Ah, the holiday season! It’s the perfect time for festive gatherings filled with laughter, joy, and, of course, delicious food. I absolutely love whipping up these Christmas party appetizers because they’re not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight! Imagine the delightful crunch of the mini phyllo cups paired with creamy, zesty filling and tender shrimp—yum! I remember the first time I served these at a holiday party, and everyone was raving about them. Trust me, these little bites are sure to impress your guests and make your celebrations even more special. Let’s dive into making these easy yet elegant appetizers that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 package of mini phyllo cups
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of olives, sliced
How to Prepare Christmas Party Appetizers
Let’s get started on these fabulous Christmas party appetizers! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll have them ready in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be the star of the party!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your appetizers bake evenly and thoroughly. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than undercooked shrimp!
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dill, and lemon juice. I like to use a hand mixer for this step, but you can also use a sturdy spatula if you prefer. Mix until everything is well blended and creamy. You want that zesty flavor to really shine through!
Assemble the Appetizers
Now, grab those adorable mini phyllo cups! Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into each cup. Then, place a shrimp on top of the filling. Make sure to press it down gently so it stays put while baking. This step is so fun—you’ll see them coming together beautifully!
Baking Instructions
Place the assembled phyllo cups on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. You’ll know they’re done when the edges of the phyllo are golden brown and crispy—yum!
Garnishing
Once they’re out of the oven, it’s time to make them look even more festive! Garnish each appetizer with a half cherry tomato and a slice of olive. This not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of flavor. Serve them warm, and watch your guests devour them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute gatherings
- Rich and creamy filling that complements the tender shrimp beautifully
- Festive presentation that will wow your guests
- Versatile—customize with different toppings or herbs
- Perfectly portioned for easy snacking at your holiday party
Tips for Success
To really nail these Christmas party appetizers, here are a few tips I swear by! First, make sure your shrimp are fresh and of good quality; it makes a world of difference in flavor. If you’re short on time, feel free to prep the cream cheese mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge—just give it a good stir before using. Also, don’t overcrowd your baking sheet; space them out for even cooking and crispy phyllo cups. Finally, if you want a little kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture—your guests will love the surprise!
Nutritional Information
These delightful Christmas party appetizers are not only tasty but also relatively light! Each serving (two appetizers) contains approximately 150 calories, 9g of fat, 6g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. With just 2g of sugar, they’re a guilt-free indulgence your guests will love. Enjoy!
FAQ Section
Can I prepare these appetizers in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the cream cheese mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to keep it covered. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the appetizers with the phyllo cups and shrimp, then bake them fresh for the best taste. This makes entertaining super easy!
What can I substitute for shrimp?
If shrimp isn’t your thing or you have allergies, don’t worry! You can easily substitute with cooked chicken, crab meat, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just make sure whatever you choose is cooked before adding it to the phyllo cups!
Are these appetizers gluten-free?
Yes, these Christmas party appetizers are gluten-free! The mini phyllo cups are typically made from wheat flour, but you can find gluten-free phyllo dough options in stores. Just double-check the package to be sure, and you’ll be good to go!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the appetizers for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore that delightful crispiness of the phyllo cups while warming the creamy filling. Just keep an eye on them, so they don’t overcook! Your guests will be amazed at how fresh they taste!
For more festive ideas, check out our holiday appetizer recipes that will wow your guests!
Also, if you’re looking for a delicious drink to pair with your appetizers, consider making spiced apple cider for a warm and festive touch!
Print
Christmas Party Appetizers: 5 Delicious Must-Try Bites
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 appetizers 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A selection of festive appetizers perfect for your Christmas party.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup of cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 package of mini phyllo cups
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of olives, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, dill, and lemon juice.
- Spoon the mixture into the mini phyllo cups.
- Add shrimp on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the shrimp are cooked.
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes and olives before serving.
Notes
- Try using different herbs for varied flavors.
- Serve warm for the best taste.
- Can be prepared a day in advance and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 appetizers
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: christmas party appetizers, festive appetizers, holiday snacks
