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On the lookout for a super easy Christmas appetizer? Look no further than this antipasto wreath! It’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Just a handful of ingredients, 15 minutes, and a little creativity is all you’ll need to make this holiday recipe.

close-up image of skewers on antipasto wreath.

What You’ll Need to Make an Antipasto Wreath

Small Skewers: The secret to the wreath’s charm! Opt for small skewers around 6-inches long to easily thread the delectable antipasto elements. I’ll link to the skewers I purchased on Amazon HERE.

Grape Tomatoes: These little bursts of freshness add a pop of color and flavor to each bite.

Mini Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine): The cuteness factor is off the charts! These tiny mozzarella balls are the perfect size for our wreath.

Pitted Olives: A mix of green and black olives not only brings variety but also that signature antipasto briny-ness.

Salami: Roll up some savory slices of salami to add a hint of smokiness and a meaty touch.

antipasto wreath on a large plate with extra tomatoes, olives, and salami on the side.

Tips and Tricks

  • Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your antipasto selections. Add marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or even pickled veggies to your wreath for extra variety.
  • Wreath Building 101: Start by threading grape tomatoes onto your skewers, then alternating between mozzarella balls, olives, and salami rolls. Continue until you’ve formed a wreath shape. You’re the artist – feel free to customize!
  • Make It Ahead: The beauty of the Antipasto Wreath lies in its simplicity and make-ahead magic. Prepare it a few hours before your gathering and store it in the fridge. When it’s time to impress, bring it out and watch your guests’ eyes light up.

Christmas Antipasto Wreath

5 from 2 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: AppetizersDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

15

minutes

On the lookout for a super easy Christmas appetizer? Look no further than this antipasto wreath! It’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Just a handful of ingredients, 15 minutes, and a little creativity is all you’ll need to make this holiday recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 pint grape tomatoes

  • 4 ounces sliced salami

  • 8 ounces mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine)

  • 1 cup pitted black and/or green olives

  • 6-inch skewers

  • fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish

Directions

  • Thread the small skewers with a mix of grape tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, pitted olives, and folded salami slices.
  • Arrange the skewers in a circle around a large plate, creating the wreath shape. Play with the placement to make it visually appealing.
  • Slide a couple sprigs of fresh rosemary between the skewers for extra garnish.
  • If making ahead of time, cover antipasto wreath tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 4 hours before serving.

Recipe Video

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There you have it – an Antipasto Wreath that’s not just a Christmas appetizer; it’s a work of art. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking to add a touch of holiday magic to your table, this wreath is ready to steal the show. So, gather your ingredients, channel your inner wreath artist, and let the holiday feasting begin!

More Holiday Recipes You’ll Love!

The easiest holiday treat of all time – Grinch fruit kabobs! Slide fruit onto skewers and you’ve got yourself a festive snack or dessert. Get the kids involved in this fun Christmas activity!

grinch fruit kabobs on a plate with green grapes, strawberries, mini marshmallows, and skewers on the side.

What You’ll Need to Make Grinch Fruit Kabobs

Green Grapes – Green, not red grapes for this Grinch-themed treat!

Banana – Slice your banana into 1/2-inch pieces before sliding onto your skewers.

Strawberries – Hull your strawberries before using in this recipe! That basically just means remove the green leaves on top.

Mini Marshmallows – The perfect little Santa hat topping!

hand holding a grinch fruit kabob

How to Store Them

  • Store these Grinch fruit kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for one day. They may last longer than a day, but the banana will begin to oxidize and turn brown – not ideal! For best results, I recommend making them right before serving.
close-up image of grinch fruit kabobs on a plate

These Grinch Fruit Kabobs Are…

Grinch Fruit Kabobs

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: Snacks, DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

The easiest holiday treat of all time – Grinch fruit kabobs! Slide fruit onto skewers and you’ve got yourself a festive snack or dessert. Get the kids involved in this fun holiday activity!

Ingredients

  • Green grapes

  • Banana, sliced

  • Fresh strawberries, hulled

  • Mini marshmallows

  • Mini skewers or toothpicks

Directions

  • Slide a grape onto a skewer, about 2-inches down from the top of the skewer.
  • Then, slide a banana slice on top of the grape, followed by a strawberry, followed by a mini marshmallow.
  • Continue this process with remaining ingredients.

Recipe Video

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Super simple sugared cranberries with a hint (just a hint!) of orange! Perfectly tart, yet sweet, and totally addictive. These sugared cranberries are a great cocktail garnish, cake/pie topping, or delicious on their own!

sugared cranberries in a small bowl.

What You’ll Need to Make Sugared Cranberries

Sugar – Sugar’s needed for both the simple syrup and the sugar coating. I used organic cane sugar for my sugared cranberries, but regular white sugar works great too!

Cranberries – Whole fresh, not frozen, cranberries! We’ll start by coating them in a 3-ingredient simple syrup, then rolling in sugar and orange zest. Fresh cranberries are extremely tart, so the sugar in this recipe works wonders to help balance that out. The end result is a perfectly tart, yet sweet dessert or snack!

Orange Juice & Zest – While you can totally make this recipe without any orange, I highly recommend adding it. A hint of citrus is the perfect compliment to fresh cranberries. Orange juice and zest brighten up this entire recipe, and make it EXTRA special!

sugared cranberries on a plate with a spoon

Tips and Tricks

  • If the sugar doesn’t seem to be sticking to your cranberries, give them an extra 30 minutes to dry out. The drying time of your cranberries all depends on the climate in your kitchen. Therefore, make adjustments as you see necessary.
  • This is the perfect holiday recipe! I love making a double batch of these sugared cranberries for friends and family. I divide them up into small cellophane bags, complete with a ribbon, and they’re the perfect little holiday treat hand-out!
sugared cranberries in a small bowl

This Recipe Is…

Sugared Cranberries (with a hint of orange!)

5 from 2 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

3

cups
Cooking time

3

minutes
Drying time

1

hour
Total time

1

hour 

3

minutes

Super simple sugared cranberries with a hint (just a hint!) of orange! Perfectly tart, yet sweet, and totally addictive. These sugared cranberries are a great cocktail garnish, cake/pie topping, or delicious on their own!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, optional

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided

  • 3 cups fresh cranberries

  • 3 tablespoons orange zest

Directions

  • Combine water, orange juice, and ½ cup sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, and cook for 3 minutes stirring frequently.
  • Remove from heat, then add in the fresh cranberries. Stir to coat cranberries in sugar syrup, then use a slotted spoon to drain and transfer cranberries to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread into an even layer and let dry for 1 hour.
  • Mix together remaining sugar and orange zest in a large bowl, then add dried cranberries about a cup at a time to bowl. Toss cranberries in sugar until all are evenly coated, then repeat with remaining batches until all cranberries are coated in sugar. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Recipe Video

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Just 3 ingredients to make these maple candied pecans! Perfectly sweet, crunchy, and totally delicious. Cooked on the stovetop in under 20 minutes!

maple candied pecans in a jar

What You’ll Need to Make Maple Candied Pecans

Pecans – Start with raw and unsalted pecans for this recipe. The cooking and flavoring of the pecans happens throughout this recipe, so it’s best to start with a blank canvas! Also, be sure to use whole pecan halves, not pecan pieces.

Maple Syrup – Just half a cup of maple syrup to sweeten these maple candied pecans! I love this unrefined sugar alternative, it’s healthier and tastes just as good. As the pecans cook, the maple syrup will begin to crystalize and coat the pecans, just like sugar would.

Salt – A pinch of salt to help round out those flavors! Salt seems like a counteractive addition to this recipe, but trust me, it brings it all together. And believe it or not, salt actually brings out the sweetness in this candy recipe!

maple candied pecans on a baking sheet

Tips and Tricks

  • Avoid cooking these maple candied pecans at a high temperature. High heat will quickly cause the maple syrup to burn, which could ruin your recipe. Therefore, maintain a simmer, and continue stirring the pecans every few minutes to avoid burning.
  • Have fun with this recipe! Throw in a pinch of cinnamon, or a dash of vanilla extract while the pecans cook. Or, for an extra festive addition, serve them with a handful of festive candies or sprinkles!
  • Maple candied pecans are best stored at room temperature, in an airtight container for up to one week. You can even store them in the fridge for up to one month, or the freezer for up to three months!
overhead image of maple candied pecans on a baking sheet.

This Recipe Is…

Maple Candied Pecans

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: Dessert, Snacks, SidesDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

cups
Prep time

0

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

20

minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups raw pecan halves

  • 1/2 cup maple syrup

  • Small pinch of salt

Directions

  • Add all ingredients to a large pan over medium heat. Stir and bring the maple syrup to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low.
  • Continue cooking on low for 20 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. After 20 minutes, the maple syrup should begin to crystalize and look like sugar coating the pecans.
  • Once syrup has crystalized, pour the pecans onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread pecans into an even layer, then let cool completely before eating or storing.

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Blissfully easy and delicious vegan hot chocolate dip! Made with just 3 ingredients, no cooking or baking required. This fool-proof dessert recipe is perfect for holiday parties or potlucks!

close-up image of vegan hot chocolate dip.

What You’ll Need to Make Vegan Hot Chocolate Dip

Vegan Whipped Cream – If not vegan, feel free to use regular ole’ whipped cream instead. However, I used Truwhip’s Vegan Whipped Topping and it tastes just like the real thing. I’ve also tested this recipe with So Delicious cocowhip, and it turned out fabulous! Or, for a healthier option, feel free to make a homemade coconut whipped cream. To do this, whip together the coconut cream (not the liquid part) from two cans of full-fat coconut milk with either a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy. If taking this option, I recommend adding in at least 3 tablespoons of sugar to help sweeten this dessert dip!

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – It’s super important to use unsweetened cocoa powder in this vegan hot chocolate dip recipe. If sweetened, you risk an overly sweet dip. Therefore, check the baking aisle at your grocery store for an unsweetened cocoa powder, such as this Hershey’s one.

Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla extract is the finishing touch to this vegan dessert recipe! It brings the hot chocolate flavor together, and is seriously so good.

vegan hot chocolate dip in a bowl with graham crackers.

Tips and Tricks

  • Don’t over-mix your dip! An over-mixed dip will turn runny, and lose its fluffiness. Simply stir until everything’s incorporated, then enjoy!
  • Feel free to prepare this vegan hot chocolate dip in advance! To do this, store in an airtight container in either the freezer for up to 2 months, or the fridge for up to 4 days. If freezing, simply transfer to the fridge a few hours before serving to thaw, then give it a quick stir.
  • Serve this chocolatey dessert dip however you’d like! I love mine with graham crackers and fresh strawberries. Though chocolate chip cookies, teddy grahams, apple slices, or even marshmallows all make for great dippers!
graham cracker being dipped into vegan hot chocolate dip.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Paleo: For a paleo version, make a homemade coconut whipped cream and sweeten with either coconut sugar or a splash of maple syrup – YUM!

Vegan Hot Chocolate Dip

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

Blissfully easy and delicious vegan hot chocolate dip! Made with just 3 ingredients, no cooking or baking required. This fool-proof dessert recipe is perfect for holiday parties or potlucks!

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces vegan whipped cream

  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1-3 tablespoons sugar, optional depending on how sweet you’d like it

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  • Add all ingredients to a bowl, then whisk together until combined.
  • Serve with graham crackers, animal crackers, marshmallows, strawberries, apple slices, Oreos, etc.

Recipe Video

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