Easy, Peasy, & Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re bringing a dish to a gathering or hosting your own soirée, a delicious appetizer can quickly make you the star of the show. We caught up with the experts — the chefs behind some of Nashville’s most impressive menus — to help you wow the crowd at your next event. Here are mouth-watering party favorites from four Nashville chefs.

Baked Pecan Pimento Cheese with Nashville Hot Crackers

Chef Shannon Williams, the talent behind TENN in downtown Nashville’s Holston House, is known for lacing her Southern dishes with a modern flair. Her Baked Pecan Pimento Cheese with Nashville Hot Crackers is a perfect party dish, also available on TENN’s menu.

“Make a pecan pimento cheese with white cheddar and goat cheese and bake it in a cast iron skillet,” said Chef Shannon. “Once out of the oven, top with your favorite strawberry preserves and toasted pecans. Personally, I prefer a jam with a kick, so I suggest a strawberry jalapeño jam for that sweet-salty-spicy taste. This is a fun Southern treat to share at a summer BBQ or family gathering.”

Smoked Brie with Crusty Bread

Down in Franklin, the Harpeth Hotel’s executive chef, Thomas Tuggle, shared a cheesy favorite that’s equal parts easy and impressive. Place your preferred brie cheese into a cast iron pot and pop it in a smoker for about 20 minutes. Afterward, top with your favorite accouterments.

“In summer, I might top it with corn, tomatoes and a splash of red wine vinegar. In the wintertime, I like to bring the spice with some grilled chiles and add green onions for flair,” shared Chef Thomas.

Stuffed Sausage Roll-Ups

Chef Kristin Beringson, a Chopped champion and current executive chef at Henley inside the Kimpton Aertson Hotel, shared a recipe that doubles as a hearty appetizer and a breakfast favorite.

“I use Pillsbury crescent roll dough, and cook off a filling of Jimmy Dean sausage, green onion and Philadelphia cream cheese with a bit of Slap Ya Mama Seasoning,” Chef Kristin shared. “After cooking my filling, I place a little in each crescent triangle and roll. Bake at the indicated temperature of the tube, and you’ve got a savory treat! I like to top mine with a little more green onion and serve with some Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce for dipping. It’s tasty, easy and low-mess — all of which are the reasons it’s my go-to party appetizer!”

Crispy Stuffed Olives

The chef behind Noelle’s Makeready L&L, Chris Neff, shared a crowd-pleasing recipe for hearty stuffed olives. Start with rinsed olives and stuff with Italian sausage, then dredge in an assembly line of flour, whisked eggs and bread crumbs. Refrigerate for an hour, then bake in a 425-degree oven or air fryer for 12-14 minutes.

Chef Chris shared, “These olives are one of my favorite crowd-pleasers. They’re super easy to prep ahead of time, and they have a great balance of heat, salt and crunch — perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail with your favorite people."