Our Favorite Holiday Appetizers

With the holidays just around the corner, we wanted to share with you some of our favorite holiday recipes! This week, we are going to share appetizers that get the holiday going!

Cranberry Brie Bites

This recipe is from Delish.com, and became an instant staple at all my holiday gatherings. It is quick and easy to make, and absolutely delicious! I thought 24 would be too many for my small gathering, but they were gone in no time!

Ingredients

• 8oz tube of crescent dough
• 8oz wheel of brie
• 1/2c of whole cranberry sauce
• 1/4c of chopped pecans
• 6 sprigs of rosemary, cut into 1” pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375° and grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. On a lightly floured surface, roll out crescent dough, and pinch together seams. Cut into 24 squares. Place squares into muffin tin slots.
2. Cut brie into small pieces and place inside the crescent dough. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, some chopped pecans, and one little sprig of rosemary.
3. Bake until the crescent pastry is golden, about 15 minutes.  

Pigs in a Blanket

I don’t think I have ever been to a gathering without pigs in a blanket! This simple appetizer is delicious, and comes together in no time at all! My house is a fan of using spicy brown mustard, but you can customize your pigs in a blanket however you want! 

Ingredients

• 8oz tube of crescent rolls
• 12oz package of mini cocktail weiners
• Spicy Brown Mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375º. On a lightly floured surface, unroll crescent sheets and tear where perforated. Cut each triangle into 3 smaller triangles.
2. Place a small dollop of brown mustard on the thick side of each triangle. You can also spread a thin layer across the entire triangle if you desire
3. Place one cocktail weiner on thick side of each triangle then gently roll to thinner side.
4. Transfer to a medium baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and a sprinkle with coarse salt.
5.  Bake until golden, 12 to 15 minutes.

Holiday Cheese Ball Wreath

This festive cheese ball wreath is perfect for your holiday gathering, I knew I had to make it immediately when I came across it here. This dish can be served with crackers, crudites, sliced bread, or even vegetables! 

Ingredients

• 1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 cups shredded firm cheese, such as Cheddar, pepper Jack or Colby
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup pickled piquante peppers, such as Peppadews, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
• Crackers, sliced bread or crudites, for serving

Directions

1. Line the inside of a 6-cup Bundt pan with plastic wrap. Process the cream cheese, shredded cheese, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt and few grinds of pepper in a food processor until smooth. Empty the mixture into a medium bowl, and fold in all but 2 tablespoons of the chopped peppers.
2. Spoon the cheese mixture into the prepared Bundt pan; pack it in, spread into an even layer and cover (or simply form the cheese mixture into a ball and wrap tightly with plastic wrap). 4. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour up to 2 days.
3. Uncover and invert the cheese mold (or unwrap and transfer the ball) onto a serving platter. 6. Sprinkle with the chives and parsley to completely coat the wreath, and garnish with the reserved 2 tablespoons peppers. Serve with crackers, sliced bread or crudites.

Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board is hands down my favorite appetizer to make and serve, whether I’m hosting, or attending a party. It is easy to put together, looks incredible, and you can customize however you want! 

Ingredients

• Various cheeses such as brie, goat cheese log, mozzarella balls, cheddar
• Various meats such as salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, ham
• Fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, dried cranberries, grapes, tomatoes, pickles and olives
• Two different spreads or jams
• Nuts like almonds and pecans 

Directions

1. Arrange containers or jars first for things such as pickles, jams and olives
2. Slice cheese as needed and place around board, spacing them out
3. Fold or roll meat in various ways, such as a fan, and arrange around the cheeses
4. Fill in empty areas with fruit, nuts, tomatoes until the board is full
5. Be sure to add a cheese knife where necessary and enjoy!