Healthy Holiday Appetizers Everyone Will Enjoy

 'Tis the season for socializing! With the holidays in full swing, the calendar is filled with travel, parties, and quality time with loved ones. Alongside the festivities comes an abundance of delicious temptations for most. Staying on track during this time can be challenging, as we often find ourselves moving less, indulging more, and making less-than-ideal choices.

The silver lining? A bit of strategic planning can make it simpler for both you and those around you. Ensure a healthier holiday experience by offering nutritious options at parties and gatherings with these healthy holiday appetizers!

1. Pinecone Cheese Ball

This gorgeous take on a traditional cheese ball is sure to top your list of favorite healthy Christmas appetizers. Cabot's Pinecone Cheese Ball is simple to make by combining Vermont sharp cheddar cheese, Greek Yogurt, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco. Chill the blended ingredients before shaping and decorating with almonds and fresh herb sprigs to create a pinecone cheese ball.

2. Festive Cabot Cheddar Tree

Turn a simple cheese board into a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table. Make this Festive Cabot Cheddar Tree by arranging cubes of your favorite Cabot cheeses on a platter in the shape of a tree. Use sprigs of fresh thyme and olives or cherry tomatoes to decorate the tree.

3. Steamed Artichokes and Cabot Butter

Impress your guests with this effortless snack. Steamed Artichokes with Cabot Butter make the perfect healthy Christmas party food. Just steam two large artichokes and serve with melted salted butter and lemon juice.

4. Cottage Cheese Dip and Chips

Mix up this Cottage Cheese Dip in seconds by combining cottage cheese with garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, chili flakes, cilantro, and salt. Serve it up with some chips, crackers, or bread for a healthy and delicious holiday appetizer.

5. Radishes with Butter

Radishes with Butter are the perfect easy, healthy, and indulgent appetizer. All you need is a bunch of radishes, a stick of Cabot salted butter, and flaky sea salt. Simply spread the softened butter on a serving plate, sprinkle with sea salt, and arrange the radishes on the side for easy dipping!

6. Spinach Cheddar Holiday Rolls

These Spinach Cheddar Holiday Rolls make fantastic healthy holiday appetizers. Just brush an unrolled tube of crescent dough with mustard and top with Vermont sharp cheddar cheese, spinach, peppers, and scallions. Roll up, slice, bake, and serve for a warm and cheesy appetizer that adds festive green and red colors to your table.

 

7. Holiday Cheddar Wreath

Another beautiful way to dress up a traditional cheese plate is by assembling this Holiday Cheddar Wreath using a variety of Cabot cheese flavors. First, form a wreath shape with French loaf dough and bake the bread. Then insert rosemary sprigs to add greenery and finish by arranging cheese cubes and grape tomatoes.

8. Holiday Cheddar Star

When it comes to favorite party recipes for Christmas, healthy appetizers like the Holiday Cheddar Star are simple to prepare and great for a crowd. All you need is five flavors of Cabot cheese like Vermont sharp cheddar, Pepper Jack, and Garlic herb cheddar cheese. Cube the cheese and arrange each flavor into a triangle to form the tips of the star, filling the center with your choice of nuts, tomatoes, or olives.

9. Festive Flavors Cheese Board

Whip up this Festive Flavors Cheese Board for a flavor-packed appetizer your guests will love! Include four to six types of Cabot cheese, such as seriously sharp cheddar or Pepper Jack. Round out the cheese board with a selection of sliced fruits, crackers, breads, and nuts, and finish it with some honey for dipping.

10. Keto-Friendly Cheese Board

A Keto-Friendly Cheese Board is the ideal addition to your healthy holiday snacks. Make a cheese board by selecting your favorite cubed Cabot cheeses or cracker cuts and several keto-friendly crackers. Arrange on a serving tray or cutting board along with some cured meats, sliced fruits, and nuts for a palate-pleasing variety of textures and flavors your guests will adore.

11. Holiday Cheese Board

Creating a Holiday Cheese Board allows you to make a gorgeous and tasty appetizer using your favorite Cabot cheese flavors. Keep it interesting by incorporating a variety of fruits, berries, nuts, crackers, and condiments. Aim for contrasting flavors from sweet marmalades to sour pickles and savory salami. 

12. Cabot Sharp Cheddar Fondue Recipe

Whether you're planning a romantic fondue date night or a lively fondue party with loved ones, our Cabot Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese Fondue is a must-try. With minimal prep, this simple recipe yields twelve appetizer servings and promises a delightful culinary experience. Want to take this recipe on the go? Try our Cheese Fondue Kit for two!

13. Baked Cottage Cheese with Roasted Grape Tomatoes

Add this recipe to your collection of light holiday appetizers. Baked Cottage Cheese with Roasted Grape Tomatoes is mouth-watering and unique enough to add variety to traditional holiday recipes. Cottage cheese gets combined with eggs, parmesan, flour, and spices, then baked and topped with savory roasted grape tomatoes.

14. Turkey Swedish Meatballs with Zucchini and Cheddar

Turkey Swedish Meatballs offer a unique twist to a classic appetizer. Greek yogurt and White Oak cheddar cheese combined with ground turkey, zucchini, and seasonings make these a must-have to add a light, yet hearty dish to the traditional high-calorie offerings. They are sure to earn a permanent place on your list of healthy appetizers for Christmas.

15. Sweet Potato Latkes

Make these healthy holiday Sweet Potato Latkes to wow your guests. Vermont sharp cheddar cheese and minced onion add tons of flavor. Fry them up crispy and serve them hot with some sour cream or Greek yogurt.

16. Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks

Make a healthy version of the traditional breadsticks with these Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks. Simply mix together riced cauliflower with Vermont sharp cheddar cheese, egg, salt, and pepper and pat it into a rectangle. Bake until the edges begin to brown and then top with more cheese and seasonings. Bake a few minutes longer, cut into slices, and enjoy!

17. Lightened-Up Warm Artichoke and Spinach Dip

You can't go wrong with Artichoke and Spinach Dip for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Make this lightened-up version that uses cottage cheese and Lite 50 sharp cheddar cheese to reduce calories without compromising any of the delicious flavors.

Make your holiday party spread healthier without compromising taste with these scrumptious recipes from Cabot Creamery. Our collection of low-carb, low-calorie, and keto-friendly snacks, dips, and appetizers is sure to keep your guests satisfied. For more recipe inspiration for the holiday season, check out our favorites to help you and yours celebrate this Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas!

Cabot Creamery's selection of cheeses and lite cheeses aren't just the ideal ingredients to elevate your holiday recipes to mouth-watering perfection, but they also make great gifts! Browse our collection of cheese accessories and curated bundles for fun and delicious gifts everyone will enjoy!