Whether you are hosting a holiday party or attending a good ‘ole fashioned potluck, you may wonder what kinds of foods will fit the occasion. Like many, you may begin scrolling your social feed with all the food ladies you follow, or you may turn to the wise Google, in search of festive party foods. However, while there are some great ideas out there, it can often lead to feeling overwhelmed with the complexity of many recipes or finding that the ingredients won’t work for your people. So, it’s back to the drawing board. Now what?
Sis, I have been there. A time or two, actually, looking for easy-peasy recipes, yet also foods that will please even the pickiest of eaters. So, with that said, I am glad you are here! Maybe we can narrow down your recipe choices for your next Christmas get-together and find something that will work for all your precious people.
Below, you will find easy-to-make and simply delicious recipes from appetizers to desserts, all with minimal ingredients, making them easy to whip up in no time! Having a few picky eaters in my family, I can also assure you that these recipes are a big hit and score big. All the while, they bring the assuring head nod of approval and award-winning smiles. Not only that, but most of these dishes are portable and can be easily transported to your next shindig!
So, are you ready? Well, then break out that apron and gather a few supplies, because here we go… Oh, let the Christmas festivities begin!
Caprese Bites
Package mozzarella balls
Cherry tomatoes
Basil leaves
Olive oil
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
Balsamic glaze
This appetizer is not only easy and delicious but also brings in festive colors as well. In a small bowl, stir ¼ cup olive oil and Italian seasoning. Place mozzarella balls in bowl and gently toss. Take small skewers and layer a cherry tomato, basil leaf, mozzarella ball, and then another tomato. Drizzle the balsamic glaze on top and voila! (These make a great gluten-free alternative).
Christmas Tree Pull-apart Bread
8 mozzarella sticks cut into fourths
Pillsbury pizza dough
Italian seasoning
1 egg white
Fresh parsley
Spaghetti or marina sauce
This simply cute recipe will not only wow your guests but please their palettes as well. To begin, set the oven to 400. Then take the pizza dough, roll it out, and cut into 32 squares. Place one cut-up mozzarella stick inside of each dough square, fold up, and roll into a ball. Place them on a baking sheet to resemble a Christmas tree. Brush the top with egg white to keep from over-browning, then pop it in the oven for about 15-18 minutes. When you take it out, sprinkle with chopped-up parsley, except the “trunk” of the tree. Add a bowl of warmed spaghetti sauce on the side and serve. Simply delicious!
Slow cooker BBQ Meatballs
32 oz. Bag of frozen meatballs
1 (18 oz) BBQ sauce
1 small jar of grape jelly
1 tbsp garlic power
This recipe is not only super-duper easy, but it is one that you can prep, set, and leave alone until you are ready to go to your party. Simply place all the ingredients above in a slow cooker, stir well, and set for 3-4 hours on low. That’s it! Sprinkle top with chives or toasted sesame seeds for a festive look.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Package Hawaiian Rolls
1 lb. thinly sliced deli ham
8 oz package of white cheddar (or of the like) sliced cheese
Cup butter
Package dry French onion soup mix
Poppy seeds
These little sandwiches always score big, and I am often asked for the recipe. It is so very simple, too! Set oven to 375. Cut the rolls in half and add deli meat and cheese inside, then place top back on to make a mini slider (sandwich). In a bowl, melt the butter and add the French onion mix and poppyseeds. Arrange these on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. For a festive flair, take a slice of green olive and red pimento to create a wreath on top of the sandwich, then pop back in the oven for a few minutes. So cute and so yummy!
Cranberry Baked Brie
1 8 oz brie round
1 pastry sheet fully thawed
½ cup cranberry sauce
1 tbsp chopped pecans
1 egg white
Absolutely love this recipe this time of year! Simply start by preheating oven to 400. Then take the pastry sheet and lay it out on a baking sheet. Place the brie in the middle on top. Pour the cranberry sauce on top and wrap up top. Brush the top with egg white and bake for 20 minutes. Take out and sprinkle with pecans and bake for five more minutes. Serve with crackers while it is warm. Oh, so good!
Bacon Spinach Dip
6 slices bacon
1 lb. frozen chopped spinach (thawed)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder and paprika
1 8 oz. cream cheese
1/3 cup sour cream
2 cup parmesan (split in half)
Start this recipe by preheating over to 350. Cook bacon in microwave or skillet, crumble up, and set aside. Cook spinach for about 1-2 minutes until wilted. In a medium to large mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayo, seasonings, and sour cream until well blended and creamy. Fold in the spinach and 1 cup of parmesan. Place mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Serve this dip with toasted bread, pita chips, or crackers, and savor the goodness!
Bite-sized Apple Pies
Pastry sheet (thawed)
3 apples peeled, cored, and chopped
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. nutmeg
½ cup butter
1 egg white
Who doesn’t like apple pie? These mini apple pies will be a big hit at your next event, guaranteed! Preheat oven to 400. Then simply take the party sheet and roll out. Then cut into 2–3-inch squares and form into the bottom of a muffin tin. In a bowl mix the chopped apples and seasonings and place inside the muffin cups. Add a small bit of butter on top of each, then add pastry on top to finish. If you feel creative, you can make a lattice topping or place a dough shaped with a Christmas cookie cutter on top. Brush top with egg white and place in oven for about 20 minutes. Serve with a side of ice cream or whipped cream. Simply delish!
Christmas Sugar Cookies
1 ½ cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter (slightly softened)
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 egg
2 ½ flour
1 tsp. baking soda
A variety of icings and sprinkles for top
Is it really Christmas without cookies? Let me rephrase that: is it really Christmas without the classic sugar cookie? My mom used to make these cookies every year, and while I strive to make them as good as hers, there is just something so nostalgic about these cookies, making them an absolute necessity every year!
So, let’s begin. In a large bowl, mix the powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and egg until well-blended. Then add the flour and baking soda. Refrigerate for three hours! When ready, sprinkle a flat surface with flour and roll out about half of the dough. Then take cookie cutters and cut them out. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 375 for about 8 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough. Let rest on a cooling rack or cool flat surface. Once completely cool, decorate with icing and sprinkles. If you wish to make your own icing simply use 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tbsp. milk. Mix well and add food coloring to your liking. These are sure to please everyone at your Christmas party!
And there you have it. Some Christmas party foods to meet the needs of every one of your guests! May this holiday be filled with lots of love and laughter as you gather with your family and friends and savor the tastes this season brings!
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/SeventyFour