While Christmas will still be a more muted affair this year, it’s still the most wonderful time of the year! If you are opting to host several small parties over a few days instead, you’ll definitely need some inspiration on how to use easy ready-to-cook foods such as deli ham to whip up finger foods that will get your guests talking.
Keep reading for 3 ways to ham it up with festive finger foods this season!
Recipe #1: Ham with cream cheese canapés
No traditional Christmas dinner is complete without good ham. A whole baked ham makes for an impressive and, of course, delicious centrepiece at the table! However, a big 2kg roll would often result in a lot of leftover ham. Consider going with mini whole ham instead — they usually weigh less than a kilogram and a more readily available with better value for money.
Be the hostess (or host!) with the mostess with these easy ham with cream cheese canapés from Keto Canapé that’s low in carbohydrates. Variety is the spice of life, so try it with different types of ham!
What you’ll need:
- Ham, thinly sliced
- Spreadable cream cheese
- Chives, finely minced with a few set aside for garnish
- Cherry tomatoes, sliced for garnish
Image credit: Keto Canapé
What you’ll need to do:
- Mix chives with the cream cheese in a bowl. Slice the cherry tomatoes into discs to top the canapés. Set both aside.
- Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese on a slice of ham before rolling the ham together tightly.
- Cut from the ham roll individual rolls of roughly 2-4 centimetres. With each cut, wipe the cream cheese off the knife so it is done cleanly.
- Top each roll with a disc of sliced tomato and some chives before securing it all with a toothpick.
Still have leftovers? The uses for leftover ham are endless! Chopped up ham is great on frozen pizzas or in fried rice or mashed potatoes.
Recipe #2: Get on board!
Get more out of your charcuterie board for less! The best part of it all is that it is completely fuss-free and just take minutes to put one together. Don’t just stop at cheese — here’s some of our budget-friendly yet quality picks:
Meat: Different types of cured meats such as honey-baked ham, black pepper ham, chicken ham and bacon are perfect. It’ll create texture and layers to keep things interesting. Estimate about three to four slices of meat per guest in terms of portion.
Cheese: Impress your guests with one or two premium cheeses on the board such as a Parmigiano-Reggiano or Stilton. Remember to slice or cube the cheeses so your guests can easily eat them.
Fruits and nuts: Fresh or dried, fruits will add a vibrant dash of colour. Grapes are a safe choice as they lend a natural sweetness that pairs well with cheese. Raspberries, strawberries and blackberries, as well as dried apricots and cherries are great accompaniments. When in doubt, avoid juicy fruits such as watermelons and peaches as their juices will mess up the board.
On the other hand, go nuts for cashews, almonds, macadamia and other mixed nuts!
Dips, spreads and crackers: Don’t go overboard — pun intended! Just serve an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip, a spread and some pesto or jam in small bowls. Throw in some pretzels and breadsticks on the side to complete the board.
Recipe #2: Bacon and sausage roll
Lastly, the key is to shop smartly and purchase food items that can be repurposed in various meals. Think more for less: sausages and bacon can be jazzed up in various ways as finger food. They’re not only versatile, but can be kept longer in the fridge compared to fresh meats. Get rolling with this bacon and sausage roll — the perfect recipe for a festive nibble!
What you’ll need:
- 24 small sausages (try Oriental cocktail sausages, spicy debreziner or even Gammon ham for a twist)
- 12 slices of streaky bacon
- Rosemary, for garnishing
- Cranberry sauce for dipping, optional
- Cocktail sticks
What you’ll need to do:
- Halve the bacon slices. Stretch and flatten it using the back of a knife to stop the con from shrinking during the baking process.
- Wrap a halved bacon slice around each sausage and secure firmly in place with a cocktail stick.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake the skewered rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is visibly crisp.
- Serve with cranberry sauce as a dip if you like.
With these tips, you don’t have to waste any more food (and time) in the kitchen. You should be out there enjoying the party!
