These easy snack hacks take just TWO ingredients! All you need is pesto and cheese to create some of the most delicious quick and easy recipes for snacking. Perfect for a quick bite, or combine a few to make a stunning charcuterie board style presentation to easily feed a crowd.
This post is sponsored by Buitoni. All recipes, tips, and opinions are cooked up right here at Easy Family Recipes.
Pesto Snack Hacks – The EASY Way!
Something as easy as combining two ingredients feels too easy to call a recipe, but they are so delicious, they need to be shared! We have dubbed these Pesto Snack Hacks because they are perfect when you need a little snack, or something quick to throw together for a crowd.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Only 2 ingredients!
- Takes only minutes from start to finish
- A variety of flavors makes options endless!
- There are both kid friendly options and options for more grown up palates!
How to Serve it
These are so quick and easy that you can make them any time! Each snack can be a standalone dish, or you can combine them into a charcuterie board style presentation to feed a group, or have an impressive offering to bring to a potluck or gathering.
Her are a few things you can serve with the pesto snacks to make a charcuterie board
- Crackers
- Sliced baguettes
- Mini sweet peppers
- Celery sticks
- Pretzels
- Nuts
- Dried fruits
You can choose one or add a few options to make a wholesome, well rounded spread.
Recipe Notes
These snack hack recipes are simple as promised! Just two ingredients + minutes for a family friendly snack.
We make all of these using Buitoni Pesto. I have recommended their pesto for almost anything I have been cooking because of the fresh flavor and simple ingredients!
They make a variety of flavors now, each one so delicious that it is hard to decide a favorite! I am using three different varieties today to show you many ways to use them.
Cream Cheese Pesto
This is my absolute FAVORITE! All you need is softened or whipped cream cheese and Buitoni Basil Pesto. Mixing these together makes a magical combo that is so versatile! You can eat it hot or cold as a dip with veggies, crackers or chips. Also it makes a fantastic spread for sandwiches or bagels.
Roasted Red Pepper Goat Cheese
This combo is one I could eat all day long! For this snack hack you just take goat cheese and spoon Buitoni Spicy Red Pepper Pesto over the top. You can make it straight from the fridge but if you think ahead a bit, I love to let the goat cheese come to room temperature so that it is nice and soft.
The Red Pepper Goat Cheese can also be served as a dip with veggies, crackers or chips or as a spread for sandwiches.
Pesto Marinated Mozzarella
If you have followed my site for long, you may know how much I love marinated mozzarella. I have a homemade recipe I love, but when I am in a time crunch, my go to shortcut for making marinated mozzarella is just stirring together fresh mozzarella balls with classic Buitoni Basil Pesto! So easy and SO DELICIOUS!
You can eat these with a toothpick, put them on a cheese board, or I love topping a salad with them. Mix up the style by using different flavors of pesto too!
Spinach Artichoke Pesto Dip
Almost all of the Buitoni pesto flavors are so great by themselves, that they are absolutely dip worthy, but the Spinach & Artichoke Pesto is my favorite for this! All you do for the snack hack is transfer it to a serving dish, then garnish it with some freshly shredded parmesan cheese.
You can serve this hot or cold, and it makes a fantastic dip for chips, pita bread, or crunchy veggies! You can also use it as a spread on breads or sandwiches.
Pesto Snack Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making these easy snacks, then it is your lucky day! They save well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Sandwiches- Spread the pesto cheese combo on sandwich bread and top with meat, cheese, lettuce, etc. for a flavor burst on your sandwich.
- Salad- Use pesto marinated mozzarella on salads.
- Wraps- Spread the cheeses inside a wrap. Add grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, and onion.
- Quesadillas- Spread inside a tortilla and cook in a buttered skillet until each side is golden brown and the cheese is warm and melty.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
If you enjoyed these recipe hacks, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my Easy Appetizer recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- Baked Turkey Cheese Sliders
- Black Bean and Corn Salsa
- LOADED Taco Dip
- Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Pesto Snack Hacks
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Pesto
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons Buitoni Basil Pesto
Red Pepper Goat Cheese
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons Buitoni Spicy Red Pepper Pesto
Pesto Marinated Mozzarella
- 8 ounces mozzarella balls
- 2 tablespoons Buitoni Basil Pesto
Spinach Artichoke Dip
- 7 ounces Buitoni Spinach & Artichoke Pesto
- 1 tablespoon shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cream Cheese Pesto
- Combine the softened cream cheese and basil pesto and stir vigorously until completely blended.
Red Pepper Goat Cheese
- Remove goat cheese from package and place on parchment paper (optional to make it less messy.) Spoon spicy red pepper pesto over the top of the goat cheese.
Pesto Marinated Mozzarella
- Place the mozzarella balls in a bowl. If they are in water or oil, make sure they are drained well. Spoon pesto over top and toss until evenly coated.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Transfer spinach artichoke pesto to a serving dish and garnish with shredded parmesan cheese.
Recipe Notes
- Crackers
- Sliced baguettes
- Mini sweet peppers
- Celery sticks
- Pretzels
- Nuts
- Dried fruits
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