10 New Year’s Appetizer Ideas with Meats and Sausages
Ready to ring in 2021? Appetizers are a well-loved, time-honored holiday tradition – but there's no rule that says they have to be limited to cheese, vegetables, or bread. This year, take your appetizers to the next level with dishes centered around premium grass-fed meats and hand-tied sausage from Lodi's best butcher.
1. Bacon-wrapped Sausage Bites
Wrap smoky Andouille hand-tied sausage links in bacon, then chop them up and skewer with toothpicks. Sprinkle with brown sugar and bake at 400° until the sausage is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
2. BBQ Chicken Bites
This appetizer couldn't be any easier! Cut our Honey BBQ or Honey Chipotle chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, slather on your favorite barbecue sauce, and serve on toothpicks.
3. Pigs in a Blanket
Gourmet meats and sausage don't necessarily have to mean fancy – sometimes gool old fashioned standbys are the best appetizers. Elevate this beloved classic by using Old-Fashioned Beef Frankfurters wrapped in crescent roll dough. Serve with dips like spicy brown mustard and beer cheese.
4. Chorizo Meatballs
Another super-simple recipe, chorizo meatballs only require that you swap our Smoked Spanish Pork Chorizo in for standard sausage in your favorite meatball recipe. The spicy, smoky flavors in the chorizo will impress your guests and make them think you slaved in the kitchen!
5. Sausage-Stuffed Jalapenos
If you and your guests enjoy foods with a kick, sausage-stuffed jalapenos will be a big hit. Any of our sausage flavors will work, but we recommend using Pineapple or Apple Sausage. The subtle sweetness balances extremely well with the heat of the jalapenos and the richness of the cheese.
6. Steak Bites
Steak bites are elegant and impressive, yet almost completely effortless. Choose from our grass-fed meats, including Yukon Gold marinated tri-tip or Italian marinated flank steak, then just sear and serve.
7. Pineapple & Sausage Skewers
This sweet and savory flavor combo is always a crowd-pleaser. Layer slices of fresh pineapple and Pineapple Sausage (or any flavor you choose!) on toothpicks then serve – easy as can be!
8. Sausage Balls
The only way classic sausage balls could get any better is making them with premium hand-tied sausage. You can stick with the traditional smoked sausage flavor, but why not mix things up and instead use spicy Linguica or even Jalapeno Jack pork sausage?
9. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are another traditional appetizer that just about everyone loves – even people who think they don't like mushrooms! To put your own twist on it, simply use our customer-favorite Alabama or Cheesy Cheddar Sausage in your favorite recipe.
10. Chicken Meatballs
These tasty treats are unexpected, impressive, and unbelievably simple – choose one of our nine marinated chicken breast flavors, then have it ground in our gourmet meats and sausage shop. Sauté or stick them in the slow cooker and serve with your favorite sauce.
Lakewood Meats & Sausage takes tremendous pride in being known as Lodi's best butcher. Give us a call at (209) 369-1122 or stop by Monday through Saturday to order your holiday gourmet meats and sausage. We also want to see what appetizers you come up with, so be sure to connect with us on our Facebook page or tag us on Instagram @lakewoodmeats!