Ideas for Christmas starters that are prepared in 15 minutes (or less)

The Christmas season is just around the corner and many people are already thinking about the best menu to serve on these very important dates.

Finding ourselves already at the gates of Christmas , it is time to start thinking about what we will serve our guests at Christmas parties. Likewise, thinking precisely about the dates in which we are, the starters with which we will accompany our dinners must be healthy , low in fat and that do not suppose an extra expense in the shopping cart . So, if you’re looking for delicious , easy -to-make Christmas appetizers that will impress your guests, look no further. Here you go Christmas appetizer recipes that can be prepared in 15 minutes or less and will be the delight of Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve .

The recipes for appetizer and starters for Christmas

1. Figs wrapped in Iberian ham with honey and goat cheese : Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and cover a baking tray with paper. Cut the figs in half and wrap each half with a slice of Iberian ham . Arrange the figs on the tray and drizzle with honey . Bake for 8-10 minutes , or until ham is crisp . Present it with a dollop of goat cheese on top.
2. Roasted cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar sauce and fresh basil : Preheat the oven to 200º and line a tray with baking paper. In a small bowl , mix together one cup of cherry tomatoes , one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar , one tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper . Mix well to coat the tomatoes evenly. Arrange the tomatoes on the tray and bake for 10-12 minutes , or until lightly caramelized . Serve with fresh basil leaves on top.
3. Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers : In a small bowl, mix 400 grams peeled shrimp, 2 tablespoons olive oil , 1 tablespoon lemon juice , 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper . Mix well to coat shrimp evenly. Thread shrimp onto skewers and pan for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Accompany them with a few extra lemon wedges.
4. Baked brie with cranberry sauce and chopped walnuts : Preheat the oven to 180º and cover a tray with baking paper. Place a brie on the tray and top with 1/2 cup cranberry sauce and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts . Bake for 8-10 minutes , or until cheese is melted . For a nice presentation, put some toasties or a few slices of bread on the side.
5. Hard Boiled Eggs Stuffed with Smoked Salmon and Dill : Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 6 eggs . Cook for 10-12 minutes , or until the eggs are hard- boiled . Remove them and let them cool, then peel them and cut them in half lengthwise . Remove the yolks and place them in a small bowl. Flatten them with a fork and add two tablespoons of mayonnaise , one tablespoon of mustard and a pinch of salt and pepper . Pour the yolk mixture back into the whites. Lastly, place a serving of smoked salmonand a little fresh dill on top of each half.
6. Cream Cheese and Cranberry Sauce Crostini : Preheat the oven to 200º and cover the oven tray. Cut a loaf of bread into slices about a finger size and place them on the tray. Toast the bread in the oven for 5-7 minutes , or until golden brown . In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup cream cheese , 1/4 cup cranberry sauce, and a tablespoon of thyme or rosemary . Spread the mixture over the toasted bread slices and serve immediately.
7. Caprese Salad Skewers with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil : Thread cherry tomatoes , mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto a skewer . Season with olive oil , salt and pepper and serve immediately.
8. Iberian ham croquettes : In a hot frying pan, put a tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 cup of chopped Iberian ham . Cook for 2-3 minutes , or until golden. In a small bowl, mix one cup of flour , one beaten egg , and 1/2 cup of milk . Add the ham mixture to the flour mixture and stir well. Shape the mixture into small balls and fry in hot oil for 2-3 minutes , or until golden on the outside and cooked on the inside. Finally, drain on absorbent paper and serve hot with cheddar cheese sauce.cast above.
9. Smoked Salmon Skewers with Mango Pink Pepper Salsa : In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup mango salsa , 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 tablespoon ground pink pepper . Insert the portions of smoked salmon on the skewers and dress with the mango sauce. In a nonstick skillet, cook the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is done. Serve hot with a little more mango salsa .
10. Pork and Apple Meatballs : In a hot skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and add 1/2 cup minced pork , 1/2 cup grated apple, and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs . Mix well, and add a tablespoon of Christmas spices (such as cinnamon , cloves , and nutmeg ). Shape the mixture into small meatballs and fry in hot oil for 2-3 minutes , or until golden and cooked. Finally, accompany them, still hot, with cranberry sauce on top.

These are just a few ideas for appetizer and starters to serve on these very important dates with which we can create delicious and elegant dishes in a short time to enjoy the Christmas holidays without worrying about cooking .