6 ways to amp up your holiday appetizers

Fast and easy appetizers

Total crowd-pleasers, these holiday appetizers take minimal prep and deliver maximum appetite appeal. Our only recommendation? Have seconds on hand because these bites will be in high demand!

1. Solo shrimp cocktail appetizers

This classic holiday appetizer gets a personalized upgrade with individual servings featuring all of the elements of a zesty shrimp cocktail. In small cups, start with a bed of baby butter lettuce; next, layer on roasted seaweed or cucumbers for extra crunch. Add a dollop of cocktail sauce (included in the Compliments Naturally Simple Black Tiger Shrimp Ring, along with a touch of Compliments Prepared Regular Horseradish), and hot sauce such as sriracha. Top with a tiger shrimp and you’re done! It’s the colours of the holidays, served deliciously.

2. Cranberry, herb and sausage-roll appetizer wreath

Add an effortlessly elegant holiday spin to a timeless appetizer by arranging baked Compliments Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls in a wreath-like formation around a bowl of warm sauce made of Compliments Whole Cranberry Sauce mixed to taste with Compliments Chili Sauce. Garnish the sausage rolls with whole Compliments Organic Rosemary Sprigs and you’ve got a bit of holiday decor, plated.

3. Rich meatball skewers

Juicy, sweet, and savoury with a crisp coating—these simple skewers serve up the kind of rich, comforting flavour that will leave everyone wanting seconds. Here’s how to do it: Whisk 1 cup teriyaki sauce with 1 tsp Compliments Cornstarch, then microwave until bubbling, 60 to 90 seconds. Toss the sauce with cooked Compliments Prime Rib Meatballs, skewer and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Arrange on a platter, and don’t forget a bowl for discarded skewers.

Holiday appetizer plates filled with shrimp, meatball skewers and sausage rolls

4. Mexican-style mac ’n’ cheese bites

A delicious comfort food on their own, these holiday appetizers can easily inject Mexican-inspired flavour at appetizer hour. Prepare Compliments Mac & Cheese Bites according to package instructions and arrange them on a platter. Top with fresh Compliments Organic Cilantro and serve alongside a bowl of Compliments Mexicana Salsa as an optional dip. This app doesn’t take long to make, but it’s so good, it'll take even less time to devour!

5. Buffalo bites, two ways

That sweet-tangy zip of Buffalo sauce isn’t just for wings anymore: Here are easy options for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

Vegetarian Option: On a serving platter, arrange baked Compliments Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, drizzle with Compliments Plant-Based Blue Cheese Dressing, then top with Compliments Sesame Seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with toothpicks for easy eating. Tip: Add drama by sprinkling with black sesame seeds.

For Meat Lovers: In a shallow bowl, arrange cooked Compliments Buffalo Chicken Meatballs and drizzle with Compliments Ranch Dressing. Garnish with crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds. Serve with toothpicks for simple snacking. It’s all the best Buffalo-style flavours in one big bite! Now, that’s something to be merry about!

Plate of fish taco bites on orange table

6. Fish taco bites

These crunchy, tangy fish bites won’t last long! To make, simply cook Compliments Salt and Malt Vinegar Breaded Cod following package directions. Set aside to cool slightly. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Arrange tortilla chips or scoops on a serving platter. Fill each chip with fish and your favourite taco toppings, such as shredded lettuce, avocado, mango, cilantro and Compliments Salsa.