Easy holiday appetizers are always welcome, but sometimes hard to find. Choosing the right appetizer for your holiday event can be challenging, especially if you want to spice it up. Staying within your budget is made easier with some of these recipes.
For each appetizer, there is someone who was kind enough to share it with the world for others to enjoy. As we get into the holidays, we find we are looking for recipes that are easy to prepare. These recipes become our goto for all occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 5 types of hors d oeuvres?
Some of the more common hors d oeuvres(appetizers) are bruschetta, stuffed pastries, potato skins, meatballs, and chicken wings. These are delicious, budget-friendly, and easy to prepare.
What appetizers can you smoke?
You will enjoy these appetizers for any holiday celebration. These are only a few of the appetizers that are quick but packed with great flavor, surely to become a family favorite.
- Smoked Pig Shots
- Stuffed Jalapenos
- Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Meatballs
- Garlic Cheese Bread
- Bacon Wrapped Potato Sticks
- Bruschetta
Preparing for the holiday feast often means that while the oven is being used, you can fire up the grill for great flavors to get the celebration started.
As you make your list while consider the amount of room available in the pantry, refrigerator, and the dishes to be used.
Bruschetta
Italian Bruschetta is a simple easy appetizer to make and put together. There are limited ingredients for this tasty snack but so easy to prepare. This recipe is so easy to prepare, you will have this often because of the fresh flavor.
Some people toast their bread in the oven at 275F or in an electric toaster. I prefer toasting my baguette bread on the grill, this adds that smoky flavor will cause your appetizer to come alive and be spectacular.
Here is the recipe:
- 1 Baguette Bread(Crusty)
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- Before Adding Other Ingredients Drain Tomato Juice
- 1 Tbs finely chopped onions
- 1 Clove of finely chopped garlic
- 2 Tbs fresh basil
- 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 Tbs Balsamic Vinegar
- 2-3 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Mix Thoroughly
- Slice Bread into 1/4-1/2 inch slice diagonally
- Brush Bread with Olive Oil Minced Garlic Mixture
- Toast-Bread on Grill until golden brown(parmesan cheese optional)
- Put your vegetable mixture on the bread and serve. For best results put your mixture on the bread just before serving to prevent the bruschetta from getting soggy.
Toast your bread about 5 minutes until you get your golden brown color. You can also do this in the oven or toaster.
This delicious appetizer should take about 15 minutes filled with freshness and flavor. Your guests will be amazed at how tasty and simple this dish was to make.
Some people prefer having parmesan cheese on your bruschetta, it is best to put it on when you are toasting your bread.
Smoked Pig Shots
Grilled pig shots are often thought of as tailgate food, but I have found they are great anytime. The aroma as the pig shots is grilling is sure to have everyone salivating, while they wait for them to cool enough to devour.
As you grill your pig shots, you are reminded of other recipes that call for these same ingredients.
- Thick Sliced Bacon
- Kielbasa Sausage
- Cream Cheese(Room Temperature)
- 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Parsley Flakes
- Diced Jalapenos(optional)
- Favorite Barbeque Rub(your option on the amount)
- Toothpicks
- Barbeque Sauce
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Piping Bag(Optional)
Let your bacon get to room temperature before dividing in half. This will allow your bacon to “stretch” properly around the kielbasa. Next, cut your kielbasa sausage into 1/2 thick slices. Wrap your kielbasa with the bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Thoroughly mix your cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, parsley flakes, and barbeque rub together, for a savory filling added the diced jalapenos. At this time fill your pig shots with your filling, if you are using a piping bag now is the time to fill it.
Pipe or spoon your cheese mixture into the opening in your bacon, filling it to the top. You may have to pack your pig shots with the filling if you can’t fill it with the bag or spoon.
Preheat your grill to 300F and place your pig shots on your pellet(charcoal) grill on the cool end. Cook for 17 minutes then drizzle with barbeque sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Cool Your Shots For Best Results
After removing your pig shots from the grill place them on a cooling tray. After your pig shots have cooled, enjoy a great appetizer that can be enjoyed anytime. Cooing your pig shots allows the cheese to cool but you will have better texture for eating.
Pig shots are so easy to prepare and serve. Sharing this recipe with your guests will often lead to finding other ways to use these same ingredients for more tasty appetizers.
Cheesy Easy Holiday Appetizer
Pull-Apart Cheesy Biscuit Bites
How often do you find a recipe that is quick, easy, affordable, and delicious? Many times the recipe is quick and easy but not affordable. You will find this recipe so simple and easy that you will want to make it for any occasion.
You will be caught going back for more. This easy appetizer can be done in the oven or the pellet grill. You have the option of changing the ingredients to those you prefer most. The ingredients are listed below:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 package grands biscuits or homemade biscuits
- 3 ounces of gouda cheese
- 1 9X13 baking dish
You could easily turn this recipe into a savory appetizer by adding just a couple of other ingredients such as: bacon bits, diced jalapenos, and paprika.
Optional:
- diced jalapenos
- bacon bits
- paprika
Melt your butter in the baking dish, then add 1 clove of minced garlic. Divide your biscuits into 1/4s and place them in the baking dish as you go.
Break your gouda cheese into small pieces and place the pieces evenly on the biscuit dough as you break it up.
Place the baking dish on your pre-heated grill(375F) for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. You may also do this in the oven at 375F for the same length of time.
Let cool for a few minutes before removing it and placing it on the platter for all to enjoy. You will be amazed at how quickly these tasty bites disappear, it is almost like magic.
Another Easy Holiday Appetizer
Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls
This is another recipe that is quick and easy to make. This can be done in the oven or pellet grill. You will need the following ingredients:
- Breakfast Sausage Links
- Puff pastry(thawed) at room temperature
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Baking pan
- 1 egg
- silicone mat or parchment paper
Unroll your puff pastry. Cut lengthwise in equal parts. Take your sausage links and remove the casings. After removing the casings, placing the sausage lengthways along with the pepper jack cheese end-to-end firmly overlapping until the pastry is full.
After you have your sausage filling and cheese on the puff-pastry, you will start from the bottom of the dough and carefully roll the sausages and cheese until you get to the top, rolling evenly from side to side.
This will give you a balanced sausage roll, when you have reached the top, brush the egg wash along the seam. Repeat on the other pastry.
PRO TIP: Using the back of a fork, gently apply pressure along the seam to crimp the seam. This helps your pastry cook more evenly.
Cut your sausage-filled puff-pastry into 1-inch lengths. Using a sharp knife prick the top of each section for venting and then brush egg wash on the top. I would recommend using either parchment paper or a silicone matt on your pan.
Pre-heat your pellet grill or oven to 400F. Place your baking pan filled with your pastries in the oven(pellet grill) and cook for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Place on a cooling tray before serving. Once your snacks have cooled; your guests will find this to be delicious and just the right size snack.
Italian Loaf
Once you choose your appetizer, look for ways to have your appetizer enhance your meal. Your appetizer begins your party and enhances the theme of your party.
An Easy Holiday Appetizer From The Grill
The following video gives an example of an easy appetizer with few ingredients and can be served at any occasion.
Following the steps used you can have your appetizer prepared in less than 30 minutes.
Sam’s Easy Italian Loaf
Choosing Your Easy Holiday Appetizer
Holiday appetizers don’t have to be expensive, they may only have a few ingredients. Many people will grill their appetizers for the holidays simply because the kitchen has so much activity.
Regardless of the appetizer you choose, plan the amount of room needed in the kitchen. By doing this, you free up time and counter space for additional dishes to be prepared.
Favorite Easy Appetizers
I have my favorites that only take minutes to prepare in the kitchen and on the grill. Selecting the proper appetizer for the situation can be difficult but with a little planning your party will be a success.
Be bold, enjoy your family, and have a great holiday season while preparing a meal that is sensational in every way. Each step was carefully prepared and targeted to your guests.
Some of my favorite appetizers include the pig shot, bacon wrapped stuffed jalapenos, Italian loaf(video), bruschetta, and more. Each have limited ingredients but are simple to prepare ahead of time for time-saving appetizers.
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