Easy refrigerator-free appetizer ideas?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2011
Easy refrigerator-free appetizer ideas?
Tue, 03-12-2013 - 2:19pm

We are moving soon and have a number of goodbye gatherings to attend. Everyone tells us not to bring something but that feels wrong. I need an easy idea for an appetizer that doesn't involve cheese or meat and doesn't require me to have a refrigerator to store any ingredients in prior. Ideally, it would even not require a stove. (As we get closer, I have less bakeware and appliances readily available.) Any unique ideas? I want to do more than crackers and dip and so many dips that are not store-bought require refrigeration. (I could buy and be totally lazy but I am a baker by trade!)

Thank you for helping a frazzled moving lady!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-16-2004
Tue, 03-12-2013 - 3:19pm

What about bringing  fresh figs, melon cubes and grapes?  These are fruits that works well with savoury dishes. 

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2002
Wed, 03-13-2013 - 11:20am

Wow, this is a tough one.   Nothing that spoils.... hmmm...

Summer sausage/salami and crackers?   Mixed nuts?   An assortment of olives and pickles with some crackers?  

How about those Ranch flavored oyster crackers?   Not sure if they are baked.

Spicy pretzels look easy, but uses an oven:
Spicy Pretzels-I use
1/4 lb. Pretzels
1 1/4 cup Canola oil (like Wesson)
3 pkgs Hidden Valley Ranch Original Dressing
2 tbsp garlic POWDER (It is plenty salty)
3 tsp cayenne pepper

  1. Put pretzels in a roaster pan.  (or 13x9 pan will work)  Mix together the Crisco oil, dressing mix, salt and cayenne pepper.
  2. Pour over pretzels.  Toss thoroughly!  Bake at 200* for 1 1/2- 2 hours.  Stir about every 20 minutes.

 photo BeachChairsRed.jpg

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-21-2013
Thu, 03-21-2013 - 12:36pm

Those are some great ideas! I was going to suggest a fondue. There are a couple of cheeses that are shelf-stable for short periods of time (can't remember the names right now) and dipping stuff doesn't have to be refrigerated either. I even made chocolate fondue once using the host's microwave and dipped marshmallows, melon and popcorn balls in it.