(BPT) - What do you enjoy most during the Holly Days? If you answered "festive eats" you're not alone! Food brings people together and adds good cheer all around when you get to spend extra time with those near and dear.
For any holiday gathering large or small, be ready to amp up the fun - and flavor - with quick and easy appetizers you can whip up in no time at all. Using short-cuts from ready-made products like those from Farm Rich and a few creative add-ons, you've got an array of holiday apps ready for hungry kids, unexpected guests, holiday movie nights, late-night gift wrap marathons and more.
Here are 7 tasty ideas to get you started.
1. All about that dip
You can make any appetizer the star of the table with the right dips. Try jazzing up your Farm Rich favorites with this roasted jalapeno ranch recipe from TheTableofSpice cookbook author Sweta Patel. Her creamy dip adds a festive touch to popular eats like Buffalo Style Boneless Chicken Bites, Loaded Potato Skins and Jalapeno Peppers.
2. Kids' fave
Need a super-easy holiday snack the kids will gobble up? These new Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups are easy for little hands to hold, and you can make as many as you need (since grown-ups will probably want to sneak a couple, too!). They might even make a savory snack for Santa. Now available at Walmart stores nationwide.
3. Perfect party finger foods
Did somebody say, "spinach artichoke dip?" For a more adult taste, try these new Spinach Artichoke Dip Bites, filled with a creamy blend of spinach and artichokes, mozzarella, cream cheese and Parmesan. Stock up for a quick holiday app to break out when guests stop by or bring to your next holiday party. (Be sure to pick up an extra carton or two just for yourself!)
4. That's Italian!
Chef and cookbook author @TaraTeaspoon created this heartwarming meal, Italian Meatball Risoni, featuring frozen Italian Style Meatballs. "For this dish, I used Risoni, also known as orzo, and simmered it in a hearty tomato sauce with crisped pancetta, which turned into a delightful red pasta pilaf! The orzo pasta makes the perfect base for the meatballs and a super easy holiday dinner the whole family will love," Tara explains.
5. Slow cooker deliciousness
Need another holiday meatball idea? These Pomegranate Glazed Meatballs are easy and elegant! Prepare in a slow cooker early in the day while you head to work or run errands and they'll be ready to devour by evening.
6. Lights, camera, snack time!
"It's a beaut, Clark!" Host a family holiday movie night and fill your table with a variety of holiday snacks and sweets. Feed everyone's appetites while watching your favorite flick with a snack board loaded with tasty fun like Mozzarella Sticks, Potato Skins and Jalapeno Peppers, along with crackers, fruit, veggies and dips. Check out this inspo from influencer Gee Collins of TheGeeLife.
7. Holiday brunching
Forget the milk n' cookies, make Santa this drool-worthy chocolate hazelnut board, a delectable idea from Nicole Sharmaine featuring French Toast Sticks. Add strawberries, peppermint, marshmallows and more for extra color and sweetness. A spread like this will also provide an extra incentive for little elves to help out on a marathon gift-wrapping day. Want another dish to dress up your brunch spread? Make Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding as a breakfast casserole - it's super easy to assemble the night before and heat up in the morning.
The holidays are already some of the busiest days of the year, so take it easy on yourself. Plan your food options early, stock up on Farm Rich, make fun recipes ahead of time and you'll be ready for a delightful "Appy Holiday!" Check out more festive tips and recipes at FarmRich.com.
