6 Quick and Inexpensive Appetizers for Your Christmas Festivities

Whether you’re hosting or in need of bringing something to the table this year, finding a simple yet delicious dish should be no added stress to the holiday season. Plus, not only do you have to think about the holiday feat, you also have to think about spending on presents and decorations. Christmas appetizers are the perfect way to spread a little holiday cheer, and can be done without going over the holiday budget. These quick and easy bites can be simple to make, but unique to taste.

1. Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts

This dish will make everyone at the party love this controversial vegetable. Trim and cut up half a pound of Brussels sprouts. Coat them in flour and eggs (the flour and eggs will be in 2 separate bowls) and then coat them in a third bowl mixed with panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne. Put them on a greased baking sheet and bake in a 400 degree oven for 25 minutes.

2. Cranberry Brie Bites

This delicious bite-size bundle makes for good finger food for a Christmas party or small gathering. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Roll out your crescent or puff pastry dough in a little bit of flour. Cut the dough into mini squares and place them inside the muffin tin. Cut brie cheese into small pieces and place them in the dough pouches. Top off each with cranberry sauce and bake for about 15 minutes or until the dough is light golden brown.

3. Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Bites

Who doesn’t love cheese and bacon? Soften up about 8 ounces of cream cheese and mix it with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a 1 ounce package of dry ranch mix. Form the mix into little bite-size balls and place a pretzel stick in the center (you’ll use that like a lollipop stick) and refrigerate until firm. While that’s going, stir together cooked and finely chopped bacon and 1/3 cup fresh chives. Once firm, roll the balls in the bacon and chives mix.

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4. Sweet Potato Bites

This is the perfect comforting appetizer that ties in the essence of winter. Toss 4 medium-sized peeled and sliced sweet potatoes with melted butter and maple syrup, and then arrange them in an even layer. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes, but halfway through make sure to flip them around. When that’s done, switch the oven to broil. Then, top each sweet potato with a marshmallow and broil until puffed and golden, immediately topping each with a half pecan afterwards.

5. Antipasto Wreath

Make your charcuterie board festive for the holidays. You’ll need a bunch of fresh rosemary to decorate the edge of the plate/serving platter to look like a wreath, and then to make a smaller ring on the inner of the plate. In between, you can put any meats and cheeses you desire, such as mozzarella, goat cheese, prosciutto and salami. On the most inner ring, place some crostini and jam for serving.

6. Bacon Onion Crostini

The new and improved bruschetta for your holiday get-together that’s ready in 15 minutes. Brush maple syrup on the cooked bacon and then chop it up into small pieces. Slice one sweet onion and sauté them in a frying pan with melted butter, adding sugar towards the end, adding the chopped bacon afterwards. Toast the bagel chips or French baguette, and then proceed to spread cream cheese on top. Spoon the onion filling onto the crostini, and you’re done!