Tasty
dips, spreads, and finger food recipes perfect for entertaining a
crowd on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday party.
1. Savory
Cracker Sampler
This
trio of slice-and-bake crisps gets its cheesy richness from Parmesan,
Gouda, and Cheddar. A divided wood box delivers ready-to-serve ease.
2.
Lemon Goat-Cheese Dip
Impress
your guests without spending hours in the kitchen with this rich,
zesty dip that takes only seconds to prepare.
3.
Tomatoes with Lemon Dill Dip
Stand
miniature tomatoes filled with Creamy Lemon-Dill Dip in a tray or
shallow serving dish. Shelled, dried runner beans are used here to
create an attractive, easy-to-assemble presentation that helps anchor
this hors d'oeuvre. Store-bought hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh
can also be enjoyed as a filling.
4.
Goat Cheese Logs
Our
fresh take on the cheese ball comes with an added bonus: The log
shape allows guests to slice, rather than dig, into the appetizer.
5.
Bruschetta
A
single baguette, sliced and used as a foundation, yields a host of
easy-to-assemble appetizers. Prepare toppings the day before and add
them just before serving. Offer guests small plates and forks to
scoop up the extras.
6.
Corn-Stuffed Tomatoes
When
summer produce reaches its peak, why cook more than you have to? This
no-fuss side dish makes the most of local corn, tomatoes, and bell
peppers.
7.
Mini Bread Puddings
Topped
with whipped cream and crushed peppermints, these singe-serving bread
puddings make perfect desserts for a buffet-style holiday party.
8.
Smoky Popcorn
Aged
Gouda and smoked paprika give this easy appetizer a flavorful kick.
9.
Cucumber Crudite Dip
This
recipe lends itself readily to substitutions — for instance, to
create the holiday season's classic colors, add pureed red pepper and
garlic to the crudite dip base. A foray into your pantry will likely
yield the makings for this tempting hors d'oeuvre.
10.
Blue Cheese Spread
For
the best and most pungent taste, crumble a wedge of domestic Maytag
blue cheese with a fork rather than using prepackaged crumbled
cheese.
