5 Amazing Appetizers for the Holidays

Tis the season for holiday celebrations! This is truly the time of the year where friends and family gather for good food, great wine and even better company. Are you ready for some holiday cheer?

To help make your celebrations even more special, we went ahead and created a list of smashing holiday appetizers that will surely add a dash of excitement to your celebrations. We made sure these appetizers are easy to make so you don't have to spend all day in the kitchen.

Get ready because we are about to cook up a storm!

Antipasto Wreath

Delight the eyes while stuffing yourself with a selection of great tasting cold cuts and cheeses. This antipasto wreath is the perfect appetizer to serve wine loving friends and family!

Here are the ingredients:

• Fresh rosemary, used as wreath
• Cubed cheddar
• Prosciutto
• Salami
• Seedless grapes
• Goat cheese
• Cured olives
• Toasted baguettes

Here is how you make them:

• Use a serving platter and wrap the rosemary around the edges of the plate.
• Arrange your selection of cheese and cold cuts around the edge of the serving plate
• Use a smaller bunch of rosemary and make a smaller wreath on the center of the serving platter.
• Nestle the toasted baguettes on the smaller wreath
• Serve with your favorite bottle of wine.

Baked Mozzarella

Who doesn’t love mozzarella? This baked appetizer will definitely get everyone excited for the feast ahead. They are easy to make and they look great on the table, too!

Here are the ingredients:

• Toasted baguettes
• 1 tablespoon of virgin olive oil
• 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves
• 32 ounces of marinara sauce
• 1 pound of fresh mozzarella
• 2 tablespoon of chiffonade basil
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Pinch of kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Here is how you make it:

• Preheat the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit
• In an ovenproof skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Add garlic and saute until it reaches a golden brown color.
• Pour the marinara sauce along with the basil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
• Let this simmer and bring to a slow running boil.
• Remove from the stove and let it cool for 2 minutes.
• Add in the mozarella cheese at the center of the skillet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
• Sprinkler more red pepper flakes and add in basil for decoration.
• Serve with a side of toasted baguettes.

Roasted Parmesan Carrot Sticks

This light and crunchy appetizer will surely be a hit among guests of all ages. Make sure to make an extra batch because we are suire they will be asking for more after the main course.

Here are the ingredients:

• 5 cups of baby carrots
• Chopped parsley, to taste
• ¼ C of olive oil
• 2 teaspoon of garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp. Grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp of breadcrumbs
• ¾ tbsp kosher salt

Here is how you make them:

• Preheat your oven at 400 degrees fahrenheit.
• Line a baking tray with a baking sheet and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
• In a large zip bag, combine all of the ingredients together until all of the carrots are well coated.
• Spread evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
• Be sure to toss the baby carrots halfway through for a more thorough cook.
• Remove from tray and serve. This is best enjoyed hot.

Lasagna in a Roll

We don’t know about you but a SImply Charmed party is never complete without lasagna! Give this classic dish a makeover and turn it into everyone’s favorite appetizer.

Here are the ingredients for the filling:

• 2 C whole milk ricotta
• 1 large fresh egg
• Lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon of minced fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp of kosher salt

Here are the ingredients for the roll:

• 10 pieces of cooked lasagna noodles
• 1 cup of fresh shredded mozzarella cheese
• Store bought lasagna sauce

Here is how you make them:

• In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the filling and mix until well incorporated.
• Lay the lasagna noodles on a platter and cut them in half across.
• Spread the filling on each of the noodles but leave at least an inch of space on one of the ends.
• Roll up the lasagna noodles, starting at the end with the filling.
• Spread a thin layer of filling sauce at the bottom of a casserole.
• Lay the rolled lasagna noodles on top of the sauce bed you made and sprinkler mozzarella on top.
• Bake at 350 degrees fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Serve with a bowl of extra filling as dipping sauce.

Choco Churro Dip

Of course, we haven’t forgotten those with a penchant for everything sweet! This yummy appetizer has just the right level of sweetness without overpowering the taste buds.

Here are the ingredients:

• 1 can of store bought biscuit dough
• 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups of cinnamon sugar
• 2 cups of Nutella or any chocolate hazelnut spread

Here is how you make them:

• Preheat the oven at 350 degrees fahrenheit
• Evenly grease an oven safe skillet with cooking spray
• Roll the biscuit dough into bite size balls
• Dip each ball into a bowl of melted butter and then roll it in cinnamon sugar
• Place the rolled biscuit dough around the perimeter of the skillet and form a ring. Make sure the biscuit dough is touching one another.
• Add in a huge dollop of Nutella at the center and put in the oven.
• Bake for around 25 minutes or until the biscuit turns golden brown
• Let it cool before serving.

These are just a few holiday appetizers that will surely win the hearts of your guests! Pair them with your favorite drink and do not forget to adorn your glasses with unique wine glass markers from Simply Charmed!

Our handcrafted and unique wine glass markers will surely liven up your celebration - making them even more memorable! Going to a celebration? Pick up as set of charms for a great holiday hostess gift!