6 Easy Christmas Party Appetizers

The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to start planning festive gatherings with family and friends. If you’re looking for some delicious and easy appetizers to serve at your Christmas party, look no further. In this article, we will explore six simple yet impressive appetizers that are sure to be a hit with your guests.

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large party, these six easy Christmas party appetizers are sure to impress your guests. Try one or all of them at your next holiday gathering for a delicious and stress-free party spread.

1. Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry

These Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and flaky goodness. With the combination of rich brie cheese, sweet and tart cranberry sauce, and buttery puff pastry, this appetizer is sure to be a hit at your Christmas party. They are easy to prepare, visually appealing, and deliciously indulgent, making them an excellent choice for festive gatherings.

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1 wheel of Brie cheese, about 8 oz
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into 2-inch squares using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter.
Cut the Brie cheese into small, bite-sized cubes. You should have enough to place one piece on each puff pastry square.
Place each piece of Brie in the center of the puff pastry squares and top with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce.
Sprinkle a pinch of chopped walnuts and a few rosemary leaves over the cranberry sauce if desired. This adds a lovely depth of flavor and a bit of crunch.
Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the fillings to envelop them slightly, creating a little pouch. Press gently to seal.
Arrange the assembled bites on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for expansion during baking.
Brush the top of the pastry with beaten egg to give a golden, glossy finish once baked.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with a small pinch of salt. Allow them to cool slightly before serving, as the cheese will be hot.

Serve these Cranberry Brie Bites warm for the best texture and flavor. They make an impressive and delightful addition to any Christmas party spread, offering a sophisticated taste that will impress your guests while being incredibly easy to prepare.

2. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Parmesan

Impress your guests this Christmas with an elegant yet simple appetizer: Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Parmesan. This dish combines the delicate flavors of fresh asparagus with the savory richness of prosciutto and the nutty essence of Parmesan cheese. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also offers a delightful taste that will leave your guests craving more. Follow this straightforward recipe to prepare this classic appetizer for your holiday gathering.

Ingredients

1 pound fresh asparagus, washed and trimmed
8 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Trim the woody ends of the asparagus by bending each stalk gently until it naturally snaps. This ensures that only the tender parts are used.
Lay a slice of prosciutto flat on a cutting board. Place an asparagus spear at one end of the prosciutto and roll it tightly until the entire spear is wrapped. Repeat with the remaining asparagus and prosciutto slices.
Arrange the wrapped asparagus spears in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the asparagus, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, prosciutto is naturally salty, so use salt sparingly.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the wrapped asparagus.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is slightly crisp.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a serving platter.
Serve warm, optionally garnished with lemon wedges to add a fresh citrusy zing that complements the flavors beautifully.

This Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Parmesan is sure to be a hit at your Christmas party. It’s not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also offers a sophisticated taste that pairs well with sparkling wines or crisp white wines. Enjoy the festive season with this delightful appetizer!

3. Stuffed Mushrooms with Parmesan and Herbs

Ingredients
– 20 large button mushrooms
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste

Get the recipe and instructions at: savorynothings.com