Frozen foods often get a bad rap, but they can be an excellent solution for grabbing a quick bite, entertaining guests, or sating hunger before dinner. Frozen finger food variety also help satisfy the popularity of small plates and sharing platters in-home and away-from-home dining.
Chicken Wings
It’s safe to say that the humble chicken wing is an American icon. The wings are easily shareable and the perfect complement to a pitcher of beer, making them popular at bars and other venues for watching sporting events. The Spruce Eats reports that the super-popular snack was invented out of convenience. According to legend, a New York eating establishment named Anchor Bar created Buffalo wings after its owner, Teressa Bellissimo, accidentally received them instead of other chicken parts and wanted to avoid wasting the food.
Frozen party foods have gained much from the COVID-19 pandemic as more consumers look for smaller plates and informal dining options. Restaurants have also embraced this trend, with more sharing platters and small dishes appearing on menus across the commercial catering sector.
Producers have noted and expanded their range of frozen finger food varieties to cater to the shift in consumer eating habits. Central Foods, for example, offers a selection of bao buns, which can be filled with sweet and savoury fillings and gyoza. In addition, the brand has a variety of authentic thaw-and-serve canapes, including a vegan cocktail selection.
Frozen finger foods can be a healthy choice for busy lifestyles and provide a range of tasty and convenient options. They’re high in animal proteins, which the human body needs to thrive – but they’re almost carbohydrate-free and packed with vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc.
Taquitos
A staple among frozen finger foods, taquitos can be partnered as a snack, appetizer, or lunch. They are a convenient and healthy option that can be made in simple steps. Taquitos are usually rolled corn tortillas filled with ingredients like beef, chicken, beans, and cheese, then fried. Some brands also add a little spice or seasoning for extra flavour.
Taquitos are a popular choice as a quick meal or snack for kids. They are quick to prepare and can be served with various toppings, including salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. They are also available at many food service outlets like Costco, which sells them in large quantities. For more information about the frozen finger food variety, click here.
If you have ever been to a Mexican restaurant and seen a plate of taquitos, flautas or enchiladas on the menu, chances are you’ve gotten them confused because they all look similar at a glance. However, the main difference between taquitos and flautas is that taquitos are rolled tightly with one end pinched shut, while flautas use burrito-size flour tortillas that are rolled loosely and only have one open lot.
To prepare taquitos, simply heat oil in a frying pan until it is hot enough to start browning the edges of the tortilla. Place the taquitos in the pan seam side down and fry them until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You can also bake taquitos by brushing each with vegetable or olive oil and bake in the oven until they are crispy and golden.
Egg Rolls
Frozen finger foods are a convenient way to make appetizers and snacks for parties and get-togethers. They are often made of various ingredients and can be made in advance and stored for later use. Consumers are also interested in finding finger food options that are healthy and low in calories.
Egg rolls are fried, savoury rolls that contain a mix of meat and vegetables (usually cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts) in a wheat flour-based wrapper formed into tiny bubbles when fried. They are similar to spring rolls but a heavier, heartier option that can be served fried and fresh.
These veggie egg rolls from 365 by Whole Foods are an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy their favourite appetizer without the extra fat or calories in many conventional versions. They are free of MSG, have a high calcium count, and come with a scannable QR code that links to helpful cooking and nutritional tips.
These egg rolls are filled with spinach, mozzarella cheese, shredded chicken, corn, bell peppers, and a blend of Southwest spices. They are also gluten-free and can be baked in the oven instead of frying. If baking, place the egg rolls on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping the egg rolls halfway through cooking time.
Meatballs
As a staple in any freezer, meatballs are versatile, portable, and easy to prepare. They can be dropped straight from the freezer into a pot of red sauce or steamed and served with pasta. Consider adding them to soups, stews, and casseroles. Almost any meat can be used for making them, but beef is the most common. It’s essential to choose a high-quality beef with a good fat content and to season the meat with salt and pepper before mixing. For more information about the frozen finger food variety, click here.