Everyone needs a super-simple snack recipe in their files, whether it’s for an impromptu get-together, an evening of board games with friends, or a championship game; this is mine. In the mood for something different? After marinating, pulse the entire mixture in a food processor until smooth, and serve with firm crackers for an amazing cheese spread.

Marinated Party Cheese

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces soft cheese (I prefer Montrachet-style goat cheese, but fresh mozzarella works just as well)
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained, if oil-packed)
• 1 cup black olives
• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/4 cup fresh basil chiffonade
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

Roughly chop cheese, tomatoes, and olives. Gently toss all ingredients in a large bowl until well-combined. Cover and marinate in refrigerator at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight. Serve with your favorite bread or crackers.

Serves 10.

Looking for more easy party food? This recipe, and others like it, will appear in the Game Night Party Event hosted by Fun and Food.

For a super-easy treat that will wow your guests, serve homemade baked tortilla chips. This dish is so simple, it doesn’t even need an ingredient list!

Baked Tortilla Chips

Heat 1 cup water to boiling and add 1/3 cup salt. Stir until salt has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Brush both sides of a dozen corn tortillas with oil. Stack tortillas and slice into triangles. Lay oiled chips in a single layer on a baking sheet and cook in a preheated 400 degree oven until crispy and golden. While chips are baking, move cooled salt solution to a spray bottle. Immediately after removing chips from oven, spritz lightly with salt water. Serve warm with your favorite salsa.

Variation 1: Lime Chips

Replace 1/2 cup of the water with freshly squeezed lime juice. Goes great with beer!

Variation 2: Spicy Chips

Stir a shot (or several, depending on taste) of hot sauce into the salt water before spraying. Be sure to warn your guests if it’s super-hot!

Image byThe Rocketeer.