5 Easy Recipes Nibbles For The Holiday Season

Calling people over for dinner is a great source of stress for most working people. This stress doubles during the holiday season, as there is an increase in dinner parties and visits to everyone's homes.

Potlucks also force us to make appetizers or carry food to cater to everyone. On such occasions, having some easy appetizer recipes will make life easier, as putting them together is easy and quick.

They are also tasty and will be a hit among every guest. Appetizers do not necessarily have to be unhealthy or fried, there are many healthy options too.

1. Cajun Spiced Trail Mix

Trail mixes are not only healthy but also fun. Especially for kids, trail mixes can be an activity, as they can pick out their favorites on each turn.

Ready-made trail mixes can be unhealthy due to high sodium levels or added sugars. These can be easily made at home with basic ingredients.

Ingredients Needed:

• Olive Oil – 4 Tablespoons
• Cajun Season Mix – 4 Tablespoons
• Mixed Nuts – 1 Pound

Recipe:
here are two ways to make this trail mix. One is baking and the other is sauteing. The nuts can be coated in oil and sprinkled with cajun spice on a baking sheet to bake. To make it easier, a wok can be heated with oil and the nuts can be roasted till they release aroma and become crunchy. Heat should be turned off and the cajun spice can be sprinkled and tossed to finish this dish.

2. Veggies And Yogurt Dip

A large platter with freshly cut vegetables and a dip to go along is always a crowd-pleaser. This can easily replace any chips and dips platter which is a very unhealthy option.

The vegetables can be chosen to suit each person's choice, low-fat yogurt with a combination of spices will complement most vegetables.

Ingredients Needed:

• Sliced Vegetables – Of any choice
• Hung Yogurt – 1 Cup
• Grated Cheese – 1/4 Cup
• Garlic Paste or Chopped – 2 Cloves
• Chilly Flakes
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Italian Dried Herbs

Recipe:

Putting this dish together is a breeze. All the above-mentioned ingredients need to be combined and presented in a platter along with the veggies.

The only preparation is hanging the yogurt to remove excess moisture. If one wants to avoid this step, greek yogurt can be directly bought, as it is both dry and tart in taste to suit the recipe.

3. Cheese Stuffed Dates

Dates and cheese is a unique combination of sweet and savory. They are also a power-packed source of energy and healthy bites.

These finger foods can be placed as pre-meal snacks in large quantities. The ingredients are few and the preparation hardly takes any time.

Ingredients Needed:

• Large Dates – 50
• Fresh Goat Cheese – 1/2 Pounds
• Almonds – 1/2 Cup

Recipe:

Fresh dates can be pitted by cutting them in the center, not all the way through. However, pitted dates can also be easily found in any supermarket.

With the help of a spoon goat cheese can be filled to the brim inside the dates, and almonds can be added along with the cheese or garnished on the top.

4. Avocado Bruschetta

Avocados when in season make a great addition to any dish. Presenting them as a bruschetta topping is both healthy and appetizing.

Ingredients Needed:

• Sliced Ciabatta Bread – 1 Loaf
• Avocados – 2
• Lemon Juice – 2 Tablespoons
• Minced Garlic – 2 Cloves
• Olive Oil – 4 Tablespoons
• Cherry Tomatoes – 5
• Basil Leaves – 1/4 Cup
• Salt

Recipe:

Avocados need to be pitted and mashed. The bread is cut into 1-centimeter-thick slices and toasted or baked in the oven at 350 Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.

A bruschetta pan can also be used if available for added authentic flavor. Minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt are next mixed with the avocados.

This mixture is placed on the bread, and topped with chopped or halved tomatoes, chopped basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.

5. Mexican Platter With Homemade Pita Chips

Mexican food is the most nutritious and easiest party food. A platter with guacamole, salsa, low-fat sour cream along with homemade pita chips is easy to make in large batches.
Ingredients Needed And Recipe:

For Salsa:

• 2 Tablespoons
• Salt
• Pepper
• Ground Cumin Powder – 1 Teaspoon

Recipe:
Once all the ingredients are chopped, they can be added together in a large mixing bowl and checked for seasoning. Any additional salt or pepper can be added to suit individual taste buds.

For Guacamole

• Avocados – 2
• Onions – 1
• Tomato – 1
• Cilantro – 1/4 Cup
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon Juice

Recipe:
Avocados need to be mashed and added with lemon juice to stop them from turning brown. Chopped onions, tomatoes, and cilantro can be added and mashed for a smoother texture. Salt and pepper are added to taste.

Homemade Pita Chips:

• Pita Bread
• Olive Oil – 4 Tablespoons
• Salt
• Garlic Powder – 1/2 Tablespoon

Recipe:

In a preheated oven at 400 Fahrenheit, a baking sheet with parchment paper can be placed with the pita bread cut into wedges.

These wedges need to be brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and garlic powder. They will turn crispy and golden brown in under 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Keeping the ingredient list small, and making quick snacks, will save time and money. Those who are already having a busy holiday season can also rely on these recipes to make ahead of time.

Some can be prepared and assembled just before the guests arrive, while some can be cooked and frozen.

These recipes are a secret among most seasoned hosts, as they know that toiling over food while guests are assembled spoils the fun of the occasion.