In a year when holiday gatherings will be fewer and smaller, it’s still smart to have some festive starters on hand. These five recipes for charcuterie and cheese platters, dips, toasts and more are relatively easy to put together and will add instant holiday cheer.
Dried Cured Ham with Warm Date and Toasted Hazelnut Vinaigrette
Chef Diego Rivera of Racines restaurant sources sliced jambon sec for this simple appetizer. The dried cured ham from France pairs well with the sweet-tart flavors of a warm date and toasted hazelnut vinaigrette. Serve the ham and vinaigrette on a charcuterie platter or divide into small plates for a starter.
This abundant cheese board features salty, sweet, earthy and savory elements. Chef Kat Turner of L.A.’s Highly Likely Cafe complements the array of cheeses with a tangy prune mostarda and a peppercorn black tea syrup—housemade condiments that take minimal effort and deliver great rewards.
These tartines, a fancy name for crostini or cheese toasts, require only six simple ingredients, and the result is a quick but impressive-looking canape for a holiday table. Chef Tamara Westerhold relies on this easy recipe when she preps for parties through her company, Cherubina Catering.
Photograph courtesy of Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
Spicy Smoked Pollock Dip
Pollock might be underrepresented here in the U.S., but it’s immensely popular in other countries, such as Korea, says chef Rachel Yang. Salting and hot smoking it brings another dimension to its natural flavor. Chef Yang blends the smoked fish into a spicy, creamy dip for an easy appetizer or spread.
Photo by Kelly Gorham/Montana State University, courtesy of American Lamb Board
Sweet and Sour Lamb Meatballs
These petite meatballs can be presented on a platter or plated individually as an appetizer. They were created as a catering option for large events by the culinary team at Montana State University, but the recipe can also be cut in half.