The holiday season brings people together, and nothing says „celebration” quite like delicious Christmas appetizers finger foods! I can still hear the laughter and chatter of my family as we gather around the table, eagerly reaching for these tasty bites. These little phyllo cups, filled with creamy goodness, have become a staple at our festive gatherings. I remember the first time I made them; it was a whirlwind of excitement as everyone raved about how delightful they were. Now, they’re a must-have at every holiday get-together, filling the room with warmth and delicious aromas that spark joy and create lasting memories.
Ingredients for Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods
To whip up these delightful Christmas appetizers finger foods, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 cup cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Choose sharp cheddar for an extra kick!
- 1/4 cup diced green onions: Freshly chopped for a burst of color and flavor.
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper: This adds a crunchy texture and vibrant hue.
- 1 package of mini phyllo cups: These ready-to-fill cups save time and deliver a delightful crunch.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For that irresistible savory note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season; it elevates the flavors!
Feel free to get creative and substitute ingredients based on your preferences! For instance, you can swap the cheese for something like goat cheese or add in some crumbled bacon for a savory twist.
How to Prepare Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods
Getting ready to make these scrumptious Christmas appetizers finger foods is a breeze! With just a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to creating a festive treat that everyone will love. Let’s dive right into the fun part!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect golden color on your phyllo cups.
- Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced green onions, and diced red bell pepper. Sprinkle in the garlic powder along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and creamy. Trust me, this mixture is going to be heavenly!
- Fill the phyllo cups: Take your mini phyllo cups and carefully fill each one with the cheese mixture. Don’t be shy; pack them in there! They’ll puff up beautifully as they bake.
- Bake to perfection: Place the filled phyllo cups on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced out to allow for even cooking. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are a lovely golden brown. Oh, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly awaiting the feast!
- Cool and serve: Once they’re done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cups cool for a couple of minutes. This cooling period is essential—they’ll firm up a bit and be easier to handle. Serve warm, and get ready for the compliments!
With these easy steps, you’ll have a tray of delicious Christmas appetizers finger foods that are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These Christmas appetizers finger foods come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Crowd-Pleasing: With a creamy filling and crispy phyllo cups, they’re always a hit, disappearing faster than I can set them out!
- Versatile: Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand or your guests’ preferences.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance, making your holiday prep even easier.
- Delicious Aroma: The smell of baking cheese and garlic fills your home, inviting everyone to the table!
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to ensure your Christmas appetizers finger foods turn out perfectly every time:
- Ingredient Variations: Don’t hesitate to swap out the cheeses! Cream cheese can be mixed with feta for a tangy twist, or try adding some blue cheese for depth.
- Fresh Herbs: Toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra pop of flavor. They add freshness and a beautiful touch!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these delightful bites with a festive dip, like a cranberry salsa or a zesty yogurt sauce, to elevate the experience.
- Storage Tip: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the oven for best results!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be the star of your holiday party!
Nutritional Information
Each phyllo cup of these Christmas appetizers finger foods is approximately 100 calories, with 7g of fat, 3g of protein, and 6g of carbohydrates. They also contain 1g of sugar and 150mg of sodium. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delightful Christmas appetizers finger foods? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries you might have:
Common Questions
Can I make these appetizers ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just fill the phyllo cups right before baking for the best texture.
What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you’re looking for a change, try using goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile. Both options add a creamy texture!
How do I store leftovers? If you have any of these tasty finger foods left over (which is rare!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’re best when reheated gently in the oven.
Can I freeze these appetizers? Yes, you can freeze them before baking! Just assemble and freeze the filled phyllo cups, then bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What dips pair well with these appetizers? I love serving them with a cranberry salsa or a zesty yogurt dip! They complement the cheesy flavor perfectly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers from your delicious Christmas appetizers finger foods (which is always a possibility!), storing them properly is key to keeping them tasty. Place the cooled phyllo cups in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cups for about 5-10 minutes, until they’re warmed through and the phyllo is crisp again. You’ll be amazed at how close they taste to fresh out of the oven! Enjoy every bite!
Print
Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods: 5 Delightful Recipes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 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 diced green onions
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 package of mini phyllo cups
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, red bell pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each mini phyllo cup with the cheese mixture.
- Place filled cups on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Can substitute ingredients based on preference.
- Best served warm.
- Prepare filling a day ahead for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 phyllo cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas appetizers finger foods
