Skip to content

Top Navigation

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Recipes
  • Cooking 101
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
SUBSCRIBE
Pin FB

Explore Cooking Light

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 31-Day Healthy Meal Plan

      Our 31-day calendar of meals and tips shows you how to cook more and love it with fun, family-friendly meals that come together quickly and deliciously. Read More
    • Dinner Tonight: Quick and Healthy Menus in 45 Minutes (or Less)

      Hundreds of delicious recipes, paired with simple sides, that can be on your table in 45 minutes or less. Read More
    • Our Favorite Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

      Who ever said that chicken wings, doughnuts, and pizza couldn't be healthy? Read More
  • Recipes

    Recipes

    See All Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Recipe Makeovers
    • Quick & Healthy
    • Diabetic
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cooking Light Live
  • Cooking 101

    Cooking 101

    See All Cooking 101
    • Essential Ingredients
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Meet the Chef
    • Cooking Resources
    • Budget Friendly
    • Smart Choices
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living

    Healthy Living

    See All Healthy Living
    • Weight-Loss
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Home
    • Travel
    • Nutrition 101
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. entertaining
  3. Our Best Healthy Appetizers for the Christmas Season

Our Best Healthy Appetizers for the Christmas Season

By Cooking Light November 20, 2018
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
The holidays are jam packed with parties, drinks, and celebrating. These top Christmas appetizers will help you avoid unwanted weight gain this season, whether you’re hosting a holiday party or attending an office potluck. Here, find ideas for make-ahead appetizers, healthy finger foods, delicious dips, and more. Last but not least, accompany these easy Christmas appetizers with our healthy holiday cocktails.
Start Slideshow

1 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Our Best Healthy Appetizers for the Christmas Season

1 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Saucy Mini Meatballs

Credit: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Saucy Mini Meatballs

Adding cinnamon gives these meatballs a slight Moroccan feel. You can make this a day ahead and reheat on the stovetop before the party. Using different types of beef adds moisture to the meatballs while keeping sat fat in check.

2 of 45

3 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Miso Deviled Eggs

Credit: Victor Protasio
View Recipe: Miso Deviled Eggs

This fun twist on deviled eggs is a nice change-of-pace dish for your next picnic or cookout. With just a hint of tang and spice, they’ll appeal to all, including folks who aren’t particularly adventurous eaters. Try to use older eggs—they will peel more easily. Look for shichimi togarashi in the same place you buy miso.

3 of 45

Advertisement

4 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tomato, Hazelnut and Bell Pepper Romesco Dip

Credit: Greg DuPree
View Recipe: Tomato, Hazelnut and Bell Pepper Romesco Dip

Romesco is a Catalonian sauce made from tomatoes and nuts—and it makes a delicious pre-meal appetizer or snack with veggies! It pairs beautifully with harissa-spiked hummus. Make this romesco as smooth or chunky as you like—and up to three days ahead. Use leftovers as a sandwich spread or sauce to top meat or pasta. Sunchokes are sometimes labeled as Jerusalem artichokes. If you can’t find them, sub fingerling potatoes.

4 of 45

5 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lobster Roll Bruschetta

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Lobster Roll Bruschetta

Though we love the sweet flavor of lobster in this appetizer, you can easily substitute 1/2 pound of shrimp with delicious results.

5 of 45

6 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Goat Cheese Queso Dip with Vegetable Chips

Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: Goat Cheese Queso Dip with Vegetable Chips

This warm, tangy twist on fundido is perfect with sparkling wine; the bubbles help cut through the richness. We pair with veggie chips, but you can also serve with crudités for a fresher take. The dip is very easy to put together. One note on mixing: Blend the beans until they are completely smooth and puréed for the silkiest, creamiest results. You can’t overblend it, but if you stop too soon, the dip might have a few lumps. The great thing about this dip is that it can be made ahead and rewarmed when you’re ready to serve it. To reheat, stir gently over low heat until hot. For an herby version, add a generous 1⁄4 cup of a mix of chopped herbs, such as parsley, chives, and a little basil.

6 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Umami Popcorn

Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Umami Popcorn

If you’re worried that this crunchy snack will taste like fish, rest your fears. The anchovy paste simply lends rich umami depth and a good salty kick. We use a fair amount of fresh thyme here, too, for even more savory notes; it adds a woodsy, earthy flavor that other herbs just don’t quite have. If you would rather start with prepopped corn, opt for one with little or no seasoning, and use 8 cups.

7 of 45

8 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamy Artichoke Dip

Credit: Victor Protasio
View Recipe: Creamy Artichoke Dip

This is a creamy, rich, yet healthier riff on the classic—and is great for entertaining. We process half of the artichokes to sneak more veggies into the dip, plus a little tofu to help cut back on cheese and boost protein. Using frozen artichokes instead of canned helps keep sodium in check. Serve each ramekin with different sides—we like a medley of vegetables, crackers, or bread. Or keep it super simple and bake in one larger baking dish.

8 of 45

9 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peanut, Shrimp, and Broccoli Rolls

Credit: Photo: Daniel Agee
View Recipe: Peanut, Shrimp, and Broccoli Rolls

We turned this popular appetizer into a quick, diet-friendly dinner solution for two. It's a fresh, low-calorie alternative to takeout. In place of bottled peanut sauce, you can instead try our Miso-Chili-Garlic Sauce.

9 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hasseltots with Crème Fraîche and Caviar

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez
View Recipe: Hasseltots with Crème Fraîche and Caviar

This two-bite, no-fork-required appetizer is perfect for parties where guests will be juggling drinks and nibbles. Choose a sustainable, budget-friendly roe. Depending on what kind you choose, it can be affordable or break the bank. Make note of the origin to be sure you aren't buying caviar or roe from endangered fishing areas or species. We suggest Classic American White Sturgeon Caviar ($85/oz.), Paddlefish Caviar ($44/oz.), Salmon Roe ($8/oz.), and Masago ($5/oz.). Store opened caviar on ice, and use within one to two days. In a pinch, sour cream can stand in for the crème fraîche. 

10 of 45

11 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sesame-Soy Nut and Pretzel Mix

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Sesame-Soy Nut and Pretzel Mix

If any one dish is devoured quickly and constantly (usually by the fistful) throughout the holiday, it’s snack mix. Consisting of salty nuts, pretzels, and cereal doused with a Worcestershire and butter, this innocent munchie racks up sodium and calories quickly. Our healthier version gives you all the salt, crunch, and bold spices of the original with the addition of whole-grain popcorn, toasty whole-wheat cereal, and spicy wasabi peas. The peas inspired an Asian track with toasty sesame oil and reduced-sodium soy sauce, cashews, and pungent ground ginger.

11 of 45

12 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cheesy Crab Artichoke Toasts

Credit: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Cheesy Crab-Artichoke Toasts

Save time the day of the party by preparing the crab mixture one day ahead. Cut and store the sliced bread in an airtight container until ready to assemble, and then broil as the recipe instructs shortly before party time.

12 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chickpea Salad Boats

Credit: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Chickpea Salad Boats

This recipe captures all of the bright, fresh appeal of a salad in a pretty, portable bite. Sturdy endive leaves have a nice cup shape for filling; you also could use Little Gem or small Bibb lettuce leaves. To get a head start, make the filling (minus the pears) up to a day in advance. About an hour before guests arrive, gently stir in the pear and fill the leaves.

13 of 45

14 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamy Salmon Dip

Credit: Elizabeth Laseter
View Recipe: Creamy Salmon Dip

Classic salmon dip boasts one of our favorite sources of Omega-3 fats—but globs of mayo don’t make this easy appetizer the healthiest option. Our mayo-free version is just as satisfying and indulgent, thanks to Greek yogurt and Neufchâtel cream cheese, which contains 1/3 less fat than regular cream cheese. 

14 of 45

15 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Air Fryer Buffalo Mushroom Poppers

Credit: Aaron Kirk
View Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Mushroom Poppers

A genius combination of jalapeño poppers and stuffed mushrooms, this appetizer lovechild gets a healthy makeover thanks to your air fryer. With loads less fat than their traditionally deep-fried parents, these mashup snacks get another kick of bold flavor from a quick stir-together blue cheese sauce.

15 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Broiled Shrimp with Buttermilk Rémoulade

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Broiled Shrimp with Buttermilk Rémoulade

Quick broiled shrimp paired with spicy remoulade dipping sauce is sure to rally a crowd at the appetizer table. This holiday staple is naturally low in sugar and rich in lean protein.

16 of 45

17 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beet Hummus with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Beet Hummus with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

We love creating innovative hummus recipes, and Beet Hummus with Blue Cheese and Walnuts is no exception. This beautiful, crimson-colored dip is made with chickpeas, tahini, beets and garlic. 

17 of 45

18 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Foolproof Cheese Fondue

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Foolproof Cheese Fondue

Fondue is forever tied to the kitschy themed parties of the 1960s and "70s, but the dish is worth reviving: It's a casual, fun way to entertain. Nutritionally, fondue is a great way to stretch the calorie and saturated fat content of rich cheeses over several servings without losing any melty goodness. We add evaporated milk to make the base even creamier with fewer calories and less saturated fat. Guests will keep coming back for more. Any Gruyère works wonderfully here, but the aged kind has a bigger, nuttier flavor. While a double boiler is used in many recipes, you'll need a heavy saucepan and direct heat here to activate the cornstarch and thicken the fondue. Serve with tart, crisp apples and crusty whole-grain bread.

18 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Glazed Cocktail Meatballs

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Glazed Cocktail Meatballs

These mini meatballs are perfect for holiday parties and tailgating. We made them healthier by forgoing sodium-heavy ingredients like the usual ketchup and chili sauce and including whole-grain bulgur in place of breadcrumbs. You can also serve a larger portion of these meatballs for weeknight dinner. To up the kid-friendly factor, omit the ground red pepper in the glaze and serve with mashed potatoes (à la Swedish meatballs). For a tangier glaze, substitute cranberry sauce for the grape jelly.

19 of 45

20 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mini Crab Cakes With Pickled Celery

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Mini Crab Cakes With Pickled Celery

Save 104 calories, 12.6g fat, and 156mg sodium over traditional mini crab cakes. You can bake these cakes up to 2 hours ahead of party time and rewarm in a 300° oven for 5 to 6 minutes.

20 of 45

21 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Warm Baked Feta With Marinara Sauce

Credit: Elizabeth Laseter
View Recipe: Warm Baked Feta With Marinara Sauce

Add this baked feta to your holiday appetizer arsenal—and you won’t regret it. In each balanced bite, you get creamy feta cheese, tangy marinara sauce, earthy oregano, and bright lemon zest. Scoop it all up with crisp naan bread, the perfect vehicle for this crave-worthy dish.

21 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bacon-Goat Cheese Jalapeño Poppers

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Bacon-Goat Cheese Jalapeño Poppers

Salty bacon, rich goat cheese, savory-sweet jelly, and roasted jalapeño—it takes teamwork to make the dream work. If you already have the grill going, these dreamy little bites are equally easy to cook outdoors.

22 of 45

23 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spinach-Artichoke Bites

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Spinach-Artichoke Bites

Save 167 calories, 3.6g sat fat, and 393mg sodium per serving over traditional spinach-artichoke dip. Frozen artichoke hearts contain no added salt, unlike the canned variety, which may contain more than 300mg per half cup.

23 of 45

24 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Smoked Salmon Bites

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Smoked Salmon Bites

If you're looking for an appetizer that will delight your guests with its gorgeous presentation and rich, delicious taste, the search stops here. These beautiful canapés start with a base of candy cane (or Chioggia) beet squares, whose alternating ruby and white rings are stunning. (You can add more color to the platter by alternating candy cane beet and golden beet slices.) The beet stays raw, so the slices are crunchy and sweet and hold up nicely. The jewel-like topping of easy-to-find salmon caviar turns what's truly a simple make-ahead nibble into an absolute work of art that'll make you the talk of your social circle.

24 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mini Cheese Balls

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Mini Cheese Balls

Save 108 calories, 7g sat fat, and 69mg sodium per serving over a traditional cheese ball. Almond milk cream cheese is delicately nutty, with a buttery-rich texture and zero grams of sat fat. Find it at Whole Foods stores nationwide. You can substitute 1⁄3-less-fat cream cheese, which adds 1.6g sat fat to each serving.

25 of 45

26 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mac and Cheese Bites

Credit: Photo: Teresa Sabga
View Recipe: Mac and Cheese Bites

Feed a hungry crowd these all-star, feel-good favorites at your next party. Nothing is as comforting as melty, creamy, cheesy, comforting macaroni and cheese. Be still our hearts.

26 of 45

27 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caramelized Onion and Olive Pizza with Goat Cheese

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Caramelized Onion and Olive Pizza with Goat Cheese

Sweet caramelized onions form a creamy pizza “sauce.” Intense spices make chicken kicken’. Peppery arugula dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements this rich pizza. Toss 4 cups arugula, 1 cup rinsed and drained unsalted canned chickpeas, and 1 shaved carrot with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1½ tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/8 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

27 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Date, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Ball

Credit: Photo: Jonny Valiant
View Recipe: Date, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Ball

The sweet-savory combo of dates, walnuts, and blue cheese, topped with the earthiness of fresh flat-leaf parsley, brings your regular cheese ball up a notch. Prepare this retro-chic snack up to two days ahead, and serve with crackers, bread, or veggies. Rolled in minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, this cheese ball is festive enough for the most discerning of holiday crowds and with 5.3g of carbs, 229mg of sodium, and 4.8g fat, it's just right for diabetic diets.

28 of 45

29 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Endive Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Endive Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Delicate, bitter-flavored endive is dressed up with a single orange section, toasted walnuts, goat cheese (or blue if you prefer), and a drizzle of orange, honey, and balsamic-infused syrup. Perfect for a holiday fete, each bite of this balanced recipe packs a burst of tangy, salty, and sweet flavors.

29 of 45

30 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Apricot-Blue Cheese Angels

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Apricot-Blue Cheese Angels

Bake and freeze these bites up to a week in advance. Try a trio of flavors like a fig jam and goat cheese filling, or finely chopped apples tossed with honey and cinnamon.

30 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Baby Beets with Creamy Goat Cheese Dip

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
View Recipe: Roasted Baby Beets with Creamy Goat Cheese Dip

If using multiple colors of beets, roast the red ones separately to keep their color from bleeding into the others.

31 of 45

32 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spinach, Herb, and Cheese Phyllo Rolls

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Spinach, Herb, and Cheese Phyllo Rolls

This kind of dish is traditional street food in Greece. The key is to think of it like a sandwich, an Eastern Mediterranean sandwich: There is an ideal balance between the crust and the filling. Freeze leftover rolls up to 6 months. To reheat, cover loosely with foil and bake at 375° for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes, turning after 5 minutes.

32 of 45

33 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Endive Boats with Pears, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Endive Boats with Pears, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts

Let the ripeness of your pears determine how long you cook them. Soft, juicy fruit will only need to cook a minute or two; underripe fruit will need to go longer.

33 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pear, Blue Cheese, and Bacon Focaccia-Style Pizza

Credit: Photo: Jason Wallis
View Recipe: Pear, Blue Cheese, and Bacon Focaccia-Style Pizza

If you don't own a pizza pan, you can find inexpensive, disposable rimmed pizza pans at the supermarket. For a quick side, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard in a bowl. Add 1/2 cup halved grape tomatoes, 5 cups mixed greens, 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, and 1/4 cup chopped pitted dates; toss to coat.

34 of 45

35 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Butternut Squash Pizza with White Sauce, Spinach, and Goat Cheese

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Butternut Squash with White Sauce, Spinach, and Goat Cheese

Try swapping out the goat cheese for feta or Gorgonzola to switch up the flavor profile.

35 of 45

36 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Phyllo-Wrapped Asparagus with Prosciutto

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Phyllo-Wrapped Asparagus with Prosciutto

Wrap asparagus in flaky phyllo instead of buttery puff pastry.

OURS 59 calories, 0.3g sat fat
CLASSIC 261 calories, 5.5g sat fat
SAVES 202 calories, 5.2g sat fat

36 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gingery Shrimp Salad Bites

Credit: Photo: Christopher Testani
View Recipe: Gingery Shrimp Salad Bites

Pick up inexpensive Chinese soup spoons at Asian markets, or serve on rice crackers or in hollowed-out pieces of cucumber. The chives, an optional sixth ingredient, perk up the look but aren’t crucial to the flavor.

37 of 45

38 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Honey-Ginger Chicken Bites

Credit: Photo: Lee Harrelson
View Recipe: Honey-Ginger Chicken Bites

Ditch the greasy fried chicken fingers in favor of these sweet glazed chicken bites. They're the perfect size for popping into your mouth or serving on skewers. This dish is prepared with boneless, skinless chicken thighs but feel free to use chicken breasts if you have them on hand.

38 of 45

39 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Corn Bread Bites

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Corn Bread Bites

This recipe also makes a dozen muffins in a standard muffin tin; bake 17 minutes or until golden brown. You also can double the recipe and freeze the extra muffins for up to one month. If you do this, prepare the muffins in two batches so the baking powder doesn't lose its effectiveness while the extra batter waits for the first batch to be turned out of the pans.

39 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

40 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Meatballs in Brussels Sprout Cups

Credit: Photo: Justin Walker
View Recipe: Meatballs in Brussels Sprout Cups

Friends will love the ingenuity of these appetizers—little meatballs cradled in Brussels sprout cups—cleverly seasonal.

40 of 45

41 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spicy Soy Bar Nuts

Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: Spicy Soy Bar Nuts

To achieve maximum nuttiness, you have to toast nuts. This coaxes out flavorful, aromatic oils for a deep, rich taste and pulls out some of the nut's moisture for satisfying crunch with each bite. Our go-to-method for toasting nuts is a slow oven roast at a relatively low temperature (300°F) in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, stirring occasionally until lightly browned and crisp. That allows hot air to circulate around each nut to gently cook it. Don't blast them in a hot 400°F oven for a few minutes until they've darkened—not a good thing for a nut—because that high heat can bring out bitter flavors. Only using a handful? You can also roast nuts in a pan on the stovetop over medium-low heat or on a plate in the microwave for a minute or so at HIGH.

41 of 45

42 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lobster Nachos

Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: Lobster Nachos

These are not your abuela’s nachos. OK—it’s likely no nachos are from your Mexican grandmother because this popular dish has its roots in Tex-Mex cuisine. The first nachos were reportedly created by a maître d’ in Texas named Ignacio whose nickname was “Nacho.” But don’t focus on who lays claim to having invented them; instead revel in our iteration laden with lobster; avocado; a rich yet amazingly low-fat cheese sauce; and a heap of crunchy, piquant tomato-radish salad on top that takes this dish to a completely new level. You can substitute cooked crabmeat for the lobster, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly choice.

42 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

43 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Buffalo-Brisket Sliders with Special Sauce

Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: Buffalo-Brisket Sliders with Special Sauce

This is the burger everyone will be talking about and wanting the recipe for. It’s OK, you can demure and tell them it’s your secret recipe—we won’t tell. The mayo-based “special sauce” gets heat and sweetness from red pepper jelly; a briny edge from dill pickle relish; and a little lemon, onion, and garlic to balance it all out. Buffalo (also called bison) has a sweet and rich flavor and is a low-fat, nutrient-dense food. We mix in rich and flavorful brisket to maximize this burger’s taste and juiciness. Pressing each patty once it hits the hot pan helps develop a good sear that will lock in the burger juices.

43 of 45

44 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chestnut Hummus

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Chestnut Hummus

This homemade hummus is a great appetizer for holiday parties and casual dinner get-togethers alike. Healthy dippers include baby carrots, bell peppers, pita chips, radishes, jicama, and sugar snap peas.

44 of 45

45 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chocolate-Tangerine Bruschetta

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chocolate-Tangerine Bruschetta

Try out this innovative bruschetta recipe that will leave your guests begging for more!

45 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Cooking Light

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 45 Our Best Healthy Appetizers for the Christmas Season
    2 of 45 Saucy Mini Meatballs
    3 of 45 Miso Deviled Eggs
    4 of 45 Tomato, Hazelnut and Bell Pepper Romesco Dip
    5 of 45 Lobster Roll Bruschetta
    6 of 45 Goat Cheese Queso Dip with Vegetable Chips
    7 of 45 Umami Popcorn
    8 of 45 Creamy Artichoke Dip
    9 of 45 Peanut, Shrimp, and Broccoli Rolls
    10 of 45 Hasseltots with Crème Fraîche and Caviar
    11 of 45 Sesame-Soy Nut and Pretzel Mix
    12 of 45 Cheesy Crab Artichoke Toasts
    13 of 45 Chickpea Salad Boats
    14 of 45 Creamy Salmon Dip
    15 of 45 Air Fryer Buffalo Mushroom Poppers
    16 of 45 Broiled Shrimp with Buttermilk Rémoulade
    17 of 45 Beet Hummus with Blue Cheese and Walnuts
    18 of 45 Foolproof Cheese Fondue
    19 of 45 Glazed Cocktail Meatballs
    20 of 45 Mini Crab Cakes With Pickled Celery
    21 of 45 Warm Baked Feta With Marinara Sauce
    22 of 45 Bacon-Goat Cheese Jalapeño Poppers
    23 of 45 Spinach-Artichoke Bites
    24 of 45 Smoked Salmon Bites
    25 of 45 Mini Cheese Balls
    26 of 45 Mac and Cheese Bites
    27 of 45 Caramelized Onion and Olive Pizza with Goat Cheese
    28 of 45 Date, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Ball
    29 of 45 Endive Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
    30 of 45 Apricot-Blue Cheese Angels
    31 of 45 Roasted Baby Beets with Creamy Goat Cheese Dip
    32 of 45 Spinach, Herb, and Cheese Phyllo Rolls
    33 of 45 Endive Boats with Pears, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts
    34 of 45 Pear, Blue Cheese, and Bacon Focaccia-Style Pizza
    35 of 45 Butternut Squash Pizza with White Sauce, Spinach, and Goat Cheese
    36 of 45 Phyllo-Wrapped Asparagus with Prosciutto
    37 of 45 Gingery Shrimp Salad Bites
    38 of 45 Honey-Ginger Chicken Bites
    39 of 45 Corn Bread Bites
    40 of 45 Meatballs in Brussels Sprout Cups
    41 of 45 Spicy Soy Bar Nuts
    42 of 45 Lobster Nachos
    43 of 45 Buffalo-Brisket Sliders with Special Sauce
    44 of 45 Chestnut Hummus
    45 of 45 Chocolate-Tangerine Bruschetta

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Cooking Light

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    MeredithCooking Light is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Cooking Light may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Cooking Light. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.cookinglight.com

    View image

    Our Best Healthy Appetizers for the Christmas Season
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.