Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Creamy Herb Dip: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth. Stir in fresh dill, chives, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the dip into two portions for variations.1 block cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup fresh dill, 1/4 cup fresh chives, 1 tbsp lemon juice, Salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream Cheese Bites: To one portion of the creamy herb dip, gently fold in the flaked or finely diced smoked salmon. Spoon this mixture into mini phyllo shells. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh dill. Arrange on a platter.1 cup smoked salmon, 1-2 boxes Mini phyllo shells, small sprig of fresh dill
- Shrimp Cocktail Shooters: To the second portion of the creamy herb dip, fold in the chopped cooked shrimp. Spoon into small shot glasses or individual serving cups. Garnish with a whole small shrimp or a sprinkle of paprika.1 cup cooked shrimp, whole small shrimp or a sprinkle of paprika
- Sun-Dried Tomato & Olive Crostini: Toast slices of cocktail rye bread or mini toasts until lightly golden and crisp. In a small bowl, combine chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sliced black olives. Drizzle with a little olive oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. Spread a thin layer of the creamy herb dip (or plain cream cheese) onto each toast, then top with the tomato and olive mixture.Cocktail rye bread or mini toasts, 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup pitted black olives, olive oil, plain cream cheese
- Cheesy Crescent Roll Pinwheels: Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of pesto evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough. Cut the roll into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place the pinwheels flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake according to package instructions (typically 10-12 minutes at 375°F/190°C) until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough, 1/2 cup pesto, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Festive Cheese and Fruit Skewers: Cut cheddar cheese into 1/2-inch cubes. Thread these cheese cubes onto small skewers with folded pieces of roasted red pepper, whole dried cranberries, and a small apple or pear slice. Drizzle lightly with honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.1 cup cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1 apple, 1 pear, Honey, cinnamon
- Veggie Sticks with Creamy Herb Dip: Arrange an assortment of carrot sticks, celery sticks, and bell pepper strips around a bowl of the remaining creamy herb dip or a fresh bowl of the prepared smoked salmon dip for easy dipping.Assorted crackers, pretzels, and vegetable sticks
- Nutty Cranberry Cheese Ball: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until incorporated. Fold in chopped roasted red peppers and chopped dried cranberries. Form into a ball. Roll the cheese ball in chopped walnuts to coat. Serve with assorted crackers and apple slices.1 block cream cheese, 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup walnuts, Assorted crackers, pretzels, and vegetable sticks, 1 apple
- Assemble Platter: Arrange all your prepared Christmas Eve Snack Ideas attractively on platters. Ensure there are plenty of napkins and small plates available for guests.
Notes
Most of these snacks can be made ahead. Creamy dips store well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Cheese ball can be made up to 5 days in advance.
