When relatives are due and I’d rather spend time with them than fuss over food, I turn to these easy Kroger appetizers. Each pick helps me build a welcoming family spread with less hands-on work.
Prices were checked at a Kroger in Granbury, Texas on October 31; they vary by store and change with each week’s ad.
1. Kroger Franks in a Blanket Pork Smoked Sausage – $7.99
Flaky Parmesan-topped pastry wrapped around smoked sausage makes an easy hot appetizer for game nights and big family dinners. At $7.99, marked down from $8.99, it goes straight from the freezer to the oven with no assembly.
Taste: The sausage is savory, smoky, and more seasoned than a plain hot dog. Its flaky pastry adds a light, crisp contrast to the substantial center.
Make It Better: Bake them flat-side down, then put out mustard or another dipping sauce so everyone can choose their own.
Parting Thoughts: For a familiar crowd-pleaser that disappears quickly, these earn their spot on the table.
2. Simple Truth Large Shrimp Tray with Cocktail Sauce – $7.99
When the table needs something lighter, this fully cooked shrimp tray brings a chilled option that still feels special. It costs $7.99, down from $8.99, and only needs thawing before serving.
Taste: Properly thawed shrimp have a tender bite and a clean, mild seafood flavor. The cocktail sauce supplies the sharper, tangy counterpoint.
Make It Better: Keep the tray chilled until guests arrive, and consider buying a larger tray when seafood-loving relatives are coming.
Parting Thoughts: Seafood eaters will appreciate the polish it adds without creating extra kitchen work.
3. Hormel Gatherings Honey Ham and Turkey with Cheese and Crackers Deli Party Tray – $17.99
My shortcut for relatives who arrive hungry is this refrigerated, ready-to-serve combination of honey ham, turkey, cheese, and crackers. It is $17.99, marked down from $18.99, and covers several preferences without any slicing or arranging.
Taste: Honey ham brings gentle sweetness, while turkey and cheese keep the assortment savory and familiar. Crisp crackers give the softer deli components the crunch they need.
Make It Better: Set out extra crackers or fresh fruit to stretch the tray when the gathering runs larger than expected.
Parting Thoughts: This all-in-one option is worth the space when convenience matters more than a homemade presentation.
4. Kroger Mixed Fresh Veggie Tray with Dip – $11.99
A colorful tray of pre-cut vegetables gives grazers a fresh, zero-prep break from the richer appetizers. Kept refrigerated until serving, it works especially well for long family gatherings where everyone circles back for another bite.
Taste: Recently cut vegetables offer clean, fresh flavor and a satisfying crunch. The included dip adds a creamy, savory contrast without overwhelming them.
Make It Better: Check the cut vegetables for freshness when choosing your tray, then keep it cold until the table is ready.
Parting Thoughts: Crunch lovers and lighter eaters will be glad this $11.99 tray is among the cheesy, meaty choices.
5. Kroger Cheddar and Bacon Potato Skins – $7.99
Cold-weather gatherings call for something hearty, and these frozen potato skins arrive already loaded with cheddar and bacon. They are $7.99, reduced from $8.99, and bake in the oven while you handle the rest of the spread.
Taste: The flavor is the classic combination of savory bacon, cheese, and potato. Crisp skins surround a softer filling, giving each bite more contrast than a plain baked potato.
Make It Better: Add small spoonfuls of sour cream and a scattering of chives after baking for a more finished presentation.
Parting Thoughts: Hearty-appetizer families should find these satisfying, though they may be too filling before a large dinner.
6. Kroger Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks – $7.99
Kids and adults can agree on breaded mozzarella sticks, which makes this frozen bag useful when the guest list spans several generations. Priced at $7.99 after a markdown from $8.99, they need only an oven and a serving plate.
Taste: The breading turns crisp while the mozzarella inside becomes mild, melty, and stretchy. That crunchy shell and soft cheese pull are the whole appeal.
Make It Better: Serve them with warm marinara, and watch the oven closely so the cheese stays inside rather than leaking onto the pan.
Parting Thoughts: Few choices are safer for a mixed-age crowd, provided you serve them while the centers are still gooey.
7. Private Selection Greek Inspired Spanakopita – $5.99
For a slightly more elegant bite, these frozen spinach-and-feta phyllo triangles bake golden in the oven and require no shaping or filling. The 12-count package costs $5.99 and fits neatly into a family snack board.
Taste: Savory spinach and tangy feta make the filling flavorful without being especially heavy. The crisp, delicate phyllo provides a flaky contrast around it.
Make It Better: Bake the triangles directly from frozen, then arrange them with the other appetizers just before serving so the phyllo stays crisp.
Parting Thoughts: Anyone craving something beyond the usual meat-and-cheese lineup will welcome these.
8. Deviled Eggs Platter – $12.99
No peeling, mixing, or piping is required with this refrigerated, ready-made deviled egg platter. At $12.99, it saves considerable hands-on work and brings a classic choice to reunions, holiday meals, and Sunday dinners.
Taste: Deviled eggs pair tender whites with a rich, creamy center and a familiar savory flavor. Their cool, soft texture also balances the oven-baked appetizers on the table.
Make It Better: Order the platter ahead when possible, then keep it refrigerated until serving.
Parting Thoughts: Traditionalists will love seeing these, and the cook will love skipping the most tedious prep.
