These budget-friendly holiday appetizers are perfect for entertaining without breaking the bank. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can impress your guests with delicious bites that won’t stress your wallet.
Ingredients for 5 Easy Holiday Appetizers:
- Cranberry Brie Bites:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- Fresh rosemary, for garnish
- Spinach and Feta Pinwheels:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- BBQ Meatball Sliders:
- 12 frozen meatballs, cooked according to package instructions
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 12 slider buns
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- Caprese Skewers:
- 24 cherry tomatoes
- 24 small fresh mozzarella balls
- 24 fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Mini Cheese Balls:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
- Crackers, for serving
How to Make 5 Easy Holiday Appetizers:
- Cranberry Brie Bites:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into small squares.
- Press each square into a mini muffin tin and fill with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Top with a piece of brie cheese and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary before serving.
- Spinach and Feta Pinwheels:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry and spread the spinach, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and garlic evenly over the surface.
- Roll up the pastry tightly and slice into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Place the pinwheels on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- BBQ Meatball Sliders:
- In a small saucepan, heat the BBQ sauce over medium heat.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir until coated.
- Slice the slider buns in half and place a meatball on each bottom half.
- Top with sliced red onion and the other half of the bun.
- Caprese Skewers:
- Thread a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto each skewer.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Mini Cheese Balls:
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pecans, parsley, and cranberries until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls and roll them in additional chopped pecans or parsley if desired.
- Refrigerate until firm, then serve with crackers.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Puff Pastry: This versatile ingredient forms the base for the Cranberry Brie Bites and Spinach and Feta Pinwheels, providing a light and flaky texture.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet and tart flavor to the Cranberry Brie Bites, balancing the richness of the brie cheese.
- Meatballs: The star of the BBQ Meatball Sliders, these can be store-bought for convenience or homemade if you prefer.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Used in the Caprese Skewers, this cheese provides a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherry tomatoes and basil.
- Cream Cheese: Forms the base of the Mini Cheese Balls, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs well with the cheddar cheese and other ingredients.
These appetizers are sure to be a hit at your next gathering, and with their budget-friendly ingredients, you can enjoy them without breaking the bank.
