By Amy Iori
The holiday season is a time of warmth, togetherness, and indulgence. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, gatherings with family and friends abound, and food takes center stage. While the traditional holiday feast has its undeniable charm, there’s a delicious and innovative trend on the rise. It’s the appetizers-only holiday gathering. This year, why not craft a memorable gathering that your guests will rave about.
The idea of only serving appetizers at a holiday gathering might seem unconventional at first, but it’s a concept that’s gaining popularity, and for good reason. Planning and preparing a full dinner can be time-consuming and stressful. Appetizers are often simpler to make and can be prepared in advance, reducing kitchen stress during your event. Unlike a formal dinner where guests are seated, an appetizers-only gathering allows for more mingling and conversation, making it ideal for reconnecting with loved ones.
It’s also easy to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences when making appetizers because of the small-batch nature of preparation. By offering a mix of vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, you ensure that all your guests can safely and happily indulge. Whether you’re hosting an intimate family get-together, a lively cocktail party, or a casual potluck, appetizers-only holiday gatherings allow you to get creative, share the joy of cooking, and foster a more relaxed and interactive atmosphere.
The success of any appetizers-only holiday gathering hinges on the menu. When crafting your menu, give some extra thought to preparing a balance of flavors, including savory, sweet, and even spicy options, and a variety of textures, from crispy and crunchy to creamy and smooth.
Presentation and Plating
The visual appeal of your appetizers is just as important as their taste. Elevate your presentation with these tips:
Colorful Platters: Use colorful, eye-catching platters and serving dishes to make your appetizers pop. Consider seasonal colors like deep reds, greens, and metallic accents.
Garnishes: Fresh herbs, edible flowers, and citrus zest can add a touch of elegance to even the simplest dishes.
Tiered Displays: Create height and dimension with tiered serving trays or risers. This not only looks impressive but also saves table space.
A Few Ideas to Get You Started
Stuffed Mushrooms: Hollow out cremini or button mushrooms and stuff them with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Add cooked sausage for a meat option. Bake until golden brown and savory. Add parsley to garnish (optional)
Brie and Cranberry Bites: Top crackers or crostini with a small slice of Brie cheese and a dollop of cranberry sauce. Warm them in the oven until the Brie is gooey and serve. Another option is to wrap small pieces of Brie cheese in puff pastry and bake until golden brown. Top with cranberry sauce for a sweet and savory treat.
Deviled Eggs: Put a holiday twist on this classic by adding chopped cranberries, green onions, and a pinch of nutmeg to the yolk mixture. Garnish with parsley.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip: This creamy, cheesy dip is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with tortilla chips, baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Mini Quiches: Make bite-sized quiches with various fillings like bacon and cheese, spinach and feta, or caramelized onions and mushrooms. These can be prepared in advance and reheated.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Blend roasted red peppers into your homemade hummus for a colorful and flavorful twist on a classic dip. Serve with pita bread or vegetable sticks.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Stuff dates with cream cheese or blue cheese, wrap them in bacon, and bake until crispy. The combination of sweet and salty is irresistible.
Caprese Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Phyllo Pastry Cups: Fill pre-made phyllo cups with a variety of fillings like goat cheese and caramelized onions, crab and cream cheese, or spinach and feta.
Crostini with Fig Jam and Prosciutto: Spread fig jam on toasted baguette slices, then top with a slice of prosciutto and a small piece of arugula for a sweet and salty appetizer.
If these suggestions sound too complicated or you’re pressed for time, the charcuterie board is another easy and popular trend that fits perfectly with an all-appetizer theme. Today’s boards run the gamut from the simple-but-classic meat and cheese combos to an all-encompassing elegant display of assorted cheeses, cured meats, crackers and breads, gourmet mustards and spreads, veggies, nuts, and fresh fruit like grapes and figs for additional flavors and a pop of color.
Dessert Bites
No holiday gathering is complete without a sweet treat or two. There’s nothing wrong with having those favorite Thanksgiving pies or assortment of Christmas cookies on hand, but in keeping with the small-bite theme, here are a few dessert options.
Make or buy individual cheesecakes and serve them with a selection of fruit toppings.
Guests will love a chocolate fountain or simply a small crock pot of melted chocolate. Put out small bowls or ramekins and an assortment of syrups and extracts (hazelnut, almond, and peppermint, for example), and let guests experiment with drizzling flavored chocolate over fruit, pound cake or cheesecake, cookies, gingerbread, and anything else dippable.
Fruit skewers
Fruit salsa with cinnamon crisps
Stuffed dates with goat cheese and honey
Appetizers-only holiday gatherings are a delightful departure from the traditional holiday feast, offering a fresh and exciting way to celebrate the season. By encouraging your guests to interact and socialize around tables laden with bite-sized fare, you can create a memorable and engaging experience for everyone. This holiday season, let your creativity shine as you host a gathering that leaves everyone craving more of those delectable delights. Cheers to a season filled with delicious memories and festive celebrations!
