10 Best Store-Bought Appetizers for Holiday Entertaining in a Pinch
Holiday entertaining is going to be a little different this year. For most of us, the large gatherings and big meals are going to have to be forgone, replaced with small socially distanced gatherings of our pre-determined social pods or limited to our immediate family or housemates. Where the weather permits, outdoor gatherings with trusted companions will still be in play.
But just because things are different, doesn’t mean they can’t be fabulous. Stocking up on some frozen appetizers can make things special, even if your holiday party is just you and your kids. Nothing is more festive than fancy appetizers and finger food, and with the help of some small platters or boxes, everyone can get their own personal array of delicacies, no need for share plates or utensils.
Here are 10 of my favorite store-bought appetizers to keep in your chiller for fast and festive snacking this holiday season.
Cuisine Adventures Franks in a Blanket
Nothing says party like pigs in blankets, and these little smoked sausages in parmesan puff pastry are a serious upgrade. You can pick them up at Costco or order them via Instacart, here.
Buy it: Cuisine Adventures Franks in a Blanket ($14.92), Instacart.com
Del Rio Pork Tamales
Want something a little unexpected? Tamales are comfort food for the soul and come in handy little cornhusk packets for individual servings. Scoop these beauties up at your closest Costco or via Instacart here!
Buy it: Del Rio Pork Tamales ($7.15), Instacart.com
Royal Asia Vegetable Spring Rolls
A crispy little pocket filled with savory treats is always a fabulously welcome addition to an appetizer selection, but who has time for frying? These spring rolls from Costco are ready to heat and eat with all the fussy part already done and are vegetarian to boot! They even come with the dipping sauce.
Buy it: Royal Asia Vegetable Spring Rolls ($12.43 for 50 count), Instacart.com
Appetito’s Cheddar Stuffed Jalapenos
Everyone loves that classic combination of cheese and heat. So, give the people what they want with these stuffed jalapenos from Costco that are sure to please a crowd.
Buy it: Appetito’s Cheddar Stuffed Jalapenos ($2.15), Instacart.com
Cuisine Adventures Spanakopita
We’re suckers for spinach and cheese stuffed phyllo pockets. They aren’t just an easy appetizer they are also a fast lunch with some salad! Grab them at your local Costco or online below!
Buy it: Cuisine Adventures Spanakopita Spinach & Feta Phyllo Triangles ($17.03), Instacart.com
Mama Cozzi’s Toasted Ravioli
Kids of all ages will love pasta you eat with your fingers! Toasted ravioli are great on their own, or have small cups of jarred marinara for dipping. Look for them at Costco or online via Instacart!
Buy it: Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Toasted Beef Ravioli ($3.85), Instacart.com
Foster Farms Takeout Crispy Wings
Chicken wings might be the ultimate finger food, and these beauties from Costco are extra crispy. They come with Buffalo sauce, if you want to go that direction, but make them your own with anything from a Korean BBQ sauce to ranch.
Buy it: Foster Farms Takeout Classic Buffalo Crispy Wings ($21.14), Instacart.com
Bremer Mini Corn Dogs
Corn dogs make any party feel like a carnival. This mini version showcases a chicken sausage in a light crispy batter. Pick them up at ALDI or Costco, or online right now!
Buy it: Bremer Mini Corn Dogs ($2.85), Instacart.com
Delizza Belgian Mini Cream Puffs
Don’t forget the sweets! These pop-able mini cream puffs available at Costco are delightful on their own or serve with little individual cups of dips like caramel sauce, hot fudge, or a fruit puree.
Buy it: Delizza Belgian Mini Cream Puffs ($12.19 for 120), Instacart.com
Eli’s Cheesecake Bites
Eli’s Cheesecake is a national treasure, and now you can get three versions of their extraordinary cheesecake in addictive bites, from the aisles of Costco or direct to your freezer (or dessert plate) via Instacart!
Buy it: Eli’s Cheesecake Mini Cheesecake Bites ($15.49 for 54), Instacart.com
BONUS: Adorable compostable platters!
Want a nice way to present everyone with their own custom platter (no sharing during pandemics)? Try these disposable/compostable palm leaf trays, which look just like bamboo. They are large enough to put a generous helping on, and to rest comfortably on a lap if you are dining outdoors. Even better? No cleanup and ecologically friendly.
Buy it: brheez Palm Leaf Disposable Bamboo Look Oval Serving Platters ($17.99), amazon.com