Surprise guests? A can of sardines in your pantry can turn that evening around. Of course, some cheese and crackers are always good to have around, but with a simple can of sardines in oil you can have a creative appetizer with that bottle of wine, with guests mopping up the sauce with their bread.

Crowd pleasing appetizer in three steps.

We learned this from the Avanzatos, source of all things good and show-stopping. 🙂

Simply open a can of sardines and lay on a small plate. I love Trader Joe’s sardines because they are skinless and boneless, but any brand will do. Drizzle some balsamic vinegar and olive oil on the fish, and sprinkle some grated hard cheese (parmigiano, pecorino, or in this picture grana padano). Serve with a toasted baguette, and then watch your guest’s mouths say WOW.

Sardines with Balsamic, Olive Oil and Cheese
1) open can of sardines in oil
2) drizzle balsamic vinegar and olive oil
3) sprinkle grated cheese

Serve with a toasted baguette and eat! I promise you this will delight your crowd.