The holidays are here again. If you are planning to celebrate this season, appetizers and finger foods are a must. Appetizers can be served before the meal, or you can make your holiday party a finger food and cocktails affair. The question is, what foods should you be serving? Which appetizers and finger foods for a holiday party are trending this year? Continue reading for inspiration on menu items that will make your holiday party a memorable one.
Charcuterie Boards (and Non-Charcuterie Boards)
Charcuterie boards are a classic appetizer. They typically feature a variety of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and dipping sauces. But if you want to get trendy, you can try out some non-charcuterie board options. These include:
- A Cheese Fondue Charcuterie Board which may include cheese fondue, fresh bread, crackers, fruits, and veggies.
- A Dessert Charcuterie Board with items such as baked goods, cookies, candies, popcorn, fruit, pretzels, and dips.
- A Chocolate Fondue Charcuterie Board which may feature bite-sized chocolate cakes and brownies, chocolate dipped pretzels, chocolate fudge dip, and more.
- A jarcuterie which has all items of a charcuterie board assembled in jars. So each jar would contain a mix of meat, cheeses, crackers, etc. It’s the perfect version of the single-serving charcuterie board.
Mediterranean Appetizers
The Mediterranean diet is known as one of the healthiest ones around. Serve your guests appetizers they can feel good about such as:
- Spicy Olives: Simple and fun, you can’t go wrong by placing some spicy olives on your buffet table.
- Hummus: Hummus is another easy-to-prepare crowd pleaser. Serve alongside pita bread and it makes a terrific dip.
- Greek mezze platter: Somewhat of a takeoff on the classic charcuterie board, a Greek mezze platter may include items like cucumber yogurt, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, and baba ghanoush.
Food Shaped Like Holiday Decorations
The holidays are all about having fun with food. You can’t miss by serving appetizers made to look like decorative items. For example, you may consider whipping up:
- Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs: Mix in avocado to make your egg yolk green. Add small bits of red pepper and a yellow pepper star to get your eggs to resemble mini trees.
- Christmas Tree Pizza: DIY your pizza so your crust is tree shaped. Add mini-cherry tomatoes to the top along with green pepper tinsel. Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve it as your appetizer.
- Cheese Ball Wreath: Your cheese ball will be so much more interesting when served in a wreath shape. Use a small Bundt pan to form a wreath, then add a colorful garnish.
For Casual Parties
Having a casual get together with friends this holiday season? These casual finger foods make terrific munchies.
- Mini Nachos: Make your tortilla chips into mini nachos by topping them with shredded chicken, beans, Monterey cheese, jalapenos, and salsa.
- Double Bacon Rolls: Buy some Pillsbury rolls or make your own. Fill them with bacon and cheese and bake. Then serve these fun and delectable treats to your guests.
- Mac and Cheese Bites: Mix your pasta with flour, milk, and seasonings and bake to make these delicious bites.
For Elegant Affairs
If you are planning something more upscale, here are some items you will want to serve:
- Green Tomato Stacks with Herb Oil and Crispy Capers: Requiring layers of green tomatoes, avocados, and seasonings, this will bring some much-needed green to the buffet table.
- Slow Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta: Elegant yet simple to make, this recipe is as easy as placing tomatoes, seasonings, and vinegar atop baguette slices.
- Mushroom Stuffed Phyllo Cups: Fill phyllo shells with a mixture of mushrooms, cheese, and cream to make this decadent holiday appetizer.
- Black Truffle Canape: This sophisticated recipe makes sophistication simple. It involves placing butter, truffles, and crème fraiche atop a thin slice of sandwich bread.
May Your Holidays Be Festive, Plentiful, and Bright
Your holidays will be bright whether you celebrate in your existing residence or in a new home. If you are thinking of making a move this season, let me help you find the perfect place for you to enjoy celebrations and make memories. Here’s wishing you optimal health and happiness in the coming year.