Tag Archives: appetizer

Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs

Dinner Ideas April 10, 2026 Leave a comment
Deviled eggs topped with spicy shrimp and green herbs on a plate with lemon wedges

Discover the delightful world of Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs, a vibrant and flavorful appetizer that promises to excite your taste buds and brighten your table. These eggs are not just ordinary; they are a feast for the senses, combining the rich, smoky spices of Cajun cuisine with the succulent sweetness of perfectly cooked shrimp. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking to add a splash of color to your appetizer platter, Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs are sure to be a hit, offering a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and visual appeal that will leave everyone craving more.

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped chives, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh minced parsley, for garnish

Shrimp

  • 12 small shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1-1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Paprika and green onions for garnish

Process

  1. Heat 1-1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Toss shrimp with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
  3. Sauté shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until opaque, slightly curled, and golden.
  4. Remove and cool.

Assembly Directions

  1. Place eggs in a large pot; be sure the eggs are completely submerged in water.
  2. Bring water to a boil, turn the heat down to medium-high, and simmer for 11 minutes.
  3. Drain the hot water and fill the pot with cold tap water. When the eggs are cool enough to handle, remove the shells. It’s easier to remove shells when the eggs are warm.
  4. Slice eggs in half and remove the yolk to a separate bowl. Place the whites on a serving platter.
  5. Mix yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Spoon mixture into egg whites. Top each egg with minced red onion and a small shrimp. Sprinkle with paprika. Keep eggs refrigerated until they are ready to serve.

Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs

Dinner Ideas April 9, 2026 Leave a comment
Deviled eggs topped with shrimp, bacon, and pickles served with Bloody Mary ingredients.

Are you ready to elevate your appetizer game with a splash of fun and flavor? Introducing the delightful twist on classic deviled eggs: Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs! This recipe combines the savory richness of traditional deviled eggs with the bold, tangy kick of a Bloody Mary cocktail. Perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday parties, or whenever you want to impress your guests with something uniquely delicious. One of the most exciting ways to make these eggs is by using Bloody Mary Pickled Eggs as a base.

Serve these Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs chilled, garnished with additional pickled vegetables or olives. They make a striking addition to any brunch table or cocktail party, offering a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile that will delight your guests. For an extra touch, pair them with a cold Bloody Mary cocktail to complete the theme.

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ½ tablespoon prepared horseradish
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • ½ tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ½ teaspoon celery seeds, or celery salt
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 slices of crisp, cooked bacon crumbled
  • 1-1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 12 Bacon pieces
  • 12 sliced celery leaves
  • 3 Sliced lengthwise sweet baby Gerkin pickles
  • 12 cherry tomatoes

Process

  1. Place eggs in a large pot; be sure the eggs are completely submerged in water.
  2. Bring water to a boil, turn the heat down to medium-high, and simmer for 11 minutes.
  3. When finished, drain the hot water and fill the pot with cold tap water.
  4. When cool enough to handle, remove shells from the eggs. (Note: shells are easier to remove when warm.
  5. Cut the eggs in half horizontally, not from top to bottom. If needed, trim the bottom of each egg so it can stand upright on a plate or dish.
  6. Remove the yolk to a separate bowl. Place the whites on a serving platter.
  7. With a hand mixer, beat or hand-mash together the yolks, mayonnaise, horseradish, garlic, tomato paste, hot sauce, lemon juice, celery seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  8. Spread Old Bay seasoning onto a small plate. Tip the cut edges of the egg whites into the seasoning.
  9. Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture into the rimmed egg whites. To garnish, spear a sliced pickle, a slice of bacon, and a cherry tomato on a toothpick and top the egg with it. Slide celery leaves into the yolk mixture. Keep eggs refrigerated until they are ready to serve.

Candied Jalapeño Pickled Eggs

Dinner Ideas April 7, 2026 Leave a comment
Pickled eggs with jalapeño slices and onions in a glass jar on a wooden table.
These zesty pickled eggs are infused with jalapeños and spices for a flavorful, rustic snack.

Embark on a flavor adventure with candied jalapeño pickled eggs—a delightful fusion of spicy, sweet, and tangy! This fun culinary project transforms ordinary eggs into a vibrant, zesty treat that’s perfect for snacking or garnishing your favorite dishes. The magic happens in a jar: slices of fiery jalapeños are combined with a sweet syrup made from sugar, tangy vinegar, and aromatic spices. As the eggs soak in this flavorful brine, they absorb the spicy-sweet goodness, developing a unique taste profile that balances heat with a touch of sweetness. The result is a colorful, eye-catching snack that offers a burst of flavor with every bite.

Ingredients

  • 10 eggs
  • 1 medium sweet onion, sliced thin (a mandolin slicer is a perfect tool for this job)
  • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground Turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup sliced Jalapeños

Process

  1. Place eggs in a large pot of water making sure they are fully submerged. Bring water to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 11 minutes.
  2. First, drain the hot water and put the eggs in cold water. When they are cool enough to handle, peel off the shells. Do not put the eggs in the fridge, as they are easier to peel when warm.
  3. Wearing gloves, slice the jalapeño peppers about ¼ inch thick. Leave the seeds if you want more heat.
  4. In a large pot, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugars, seasonings and jalapeños, heat until sugars are dissolved and the jalapenos are tender.
  5. Remove jalapeños from the hot brine with a slotted spoon.
  6. Layer eggs, and jalapeños in a jar using a spoon to layer the jalapenos between the eggs.
  7. Pour the hot brine over the eggs to fill the jar up to 1/4-inch headspace.
  8. Let sit for 30 minutes before adding the lid.
  9. Secure the lid and place in the refrigerator when eggs cool to room temperature.  

Will last 3 to 4 months in the refrigerator. Let eggs pickle for 7 days to develop flavor.

Bloody Mary Pickled Eggs

Dinner Ideas April 6, 2026 Leave a comment
Mason jar labeled 'Bloody Mary Pickled Eggs' filled with red eggs, celery, and lemon in brine.

Embark on a flavor adventure with the delightful art of making Bloody Mary Pickled Eggs! This fun culinary project combines the savory richness of traditional pickled eggs with the bold, spicy kick of a classic Bloody Mary cocktail. Perfect for brunch tables, snack platters, or a quirky gift, these eggs are sure to impress and amuse your friends. When ready to serve, enjoy these eggs as a savory snack, garnish for cocktails, or a unique addition to salads. Their striking appearance and complex flavor profile make them a conversation starter and a fun twist on traditional pickled eggs. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and enjoy the deliciously bold results of your Bloody Mary Pickled gs adventure! *Just a reminder all of my recipes can be found at www.kitchenmoxy.com; where they can be searched and printed.

Ingredients

  • 10 eggs
  • 1 medium sweet onion, sliced thin (a mandolin slicer is a perfect tool for this job)
  • 1 cup Bloody Mary Mix
  • 1 cup white distilled vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon minced Garlic
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 1 Jalapeño pepper, sliced
  • 10 drops red food coloring (optional) try ¼ cup beet juice

Process

  1. Place eggs in a large pot of water making sure they are fully submerged. Bring water to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 11 minutes.
  2. First, drain the hot water and put the eggs in cold water. When they are cool enough to handle, peel off the shells. Do not refrigerate, shells are easier to peel when warm.
  3. Wearing gloves, slice the jalapeño peppers about ¼ inch thick. Leave the seeds if you want more heat.
  4. In a large pot, combine the Bloody Mary Mix, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic, celery seed, red pepper flakes, salt, bay leaves and food coloring.  
  5. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the mixture is fully incorporated and salt is dissolved. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
  6. Pour the hot brine over the eggs to fill the jar up to 1/4-inch headspace.
  7. Let sit for 30 minutes before adding the lid.
  8. Secure the lid and place in the refrigerator when eggs cool to room temperature. 

Will last 3 to 4 months in the refrigerator. Let eggs pickle for 7 days to develop flavor.

Toasted Almond & Swiss Party Spread

Appetizers February 6, 2026 Leave a comment

This appetizer from the 1980s is made with toasted almonds to enhance the Swiss cheese flavor. It is usually served with crackers, toasted bread cut-outs, or fresh vegetables. Retro appetizers often use traditional ingredients in recipes that are still enjoyed today. They are perfect for themed parties or gatherings that want a nostalgic feeling. These appetizers combine history, good taste, and social fun, making them popular for celebrations that appreciate the past but are also modern.

Ingredients

  • 1 8oz package cream cheese
  • 1-1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1/3 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing, or mayonnaise
  • 3 thinly sliced scallions
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (fresh if possible)
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted (see how to toast below)

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, onions, pepper and nutmeg. Stir in the Swiss cheese. Transfer to small ovenproof glass bowl. Sprinkle 1/2 of the almonds on top.
  3. Bake for 7 minutes. Stir, and bake for an additional 8 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining almonds on top and serve.
  4. Serve warm with crackers, toasted rye bread slices or vegetables to scoop the dip.

To Toast Almonds

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the almonds in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
  3. Bake the almonds for 11 to 12 minutes for whole almonds, or about 8 minutes for sliced or slivered almonds. 
  4. Stir the almonds halfway through to ensure even toasting. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
  5. Once they are brown and fragrant, remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.

Tirokafteri Dip (Spicy Feta Dip)

appetizer, Dips November 23, 2025 Leave a comment

Ingredients

  • 1 (8 ounce) package feta cheese, crumbled well
  • 2 jalapeno peppers or chili peppers, stem, seeds & membranes removed
  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons sweet red pepper paste (Optional)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, mashed (Optional)
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Process

  1. Place feta cheese in a large bowl.
  2. Place green peppers in a food processor and blend into a paste, transfer to the bowl of feta.
  3. Add Greek yogurt, olive oil, red pepper paste, vinegar, garlic, and cayenne pepper to the dip. Stir until well blended, and smooth.
  4. Garnish with chopped red bell pepper, chopped chilies, or sliced olives.

Serve with chips or raw vegetables such as cucumber slices, green or red pepper chunks, any crusty bread.

Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball

Dinner Ideas November 20, 2025 Leave a comment

Ingredients

  • 2 8-ounce blocks of cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 10 slices applewood smoked bacon (cooked crisp and chopped)
  • 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced
  • ½ cup scallions, chopped

Process

  1. Beat cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper with a hand mixer until smooth.
  2. Add in 1-1/2 cups of grated cheddar cheese, half of the cooked bacon, half of the minced jalapeño peppers, half the green onions and fold gently until mixed. The remainder of these ingredients will be used for the coating.
  3. Shape the cheese mixture into a ball, using plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight to blend flavors.
  4. In a bowl mix the remainder of the cheddar cheese, bacon, jalapeño pepper and green onions. Refrigerate.
  5. 20 minutes before serving, unwrap cheese ball and roll into the leftover topping mixture to coat entirely.