Appetizers for Holiday Hosting

The holidays are here, and in full swing. Hosting during the holidays can be so fun but also so stressful. Deciding what to serve can play a big part in that stress!  Try some of these red and green-themed appetizer ideas at your next party and tag us in pictures of your holiday party spread.

  • Pinwheels made with green tortillas (also cream cheese, dried cranberries, feta, green onions)

  • Balsamic mozzarella tomato basil skewers

  • Red and green veg tray (red peppers, cucumber, snap peas, grape tomatoes, broccoli, etc.) with a dip

  • Christmas trail mix

  • Hummus wreath (shape the hummus into a wreath, add chopped parsley for the green leaves, and grape tomatoes to look like Christmas ornaments)

  • Guacamole wreath (again shape into a wreath, but this time add grape tomatoes and cilantro to make mistletoe!)

  • Charcuterie board

A charcuterie board is one of my personal favorite appetizers to make because it takes minimal prep, can feed a crowd, and it’s so pretty!  You can also pack in a lot of nutritional variety, tons of different flavors and textures, and create an appetizer that will be sure to satisfy your stomach and your taste buds.  Here are some ideas for components of your next Christmas charcuterie board:

Meats + Cheeses:

  • Salami

  • Smoked salmon

  • Summer sausage

  • Prosciutto

  • Gouda

  • Cheddar

  • Goat cheese

  • Brie

Grains:

  • Crackers

  • Breadsticks

  • Thinly sliced French bread

  • Mini toasts

Fruits + Veggies:

  • Red or green grapes

  • Raspberries

  • Grape tomatoes

  • Sliced apples

  • Sliced red or green bell peppers

  • Sliced pears

  • Dried figs

Sweet flavors:

  • pecans

  • Yogurt covered pretzels

  • Red and green M&Ms

  • Jams

  • Chocolate covered cherries

Salty + Savory Flavors:

  • Dill pickles

  • Nut mix

  • Hummus

  • Olives

  • Grainy mustard

  • Pistachios

 

Have fun making a beautiful board, and don’t forget to tag us in your pictures!


Written By: Lauren Battles, RDN, LD

Next
Next

Dialectical Thinking in Food, Nutrition & Wellness