Bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minuets until lightly golden. Serve warm or at room temperature.

The pinwheels are great and you can spread almost any topping you would like, such as:

roasted red pepper spread,
cheese and pepperoni, or even simply
sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.

Get creative, look and see what you have at hand and make your own custom easy appetizers at any time.

*Expert Tip: If the dough gets too soft to handle and cut, place it in the freezer for a few minutes to firm it up and make cleaner cuts.

Now if you want something a little more elegant you can make another shape using the same puff pastry product called Volovants, which is basically a hollow shell of the pastry that you can fill with a variety of things.

Watch the how to video

To make square Volovants

Start with a 3in square piece of puff pastry dough. Lightly fold the dough in half to form a triangle.

Make two incisions one centimeter from each edge of the triangle towards the point, but stopping short of the corner.

Unfold the triangle into the original square with a cut frame. Now the cool part! Fold each corner of the outer frame over so that it meets the opposite corner of the inner square.

You can lightly brush them with egg wash to a nice golden color if you want, prick the center with a fork for more even cooking. Bake at 425 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Allow pastry to cool, and fill with Creamy Smoked Salmon spread or any other desired filling such as:

chicken salad,
sundried tomato spread, even
lemon curd for something tangy and sweet.

Creamy Smoked Salmon Spread

4 oz smoked salmon (1 cup flaked with fork)

1 8oz package cream cheese, softened

2-3 tablespoons milk

3 green onions chopped small

1 tablespoon lemon juice

5-8 dashes hot sauce (like Tabasco) more if you like things spicier

1 teaspoon dried dill

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well until combined. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours for best flavors.

Serve with crackers and vegetables, as a sandwich spread or in a Volovant Shell for elegant easy appetizers.

Pick up your copy of The Pretty Plate for more simple techniques and recipes, and learn about the five elements to make your everyday meals magnificent.