Ah, Christmas! It’s that magical time of year when we gather with friends and family, sharing laughter, warmth, and of course, amazing food. One thing I absolutely love about holiday get-togethers is the joy of holiday finger foods. These little bites, like my Christmas finger foods, are perfect for mingling and snacking while catching up with loved ones. Trust me, they’re a hit every time! Picture this: gooey cheese, crispy phyllo dough, and savory sausage all coming together in one delicious package. They’re not just tasty; they’re easy to make, and you can whip them up in no time. So, let’s dive into the festive spirit and get those appetites ready for a feast that will leave everyone wanting more!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound cocktail sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package phyllo dough, thawed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
How to Prepare Christmas Finger Foods
Preheating and Initial Preparation
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because a hot oven ensures those finger foods bake evenly and get that golden-brown color we all love. While that’s heating up, gather all your ingredients and make sure your phyllo dough is thawed and ready to use. It can be a bit tricky to handle when it’s cold, so trust me, letting it warm up makes a world of difference!
Making the Barbecue Sausage Layer
Now, let’s dive into the deliciousness! In a mixing bowl, combine the cocktail sausages with the barbecue sauce. Give them a good stir until they’re well coated. Next, grab a baking dish and spread a layer of cream cheese across the bottom. This creamy layer serves as the perfect base for your sausages. Then, layer those saucy sausages on top, and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over everything. It’s a gooey, melty masterpiece waiting to happen!
Preparing the Spinach and Feta Filling
Time to get our hands a little messy! Take your thawed phyllo dough and cut it into squares—about 4×4 inches works great. Now, in a bowl, mix the chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese until combined. Place a spoonful of this filling in the center of each phyllo square. Then, fold the dough over to form triangles and pinch the edges to seal them tightly. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect; it’s all about the taste! Just make sure they’re well sealed so the filling doesn’t escape during baking.
Baking and Serving
Once your delicious little packages are ready, brush them gently with the beaten egg for that gorgeous golden finish. Place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for that perfect golden-brown color and a crispy texture. When they come out, let them cool for a few minutes, and then serve warm. Trust me, the aroma will have everyone rushing to the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—whip these up in under an hour!
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Versatile ingredients—feel free to customize with your favorite cheeses or spices.
- Festive appeal that adds a delicious touch to any holiday gathering.
- Perfectly bite-sized—ideal for mingling and snacking without the fuss.
- Make-ahead friendly—prep them in advance and freeze for a stress-free party!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make these festive Christmas finger foods, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure you nail it every time!
- Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t hesitate to mix things up! If you want a little kick, add some diced jalapeños to the sausage mix. For a vegetarian version, swap out the cocktail sausages for some chopped mushrooms or roasted bell peppers. You can also use ricotta or goat cheese in place of feta for a different flavor profile.
- Handling Phyllo Dough: Phyllo can be a bit finicky, so make sure to keep it covered with a damp cloth while you’re working. This prevents it from drying out and makes it easier to fold. If you find it tearing, don’t stress—just layer a second piece over the torn area!
- Cooking Time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your finger foods as they bake. If they’re not browning after 20 minutes, give them a few more minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning!
- Serving Suggestions: These finger foods are great on their own, but to elevate your appetizer spread, consider serving them with a side of dipping sauce, like ranch or a spicy aioli. Fresh veggies or a light salad can also complement the richness perfectly.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can easily be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with these delightful Christmas finger foods! Enjoy every bite and the smiles they bring!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for my Christmas finger foods. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 6g
This nutritional information is just an estimate based on typical values for the ingredients used. Always feel free to adjust based on your dietary needs and preferences! Enjoy these tasty bites without a worry—after all, it’s the holidays!
FAQ Section
Can I make these finger foods in advance?
Absolutely! One of the best things about these Christmas finger foods is that you can prepare them ahead of time. Just assemble everything, and then freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to serve, pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a great way to save time on the day of your gathering!
What other ingredients can I add?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! If you want to spice things up, consider adding chopped jalapeños to the sausage mixture for a little kick. You could also experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a bit of heat or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Adding some herbs like fresh dill or parsley can also brighten up the filling. Just let your creativity shine!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare but can happen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. Trust me, they’re just as delicious the next day!
Can these be made vegetarian?
Yes, they can! To make a vegetarian version, simply swap out the cocktail sausages for chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or even lentils for added texture. You can keep the cream cheese and feta cheese for that creamy goodness or try using ricotta for a different taste. It’s a tasty way to cater to your vegetarian friends without sacrificing flavor!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got these scrumptious Christmas finger foods ready to go, let’s talk about how to create an unforgettable appetizer spread that will wow your guests! Trust me, pairing these delightful bites with the right accompaniments can take your holiday gathering to the next level.
First off, consider adding a variety of dips to the table. A zesty ranch dressing or a creamy garlic aioli can perfectly complement the flavors of your finger foods. If you’re feeling adventurous, a spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy barbecue sauce could add an exciting kick!
Next, think about fresh veggies. A colorful vegetable platter with crisp carrots, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the finger foods. Plus, they’re great for dipping into those sauces!
Don’t forget about cheese! A small cheese board with a selection of cheeses, including sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and tangy goat cheese, will elevate your spread. Add some crackers or breadsticks for guests to enjoy with their cheese, and you’ve got a winning combination!
Lastly, for a festive touch, consider incorporating some seasonal fruits. Fresh cranberries or slices of pear can add a beautiful pop of color and a sweet balance to the savory flavors of your finger foods. You might even drizzle a little honey over the cheese board for a sweet finish!
With these serving suggestions, your Christmas finger foods will shine even brighter on the holiday table. Enjoy the festive feasting and the joyful company of friends and family!
Print
Christmas Finger Foods: 5 Festive Bites to Impress
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious finger foods perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cocktail sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix cocktail sausages with barbecue sauce.
- Spread cream cheese in a baking dish.
- Top with cooked cocktail sausages and sprinkle cheddar cheese.
- Prepare spinach and feta filling with phyllo dough.
- Cut phyllo dough into squares and place filling in the center.
- Fold and seal the dough into triangles.
- Brush with beaten egg and bake for 20 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to add other ingredients like jalapenos for a kick.
- Can be made ahead of time and frozen.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas finger foods
