Italian Party Bites

There is nothing better than getting together with good friends in the summer!  Whether we go out to dinner or just barbecue at home we always have a great time! My husband and I have a great group of friends we've known for quite some time. We met through our children when they attended elementary school, and played team sports.  At this point, our kids are grown and have gone on with their own lives but we have remained friends!

No matter when we get together, one of my favorite dishes to serve is Italian Party Bites. This recipe is so versatile; you could even make it for a main dish and add a salad.  Although, if your husband is like mine, he would insist on adding meat, otherwise, he deems this not a meal, but “chick food.”

Ingredients: 

• 1 Italian Bread Shell 12”
• 1 tsp. Minced Onion
• 1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
• ½ cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• ½ tsp. Thyme Leaves
• 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1 Cup of Thinly Sliced Veggies
• (Red pepper zucchini, Mushrooms, Onion)
• 1 Can (2.2 Ounce) Sliced Black Olives
• ¼ Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

• Preheat Oven 450
• Place Shell on Cookie Sheet
• In bowl toss next 6 Ingredients, spread on Shell.
• Top with olives and Parmesan Cheese
• Bake 8 to 10 Minutes
• Cut into 2 inch squares

Recipe courtesy of Ruth Brown