Christmas Party Appetizers

Holiday Hors D'oeurves - Festive Bruschetta, Asian Meatballs & More

© Minka Gantenbein

Nov 12, 2009

Tis' the season for holiday parties. Serve up an elegant arrangement of appetizers and hors d'oeurves using these festive recipes.

Artichoke, Spinach & Bacon Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup sweet yellow onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 8 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions:

1. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Saute the yellow onion and garlic until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Transfer the onion and garlic to a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the bacon, artichoke hearts, sour cream and lemon zest to the mixing bowl.
5. Place the spinach in a strainer and squeeze out the juice.
6. Add the spinach to the mixing bowl.
7. Mix the ingredients together well.
8. Season with salt & pepper, and continue to mix until thoroughly combined.
9. Refrigerate the dip for half an hour before serving.

Serve this savory dip with cubes of sourdough bread, vegetable sticks, crackers or mini toast. It's versatility is a plus when it comes to serving a crowd. This recipe makes approximately 4 cups of dip.

Red & Green Grape Tomato Appetizer

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup green grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 six-ounce log of fresh goat cheese
• 1/2 cup Kalamata or Greek olives, chopped
• salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Spread approximately half a teaspoon of fresh goat cheese on top of each halved tomato.
2. Sprinkle salt & pepper over the goat cheese, to taste.
3. Place one piece of chopped Greek olive on top of each appetizer.
4. Arrange the appetizers on a plate.

This simple appetizer is quick, easy and festive. Arrange these appetizers in rows of red and green for an appealing look. This recipe will make approximately 40 appetizers.

Mini Asian Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground pork
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs, finely ground
• 1/4 cup canned water chestnuts, rinsed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• cilantro sprigs for garnish

Directions:

1. Place bread crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour the milk in ands stir to combine.
3. Add pork, egg, water chestnuts, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt & chopped cilantro.
4. Combine all ingredients together well using hands.
5. Form meat mixture into balls using approximately two tablespoons of the mixture per meatball.
6. In a large pan heat the olive oil over medium heat.
7. Place the meatballs into the pan and cook for 12- 15 minutes, rolling them often to ensure even browning.
8. Place meatballs onto a serving plate, and arrange cilantro sprigs around the plate for garnish.
9. Serve meatballs warm.

Place frilly red and green toothpicks into each meatball for an added touch. Other variations for this dish are to sprinkle the meatballs with finely chopped cilantro or sesame seeds. This recipe will make approximately 10 servings.

Holiday Bruschetta

Ingredients:

• 10-12 tomatoes, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 15 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• salt & pepper to taste
• Ciabatta, french or sourdough baguettes, in half-inch slices
• olive oil

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, add tomatoes, garlic, basil leaves, olive oil, salt and pepper.
2. Using a wooden spoon, gently combine ingredients until well mixed.
3. Transfer to a serving bowl.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
5. Place baguette slices on a cookie sheet and brush with olive oil.
6. Bake the baguette slices for 4-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.
7. Transfer toasted baguette slices to a bread basket or serving tray to serve alongside the tomato mixture.

This fresh tasting recipe is great for parties. If serving this appetizer right away, the tomato mixture can be placed on top of the toasted baguettes and arranged on a tray. This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.

Serve these delicious appetizers at holiday cocktail parties, seasonal potlucks or Christmas dinner. Let these festive recipe ideas help to inspire the menu planning for upcoming holiday meals.

Bruschetta

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