Ahh, it’s that time of year again. You know what I’m talking about … The time when you’re in a constant state of panic because your boss (or mother-in-law or friend) invited you for a holiday get together at her house and you have no idea what to bring.
Sure, you could bring wine – everyone loves wine. But, why not try impressing your friends with some of the easiest holiday-party appetizers? I swear, they’re all delicious, look way fancier than they really are, and if I can make them, so can you.
Most of these recipes have been passed down from my mom. Mom is a seriously great cook – just ask her. She’s also the queen of hosting a get together and always has things to munch on that seem to be effortlessly lying around. Here are my favorites …
Easy Holiday Party Appetizers
Lemon Ricotta Toasts
This is a no-cook recipe that seems way more fancy than it actually is. It’s perfect for a nicer get together or when you’re with some foodie friends. Grate one lemon into 8 oz of ricotta cheese spread it on sliced baguette and top with thyme, sea salt, crushed pepper and a drizzle of honey. They guys are so addictive and one of my favorite easy holiday party appetizers to make.
Savory Baked Brie Dip
This recipe my mom made up! I want to be able to make up recipes and have them actually taste good! Just slice the top off a brie wheel and put it in an oven-proof pan that will hold it securely. I use an actual brie baker, but you could also use a cake pan with tin foil surrounding the cheese.
Then chop up Kalamata olives, green olives, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Mix those with capers, thyme, and pepper. I just eyeball all these ingredients. Throw them on top of the open brie wheel and bake for 20-30 minutes at 350*. You’ll know it’s done when the brie is melted.
Serve it as a dip for baguette slices or crackers.
Ranch Oyster Crackers
This recipe is from Hidden Valley and is as cheap as it is easy! Just buy a bag of oyster crackers and toss them in a mixture of ranch dressing mix, dill and vegetable oil. Then bake until golden. These are great to take to a casual girl’s night this season or for yourself at home …
Antipasto Caprese Skewers
These are the perfect selection if you have less than 10 minutes to pull something together. Throw a cherry tomato, mini mozzarella ball (my grocery store sells them like this, but if yours doesn’t, you could always cube regular buffalo mozz), a small piece of salami, and a bit of basil on a toothpick. Drizzle with olive oil, pre-made balsamic drizzle, and dash on some salt and pepper to taste.
An Easy Holiday Party Appetizer That’s Harder Than It Looks …
Bacon Wrapped Dates
I was originally going to do five easy holiday party appetizers, but damn. Bacon wrapped dates are harder than they seem. They’re still easy, but not total idiot proof like I need. Key learnings: use a wire rack if you have one otherwise the wrapped dates sit in the bacon grease in the oven and don’t crisp up properly. Also – use a skewer to keep them from unraveling as they cook – I wound up with a pan with half bacon wrapped dates and half dates sitting in bacon grease with pieces of bacon next to them.
If you can master that, though, they’re definitely delicious. I simply stuffed Medjool dates (find them with the produce) with almonds and wrapped in half a slice of bacon. Baked at 375* for 20 minutes.
Hopefully there’s something in this list that can help you going into Thanksgiving and party season! Which one will you try?
Leave a Reply