Keep the Kitchen Clear with Sweet and Savory Holiday Snacks
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If you’re already dreading swatting hands away from a not-quite-ready holiday dinner, keeping guests’ appetites at bay is almost certainly on your mind. To go along with friendly chatter and family games, easy snacks are the perfect way to keep the kitchen clear for those doing the cooking.
Set up a self-serve station, like a small foldout table, in a part of the house where guests can mingle without finding themselves in the way of a timely meal. These easy snacks come together in a snap and are perfect for sharing!
- Charcuterie Board: Meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts – whatever your heart desires! Arrange in a creative pattern then set toothpicks off to the side for guests to snack as they please.
- Stuffed Peppers: A short ingredients list and little time spent in the kitchen. What’s not to love? Just cut off the tops and core out smaller peppers or halve larger ones then fill with cream cheese and seasonings and bake for about 15 minutes.
- Dips: The options here are endless. Dill dip and bread cubes, beer cheese and pretzels, goat cheese and baguette, five-layer dip and tortilla chips… there’s no wrong way to go!
- Deviled Eggs: A holiday favorite, although with a little more work required. Boil eggs and cut in half then remove the yolks and mix with mayonnaise, mustard and seasonings. Pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg whites and top with paprika for a holiday touch.
- Cheese Ball: Another classic, this festive favorite is typically made with cream cheese, sour cream and seasonings packed into a ball with cheddar, bacon bits and chopped onions. Serve with crackers.
- Crostini: These little bites of bliss are sure to keep guests’ appetites at bay without overindulging at the snack table. Top toasted baguette slices with various combinations of basil and tomato, dill and artichoke or goat cheese and tomatoes, among other seasonal flavors.
- Toasted Pecans: Perfect for the holiday host who’s running short on time, just toss pecan halves with salt and bake. For a special touch, add sugar or cinnamon (or both).
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