Southwest Salsa Rice Bites Appetizer Recipes

WARM SOUTHWEST SALSA WITH TORTILLA CHIPS

Steps:

• Lightly spray 1 1/2-quart round microwavable casserole with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except cheese, tortilla chips and cilantro. Spoon into casserole. Sprinkle cheese evenly over top.
• Microwave uncovered on High 5 to 7 minutes or until warm. Sprinkle with cilantro. Place casserole on large round platter; surround with tortilla chips. Serve immediately. (Salsa will be saucy; serve with slotted spoon.)

SOUTHWEST SALSA RICE BITES APPETIZER

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 Degrees.
• Stir together 1½ cups cooked white or brown rice, 1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese, 1 beaten egg, 1/3 cup salsa, 1/4 cup sour cream and salt and pepper to taste.
• Spray 24 mini muffin pan or mini bar pan with nonstick cooking spray and press equal amounts of rice mixture into each cup.
• Top with 1/3 cup crumbled tortilla chips and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until tops are lightly browned.
• Top with salsa, sour cream and cilantro leaves.

SOUTHWEST SPANAKOPITA BITES

Steps:

• In a small skillet, saute red pepper and onion in oil until tender. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in 1/2 cup spinach (save the rest for another use). Stir in the cheese, corn, beans, jalapeno, cumin, chili powder and salt., Place 1 sheet of phyllo dough on a work surface with a short end facing you. (Keep remaining phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.) Spray sheet with butter-flavored spray; cut into three 14x3-in. strips. , Place a scant tablespoon of filling on lower corner of each strip. Fold dough over filling, forming a triangle. Fold triangle up, then over, forming another triangle. Continue folding, like a flag, until you come to the end of the strip. , Spritz end of dough with spray and press onto triangle to seal. Turn triangle and spritz top with spray. Repeat with remaining phyllo and filling. , Place triangles on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° until golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile, mash avocado with the mayonnaise, sour cream and vinegar. Serve with warm appetizers.

SOUTHWESTERN APPETIZER TRIANGLES

Steps:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the beef, onion, salt and pepper until meat is no longer pink, 5-7 minutes; crumble beef; drain. Add the beans, cheese, salsa and jalapenos. Cook and stir over low heat until the cheese is melted. Remove from the heat; cool for 10 minutes., Place a teaspoonful of beef mixture in the center of 1 wonton wrapper. Moisten edges with water. (Keep remaining wrappers covered with a damp paper towel until ready to use.) Fold wonton in half, forming a triangle; press edges to seal. Repeat., In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry wontons, a few at a time, until golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm with additional salsa.