Is it just us or do basically all Valentine’s Day recipes involve sugar and red food dye? We’re all for a little indulgence, but if you and your S.O. want some actual food on Valentine’s Day too, we’ve got you covered with these quick and easy Valentine’s appetizers. Get fancy with sweet potato bruschetta, turn up the heat with some sweet pepper nachos, or fall in love with chocolate-covered jerky.
Flying solo this Valentine’s Day? These healthy apps are just the thing to treat ya self and your body.
Spice it Up with Country Archer
Nothing says romantic appetizer for two like a spread of artisanal meats and cheeses. Check out our guide to building the perfect charcuterie board for two (without overspending) to make a mouthwatering mini spread. Give your board a little Valentine’s flair by including fresh-cut strawberries, raspberry or strawberry jams, and a piece or two of dark chocolate. Spice it up with Country Archer Mango Habanero Beef Jerky or Crushed Red Pepper Beef Jerky.
Heart-Shaped Avocado Salad
Photo from A Spicy Perspective
Are heart-shaped foods a little too cutesy for adults? Maybe… but it’s in a salad, which has to count for some adulting points, right? Avocado hearts and vibrant red pomegranate seeds instantly transform your run-of-the-mill starter salad into an easy romantic appetizer for Valentine’s Day. And while you’re at it, we definitely recommend throwing together the lemon poppy seed dressing too! It’s delish and free of refined sugars and processed oil.
Mini Cheese Balls
Photo from Taste of Home
These super simple mini cheese balls look extra fancy on a platter, but they come together in just a few minutes. Sub the crackers for veggies and strips of beef jerky to stay keto or grain free.
Chocolate Covered Jerky
Chocolate-covered bacon has been a thing for a while now, and we thought Valentine’s Day was the perfect opportunity to kick this sweet and savory appetizer up a notch. Enter chocolate covered jerky. All you’ll need is:
- Your favorite Country Archer Jerky (we recommend Original or Sweet Chipotle for a smoky spice)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- Optional toppings: flaked sea salt, sesame seeds, or raw honey to drizzle
Melt your chocolate chips in the microwave (1 - 2 minutes should do the trick), dip the jerky slices, add your toppings, and place on parchment paper to set. Boom – easy and gourmet af.
Sweet Potato Bruschetta
Photo from What Great Grandma Ate
Is it even an appetizer list if we don’t include bruschetta? This paleo-friendly take on classic bruschetta looks gorgeous and is way cheaper than fancy gluten-free breads.
Keto Mini Pepper Nachos
Photo from All Day I Dream About Food
Sweet mini peppers make the perfect keto-friendly nacho. Load them up with grass-fed taco meat, sour cream, and guac for something filling, or just stick to a little melted cheese if you want something lighter. To make it even more Valentines-y, arrange two slices next to each other and melt cheese over the top to create a heart.
Bacon Hearts
Photo from The Spruce Eats
It doesn’t get any easier than this heart-shaped bacon. Crisp them up for your V-Day breakfast or just as a romantic appetizer before your Valentine’s dinner. Because bacon is romantic, and if anyone says otherwise… well, you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life anyway. Thank u, next.
