Sometimes, the best gatherings are those centered on light, casual shareable bites that encourage mingling and laughter. That’s where finger foods shine-simple, flavorful, and perfect for an appetizer-focused event. Whether you’re hosting a family holiday gathering, a ‘friendsmas’ or a casual holiday get-together, these recipes are guaranteed to please your guests without the fuss and commitment of a full-course meal.
Pistachio Cranberry Brie Bites
EntertainingIngredients
| 4 | ounces Brie cheese |
| 1 | sheet puff pastry, from a (17.3-ounce) package, thawed according to package directions |
| ½ | cup cranberry sauce |
| ¼ | cup finely chopped PLANTERS® Pistachios |
| Flaky sea salt and ground black pepper, if desired |
Directions
Line tray or baking sheet with plastic wrap. Slice cheese into strips. Place on prepared tray. Freeze 10 minutes. Cut into 24 (½-inch) pieces.
Heat oven to 400°F. Spray mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
On lightly floured surface, roll sheet of pastry into a 10-by-15-inch rectangle. Cut pastry into 4 strips lengthwise. Cut pastry crosswise into 6 strips, creating 24 squares. Press pastry squares into each well of muffin pan.
Fill each with 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Top each with 1 piece brie and a sprinkle of pistachios. Remove from pan. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper, if desired.
Prosciutto Crostini
EntertainingIngredients
| 1 | (14-inch) baguette, sliced diagonally into 14 slices |
| ¼ | cup olive oil |
| 2 | garlic cloves, smashed |
| ½ | teaspoon fresh thyme leaves |
| 4 | ounces goat cheese |
| ¼ | teaspoon cracked black pepper |
| 1 | (3-ounce) package COLUMBUS® Prosciutto, cut into strips lengthwise |
| ½ | cup fig jam |
| 1 | tablespoon honey |
| Additional cracked black pepper and fresh thyme leaves for garnish, if desired |
Directions
Heat oven to 425° F. Place baguette slices on a large baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, turning over once, or until very lightly toasted.
In small skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil, garlic cloves and thyme leaves 2 to 3 minutes or until hot. Set aside.
In bowl, stir together goat cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic infused oil, and black pepper until well combined.
Brush toasted baguette slices liberally with remaining garlic infused oil.
In small bowl, stir together fig jam and honey until combined.
Spread each baguette slice with cheese mixture. Top with prosciutto strips and dollops of fig jam mixture. Garnish with additional black pepper and fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Pepperoni Pesto Holiday Tree
EntertainingIngredients
| 16 | frozen yeast dough dinner rolls, thawed to room temperature |
| ⅓ | cup pesto sauce |
| 1½ | cups shredded mozzarella cheese |
| HORMEL® Pepperoni Cup and Crisp slices | |
| Chopped red and green bell peppers | |
| 1 slice yellow bell pepper cut into star shape | |
| Crushed red pepper flakes, if desired |
Directions
Heat oven to 350° F. Spray large rimmed baking sheet lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Place rolls on sheet in pyramid shape starting with one at the top, two under it, then 3, then 4 and the last row 5 rolls. Leave some space between the rolls. Flatten and press rolls together to form a tree shape. Form remaining roll as trunk of tree.
Press middle of the rolls in, leaving the outside edge slightly rounded so the sauce and toppings do not run off.
Using a fork, poke rolls several times to prevent bubbles from forming. Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
Spread pesto over crust. Sprinkle with cheese. Decorate as desired with pepperoni, peppers and red pepper flakes.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.
Pecan and Cranberry Cheese Ball
EntertainingIngredients
| 8 | ounces cream cheese, at room temperature |
| 1 | cup white sharp cheddar cheese, shredded |
| 1 | cup dried cranberries, chopped and divided |
| 1 | cup PLANTERS® Pecans, chopped and toasted, divided |
| ¼ | cup chopped chives, divided |
| 1 | teaspoon Worcestershire sauce |
| ½ | teaspoon garlic powder |
Directions
In large bowl, mix cream cheese, cheese, ½ cup toasted pecans, ½ cup dried cranberries, 2 tablespoons chives, Worcestershire and garlic powder until well combined.
Place mixture on plastic wrap, covering completely with wrap while forming into ball shape. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
In shallow dish, combine remaining pecans, cranberries, and chives. Roll cheese ball in mixture to coat.
Serve with crackers.
Spicy Bacon Wrapped Cocktail Wieners
EntertainingIngredients
| 1 | (12-ounce) package HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Original Thick Cut Bacon |
| 1 | (14 ounce) package miniature smoked sausage smokies |
| ½ | cup brown sugar |
| 1 | teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste |
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. Line baking pan with foil.
Cut bacon slices into thirds. Wrap 1 piece bacon around each sausage; secure with toothpick.
Combine cayenne pepper and brown sugar; roll each bacon wrapped sausage in brown sugar mixture.
Place on prepared pan. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, flipping once, or until bacon is crisped.
These finger foods keep the vibe relaxed while still feeling special. They’re ideal for gatherings where guests can nibble, chat, and move around rather than being tied to a dinner table. Plus, with a mix of sweet, savory, and spicy options, there’s something for everyone. So, pour some festive drinks, gather up your friends and family and let the holiday cheer begin!