Quick Appetizers for the Holidays

December 15, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Cafe Kim - Comments (2)

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Photo by cldetary

I dread those last 20 minutes before the start of the holiday dinner when you're waiting for the turkey or ham to finish cooking in the oven, and your hungry guests are circling the table and wanting to eat. I've found it's best to have some easy-to-prepare, quick bites on hand to keep kids and adults from getting too hungry while the main dishes are being prepared. Keep reading for some fast holiday apps in a snap!

Mini Pizza Bagels: Top split, toasted mini bagel halves with pizza/tomato sauce and shredded cheese. Pop them in the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly brown.

Vegetable Dip: Mix one packet ranch dip mix with 16 oz sour cream. Serve with raw veggies and crackers.

Cocktail Franks: Heat mini hot dogs and two bottles barbecue sauce in crock pot or stock pot on the stove. Serve with toothpicks. Or, wrap mini hot dogs in crescent rolls and bake in the oven until golden brown for fun pigs-in-a-blanket appetizers that will be a hit with kids.

Skewers: Thread fresh fruit like strawberries, pineapple, and grapes on long toothpicks. Or, go for a savory version with cheese cubes, chunked pepperoni, and black olives.

Cheesy Crescents: Spread refrigerated crescent rolls with cream cheese and herbs, roll up, and bake in oven until golden brown.

Soft Pretzels: Warm big, soft frozen pretzels in the oven and sprinkle with salt, cheese, bacon bits, or Italian seasoning.

Apple and Cheese Canapes: For something a little more gourmet but just as easy, spread individual Melba toasts with goat cheese or other soft cheese and top with thinly sliced apples and a drizzle of honey. 

FILED UNDER: adult parties, entertaining, everyday celebrations, family meals, food, holiday entertaining, holidays, kid parties, kid-friendly, recipes, snacks