Serving up festive snacks and appetizers at a Christmas party leaves your guests in awe, but it doesn’t have to keep you in the kitchen all day.
Simple snacks with a holiday theme keep the guests happy and make you look like a culinary genius. If a salmon ball or cheese log is too boring, consider other simple alternatives to keep the guests full this holiday season.
Shaped Sandwiches
Christmas-themed cookie cutters work for more than just sugar cookies. They turn any sandwich into an ideal party snack. Add your choice of fillings to the sandwiches, then press the cookie cutter down through the sandwich, cutting completely through to the bottom slice of bread. Use different Christmas shapes for variety. Display the shaped sandwiches on a Christmas platter to complete the look. Another option is to arrange rosemary leaves on a tray in the shape of a wreath or Christmas tree as a background for the sandwiches.
Dipped Pretzels
Dipped pretzels are a classic snack option around the holidays. Making your own dipped pretzels is a simple process and allows you to create a custom look. Most grocery stores sell pretzels in the shape of holiday images such as bells and Christmas trees. Almond bark provides a simple dipping medium for the pretzels, comes in both vanilla and chocolate flavors and sets as it dries to create the chocolate shell on the pretzels.
Melt the almond bark according to the package directions and completely cover the pretzels. A fork, toothpick or bamboo skewer works well to remove the pretzels from the almond bark. Let the excess chocolate drip from the pretzels before placing them on a piece of wax paper to dry. To decorate the pretzels, add Christmas sprinkles or colored sugar on the almond bark before it dries. Another option is to drizzle chocolate in another color on top of the pretzels. Place them in a Christmas bowl for serving purposes.
Meat & Cheese Tree
A Styrofoam cone provides the base for a seasonal appetizer ideal for a Christmas party. Pieces of fresh rosemary resemble the boughs of a Christmas tree, making them an ideal way to cover the cone. Use toothpicks or straight pins to hold the rosemary in place over the cone. Use small star and round cookie cutters to shape cheese, salami and other soft foods. Add a toothpick to each piece and press them into the cone on top of the rosemary to create the tree’s decorations.
Looking for some healthy alternatives? Check out this great piece on fun and festive healthy holiday appetizers!
