Valerie Bertinelli’s Most Impressive (And Easy to Make) Appetizers

In a time when burgers and sandwiches are dauntingly huge, a dainty slider packed with pulled pork and tangy slaw is far less indulgent. For a healthier option, try Valerie’s Turkey Cranberry Sliders.

These mouth-watering mushrooms taste like they’ve come straight out of a restaurant kitchen. You might have to double (OK, OK, triple) the batch to satisfy the masses.

The sweet of these peppers combined with the tartness of the goat cheese, the creamy of the Manchego and the bite from the vinaigrette, makes these bite-sized apps memorable. They also work as Christmas appetizers, what with the peppers’ vibrant colour and some festive plating.

All this cheesy, spinachy, crabby dip needs are chips (like Valerie’s Warmed and Spiced Tortilla Chips), pita triangles or even crackers to make for one of the most ideal party appetizers around.

Melty Brie and chutney, baked into a flaky puff pastry — what more could you want? (See previous slide of Hot Spinach and Crab Dip for scooping vessel inspiration, though crostini or apple slices work in a pinch as well.)

Bacon makes everything better, but throw in some Gruyère and leeks and this baked tarte will knock your socks off, maybe ranking as one of the best appetizers you’ve ever had the pleasure of inhaling.

These fluffy mini crescent rolls stuffed with a creamy smoked salmon spread wrapped around an asparagus spear makes for a gorgeous hand-held bite.

It might get a little messy, but you’re all friends there, right? What’s better? This cheesy bread made from already-made biscuit dough is as easy as it gets.

With three flavour profiles, Valerie takes the classic deviled egg recipe and turns it on its ear, yet they’re still easy appetizers to make, with only a few additional ingredients. Nothing sinister about them, though guests might get dirty looks after they’ve scarfed down more than their fair share.

Pillowy puffs of dough filled with cheese and pepperoni makes for an instant crowd favourite.

Here, water chestnuts take on the saltiness of the bacon, the sweet of the teriyaki, and that added punch from the garlic in the tastiest way, making this easy appetizer a winner every time.

There’s something special about the crumbly texture and distinct corn taste of homemade tamales, together with chicken and everyone’s favourite red sauce. Try to resist these fantastic Mexican appetizers.

A different yet delectable take on what you know and love about bruschetta, but instead of the standard feta cheese, lending the bread its saltiness, it’s the prosciutto that provides that bite for this easy appetizer.

The rested and room temp pieces of meat combined with the dollop of cheese mixture, the sweetness of the tomato and the cucumber slices, provide an all-around pop of flavour and texture.

Jalapenos stuffed with cheese are always delish, but wrap that in bacon and consider this appetizer perfect for everyone. Because who doesn’t love bacon?

Roasted wild mushrooms pair beautifully with homemade polenta crackers. The crowd will appreciate the effort on this Italian-influenced appetizer — which seems like a lot of work, but is in truth, quite simple. Shh. We won’t tell if you don’t.

Tea sandwiches with a Bloody Mary twist, thanks to the spices and flavours that mimic the sassy drink.