Deck the Halls with Creative Christmas Finger Foods

As the holiday season approaches, one of the most exciting parts is planning the perfect Christmas buffet. A well-curated spread of finger foods can make your party truly unforgettable. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of creative Christmas finger foods that are sure to impress your guests.

Mini Quiches and Savory Tarts

Mini quiches and savory tarts are a staple at any Christmas buffet. These bite-sized treats can be filled with an array of ingredients, from classic ham and cheese to more adventurous options like spinach and feta or mushroom and truffle.

To make mini quiches, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of ice water, and 1 egg. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch and use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles.

Place the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each quiche. Fill each quiche with your desired ingredients, such as diced ham, shredded cheese, chopped herbs, and more. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

You can also make mini savory tarts by using a similar dough recipe but pressing it into the bottom of a muffin tin instead of cutting out circles. Fill each tart with your desired ingredients and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Meatballs and Mini Meatloaf

Meatballs and mini meatloaf are another crowd-pleasing finger food at Christmas buffets. These bite-sized versions of classic comfort foods can be made in a variety of flavors, from traditional beef and pork to more adventurous options like buffalo chicken or Mediterranean lamb.

To make meatballs, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, combine 1 pound of ground meat, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix everything together until just combined.

Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

You can also make mini meatloaf by using a similar recipe but pressing it into the bottom of a muffin tin instead of shaping into balls. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.

Cheesy Pinwheels and Mini Pizzas

Cheesy pinwheels and mini pizzas are another delicious finger food at Christmas buffets. These bite-sized treats can be made with a variety of fillings, from classic mozzarella cheese to more adventurous options like pesto and sun-dried tomatoes.

To make cheesy pinwheels, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine 1 cup of cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Roll out a sheet of puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Brush the borders with a little bit of water and fold the pastry in half.

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the pinwheels into individual pieces. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Creamy spinach and artichoke dip is another crowd-pleasing finger food at Christmas buffets. This delicious dip can be made with a variety of ingredients, from classic spinach and artichokes to more adventurous options like sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese.

To make creamy spinach and artichoke dip, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a bowl, combine 1 cup of cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Stir in 1 cup of frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained, as well as 1 can of artichoke hearts that have been drained and chopped. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or ramekin and bake for 10-12 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these creative Christmas finger foods are sure to impress your guests at any holiday buffet. From mini quiches and savory tarts to meatballs and mini meatloaf, cheesy pinwheels and mini pizzas, and creamy spinach and artichoke dip, there’s something for everyone.