3 Best Appetizers for the Christmas Table

The Christmas table isn’t just about fragrant pastries, hot dishes, and sweets. The right appetizers set the festive mood, decorate the table, and help create that cozy atmosphere we love so much during the winter holidays. At joy-pup, we offer three versatile appetizer recipes that are perfect for Christmas evening. Also check out our Lenten dumpling recipes for Christmas.

Canapés with Red Fish, Cream Cheese, and Cucumber

Ingredients:

• Toast or baguette bread – 1
• Lightly salted salmon or trout – 150 g
• Cream cheese (Philadelphia or similar) – 120 g
• Fresh cucumber – 1
• Lemon — ½
• Dill — to taste

Step-by-step recipe:

• Cut the bread into small squares or circles. Lightly toast them in a dry frying pan, if desired.
• Mix the cream cheese with finely chopped dill and a few drops of lemon juice.
• Slice the salmon into thin, small slices so they fit neatly on the canapés.
• Spread a layer of cheese on each slice of bread, top with a slice of cucumber, then the salmon.
• Sprinkle with dill or add a small drop of lemon juice before serving.

Warm Mini Tartlets with Mushrooms and Cheese

Ingredients:

• Ready-made tartlets — 15–20
• Mushrooms — 250 g
• Onion — 1
• Hard cheese — 120 g
• Butter — 20 g
• Sour cream or heavy cream — 2 tbsp
• Salt and pepper — to taste

Step-by-step recipe:

• Cut the mushrooms into small pieces. Chop the onion.
• Fry the onion in butter until soft, then add the mushrooms. Cook until the excess liquid has evaporated.
• Stir in the sour cream or heavy cream, season with salt and pepper. Heat for 1–2 minutes.
• Divide the mushroom mixture among the molds.
• Sprinkle each tartlet with grated cheese and bake for 5–7 minutes at 180°C, until the cheese is melted.

Festive Ham Roll with Cheese Filling

Ingredients:

• Large slices of ham — 8–10 pcs.
• Hard cheese – 150 g
• Boiled eggs – 2 pcs
• Mayonnaise or natural yogurt – 2 tbsp
• Garlic – 1 clove
• Herbs – to taste

Step-by-step recipe:

• Mix the grated cheese with the chopped eggs, add the mayonnaise/yogurt, garlic, and herbs. Stir.
• Arrange the ham slices on a work surface.
• Spread the filling in a thin layer and carefully roll up.
• Refrigerate the rolls for 15-20 minutes – this will make them firmer and easier to cut.
• Slice into portions and arrange on a serving platter.

To be continued…