What Are Some Easy and Entertaining Holiday Appetizer Ideas?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various easy and entertaining appetizer ideas for holiday gatherings, with participants sharing personal experiences and favorite recipes. The conversation includes a mix of traditional and creative options suitable for festive occasions.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions the Greek Cheese Torta as a favorite, noting its simplicity and visual appeal.
  • Another participant shares their experience with Baked Brie and Greek Torta, highlighting their ease and impressive presentation.
  • One user expresses enthusiasm for a Mediterranean dip recipe from the latest SBRC, describing it as delicious.
  • Another participant enjoys mini quiche lorraine tartlets, although they note these are not as quick to prepare.
  • One participant discusses various Brie recipes, emphasizing their simplicity and minimal ingredient requirements.
  • Another user lists Mini-Ham Puffs and Elegant Artichoke Cups as appealing options, agreeing on the ease of Brie recipes.
  • One participant shares a detailed recipe for "Thanksgiving in a Bite," incorporating cream cheese dough and stuffing, indicating plans to try it at an upcoming show.
  • Several participants mention the versatility of dips made with rubs and seasonings, suggesting combinations for cold dips.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the appeal of the Greek Cheese Torta and Brie recipes, but there is no clear consensus on a single best appetizer, as various options are shared and appreciated.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences regarding holiday appetizers, reflecting a range of cooking styles and event types.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for easy and visually appealing appetizer ideas for holiday shows or gatherings may find the shared recipes and experiences beneficial.

heat123
Silver Member
Messages
6,922
A host wants me to do an easy- entertaining- type appetizer served around the holidays, for our show next week. Any suggestions? TIA!
 
The Greek Cheese Torta is my favorite! I just made it tonight for the first time in prep for a show this weekend and I was blown away! It was so simple and so pretty looking. I served in on a Dots plate. Instead of the pistachios I put toasted almonds. I totally loved it!
 
Baked Brie or greek torta. Both are really easy, look really impressive and are REALLY yummy!
 
I love the new recipe in the latest SBRC, Mediterranean dip with baked pitas. I don't remember the name, but I'm making it for my show next week. It is soooo good.
 
Oh, I also LOVE the mini quiche lorraine tartlets, but they are not as quick and easy. So yummy though!

I love warm appetizers :)

I might have to try the mediterranean dip too...
 
The brie recipes and their variations.. You can't get simpler and they use, 3 ingredients, plus some nuts.
 
Mini-Ham Puffs
Elegant Artichoke Cups
and I agree with everyone about the Brie - good & definitely easy

And don't forget that our rubs and seasonings make cold dips. I do half recipes of 2 or 3. Have the host choose from Dill, SW, BBQ, Chipotle.

Half recipes: Use 1/2 cup mayo and 1/2 cup sour cream for each dip

Chipotle Dip: add 1 Tbsp Chipotle
Dill Dip: add 1-1/2 Tbsp Dill Seasoning
SW Dip: add 1 to 1-1/2 Tbsp SW Seasoning
BBQ Dip: add 1 to 1-1/2 Tbsp BBQ Rub

If you make only 2, you can show them off in the SA small bowls and caddy.I like that this shows that our Rubs and Seasonings are just as easy to use as Tastefully Simple!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Yeah, I tried both the jalepeno and the dijon bries. Loved the jalepeno one! Forgot about the greek cheese torta! YUM. I guess I was thinkin "holiday" type appets like the xmas tree cool veggie one ;). Thanks!
 
Greek Cheese Torta is my favorite plus it's Christmas colors! It's a great recipe to show off because it can be made a head of time and served when needed. I made it for my jewelry party last weekend and everyone raved out it.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
wadesgirl said:
Greek Cheese Torta is my favorite plus it's Christmas colors! It's a great recipe to show off because it can be made a head of time and served when needed. I made it for my jewelry party last weekend and everyone raved out it.

I was just thinkin that too about the Xmas colors!:D
 
Here's one I got from another consultant...thanks Jane P.
I think I'm going to try these at a show next Thursday...

THANKSGIVING IN A BITE
Make a basic cream cheese dough (pecan tassie dough) and roll into small balls (one ball per well), or use refrigerated pie crust cut into small circles (about a 3 inch circle) and place into wells. Use lightly floured tart shaper to push into cups. Make filling by preparing Stove Top stuffing (we used turkey flavor) according to package directions (at my shows, I make it in the microwave in the classic batter bowl). Mix with a can of cream of mushroom soup and 1 egg. Chop up some cooked turkey (really, the amount is to taste, but I think I used between 6 and 8 oz. or so) and mix in stuffing. Use small scoop to add a scoop of the filling to each cup. Press down slightly using the back of the scoop. Use the can opener to open a can of WHOLE cranberry sauce and pour into small batter bowl. Mash up so it's a "sauce" and not a "jello". Use a small spoon to top each cup with a few cranberries. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until the stuffing is browned slightly. Use the citrus press to remove from pan. For added flavor, you could throw some chopped up dried cranberries in before you make the stuffing. Also, someone suggested mixing in some orange zest with the cranberry sauce.

Basic Dough recipe

1/2 cup margarine
1 pkg. (3oz) cream cheese
1 cup flour

Let margarine and cream cheese soften to room temp. Mix together. Add flour & mix to form a soft dough. Chill at least 1 hour or overnight. (Can be kept in your Batter Bowl for several days.) Form dough into 30 walnut-sized balls. (I will use my small stainless steel scoop next time.) Place each ball in a mini-muffin pan cup. Dip the mini-tart shaper in flour & press into dough to shape tarts
 
kreaser said:
Use the citrus press to remove from pan.
I think you mean the citrus peeler.
 
sounds good saving for later, thanks for the great tips
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quick and easy holiday appetizer ideas?

Some quick and easy holiday appetizer ideas include cheese and charcuterie boards, stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta with tomatoes and basil, and mini quiches. These can be prepared in advance and are sure to impress your guests!

How can I make a festive cheese platter?

To create a festive cheese platter, select a variety of cheeses (soft, hard, and blue), add seasonal fruits like grapes and figs, include nuts, olives, and some crackers or bread. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a holiday touch.

What are some no-cook appetizer options for the holidays?

No-cook appetizer options include antipasto skewers with olives, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls, a variety of dips like hummus or guacamole served with veggies and chips, and smoked salmon on cucumber slices. These are simple yet elegant choices!

Can I prepare appetizers ahead of time for holiday gatherings?

Absolutely! Many appetizers can be prepared ahead of time, such as dips, stuffed mushrooms, and meatballs. Just make sure to store them properly and reheat if necessary before serving to ensure they taste fresh.

What are some kid-friendly holiday appetizer ideas?

Kid-friendly holiday appetizers can include mini pizzas made with English muffins, fruit skewers, cheese cubes with crackers, and veggie sticks with ranch dip. These options are fun, easy to eat, and appealing to younger guests!

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