By Laurie Barker Jackman, RD
The holiday season is all about gathering, celebrating, and enjoying some of our favourite foods. Whether you are hosting a dinner party, or heading to a potluck, you may be looking for some ideas of what to serve. To spark some inspiration, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite festive bite-sized appetizers that are simple to prepare and guaranteed to wow your guests.
Before we dive in, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Balance flavours: Pair sweet fruit (like pears or grapes) with salty cheeses or savoury herbs.
- Play with colour: Bright red tomatoes, crisp green cucumbers, golden sweet potatoes, and jewel-toned pomegranate arils create a festive plate.
- Prep ahead: Many of these bites can be assembled in advance, saving you stress on party day.
Keep it small: Guests love appetizers they can enjoy in one or two bites. No juggling plates required!
1. Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers
Brightly colored mini bell peppers are the perfect vehicle for a yummy filling. Simply slice them in half, scoop out the seeds, and fill with:
- Cream cheese or goat cheese mixed with dried fruit and fresh herbs
- Hummus topped with pomegranate arils
- Guacamole sprinkled with diced tomato
These are colourful, crunchy, and endlessly customizable!
2. Cucumber Bites
Cucumber slices make a perfect base for several bite-sized creations. It will take very little effort to pack a lot of flavour. First slice the cucumber into thick rounds, then top with a dollop of cream cheese and smoked salmon, or for a different flavour, a spoonful of tzatziki with a sprig of dill.
Another idea: use the same cucumber round base, add a spoonful of cream cheese or goat cheese, then thinly slice the cucumber lengthwise to create a ribbon. Zig-zag the ribbon back and forth through a toothpick and stand it up on the base to look like a tree. Top with a star fruit for a festive finishing touch.
3. Holiday Skewers
Skewers are a simple, portable, and impressive way to serve a variety of foods. They can usually be assembled in advance, making them the perfect appetizer. All you need is a small wooden bamboo or reusable metal skewer, about 4 – 5 inches long. Some delicious combos for threading include:
- Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Roasted red peppers, olives and cheese cubes
- Sharp cheddar or gouda with red and green apple slices or grapes
For an added holiday touch, arrange them in the shape of a wreath on a platter.
4. Grilled Eggplant Canapes
Start with sliced grilled eggplant, then layer with thin slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. Just before serving, heat them in the oven at 375F for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and pepper. Enjoy the canapés as is or top the stack on a slice of grilled bread. Grab the full grilled eggplant canapes recipe here.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are the perfect bite-sized appetizer. Roast them until caramelized, then skewer with crispy bacon and drizzle with maple syrup. Their earthy flavour pairs beautifully with sweet or smoky flavours. Pro tip: Roast halved Brussels sprouts and bacon together on a sheet pan at 450F for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Once cooled, thread them onto skewers and drizzle with maple syrup.
6. Potato Rösti with Smoked Salmon
This impressive appetizer is a tasty one! Yellow potatoes form the base, topped with smoked salmon, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of arugula. Get the full Potato Rosti with Smoked Salmon recipe here.
7. Endive Boats
Crisp Belgian endive leaves are the perfect edible “boats.” Popular fillings include combinations of seasonal fruit, nuts and savoury cheese. Here are some ideas:
- Diced pear, crumbled blue cheese, and toasted walnuts. Drizzle with honey or try ‘hot honey’ for a delicious kick!
- Combine diced orange segments, a creamy cheese like goat or Boursin, and top with chopped almonds. Sprinkle with chives or mint.
- Mix creamy baked brie with sweet pomegranate arils for a festive presentation.
Many fillings can be made in advance and simply assemble the boats just before serving.
8. Stuffed Mushrooms
Baby cremini or button mushrooms are a holiday staple. Prepare the mushroom by cleaning the cap and removing the stem – but don’t throw it away! Finely chop the stems to mix into your filling. Fill them with a mixture of spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan. Running short on time? Use store-bought artichoke dip as the filling. Once your mushrooms are stuffed, bake at 375F until the mushrooms are tender and the mixture is golden brown, about 15 – 20 minutes.
9. Tortilla Cups
This crowd-pleaser comes together quickly for those impromptu guests. Simply grab a bag of tortilla cups from the store and add festive fillings like:
- Guacamole with a sprinkle with pomegranate arils. The ruby-red seeds add crunch, tartness, and a festive sparkle.
- Cream cheese mixed with dried cranberries
- Homemade salsa for a classic combo. Find three of my favourite recipes here: 3 Homemade Salsa Recipes
10. Festive Tartlets
Phyllo cups can elevate any appetizer plate. These are available at most grocery stores, ready to be filled! Choose sweet or savoury fillings such as:
- Roasted beet cubes and tangy goat cheese. Garnish with microgreens for a sophisticated touch.
- Custard (homemade or store bought) and berries. Choose red fruit for a holiday vibe.
- Feta cubes with chopped tomato and fresh oregano.
I like to prepare a tray with a couple of different filling options so guests can choose their favourite. With these 10 bite-sized appetizers, you’ll bring freshness, colour, and creativity to your table. Check out our HalfYourPlate.ca website for more ideas.
About the author
Laurie Barker Jackman is a registered dietitian and media personality. She is a regular dietitian expert on CTV Morning Live in Halifax, sharing her recipes and nutrition tips to inspire viewers. Check out Laurie’s segments and recipes by following her on Instagram.
