Oh, the joy of the holiday season! One of my absolute favorite parts is whipping up delicious *Christmas finger foods* that make gatherings feel extra special. These little bites of joy are perfect for mingling, allowing everyone to snack and chat without missing a beat. Trust me, there’s something magical about serving up warm, cheesy goodness that fills the room with delightful aromas. Whether it’s a cozy family get-together or a festive party with friends, these finger foods are an instant hit! They’re not only easy to make, but they also look beautiful on a platter, inviting everyone to dig in. So, let’s get those taste buds ready for a delightful holiday treat that’s sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened so it mixes easily with the other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For that delightful cheesy flavor—grate it yourself for the best melt!
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Freshly chopped for a hint of oniony brightness and crunch.
- 1 package puff pastry: Thawed according to package instructions; this is what gives our bites that flaky, buttery texture.
- 1/2 cup diced ham: You can use leftover ham or even some deli ham—just make sure it’s diced small for easy filling.
- 1 egg for egg wash: Whisked to give your pastries that beautiful golden finish when baked.
How to Prepare Christmas Finger Foods
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious Christmas finger foods! I promise, it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a tray of delightful bites ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting that lovely golden color on our pastries.
- While the oven warms up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and diced ham. Mix until everything is well incorporated, and don’t be shy—get in there with a spatula!
- Next, take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into squares, about 3 inches wide. No need to be perfect; a little rustic charm adds to the holiday spirit!
- Now, place a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill them, or they’ll be tricky to seal!
- Fold each square over to create a triangle or a pocket, sealing the edges well. I like to press down with a fork for that cute crimped look—plus, it helps keep the filling from oozing out.
- Brush the tops with your whisked egg to give them a gorgeous, shiny finish when they bake. It’s like a little gift of golden goodness!
- Slide those beauties into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and golden brown. The aroma will be heavenly, trust me!
- Once they’re out, let them cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Your guests will be lining up for these delicious bites!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings!
- Deliciously cheesy filling with a hint of savory ham and fresh onions.
- Flaky, buttery puff pastry that melts in your mouth.
- Festively appealing, making them a hit on any holiday platter.
- Great for mingling—no utensils needed, just grab and enjoy!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas finger foods turn out perfectly, here are my top tips! First, make sure your cream cheese is really softened—this makes mixing so much easier. Don’t rush the sealing process; take a moment to crimp those edges well, or you might find some filling escaping while they bake. Also, keep an eye on them towards the end of baking; ovens can vary, and you want that gorgeous golden color! If you’re making these ahead of time, you can freeze them before baking—just add a few extra minutes in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Enjoy the festive cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about these Christmas finger foods is how versatile they are! If you’re looking to switch things up, try substituting the ham with cooked chicken or even some roasted vegetables for a delightful vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different cheeses—Swiss or pepper jack can add a fun twist! For extra flavor, consider mixing in some herbs like dill or parsley. Feeling adventurous? Add a dollop of cranberry sauce inside for a sweet and savory surprise. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make them your own!
Nutritional Information
These delightful Christmas finger foods are not only tasty but also pretty manageable when it comes to nutrition! Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 5g, Unsaturated Fat: 3g)
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 10g (Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g)
- Sodium: 250mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy munching on these tasty bites without worrying too much about your holiday indulgence!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of these delightful Christmas finger foods (though I doubt it!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that deliciousness intact. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
When it’s time to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pastries on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you can; you want to keep that flaky texture, and microwaving can make them a bit soggy. Enjoy your festive bites!
FAQ Section
Can I make these finger foods ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare them and freeze them before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to serve them.
What can I use instead of ham? If you want a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the ham with cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or your favorite roasted veggies. It’s all about personal preference!
How do I ensure they don’t leak filling? Make sure you seal the edges tightly. I like to crimp them with a fork to be extra safe! Just take your time with this step.
Can I use store-bought cheese sauce? While you could use cheese sauce, I recommend sticking with the cream cheese and cheddar mixture for the best flavor and texture in these Christmas finger foods.
How long do these last once baked? These tasty bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat to enjoy them again!
Print
Christmas Finger Foods: 7 Irresistible Bites to Indulge
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious finger foods perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 package puff pastry
- 1/2 cup diced ham
- 1 egg for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and ham.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each square.
- Fold the pastry over to seal and brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Can substitute ham with cooked chicken or vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Make ahead and freeze before baking.
- Serve with a dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas finger foods, appetizers, holiday snacks
