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Festive Holiday Appetizers are beautifully arranged, ready to inspire your holiday party menu.

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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
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.