Whether you are hosting a small family dinner or a large outdoor party, starting with easy, stress-free appetizers is the perfect way to kick off your holiday gathering. These favorite holiday appetizer recipes from the Le Creuset test kitchen are simple to prepare and can mostly be cooked or baked in advance to make entertaining a breeze. Serve one or two of the recipes alongside a main meal, or create an entire appetizer spread with all of them for a festive feast.
Baked Mascarpone Dip with Caramelized Apples
Both sweet and savory, this recipe is an unusual twist on the flavors and textures of a traditional cheeseboard. Sweet-tart apples are roasted until tender and caramelized, then paired with a warm, Italian cheese dip topped with toasted, spiced pecans. Baked together in one of our coordinating bakeware sets for casually colorful entertaining, this simple yet decadent recipe is perfect for oven to table ease. Just add some toasted baguette slices and your favorite wine.
Shop: Heritage 2-Piece Square Baking Dish SetGet the Recipe
Smoked Five-Onion Dip
Dips are a fan favorite at any get-together, offering an easy, crowd-pleasing option – and onion dip might be the most beloved dip of all. Our version incorporates a mix of five different types of onions that are smoked in the Alpine Outdoor Square Grill Basket to create a spread with loads of layered flavor. It tastes even better when made the day before the event, freeing up precious time for other party preparations. Simply serve the creamy dip alongside plenty of store-bought potato chips and crudités to make it even more stress-free.
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Trio of Tapas
These savory snacks are the perfect starter to any meal. With a mixing bowl and a sheet pan, and almost no cook time, you can serve a variety of tapas using simple ingredients that are easy to keep on hand. These recipes require minimal prep and have flexibility built in for whichever ingredients are in stock in the pantry. Store the nuts at room temperature while keeping the feta and olives in the refrigerator. Simply portion into this set of colorful stoneware Tapas Dishes for serving.
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Best Buttered Dutch Oven Popcorn
Popcorn is a fun, yet surprisingly upscale addition to any holiday gathering that offers a unique twist on traditional appetizers or snacks. It’s fast, easy and delicious, and can be made in large batches in the Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven – the beautiful vessel doubles as a colorful serving bowl that keeps the popcorn warm on a buffet. Amp up the flavor and sophistication of this classic treat by adding herbs and seasonings to create endless flavor possibilities. Feel free to choose your own signature seasoning blend or opt for one of our suggested combinations.
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Bacon, Gruyere and Shallot Biscuits
Bacon-laced buttermilk biscuits rise tall and fluffy when tucked close together and baked in our enameled cast iron Signature Oval Baker. With caramelized shallots, minced bacon and nutty gruyere layered into a buttery dough, these decadent biscuits are equally at home on the holiday appetizer buffet as they are at the breakfast table. Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter to punch out small biscuits that are the perfect size to enjoy out of hand.
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One-Bowl Kitchen Sink Cookies
For a well-rounded appetizer spread, be sure to also offer at least one sweet treat to please both adults and kids alike. Cookies are a timeless tradition for the holiday season, and this simple cookie recipe comes together in one bowl and bakes to crispy, chewy perfection on the stoneware Pizza Stone. The best part is that the cookies can be customized with whatever mix-ins you like (think chocolates, candies, cookies, cereal, potato chips, sprinkles and more) so you can make several different flavor combinations from one easy dough recipe.
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