These appetizers are designed for busy hosts, offering bold holiday flavors like cranberry, rosemary, and cheese with minimal prep. Using pantry staples and seasonal ingredients, they’re low-calorie (under 200 per serving), high in protein or fiber where possible, and align with Harvard Nutrition for balanced bites. Requiring just a skillet, oven, or no-cook assembly, they’re ideal for last-minute Noche Buena or Christmas party spreads. Let’s get the celebration started!
Why These Appetizers Are Holiday Winners
These recipes are quick, budget-friendly (using affordable ingredients like cheese and veggies), and versatile for dietary needs (gluten-free, vegetarian options). Most serve 4-6, store well for a day, and need minimal tools. Kid-friendly and festive with pops of red and green, they’re perfect for Filipino Christmas gatherings or cozy holiday nights. Ready to impress in 20 minutes? Let’s dive in!
1. Cranberry Brie Bites
Buttery pastry with creamy brie and tart cranberry—elegant and festive.
Ingredients (Serves 6, 12 pieces)
- 12 mini phyllo cups
- 4 oz brie, cut into 12 cubes
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (no sugar added)
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp rosemary, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place brie in phyllo cups; top with cranberry sauce and walnuts.
- Bake 8 minutes; sprinkle with rosemary.
Tip: Use puff pastry if phyllo is unavailable. Protein: 4g. Calories: 120. Net Carbs: 8g. Prep time: 15 minutes.
2. Caprese Christmas Skewers
Fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil—red, white, and green festive bites.
Ingredients (Serves 4, 12 skewers)
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- 12 mini mozzarella balls
- 12 basil leaves
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Thread tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto small skewers.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Serve immediately.
Tip: Add a slice of cucumber for extra crunch. Protein: 5g. Calories: 100. Net Carbs: 4g. Prep time: 10 minutes.
3. Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Juicy shrimp with festive garlic flavor—quick and protein-packed.
Ingredients (Serves 4, 12 skewers)
- 12 large shrimp, peeled
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Toss shrimp with garlic, oil, salt; thread onto skewers.
- Grill or pan-sear 3 minutes per side.
- Drizzle with lemon; sprinkle parsley.
Tip: Use pre-cooked shrimp for faster prep. Protein: 8g. Calories: 90. Net Carbs: 2g. Prep time: 15 minutes.
4. Cucumber Salmon Bites
Cool cucumber with creamy salmon—light and elegant.
Ingredients (Serves 4, 12 pieces)
- 1 cucumber, sliced into 12 rounds
- 4 oz smoked salmon, cut into 12 pieces
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 tsp dill, chopped
- Lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Spread cream cheese on cucumber rounds.
- Top with salmon and dill; garnish with lemon zest.
- Serve chilled.
Tip: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for lower calories. Protein: 6g. Calories: 80. Net Carbs: 3g. Prep time: 10 minutes.
5. Festive Cheese Ball Bites
Mini cheese balls with cranberries and nuts—perfect for sharing.
Ingredients (Serves 6, 12 pieces)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cheddar, shredded
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder; form into 12 small balls.
- Roll in cranberries and pecans.
- Chill 10 minutes; serve with crackers.
Tip: Use gluten-free crackers for dietary needs. Protein: 5g. Calories: 130. Net Carbs: 5g. Prep time: 15 minutes.
6. Spinach Artichoke Dip Cups
Warm, creamy dip in edible wonton cups—holiday comfort.
Ingredients (Serves 4, 12 cups)
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed
- 1/2 cup canned artichokes, chopped
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C); press wonton wrappers into muffin tin.
- Mix spinach, artichokes, yogurt, Parmesan, garlic; spoon into cups.
- Bake 10 minutes until golden.
Tip: Use low-fat yogurt for lighter dip. Protein: 4g. Calories: 110. Net Carbs: 8g. Prep time: 15 minutes.
7. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Sweet-salty bites—quick and indulgent.
Ingredients (Serves 4, 12 pieces)
- 12 pitted dates
- 6 slices bacon, halved
- 12 almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Stuff dates with almonds; wrap with bacon, secure with toothpicks.
- Bake 12 minutes until crispy.
Tip: Use turkey bacon for lower fat. Protein: 5g. Calories: 140. Net Carbs: 10g. Prep time: 15 minutes.
8. Pomegranate Guacamole
Festive twist on creamy avocado dip—vibrant and fresh.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 avocados, mashed
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Mix avocado, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt.
- Fold in pomegranate seeds.
- Serve with veggie sticks or chips.
Tip: Use calamansi for a Filipino twist. Protein: 2g. Calories: 120. Net Carbs: 5g. Prep time: 10 minutes.
9. Mini Veggie Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls)
Crispy, veggie-packed rolls—Pinoy-inspired and healthy.
Ingredients (Serves 4, 12 pieces)
- 12 small lumpia wrappers
- 1 cup mixed veggies (cabbage, carrots), shredded
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté garlic, veggies, soy sauce 5 minutes.
- Wrap in lumpia sheets; seal with water.
- Air-fry or bake at 400°F (200°C) 8 minutes.
Tip: Serve with vinegar-garlic dip. Protein: 3g. Calories: 100. Net Carbs: 10g. Prep time: 15 minutes.
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10. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
Sweet melon with savory prosciutto—effortless and festive.
Ingredients (Serves 4, 12 pieces)
- 12 melon cubes (cantaloupe or honeydew)
- 6 slices prosciutto, halved
- 12 small basil leaves
Instructions
- Wrap melon cubes with prosciutto strips.
- Top with basil leaves; secure with toothpicks.
- Serve chilled.
Tip: Use mango for a tropical Pinoy touch. Protein: 4g. Calories: 80. Net Carbs: 6g. Prep time: 10 minutes.
Nutrition Comparison Table
Per serving (approx. values, based on 2-3 pieces or 1/4 dip portion).
Recipe | Protein (g) | Fiber (g) | Calories | Net Carbs (g) | Prep Time (min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cranberry Brie Bites | 4 | 1 | 120 | 8 | 15 |
Caprese Skewers | 5 | 1 | 100 | 4 | 10 |
Garlic Shrimp Skewers | 8 | 0 | 90 | 2 | 15 |
Cucumber Salmon Bites | 6 | 1 | 80 | 3 | 10 |
Cheese Ball Bites | 5 | 1 | 130 | 5 | 15 |
Spinach Artichoke Cups | 4 | 2 | 110 | 8 | 15 |
Bacon-Wrapped Dates | 5 | 2 | 140 | 10 | 15 |
Pomegranate Guacamole | 2 | 3 | 120 | 5 | 10 |
Mini Veggie Lumpia | 3 | 2 | 100 | 10 | 15 |
Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon | 4 | 1 | 80 | 6 | 10 |
Prep and Storage Tips
- Prep Ahead: Assemble ingredients like dips or skewers 1 day early; store in fridge (USDA storage).
- Storage: Keep in airtight containers; fridge for 1-2 days. Lumpia and brie bites can be reheated at 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Serving: Arrange on festive platters ($3-5 at Divisoria) with parol-themed napkins for Pinoy flair.
- Make Ahead: Prep cheese balls or guacamole mix (without avocado) 1 day ahead; assemble before serving.
Customizing for Filipino Christmas
Tailor these for your Noche Buena, inspired by Pinoy festive vibes. Swap prosciutto for tocino in melon wraps for a local twist. Add calamansi to dips for tangy zing. Use gluten-free wrappers for lumpia or low-fat cheese for dietary needs. Garnish with edible flowers or red-green sprinkles for holiday cheer. Pair with calamansi juice for a refreshing touch. Track with MyFitnessPal for balanced portions.
FAQ
- Are these beginner-friendly? Yes! Caprese skewers and guacamole are no-cook and simple.
- Can I make them vegetarian? Swap shrimp or prosciutto for tofu or mushrooms; most are veggie-friendly.
- How long do they last? Fridge: 1-2 days; best served fresh.
- Are these low-carb? Shrimp, salmon, and guacamole are under 5g carbs; avoid lumpia for keto.
- Where can I find ingredients? SM Supermarket, wet markets, or Lazada; cranberries at specialty stores.
- Can I use an air fryer? Yes! Lumpia and brie bites air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes.
- How do I keep them healthy? Use low-fat cheese, minimal oil, and veggie-heavy options.
These 10 quick Christmas appetizers bring festive flair to your holiday table in 20 minutes or less. From cranberry brie bites to Pinoy-inspired lumpia, they’re easy, delicious, and perfect for Noche Buena or party snacking. Prep ahead, customize, and enjoy a merry, stress-free feast. Maligayang Pasko!