Top-Rated Holiday Season Appetizers

This is the perfect time to impress your guests with delectable appetizers. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or a festive cocktail party, these tried-and-true recipes are sure to delight.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients

• 24 large white mushrooms

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Remove stems from mushrooms and finely chop them.

3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped stems and garlic until fragrant.

4. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

5. Add the sautéed mushroom stems and garlic to the mixture.

6. Fill each mushroom cap with the stuffing and place on a baking sheet.

7. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• 8 oz Brie cheese

• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

• Fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cut puff pastry into 2-inch squares and place in mini muffin tins.

3. Cut Brie into small cubes and place one in each puff pastry square.

4. Top with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of pecans.

5. Bake for 15 minutes, until the pastry is golden.

6. Garnish with rosemary before serving.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Ingredients

• 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained

• 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

• 1 cup cream cheese

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

3. Stir in spinach and artichokes, then season with salt & pepper.

4. Spread mixture into a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

5. Serve warm with tortilla chips or sliced baguette.

Smoked Salmon Canapés

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, sliced into rounds

• 8 oz cream cheese

• 2 tbsp dill, chopped

• 8 oz smoked salmon, sliced

• Capers, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) & toast baguette slices until golden.

2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese with dill.

3. Spread dill cream cheese onto each baguette slice.

4. Top with a slice of smoked salmon and a few capers.

5. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Ingredients

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

• 12 slices prosciutto

• Olive oil

• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of prosciutto.

3. Arrange on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

4. Sprinkle with black pepper.

5. Roast for 10-12 minutes, until the prosciutto is crispy.