3 Easy Party Snacks You Need to Try: Mac and Cheese Burger Soup + Cheesy Turkey Pinwheels!

Introduction

When it comes to hosting a party, the snacks you serve can make or break the event. You want something that’s not only delicious but also easy to make and fun to eat. That’s why we’ve put together three easy party snacks that are sure to be a hit with your guests: Mac and Cheese Burger Soup, Cheesy Turkey Pinwheels, and a bonus snack to round out your party platter. These snacks are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a casual get-together with friends. The best part? They’re all made with everyday ingredients and require minimal effort, so you can focus on enjoying the party with your guests.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: Each of these snacks combines flavors that are both familiar and exciting, using ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: From start to finish, these snacks can be prepared in no time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you need something quick and delicious.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite their simplicity, these snacks are sure to impress your guests with their flavor and presentation, making them perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese Burger Soup:

• 1 pound macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheesy Turkey Pinwheels:

• 1 package of large tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cooked turkey
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Mac and Cheese Burger Soup – Start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Add the Burger Element – In a separate pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent. Then, add this mixture to the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine.
3. Step 3: Prepare the Cheesy Turkey Pinwheels – In a large bowl, mix together the shredded turkey, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Lay a tortilla flat and spread a quarter of the turkey mixture onto the center of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the tortilla up tightly and slice in half. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
4. Step 4: Serve and Enjoy – Serve the Mac and Cheese Burger Soup hot, garnished with additional parsley or paprika if desired. Offer the Cheesy Turkey Pinwheels on the side, perfect for dipping into the soup or enjoying on their own.

Handy Tips

• For an extra creamy soup, add more cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
• Use leftover turkey from a holiday meal to make the pinwheels, or substitute with chicken for a different flavor.
• Experiment with different types of cheese in both recipes to find your favorite combinations.

Heat Control

When cooking the ground beef for the Mac and Cheese Burger Soup, make sure to cook it over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks, until it is no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. For the soup, simmer the cheese sauce over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens, which should take about 10 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil, as it can cause the cheese to separate.

Crunch Factor

To add a crunch factor to your snacks, consider topping the Mac and Cheese Burger Soup with crispy bacon bits or crushed crackers. For the Cheesy Turkey Pinwheels, serve them with a side of crunchy vegetables like carrots or celery sticks for a satisfying crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a high-quality cheese for the best flavor in both snacks.
• Prepare the turkey filling for the pinwheels ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
• For a shortcut, use pre-cooked macaroni or pre-shredded cheese to save time on preparation.

Storage Tips

• Store any leftover Mac and Cheese Burger Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking constantly, until warmed through.
• Prepare the Cheesy Turkey Pinwheels up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting these snacks, such as taking them to a potluck or giving them as a hostess gift, consider packaging them in decorative jars or containers. For the Mac and Cheese Burger Soup, fill a large mason jar with the soup and top with a layer of shredded cheese and a sprinkle of paprika. For the Cheesy Turkey Pinwheels, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a decorative tin or basket.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Mac and Cheese Burger Soup for a spicy kick, or use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Creative toppings: Top the Cheesy Turkey Pinwheels with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or sliced avocado for added flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: Substitute the ground beef in the soup with ground turkey or vegetarian black beans for a different twist.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the Mac and Cheese Burger Soup becomes too thick, whisk in a little more milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have cheddar cheese, you can substitute it with another sharp cheese like Parmesan or Gruyère.
• Over/undercooking signs: Make sure to cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, and cook the macaroni until it’s al dente to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze both the Mac and Cheese Burger Soup and the Cheesy Turkey Pinwheels. For the soup, cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. For the pinwheels, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
• Is it gluten-free? The Mac and Cheese Burger Soup contains gluten due to the macaroni and flour used in the roux. However, you can substitute the macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour to make it gluten-free. The Cheesy Turkey Pinwheels are gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free tortillas.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple both recipes to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially when reheating the soup.

Conclusion

With these three easy party snacks, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a successful and delicious gathering. Whether you’re serving a crowd of kids or adults, the Mac and Cheese Burger Soup and Cheesy Turkey Pinwheels are sure to please. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make them your own by adding your favorite ingredients or spices. And remember, the key to any successful party is to have fun and be flexible, so don’t stress if things don’t go exactly as planned. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be a pro at making these snacks in no time, and your guests will be begging for more.