8 holiday finger foods

8 Holiday Finger Foods Everyone Will Love

by Anne Middleton, on December 8th, 2018

They are the perfect way for socializing, ideal for the holidays, and always a party-pleaser.  “Appetizer only” celebrations are more popular for seasonal entertaining than ever before. Hosting celebrations that focus on holiday finger foods allow guests to partake in a variety of food options without getting overstuffed.  Plus, many recipes can be made in advance, allowing the host to mingle and enjoy the festivities without being stuck in the kitchen.

 

Ways to Wow Your Guests

 

The trick for serving tasty holiday party finger foods is to find delicious appetizer recipes.  You’ll want to stick to mostly hors d'oeuvres that aren’t messy or greasy, are easy to pick up quickly, and are substantial enough to be eaten with two fingers.

 

Party invitations are in abundance during the holidays, so make your celebration memorable with a finger food event. Try these satisfying and sensational ideas:

 

1. Fingerling Potatoes with Avocado and Smoked Salmon

 

Forget putting something atop a cracker.  Instead, put it on a potato!

 

Fingerling style potatoes are small and slender in shape. When cut in half, they provide the perfect surface to hold slices of salmon. Fingerlings even come in colors (like purple), to dress up your serving plate. 

 

The potato halves serve as the base for a mouth-watering handheld appetizer. Your company will love the unexpected flavor combination of savory salmon, creamy avocado and fresh dill on top of the roasted potatoes.

 

2. Baked Gorgonzola Bites

 

Gorgonzola is a specific type of blue cheese that boasts a distinctive and robust flavor. This dairy treat has a crumbly and soft texture with a nutty aroma.

 

To prepare this crowd pleasing, scrumptious bite, all you need is five ingredients. This delicious easy holiday finger food requires just one pan and 30 minutes to make. Its melty, cheesy, pull-apart configuration is irresistible. It's basically a savory monkey bread that your company won't be able to stop eating.

 

(Stock up on everything you need for the perfect holiday snacks with a Sur La Table coupon code!)

 

3. Pita Tree Appetizers

 

With very little effort you can design and serve pita bread Christmas trees in less than 30 minutes. Cut the flatbread pita into triangle wedges and top them with store-bought guacamole. Add a pretzel stick for the tree trunk.

 

This trouble-free recipe is a perfect way to get kids involved. They will have fun helping decorate these edible Christmas trees.

 

4. Pigs in A Blanket Wreath

 

Mini hot dogs wrapped in dough are always a favorite, but they become an extra special Christmas holiday finger food when creatively arranged on the platter. 

 

To create the appearance of a wreath, place a small dish of ketchup in the middle and surround it with rosemary sprigs and the Pigs in a Blanket. The presentation makes it an innovative appetizer that guests of all ages will crave.

 

5. Mushroom Puffs

 

There is no need to ignore your vegetarian friends with this flavor-filled appetizer.  Flaky puff pastry surrounds a rich mix of cream cheese, mushrooms, onions, and Parmesan cheese for a tasty explosion in your mouth. You can even assemble and freeze these ahead of time for added convenience.

 

6. Ham & Cheese Pinwheels

 

For a substantial appetizer, turn a ham and cheese sandwich into a small bite. The pinwheel design turns this traditional idea into an eye-pleasing finger food without sacrificing any taste. The buttery, flaky crescent rolls, beautifully styled, enriches every mouthful.

 

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels can be baked ahead and frozen in advance. The pinwheels can be served at room temperature which makes them ideal for Thanksgiving when the turkey has taken over all the space in the oven.

 

(For any of your holiday meat needs, grab an Omaha Steaks coupon code!)

 

 

7. Dip It

 

Whether you choose a light vegetable recipe or a creamy favorite like onion, dips are a stable at every holiday parties. Upgrade the traditional version of Spinach-Artichoke Dip with Blue Cheese and Bacon and prepare it in a slow cooker.  Let it bake on its own in one vessel while you set up the room and get dressed for the celebration.

 

8. Santa Hat Brownies

 

Finger foods don’t have to stop at savory appetizers.  During the holidays, don’t forget the sweet side with these irresistible Santa Hat Brownies. At Christmas time, fun and simple is a priority for holiday treats. This is a quick dessert, especially if you use a store-bought brownie mix or ready-made brownie bites.  In just minutes you’ll have a festive dessert to get everyone into the spirit of the holidays.

 

Celebrate the Season

 

Finger food parties are ideal for seasonal celebrations. These events offer tasty hors d'oeuvres that allow your guests to nosh the night away.  They can be formal or casual, and they are a seamless way to get your guests to mingle.

 

With proper planning, appetizer parties will avoid you having to languish in the kitchen. You will be able to enjoy your guests and receive all the compliments of creating delicious, impressive, and unforgettable finger foods that everyone loves.