The kitchen at the Drummond ranch has been the birthplace of countless delectable recipes, and the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, has a knack for creating appetizers that can turn any gathering into a memorable culinary adventure. Whether it's a family barbecue or an elegant dinner party, having a selection of impressive starters can set the tone for your meal. Here, we'll dive into five of Ree's appetizer recipes that are not only easy to make but are guaranteed to wow your guests with their flavors and presentation.
1. Smoked Almonds with Rosemary
These smoky, aromatic almonds are the perfect nibble to accompany drinks, offering a sophisticated yet simple appetizer that can be prepared well in advance.
- 2 cups whole almonds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
- Sea salt to taste
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss the almonds with olive oil, paprika, and rosemary in a bowl. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, shaking the sheet halfway through. Once cooled, season with sea salt.
💡 Note: These almonds can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them a great make-ahead option for parties.
2. Pioneer Woman’s Jalapeño Poppers
The classic crowd-pleaser gets a Ree twist with this recipe, which adds her unique blend of spices and cheese to the fiery jalapeños.
- 12 jalapeños, halved and seeds removed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 12 slices bacon, halved
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix the cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, and cayenne in a bowl. Fill each jalapeño half with the mixture, then wrap with a bacon slice. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
🧨 Note: For a less spicy version, remove all seeds and ribs from the jalapeños.
3. Pimento Cheese Stuffed Olives
This appetizer combines the sharpness of pimento cheese with the briney goodness of olives, offering a bite-sized burst of flavor.
- 1/2 cup pimento cheese
- 24 large pimento-stuffed green olives
Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill the olives with pimento cheese. Chill before serving to enhance the flavors.
4. Cowboy Queso Dip
Ree’s take on the beloved queso dip is a must-have at any gathering, featuring a blend of cheeses with a hint of spice.
- 1 lb ground beef or chorizo
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 8 oz shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
In a skillet, cook the beef and onion until brown. Drain excess fat. Add tomatoes, green chilies, Velveeta, pepper jack, milk, and spices. Stir until melted and well combined. Garnish with cilantro.
5. Fig and Prosciutto Wrapped Brie
For a more upscale appetizer, this combination of sweet figs, salty prosciutto, and creamy brie cheese is an indulgence your guests will love.
- 1 round of brie cheese
- 8 dried figs, sliced
- 8 slices of prosciutto
- Honey for drizzling
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice brie in half horizontally. Layer with figs and close the brie. Wrap with prosciutto slices. Bake until the cheese is soft, about 15-20 minutes. Drizzle with honey before serving.
When planning your next gathering or simply looking to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special, these Pioneer Woman appetizer recipes are the perfect way to start the meal. They offer a range of flavors and textures, ensuring there's something for everyone, from the spice lovers with Jalapeño Poppers to the cheese enthusiasts with Cowboy Queso Dip. What's more, most of these recipes can be prepped ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your party with less kitchen time. Remember, a great appetizer does more than just tease the palate; it sets the stage for a feast to remember.
Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
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Yes, most of these appetizers can be prepared in advance. The Smoked Almonds, Stuffed Olives, and Queso Dip can be made a day ahead, while the Jalapeño Poppers can be prepped and baked on the day of your event. The Fig and Prosciutto Wrapped Brie benefits from being assembled right before baking to preserve the texture of the cheese.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
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If spice is not your thing, you can easily modify these recipes. Omit cayenne pepper from the Jalapeño Poppers, choose mild green chilies for the Cowboy Queso Dip, and avoid using spicy ingredients. You can also use less or no jalapeño in the recipes that call for them.
Are these appetizers suitable for a vegetarian?
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Absolutely! The Smoked Almonds, Pimento Cheese Stuffed Olives, and Fig and Prosciutto Wrapped Brie can be adjusted to be vegetarian. Substitute the prosciutto with a vegetable-based wrap or skip it entirely for the Brie, and use a cheese substitute or non-meat based ingredients for the queso dip.
Can I freeze any of these appetizers?
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While the Jalapeño Poppers can be frozen before baking, it’s not recommended for most of these dishes due to their delicate ingredients like cheese and fruits. However, you can store the cooked appetizers in the refrigerator and reheat when needed.
