I’m always looking for simple appetizer ideas to bring to Holiday parties, or whip up if people are coming over. We made these the last weekend and the entire prep, baking, and plating took probably 20 minutes total! These Tomatoes Bocconcini Bites and Stuffed Dates are quick and easy to make, fresh, and seriously delicious. I can’t even call really these recipes because they’re truly that effortless, but read on for more on how to make these delightful appetizers.
Pictured above are the 6 ingredients I used. We already had half of the ingredients in our kitchen, so getting the other items was definitely easy on the bank account. The other things you’ll need are toothpicks or short skewers, a baking sheet, and parchment paper.
GOAT CHEESE STUFFED DATES
My sister in law has made these for before, and then the other night, we were watching Tiffany Amber Thiessen’s cooking show (lol) and she made these as well. It looked incredibly straightforward – and it was! If you’re not a vegetarian like myself, both woman added a piece of bacon on top of the goat cheese. These two bite appetizers are sweet and savoury, and such a hit amongst guests. Even my cousin who doesn’t like cheese enjoyed them!
INGREDIENTS
Medjool Dates
Goat Cheese (I opted for a fine herb topped cheese)
Optional toppings: walnuts, bacon, honey drizzle
INSTRUCTIONS
Pre-heat the oven to 375 F.
While the oven is warming up, slice each date length-wise, creating a nice spot for the goat cheese, and remove the pit. Carefully stuff a desired amount of goat cheese in each date (option to place a sliver of bacon or chopped walnuts on the cheese at this point) and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Bake them for 10-15 minutes (if you are using bacon, I’d bake them for more like 15-20 minutes, but I don’t ever cook meat, so use your own discretion). Remove them from the oven and arrange them on a plate. I tried a wreath like placement for the holidays! Option to drizzle some honey on them at this point as well.
TOMATO BOCCONCINI BITES
A classic Caprese salad inspired bite, everyone always loves these. They’re so fresh tasting, and the balsamic and basil really stand out favour-wise!
INGREDIENTS
Cherry Tomatoes
Basil Leaves
Bocconcini Cheese
Balsamic Reduction
Toothpicks/Shorter Skewers (I found these toothpicks at the dollar store)
INSTRUCTIONS
I made an assembly line style set up of the ingredients while the dates were baking. I’d opted for medallion cut bocconcini and cut them into 4’s. I cut the cherry tomatoes in half at the middle (as a base for the skewer) and cut the basil leaves into strips.
Then, all you have to do is put them together! I first stab the cheese, then basil, and then stab into the top of the cut tomato. That’s it! Arrange them onto a plate as shown and then carefully drizzle balsamic reduction on top.
Can be stored in the fridge for a bit if needed as well.
Thanks to Melissa for letting me use her kitchen and for the help with a few photos!
Hope you enjoy these simple and yummy appetizer ideas! If you have any other vegetarian recipes you’d like me to feature, let me know in the comments below.
