Entertaining Staples?

Shozzies

We have a lot of people over on a short notice especially during football season.  What are some good foods to keep in the pantry?

SBS0628

Pretzles and chips are good nonperishables (and are usually on sale right about now). I also keep dry dip mixes, like the ones from Harry & David, so the only item I need to pick up is sour cream or cream cheese.

6fsn

Meatballs in the freezer, pretzels, nachos and salsa, nuts, popcorn (I like to doctor up).  I also like to keep pizza toppings on hand- pepperoni, a can of sauce, cheese, and yeast.  I also keep a can of chicken, frozen broccoli, and alfredo sauce for a second type of pizza.

Also a block of cream cheese, a can of Skyline chili, and cheddar cheese.  Makes a great dip.  I also always have hot dogs in the freezer so I can pick up some buns and do coneys easily.

daisy21le

canned or jarred: artichoke hearts, roasted red bell peppers, sun dried tomatoes, olives, etc.  You can make a last minute antipasti platter.  I always keep crackers around too.  

A can of chili with some fresh onions chopped into it and cheese on top can make a last minute dip if you have chips.

 

kellygraham17

We love having game nights, both board and sports watching.  We always keep tortilla chips and salsa and cheese in our cupboards.  Plus, I always keep cream cheese around (can be used for a variety of different things.

TarHeels&Rebels

Ditto pp who said dried dip mixes so that all you need is sour cream or cream cheese.  There are probably hundreds of companies all over the country who make these - support a local small business

I also keep a jar of Tostitos cheese dip and a can of chili around.  Pour the two together and microwave several minutes until warm.  People L-O-V-E it and it's ridiculously simple.

Your thing doesn't say where you're from, but if you're in the south, keep a tin of Sister Schubert's pigs in a blanket in the freezer.

Box brownies wouldn't be a bad idea either.

branz7

I like to keep guac making ingredients on hand, same with salsa stuff and tortilla chips.

And those frozen puffed pastry bites from Trader Joes with ham and cheese, or caramelized onions and cheese are always big favs at my house.

Also cheese and crackers and deli meats are good quick things to put out in front of people!

manishd

Olives, pita chips, canned Hummus, a jar of roasted red peppers.  These make a great mediteranean platter.  All I have to pick up is usually mini carrots and maybe some cheese and I am good to go for last minute company.

RachieTK

Chips, salsa and queso in jars are pretty easy to keep stocked.  You can also keep some frozed apps (bagel bites, mozarella sticks, soft pretzels) if you have the space. 

cclilac12

I usually try to keep chips/salsa/7-layer dip ingredients on hand, as well as crackers and cheese. If I know I'm going to be entertaining, I'll also have things in the pantry or freezer for cocktail meatballs, bacon wrapped dates and pineapple (a favorite of my hubby), dips, etc. I'll also prepare appetizers like spanokopitas or mini quiche or cookies in advance and freeze them, so that all I have to do is defrost and reheat.