5 Bite-Sized Appetizers You Can Make in a Mini Muffin Tin

We dare you to eat just one.

Goat Cheese Tartlets with Fig-Balsamic Compote
Photo: Heather Meldrom

Who says a muffin tin is only for making blueberry muffins and birthday cupcakes? With a little creativity, you can make all kinds of excellent bite-sized appetizers in muffin tins.

And if you're hesitating because you don't want to scrub it afterward, take it from us: There's actually an easy way to clean a muffin pan. Pimento mac and cheese bites, anyone? Yes, please.

01 of 05

Polenta Bites with Bacon, Dates, and Blue Cheese

Polenta Bites with Bacon, Dates, and Blue Cheese
Heather Meldrom

A perfect combination of sweet, salty, and savory, these little polenta bites are sure to please. The polenta cups can be made up to two days in advance before filling and broiling. Simply cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap before refrigerating to keep them from drying out, and then uncover it just prior to filling.

Get the recipe: Polenta Bites with Bacon, Dates, and Blue Cheese

02 of 05

Mini Herb Frittatas

Mini Herb Frittatas
Heather Meldrom

It's easy to mix it up with these mini frittatas. Swap finely grated cheese or minced ham for the shallot. Or use feta in place of the shallot and chopped fresh oregano for the thyme. As long as you keep the mix-in ingredient amount to roughly ¾ cup, the possibilities are endless.

Get the recipe: Mini Herb Frittatas

03 of 05

Pimento Mac and Cheese Bites

Pimento Mac and Cheese Bites
Heather Meldrom

These pimento-flecked mac and cheese bites combine two comfort food favorites in one tiny package. Sharp cheddar cheese lends the mixture a rich, bold flavor, but if you'd like to add an even more "grown-up" edge, try swapping smoked Spanish paprika (pimento) for the cayenne.

Get the recipe: Pimento Mac and Cheese Bites

04 of 05

Mini Crab Cakes with Lemon-Chive Mayonnaise

Mini Crab Cakes with Lemon-Chive Mayonnaise
Heather Meldrom

Adding a dollop of bright, springy citrus mayo gives these diminutive crab cakes an elegant finish. And while baking breadcrumb-coated items in the oven can sometimes lead to uneven browning, toasting the panko breadcrumbs in a skillet ahead of time ensures they stay golden and delicious.

Get the recipe: Mini Crab Cakes with Lemon-Chive Mayonnaise

05 of 05

Goat Cheese Tartlets with Fig-Balsamic Compote

Goat Cheese Tartlets with Fig-Balsamic Compote
Heather Meldrom

These classy one-bite nibbles are packed with creamy goat cheese and kissed with a tangy drizzle of balsamic. If microgreens are too fussy for your purposes, simply sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the tartlets rather than folding them into the compote.

Get the recipe: Goat Cheese Tartlets with Fig-Balsamic Compote

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