Looking for some fresh, festive, and low effort but delicious appetizer ideas to kickstart your holiday party? Or something different and easy to bring along to a party? Look no further. I’ve got some tried and true favorites to share for your seasonal entertaining.
1. Sweet Potato Toasts with Feta and Pomegranate Seeds
These toasty treats come with a sprinkle of feta and a crunch of hazelnuts, giving you a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite. Perfect for those days you want something a bit different but still oh-so-delicious. Featured on Tahoe Stoneware Dinnerware
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare Squash: Wash and peel your squash. Slice the squash into 1/4-inch thick slices
In a large bowl, toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and any seasoning you like for vegetables. Ensure all the slices are evenly coated.
Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20-3o minutes, or until they are tender and slightly golden
Once the squash is done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Top each slice with crumbled feta cheese and hazelnuts. Add on any herbs you would like to garnish with. I also added pickled red onion to top mine of for some tart notes.
2. Open Tinned Fish Feast of Fishes
There’s something so fun about making the tin fish look extremely fancy and composing ready to eat bites inside the tin. Not to mention, it’s the easiest thing you’ll make all holiday season. Dress them up, set them out, and watch them disappear.
This idea was Sathya’s brain child as he tried pimento cheese and ritz crackers at a bar on a date night in August for the first time. As a lover of stuffed mushrooms, I was immediately all in. This first attempt at a recipe for it was perfect. No changes needed. Please enjoy: Pimento Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Place them cap-side down on the baking sheet.
Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the pimento cheese with half of the bread crumbs, minced garlic, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
Stuff Mushrooms: Fill each mushroom cap with a generous spoonful of the pimento cheese mixture. Make sure the mushrooms are well stuffed.
Top with Bread Crumbs: In a small bowl, mix the remaining bread crumbs with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the stuffed mushrooms.
Bake: Place the mushrooms in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
4. Simple & Classy Shrimp Cocktail
Nothing says classy appetizer quite like a shrimp cocktail. And guess what? It’s easier than you think.
All you need is some cooked shrimp, chilled – or frozen and blanch and chill plus cocktail sauce. I prefer Heinz over any fancy version.
Arrange the shrimp artfully around a fancy dish, with the cocktail sauce in the center. My favorite way is in a martini glass with the cocktail sauce in the center. Squeeze a touch of lemon over the shrimp and garnish with parsley if you desire.
5. Mac and Cheese Balls Extravaganza
For when you want something indulgent and hassle-free.
– Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese Balls (however many you fancy)
– Honey mustard – for dipping
Five holiday appetizers that range from the elegant to the fun, but all guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers. Enjoy the cooking, the company, and of course, the compliments on your impeccable taste in appetizers.
