Embrace the Joy of the Holidays Without the Stress!
The holiday season is a magical time for creating special moments and enjoying delicious meals with our loved ones. But let’s be honest, it can also be overwhelming with all the planning, shopping, and cooking. This year, why not make things easier on yourself?
To ensure you spend more time making memories and less time in the kitchen, I’ve assembled a collection of quick holiday appetizers that are easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty. These recipes will minimize your stress and maximize enjoyment!
Dive into our selection of Tortellini Skewers, Smoked Salmon Spread, Cranberry Meatballs, and a sumptuous Baked Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts. These easy-to-make delights will save you time and allow you to savor the festive spirit with the ones you love.
Say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of endless holiday prep. With these four simple yet elegant holiday appetizers, you’re all set to impress your guests and enjoy the warmth and joy of the season. Let’s make this holiday a time of togetherness, laughter, and love, with plenty of time to relish every moment!
Quick Holiday Appetizers to Delight Your Guests
The holiday season is about creating joyous moments and sharing delightful meals with loved ones. To help you prepare for your festive gatherings, I’ve curated a selection of party appetizers that are quick and easy to make and incredibly delicious. Let’s dive into these recipes: Tortellini Skewers, Smoked Salmon Spread, Cranberry Meatballs, and a luxurious Baked Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts.
1. Tortellini Skewers – A Colorful and Tasty Start
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons jarred pesto
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 2 packages spinach tortellini, cooked and cooled
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 12 ounces fresh mozzarella, cubed or small fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
Directions:
- Mix olive oil, pesto, and vinegar.
- Thread tortellini, tomato, and mozzarella on skewers.
- Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with parsley.
This recipe can easily be enhanced with olives, salami, or pepperoni
2. Smoked Salmon Spread – A Creamy Delight
Ingredients:
- 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 12 ounces smoked salmon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
- 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh dill weed, chopped
- 3-4 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
- 3 drops of hot pepper sauce
- ¼ cup capers
- Squeeze of 1 lemon
Directions:
- Mix cream cheese until smooth.
- Add salmon, green onion, dill, sauces, and capers.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours, then serve with your favorite crackers, veggies, or pita chips.
3. Cranberry Meatballs – A Holiday Appetizer Favorite
Ingredients:
- 1 (2 lb) bag frozen pre-cooked meatballs (turkey recommended)
- 1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce
- 1 (14 oz) can jellied cranberry sauce or whole cranberries in the can if you prefer
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Directions:
- Melt the cranberry sauce and mix with chili sauce, orange juice, and sugar.
- Pour over meatballs in a slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 4 hours.
- This recipe is inspired from Ocean Spray Cranberry Meatballs
4. Baked Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts – Elegance on a Plate
Ingredients:
- 8 oz round of Brie cheese (double or triple cream recommended)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons toasted walnuts (or pecans), chopped
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove rind from Brie.
- Mix cranberries with orange juice, and pour over Brie.
- Top with walnuts, bake for 15 minutes.
I prefer to cook mine in a small cast iron skillet and then serve it in the same dish. Creating an elegant, rustic appeal while also keeping the dish warm longer.
Serving Tips:
- Garnish with rosemary or orange zest, and serve with your favorite crackers, fresh veggies or pita chips.
Wrapping it up
These quick holiday appetizers are perfect for any festive occasion, combining ease of preparation with delicious flavors. Whether it’s the savory Tortellini Skewers, the rich Smoked Salmon Spread, the sweet and tangy Cranberry Meatballs, or the elegant Baked Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts, each dish is sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering. Enjoy the season with these delightful bites!
For more yummy recipes, visit Compass Cuisine.
