Christmas will be here any day now! As exciting as it is to get presents under the tree and gift cards in your stockings, adult parties are filled with something even better: finger foods. (Okay, and maybe alcohol.) It’s no small event to bring loved ones to your home, especially since we hardly get to see each other as much now that we’re busy with jobs and raising a family—and that’s why good food is so important.
You can forget about the honey-glazed ham, the turkey, and its stuffing. This year, we’re paying homage to the literal little guy: finger foods! With the right touch, they can be just as exciting as the main event and much lighter on your wallet.
Charcuterie Board
You know, charcuterie boards don’t get nearly as much attention as they deserve. Not only are they easy to piece together, but they’re also an affordable option that allows you to indulge in a little holiday creativity. And let’s not forget the most important part: they’re versatile and easily adjustable for however many guests you have.
The first thing you always want to include is an assortment of meats. It’s time to hit up the deli and break out the good stuff, ‘cause we’re not just talking about rolled-up ham. You can arrange anything from prosciutto and serrano to spicy soppressata and salami. Quality meat acts as the base for any board, so you want to splurge a little on your foundation; arrange them in slices for easy picking, or get fancy and twist them into roses!
A good holiday charcuterie board also thrives with some color—particularly, those that match the season. Cherry tomatoes and red pepper knock off the reds, cucumber and grapes take care of the greens, and the classic cheese and cracker duo handles your whites. Don’t be afraid to frame your board with fresh sprigs of rosemary for a real pine tree feel (and a little added flavor).
Shrimp Ring
Do we have any seafood lovers in the house? We know that fish can be a little polarizing, but that’s no reason to leave out this beloved option. Even those with sensitive stomachs can graze a good shrimp ring; it’s not as offensive as other seafood, and it’s the perfect candidate for a variety of spices.
Before you get to the dips, you need to think about how you’ll season everything. Cajun spices work well, especially with fresh lemon slices for that extra shot of zip—or you can stick with the basics, like Old Bay seasoning instead! If you’re really itching to keep things simple, a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder never hurt anyone either. The main thing to keep in mind is that you want a burst of flavor without overpowering the shrimp itself, so the simpler, the better.
To top it all off, you can keep everyone happy with a healthy selection of dips. Cocktail sauce won’t take more than a few ingredients (lemon juice, ketchup, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce), or you can experiment with a creamy dill or a tangy Remoulade. Depending on how funky you get with sauces, it’s just another reason to lightly season your shrimp; you don’t want to overload people’s taste buds!
Cheese and Crackers
Cheese and crackers sound like the most basic thing you could choose, but that’s kind of the point! This iconic duo provides a light, affordable option that suits any palate and number of guests. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity, either; the right pair goes down smoother than anything else at the dinner table.
Do you have a picky eater in attendance? You can’t go wrong with sharp cheddar cheese and a rich, buttery Ritz cracker. Do you have a more…refined palate? Brie and water crackers, or goat cheese and herbed crackers, work beautifully together. If you want to throw caution to the wind, you can always introduce more exotic options; blue cheese, smoked gouda, and even ghost pepper cheese can really get the blood flowing.
Don’t forget about the arrangement! While there’s no issue sticking cheese and crackers on a festive tray, now’s the time to show off your creativity in the kitchen. Arrange your platter into a Christmas tree. Fan it out for easy picking. Toss in a bit of garnish for festive pops of green! Just because something’s easy doesn’t mean it’s boring.
If you know what you’re doing in the kitchen, finger foods can be a shining star all their own. Don’t limit yourself this season—different spreads, creative twists, and a pinch of heat can turn those everyday sides into something truly special. Christmas is the only time of year you get to make party food all your own, so strap on that apron and get cookin’!
