Ah, the holidays! There’s just something magical about gathering around with friends and family, right? Whether it’s the twinkling lights, the warm scents of cinnamon and pine, or the cheerful sounds of laughter, it all just makes my heart sing. And let’s not forget the food! I’ve always loved serving up delicious finger foods at my holiday parties. They’re so easy to grab while mingling, and there’s something for everyone. In this post, I’m excited to share my favorite collection of Christmas finger food ideas for parties! Trust me, these bites will have your guests raving and coming back for more. From creamy puff pastries to zesty shrimp, there’s a little bit of everything to make your holiday gatherings even more special. So, let’s dive into these festive delights!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Christmas finger foods! Gather these ingredients and let’s get cooking:
- 1 lb of cocktail shrimp, chilled and deveined
- 1 cup of cocktail sauce for dipping
- 12 oz of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of chopped green onions, for a fresh kick
- 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, for egg wash to give that golden touch
- 1 cup of diced ham, perfect for filling
- 1 cup of diced pineapple, adding a sweet twist
- 1 package of mini phyllo cups, ready to be filled with goodness
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get ready to make these delicious Christmas finger foods! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have your party spread set in no time. Here we go!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your puff pastries rise beautifully and get that perfect golden color. Trust me, you want those flaky layers to shine!
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
While the oven is heating, grab a mixing bowl and combine 12 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of chopped green onions. Mix it all together until it’s nice and creamy. This cheesy mixture is going to add so much flavor!
Assemble the Puff Pastry
Now, take your thawed puff pastry and cut it into small squares—about 3 inches each. Place a spoonful of that creamy mixture in the center of each square. Brush the edges with your egg wash (just whisk that egg up), then fold the pastry over and seal it up tight. This is where the magic happens!
Bake the Finger Foods
Pop those assembled pastries into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be puffed up and golden brown. When they look irresistible, they’re ready to come out!
Serve the Finger Foods
Once baked, let them cool slightly, then arrange all your gorgeous finger foods on a large platter. Don’t forget to add a bowl of cocktail sauce for the shrimp and maybe a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that wow factor. Your guests won’t be able to resist!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for these scrumptious bites! Each serving is approximately 150 calories, with about 8g of fat and 5g of protein. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy in moderation, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
Tips for Success
To really nail these Christmas finger foods, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t stress about making everything from scratch—store-bought puff pastry and phyllo cups can save you a ton of time. If you want to get a head start, feel free to prepare that creamy cheese mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. For an extra flavor boost, try adding some spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika to the cream cheese mix! And remember, keep an eye on those pastries while they bake. It’s always better to check a minute early than to risk them getting too brown. You’ve got this!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous with your Christmas finger food ideas, there are plenty of fun variations to explore! For a twist on the cream cheese filling, try adding some crumbled bacon or diced jalapeños for a savory kick. You could also swap out the ham and pineapple for a Mediterranean flair by filling the phyllo cups with feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Another option is to use sweet potato or spinach in your puff pastries for a festive veggie option. Don’t hesitate to mix and match flavors—your guests will love the creativity!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to pairing beverages with these delightful Christmas finger foods, you can’t go wrong with a nice sparkling cider or a festive punch. The bubbles and sweetness really complement the savory flavors of the bites. If you prefer something a bit stronger, a light white wine or a classic holiday cocktail like a cranberry spritzer will do the trick! And don’t forget about sides—some fresh veggie platters or a chic cheese board can elevate your spread even more. A little variety goes a long way in keeping your guests delighted and satisfied throughout the celebration!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After your fabulous holiday gathering, you might have some delicious finger food leftovers, and that’s a win! To store them, simply place the cooled pastries and phyllo cups in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help them regain their lovely crispiness! Avoid microwaving if you can; it tends to make them a bit soggy. Enjoy your tasty treats all over again!
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Christmas Finger Food Ideas for Parties to Wow Guests
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A collection of easy and delicious Christmas finger food ideas perfect for parties.
Ingredients
- 1 lb of cocktail shrimp
- 1 cup of cocktail sauce
- 12 oz of cream cheese
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of chopped green onions
- 1 package of puff pastry
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 1 cup of diced ham
- 1 cup of diced pineapple
- 1 package of mini phyllo cups
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture by combining cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
- Cut the puff pastry into small squares and fill with the cream cheese mixture.
- Brush pastry edges with egg wash and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Arrange cocktail shrimp on a platter and serve with cocktail sauce.
- Fill phyllo cups with diced ham and pineapple.
- Serve all finger foods on a large platter for guests.
Notes
- Make sure to chill the shrimp before serving.
- You can prepare the cream cheese mixture a day in advance.
- Experiment with different toppings for the phyllo cups.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas finger food ideas for parties
