HOLIDAY APPETIZERS ULTIMATE EASY

The doorbell’s ringing, your guests are arriving, and you’re craving something impressive yet effortless to kick off the holiday festivities! Forget slaving away for hours; these Holiday Appetizers are designed to be quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing. Let’s dive into some recipes that will have everyone raving! 

Ingredients for Holiday Appetizer Success

Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Balsamic Glaze

• 16 Medjool dates, pitted
• 8 slices bacon, cut in half
• 4 oz goat cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish, optional)

Cranberry Brie Bites

• 1 sheet (14.1 oz) puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Spicy Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Crema

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 avocado, ripe
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions to Appetizer Heaven

Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Balsamic Glaze

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice each date lengthwise and fill with a small amount of goat cheese.
3. Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the dates are warmed through.
6. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.

Cranberry Brie Bites

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
3. Cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares.
4. Place each square into a mini muffin tin.
5. Add a cube of brie cheese to each puff pastry cup.
6. Top with a spoonful of Cranberry Orange Sauce and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired.
7. Brush the edges of the puff pastry with egg wash.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted. Let cool slightly before serving.

Spicy Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Crema

1. In a bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
2. Thread the shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers.
3. Grill or pan-fry the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the avocado crema. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the spicy shrimp skewers with the avocado crema for dipping.

Level Up Your Appetizer Game: Pro Tips & Tricks

Bacon-Wrapped Dates:

• Tip: For extra flavor, try using flavored bacon, such as maple or peppered bacon.
• Trick: If your dates are very dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before stuffing. This will help them plump up and become more moist.
• Troubleshooting: If the bacon isn’t getting crispy enough, broil the dates for the last minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Cranberry Brie Bites:

• Tip: Use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes with the puff pastry for a more festive presentation.
• Trick: Make these ahead of time! Assemble the bites and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Troubleshooting: If the puff pastry puffs up too much in the center, gently poke it with a fork before baking.

Spicy Shrimp Skewers:

• Tip: Marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes before cooking for maximum flavor.
• Trick: If you don’t have a grill, you can easily cook these skewers in a hot skillet or under the broiler.
• Troubleshooting: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become rubbery. Cook just until pink and opaque.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prep Like a Pro

The holidays can be hectic, so prepping ahead is your secret weapon! For the Bacon-Wrapped Dates, you can stuff the dates with goat cheese and wrap them in bacon a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Similarly, you can assemble the Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time and refrigerate them until baking. The avocado crema for the shrimp skewers is best made fresh, but you can prep the shrimp by marinating them and threading them onto skewers a day before. Just remember to store them separately in the refrigerator. This way, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities!

Variations to Spice Things Up

Feeling adventurous? Let’s explore some variations on these classic appetizers. For the Bacon-Wrapped Dates, try adding a sprinkle of blue cheese or a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory twist. For the Cranberry Brie Bites, consider using different types of cheese, such as Camembert or Gruyere, and experimenting with other fruit preserves like fig jam or apricot jam. You could also incorporate some Honey Glazed Veggies, cut into small pieces, for added flavor. As for the Spicy Shrimp Skewers, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat or substituting the avocado crema with a mango salsa for a tropical vibe. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize these recipes to your liking!

Pairing Perfection: Drinks That Complement

What’s a great appetizer without the perfect drink pairing? For the Bacon-Wrapped Dates, a crisp sparkling wine or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir would be a fantastic match. The sweetness of the dates and the saltiness of the bacon will complement the wine’s fruitiness and acidity. With the Cranberry Brie Bites, a glass of Riesling or a dry rosé would be lovely. The sweetness of the cranberry sauce and the creaminess of the brie will pair beautifully with the wine’s floral notes and crisp acidity. And for the Spicy Shrimp Skewers, a cold beer like a Mexican lager or an IPA would be a refreshing choice. The spice from the shrimp will be balanced by the beer’s crispness and hoppy notes. Don’t forget to offer non-alcoholic options like sparkling cider or cranberry juice for those who prefer them.

More Holiday Inspiration

If you’re looking for more holiday recipe ideas, consider these:

• For a side dish, the Sweet Potato Casserole is always a hit.
• Or, try the classic Green Bean Casserole.
• The Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is another great appetizer option.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a trio of absolutely delightful and easy holiday appetizers to wow your guests! From the sweet and savory Bacon-Wrapped Dates to the festive Cranberry Brie Bites and the zesty Spicy Shrimp Skewers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Remember, the key to a successful holiday gathering is not just the food, but the joy of sharing it with loved ones. Happy cooking and happy holidays!

Holiday Appetizers Ultimate Easy

Impress your guests with these quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing holiday appetizers. From sweet and savory bacon-wrapped dates to festive cranberry brie bites and zesty shrimp skewers, there’s something for everyone. These recipes are designed to be effortless, so you can enjoy the festivities with loved ones.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 16 Medjool dates, pitted
• 8 slices bacon, cut in half
• 4 oz goat cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish, optional
• 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce homemade or store-bought
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
• 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 avocado, ripe
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• Water for soaking skewers

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mini muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Food processor or blender
• Wooden skewers
• Grill or skillet
• Toothpicks (optional)
• Cookie cutter (optional)

Method

 

1. Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Balsamic Glaze: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Balsamic Glaze: Slice each date lengthwise and fill with a small amount of goat cheese.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Balsamic Glaze: Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Balsamic Glaze: Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Balsamic Glaze: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the dates are warmed through.
6. Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.
7. Cranberry Brie Bites: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
8. Cranberry Brie Bites: Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
9. Cranberry Brie Bites: Cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares.
10. Cranberry Brie Bites: Place each square into a mini muffin tin.
11. Cranberry Brie Bites: Add a cube of brie cheese to each puff pastry cup.
12. Cranberry Brie Bites: Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired.
13. Cranberry Brie Bites: Brush the edges of the puff pastry with egg wash.
14. Cranberry Brie Bites: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted. Let cool slightly before serving.
15. Spicy Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Crema: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.
16. Spicy Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Crema: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
17. Spicy Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Crema: Thread the shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers.
18. Spicy Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Crema: Grill or pan-fry the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
19. Spicy Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Crema: While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the avocado crema. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
20. Spicy Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Crema: Serve the spicy shrimp skewers with the avocado crema for dipping.

Notes

For extra flavor in the Bacon-Wrapped Dates, try using flavored bacon, such as maple or peppered bacon. If the bacon isn’t getting crispy enough, broil the dates for the last minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning. For the Cranberry Brie Bites, use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes with the puff pastry. Assemble the bites ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. For the Spicy Shrimp Skewers, marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes before cooking for maximum flavor. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become rubbery. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator.