Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- ### Step-by-Step Instructions
- **1. Prepare the Mini Caprese Skewers:** * Thread a cherry tomato half, a fresh basil leaf (folded), and a mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat with the other tomato half and basil leaf. * Arrange on a platter and drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze just before serving.1 pint cherry tomatoes, 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), Large fresh basil leaves, Balsamic glaze, Small skewers or toothpicks
- **2. Prepare the Spicy Mango Salsa Shrimp Bites:** * In a medium bowl, combine finely diced mango, red onion, minced jalapeño, and fresh cilantro. * Add the lime juice and salt to taste, mixing gently. * Arrange cooked shrimp on a serving platter. Top each shrimp with a spoonful of the mango salsa. * Serve with tortilla chips or cucumber slices on the side.1 lb cooked shrimp, 2 ripe mangoes, 1/2 red onion, 1 jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, Juice of 1 lime, Salt to taste, Tortilla chips or cucumber slices
- **3. Prepare the Decadent Spinach Artichoke Dip:** * Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). * In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until smooth. * Stir in the thawed and squeezed dry spinach and chopped artichoke hearts. Season with salt and black pepper. * Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. * Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden brown. * Serve hot with crusty bread, pita chips, or vegetable sticks.1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, Salt and black pepper to taste, Crusty bread, pita chips, or vegetable sticks
- **4. Prepare the Sweet & Savory Meatballs:** * In a large bowl, combine ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix). * Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. * Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Alternatively, pan-fry or air-fry them until browned and cooked. * In a slow cooker or large pot, combine BBQ sauce and grape jelly. Stir until well combined. * Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, ensuring they are fully coated. * Cook on low in a slow cooker for 2-3 hours (or simmer gently on the stovetop for 30 minutes), stirring occasionally, until the sauce is hot and bubbly and the flavors have melded. * Serve warm, perhaps with toothpicks for easy serving.1 lb ground beef, 1 egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 (18 oz) bottle BBQ sauce, 1 (10 oz) jar grape jelly
- **5. Prepare the No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes:** * In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottoms of mini muffin liners or small dessert cups (about 1 tablespoon per cup). Chill for at least 15 minutes. * In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until well combined and fluffy. * In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain. * Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the chilled crusts. * Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until set. * Top with assorted berries or fruit compote just before serving.1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 cup heavy cream, Assorted berries or fruit compote, Mini muffin liners or small dessert cups
Notes
Proper storage is key to enjoying your New Year's Eve Party Food Buffet leftovers. Most components can be stored in airtight containers for 2-4 days. Mini cheesecakes do not freeze well.
