Looking for some quick and easy appetizer ideas to keep your guests happy? Here’s a curated mix of tasty bites to try while your Honey Kissed Ham or smoked turkey is heating up.
1. Raspberry Chipotle Cream Cheese Dip
Pour Hamlet’s Raspberry Chipotle Sauce over a block of cream cheese and serve with crackers or sliced baguette. This is an easy fan favorite that will leave your guests craving more!
2. Peach Habanero Baked Brie
Top a wheel of brie with Hamlet’s Peach Habanero Sauce , bake at 350 °F for 15 minutes, and serve with apple slices and toasted bread. This is sure to bring some sweet heat to your gathering that spice lovers are sure to enjoy.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Stuff Medjool dates with blue cheese, wrap in bacon, and bake at 375 °F for 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. Be sure to flip the dates halfway through for even browning and let them cool before serving. These delicious dates make for a classy and easy addition to your holiday spread.
4. Pigs in a Blanket
Add this crowd favorite to your menu, loved by kids and adults alike! Wrap already cooked mini smoked sausages in crescent roll dough (cut each triangle in half). Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
5. Veggies and home-made ranch
Step up your vegetable tray game with home-made ranch! A veggie tray is an easy and classic appetizer and when you make your own ranch, everyone is sure to notice the difference. Below is an ingredient list and quick set of instructions for tasty ranch you can make at home.
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Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup buttermilk (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice or dash of white vinegar for tang
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
2. Stir in herbs and seasonings. Adjust salt, pepper, and tanginess to taste.
3. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
6. Jalapeno Poppers
If you are looking for another appetizer with a kick, another great option are jalapeno poppers, optionally served with peach habanero sauce. Check out this full recipe in our other blog .
7. Creamy Bacon Ranch Dip
You can never go wrong with a delicious dip on the appetizer table. This dip requires only a few ingredients and is best served with pretzels, chips, or fresh veggies.
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
Mix ingredients and chill before serving.
8. Apple, Cheddar & Prosciutto Roll-Ups
Another simple appetizer your guests will enjoy are apple slices and sharp cheddar wrapped in thin slices of prosciutto. Secure these with toothpicks and add a drizzle of honey or dab of mustard for an extra flavor layer.
9. Stuffed Mushrooms with Herbed Cheese
Enjoy creamy and savory mushroom caps stuffed with a blend of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and parmesan. The recipe included fills about 20 to 25 medium-sized mushroom caps that are about 2 inches wide.
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Ingredients:
- 1 lb. white or cremini mushrooms, stems removed and cleaned
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 2 tbsp breadcrumbs for topping (for a little crunch)
- Olive oil for brushing
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment.
3. Clean mushrooms gently with a damp towel and remove stems. Set caps aside.
4. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, parmesan, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each mushroom cap generously with the cheese mixture.
6. Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for crunch.
7. Place filled mushrooms on a baking sheet. Brush caps lightly with olive oil for a nice sheen.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until mushrooms are tender and filling is golden and bubbly.
9. Let cool slightly before serving.
10. Cranberry & Brie Puff Pastry Bites
These bites make for flaky and fruity appetizer guests are sure to love. This recipe calls for only five ingredients and is made up of puff pastry stuffed with brie and cranberry sauce. This elegant addition is sure to shine on any holiday table.
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Ingredients:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (rind is fine)
- 1/3 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Garnish options: chopped pecans, rosemary, or a drizzle of honey
- Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry just a bit to even it out, then cut into 24 squares (6 rows by 4).
4. Gently press each square into the wells of the muffin tin.
5. Add a cube of brie to each pastry cup. Top with about 1/2 tsp of cranberry sauce.
6. Add optional garnish: sprinkle a few chopped pecans, a tiny bit of rosemary, or drizzle of honey on top for flavor and texture.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until puff pastry is golden brown, and cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.