Christmas party foods are what many of us look forward to during the holidays. Indulging in tasty treats is what helps us get into the Christmas spirit. So, are you looking for some appetizers recipes for your Christmas 2016 celebration? Have no fear—we have you covered with some of the best Christmas party ideas.
Christmas 2016 Celebration: Christmas Food You’ll Enjoy
Crab Cake Bites
Ingredients: 1 egg, lightly beaten, 3/4 cup sour cream, divided, Kosher salt, 6 Tbsp butter, melted, 6 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature, 1 1/2 tsp old bay seasoning, divided, 6 ounces lump crab meat, 2 Tbsp finely chopped chives, divided, Pinch cayenne pepper, 2 tsp lemon juice, 2/3 cup finely grated Parmesan, dividedm, 1 tsp lemon zest, Freshly ground black pepper, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 24-cup mini-muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Combine your crab meat, egg, cream cheese, 1/3 cup Parmesan, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tsp of old bay, lemon zest, 1 tsp lemon juice, cayenne, and about 1 Tbsp chives in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and stir it all until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining cheese, melted butter, and bread crumbs. Divide the mixture between muffin pan cups and then press around the edges of each cup to make a nice crust. Spoon the crab mixture into each cup and then bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
Meanwhile, make the dipping sauce. Combine 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tsp lemon juice, and remaining old bay, plus the remaining chives. Stir to combine it all.
Serve crab cake bites warm or at room temperature.
Melty Mozzarella Dip
Ingredients: 32 ounces marinara, 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, 1 pound fresh mozzarella, Freshly ground black pepper, 1 crusty baguette, sliced and toasted, 2 Tbsp chiffonade basil, plus more for serving, Pinch red pepper flakes, Kosher salt.
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 300°F.
Heat olive oil in a medium ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Next, add the garlic and sauté until golden, roughly 3 to 5 minutes. Add the marinara sauce. Stir in the basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and then remove from the heat.
Add mozzarella to the center of the dish and transfer it to the oven. Bake it for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey. Sprinkle pepper over the mozzarella and garnish the skillet with more basil. Serve warm with toasted bread.
Caprese Bites
Ingredients: 8 ounces mozzarella balls, 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 12 fresh basil leaves, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 24 cherry tomatoes, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, Kosher salt, 1 cup balsamic vinegar.
Directions:
In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Set it aside.
Assemble the skewers: layer a cherry tomato, basil leaf, marinated mozzarella ball, and another cherry tomato. Place all the finished skewers on your serving platter.
Make the balsamic glaze: in a small saucepan or skillet, bring the balsamic vinegar to a low simmer. Let it thicken until syrupy, about 15 minutes. Set aside to cool and thicken.
Drizzle skewers with balsamic glaze and serve.
Seven other Christmas food recipes are available to you as well:
- Garlicky Dipping Oil.
- Crab Artichoke Dip.
- Potato Gratin Stacks.
- Cranberry Brie Crostini.
- Chocolate Churro Dip.
- Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread.
- Elf on the Shelf-Inspired Mischief Munch.
Enjoy these recipes this holiday season.
Source:
Fantozzi, S., “The 73 Most Delish Holiday Appetizers,” Delish web site; December 12, 2016; http://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/christmas/g1713/holiday-party-appetizers/, last accessed December 12, 2016.
