Ah, Christmas time! There’s just something magical about gathering with friends and family, sharing laughter, and indulging in delicious food. And let’s be honest, nothing elevates those festive gatherings quite like a spread of delightful finger foods. They’re easy to grab, bursting with flavor, and can really set the mood for celebration. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of holiday parties where the finger foods were the stars of the show!
When I think back on my favorite holiday moments, my mind immediately wanders to bustling kitchens filled with the aroma of warm, savory snacks. Picture this: trays of cheesy, sausage-wrapped bites and fresh shrimp cocktail, all while laughter and holiday music fill the air. I love how these *Christmas finger foods* bring people together, making it easy to mingle and enjoy each other’s company without the fuss of formal dining. So, let’s dive into this collection of tasty finger foods that will surely wow your guests and make your holiday celebrations unforgettable!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create these scrumptious *Christmas finger foods* that everyone will love. I like to keep things simple yet delicious, so you won’t find any complicated ingredients here. Just grab these goodies and get ready to impress!
- 1 lb of cocktail sausages
- 1 cup of cream cheese
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package of crescent roll dough
- 1 jar of marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
- 1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup of cocktail sauce
Feel free to adjust the quantities if you’re expecting a crowd or just want to save some for later! The beauty of these finger foods is that they’re super flexible. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get down to business and whip up these fantastic *Christmas finger foods*! I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this delightful spread. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have everyone coming back for more!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for achieving that golden-brown perfection we all love. While that’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to keep things from sticking. Trust me, it makes cleanup a breeze!
Wrap the Sausages
Next up, it’s time for the fun part! Take each cocktail sausage and wrap it in a piece of crescent roll dough. Make sure to cover them nicely, like little cozy blankets! Place each wrapped sausage seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. They should be snug but not squished—there’s no need for them to be overly tight. Once all your sausages are wrapped up, you’re ready to bake!
Bake and Prepare Cheese Balls
Slide that baking sheet into the oven and let them bake for about 15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and irresistibly crispy. While those little bundles of joy are baking, let’s mix up the cheese balls! In a bowl, combine the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Now, using your hands, form small balls from the cheese mixture (about the size of a walnut). Roll these little gems in the chopped parsley for a fresh touch. The colors will be stunning!
Cherry Tomatoes and Shrimp
While everything is baking away, let’s prep the cherry tomatoes. Simply arrange them on a serving platter to add some vibrant color to your spread. Now, for the shrimp! Heat a skillet over medium heat and toss in the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them until they turn pink, which should take just a few minutes. Once they’re done, serve them alongside a bowl of cocktail sauce for dipping. It’s all about those flavors coming together!
And voilà! You’ve just created a festive spread of *Christmas finger foods* that’ll have everyone raving. Enjoy the deliciousness and the joy it brings to your holiday gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip these up in just about 50 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Simple ingredients: No need to hunt down fancy items—just grab what you already know and love!
- Delicious flavors: The combination of cheesy goodness, savory sausages, and fresh shrimp is a flavor explosion!
- Perfect for large gatherings: These finger foods are easy to make in bulk, so you can feed a crowd without breaking a sweat.
- Makes mingling easy: Guests can grab and go, allowing everyone to enjoy each other’s company without fussing over plates and utensils.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite ingredients or add a personal touch to make these bites truly yours!
- Kid-friendly: Kids love these bites, making them a hit at family gatherings and holiday parties!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *Christmas finger foods* turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some practical tips to share! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you navigate the recipe with ease and confidence.
- Adjusting cheese flavors: Don’t hesitate to play around with the cheese mixture! If you want a little kick, try adding some crumbled feta or a sprinkle of garlic powder. The creaminess of the cheese pairs beautifully with the savory flavors, so get creative!
- Using fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor, but you can also experiment with other herbs like chives or dill. Just a little touch of fresh herbs can elevate the taste and make everything feel a bit more festive!
- Proper cooking temperatures: Keep an eye on your sausages while they bake! Ovens can vary, so start checking around the 12-minute mark. You want them golden brown, and nobody likes a burnt finger food—yikes!
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Give your wrapped sausages enough space on the baking sheet to expand a little while baking. If they’re too close together, they might steam instead of crisp up, and we definitely want that delightful crunch!
- Make-ahead options: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the cheese balls and wrap the sausages ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This way, you can enjoy the party without spending all your time in the kitchen!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a spectacular spread of *Christmas finger foods* that will delight your guests. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk nutrition! While we all know that these *Christmas finger foods* are delicious, it’s good to have an idea of what’s in them. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving, which is about three pieces. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods, but it gives you a nice ballpark figure!
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 6g
These numbers will help you gauge how many of these tasty bites you might want to indulge in. Remember, everything in moderation, but don’t hold back on enjoying these festive treats at your holiday gatherings! Cheers to delicious food and happy memories!
FAQ Section
Can I make these finger foods ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about these *Christmas finger foods* is that you can prep some components in advance. You can mix the cheese filling and form the cheese balls a day or two before your gathering. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. As for the sausage wraps, you can wrap them up and keep them in the fridge too—just bake them fresh on the day of your party for that golden, crispy perfection!
What are some good dips to serve with these finger foods?
Ooh, dips can really elevate your spread! For these cheesy bites and shrimp, I recommend a classic cocktail sauce for the shrimp—it’s a perfect match! You could also whip up some ranch dressing or a zesty garlic aioli for a creamy contrast. If you want to get adventurous, try a spicy sriracha mayo or even a warm cheese dip for a fun twist. Your guests will love having a variety of options!
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Of course! This recipe is super flexible. If you want to go meatless, you can totally skip the cocktail sausages and just focus on the cheesy bites and shrimp. For the cheese, feel free to swap in your favorites—like pepper jack for a spicy kick or even a dairy-free cream cheese for a plant-based version. And if you don’t have crescent roll dough, puff pastry works just as well! Get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious *Christmas finger foods* fresh and tasty, even after the party winds down. Trust me, you won’t want to waste any of these bites! Proper storage is key to enjoying them later.
First off, if you have leftovers (which is always a good sign of a successful gathering!), let the finger foods cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation which can make them soggy. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. I like to separate the different types of finger foods with parchment paper to keep everything nice and fresh. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you want to keep them for a longer time, consider freezing them! Just wrap each item tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Now, onto reheating! For the best results, I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the finger foods on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. This way, they’ll regain that delightful crunch. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be careful—microwaving can make them a bit chewy, so keep an eye on them and don’t overdo it!
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor your *Christmas finger foods* long after the festivities have ended. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Christmas Finger Foods: 7 Tasty Bites to Savor Together
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A collection of tasty finger foods perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb of cocktail sausages
- 1 cup of cream cheese
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package of crescent roll dough
- 1 jar of marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
- 1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup of cocktail sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Wrap each cocktail sausage in a piece of crescent roll dough.
- Place the wrapped sausages on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix cream cheese and cheddar cheese in a bowl.
- Form small balls from the cheese mixture and roll in parsley.
- Arrange cherry tomatoes on a serving platter.
- Cook shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until pink.
- Serve shrimp with cocktail sauce.
Notes
- Adjust the cheese mixture according to taste.
- Use store-bought marinara sauce for convenience.
- Fresh herbs can enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas finger foods, holiday appetizers, festive snacks
