Make Ahead And Freeze Appetizers

For years, my family has this go-to recipe for family gatherings or potlucks that everyone loves and thinks is awesome.  I always let them believe it's so fancy, difficult, and time-consuming; well, surprise! They're not.  If they were, they wouldn't be something I'd be bringing to gatherings all the time, now would they?

These appetizers can be made with either shrimp or crab and frozen until you need them. For 48 pieces of appetizers, you'll need: 

One 6-package of English muffins

one stick margarine, softened 

one tablespoon mayonnaise

one teaspoon dill weed

one half teaspoon garlic powder 

one six ounce can crab or shrimp (your choice)

one jar Kraft Old English Spread

Split English muffins in half crosswise and place on cookie sheet. Open the can of crab and drain thoroughly. Place in mixing bowl with remaining ingredients and combine using electric mixer until completely incorporated.  Mixture should resemble a thick paste. 

Using one tablespoon measuring scoop, put 1-1/2 scoop on each muffin half and spread evenly to the edges of each muffin. 

 Cut each muffin half into quarters BEFORE freezing (very important to cut before freezing - they're very hard to cut afterwards!)

After freezing, they can be stored in a zipper-type freezer bag until you're ready to party!  (Note*** If you're making these the day of your party, you STILL WANT TO FREEZE THEM before baking because otherwise the cheese will melt all over your cookie sheet when you bake them. So go ahead and plan ahead - then you'll have time for the manicure the day of the party!)

Once the date of your shindig arrives, place the desired number of pieces on your cookie sheet, bake from frozen at 350 degrees for 20-22 minutes (until golden and crispy) and enjoy the compliments! 

Also, these are great for unexpected guests or when you want a snack yourself when dinner's delayed or just a little something with your glass of wine before dinner.  Because you've frozen them on the cookie sheet, they don't stick together and you can pull out as many or as few as you want to make at a time. However many you make, I have *yet* to have any leftovers!

Well, I hope you enjoy these tasty treats from my house to yours. Simple food that people will say "Can I get the recipe for..." while you  make them think you slaved for hours! Shhh! It's our secret!