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Ever feel stuck trying to come up with christmas appetizers that actually impress without leaving you glued to the kitchen? I’ve totally been there, scrambling for last‐minute Christmas Party Food Appetizers or quick Xmas Appetizers when friends decide to drop by. That’s why I fell in love with these Marinated Mozzarella & Olive Holiday Cups—seriously, they’re like a mini Christmas Charcuterie Board in a bite! IMO, the combo of tangy herbs, smooth mozzarella, and briny olives beats any bland dip out there 🙂
Wondering why these little cups steal the show at every shindig? They deliver on every front: stunning presentation, bold flavor, and zero mess. Plus, you can prep most of it days ahead—perfect for juggling Christmas Dinner Appetizers and Holiday Party Appetizers with zero stress. FYI, they also rank high on my list of Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties because guests can just grab and go.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step—from picking the right olives to tips on serving these beauties at your next Christmas Eve gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned host or a newbie looking for Holiday Appetizers Easy enough to nail on your first try, stick around. Let’s get festive!
Ingredients
Before you raid the fridge, let’s gather what you need. All these components come together in minutes, and you probably have most of them on hand already.
- 12 small disposable phyllo or mini tortilla cups
- 1 cup bite-sized fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1 cup mixed olives (green, Kalamata, or a combo), pitted
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or herbes de Provence)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Ready to assemble these Christmas appetizers? Follow these steps and watch how quickly you turn simple ingredients into a showstopper. Ever tried marinating cheese before serving it? You’re in for a treat!
- Mix the marinade: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Add cheese & olives: Gently toss the mozzarella balls and olives in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight) to let the flavors meld.
- Prep your cups: Arrange the phyllo or tortilla cups on a serving platter. If you want extra crunch, pop them in a 350°F oven for 3–4 minutes—just enough to get golden edges.
- Fill ’em up: Spoon a marinated mozzarella ball and two olives into each cup. Drizzle any leftover marinade on top for an extra zing.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley over the cups. Add a crack of fresh pepper if you’re feeling fancy.
- Serve & enjoy: Let guests grab these delightful bites while they mingle—no forks required!
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun twists that keep these cups at the top of your Christmas Dinner Appetizers list:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or toss in some sliced pepperoncini for a tangy heat.
- Pesto Swap: Replace Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon of basil pesto for a vibrant, herb-focused flavor.
- Sun-Dried Elegance: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and swap green olives for black ones. This gives you a rich, savory bite that plays nicely with holiday reds and greens.
Serving & Tips
These cups do more than look pretty—they make your life easier. Here’s how to serve them like a pro and keep your holiday stress in check:
- Make-ahead magic: Marinate up to 24 hours ahead. Store the filled cups in an airtight container, then finish garnishing just before guests arrive.
- Charcuterie crossover: Toss a few cubes of salami or prosciutto into the mix and you’ve got a mini Christmas Charcuterie Board in each cup.
- Display ideas: Arrange cups on a tiered tray or rustic wooden board to instantly elevate your spread.
- Storage tip: Keep leftover marinated cheese and olives in the fridge for up to 3 days. They make stellar Christmas Snacks For Party or a quick salad topper.
- Pairings: These cups shine alongside mulled wine, holiday punch, or a crisp Prosecco—perfect for those cozy winter vibes.
See how these simple tweaks make them one of the best Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods you’ll ever serve?
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up, these Marinated Mozzarella & Olive Holiday Cups hit all the right notes: they’re flavorful, fuss-free, and impossible to resist. Every year, I sneak a plate into my kids’ lunchboxes (shh, don’t tell) because they’re that good. Plus, they free you up to actually enjoy the party instead of manning the snack table.
Next time someone asks, “Got any good Holiday Party Appetizers?” you’ll be ready with a recipe that’s quick, classy, and totally foolproof. Go on, give ’em something to talk about—and then sit back with a glass of bubbly and savor the compliments!
Marinated Mozzarella & Olive Holiday Cups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt and pepper until well‑emulsified.
- Add the mozzarella balls and mixed olives to the marinade; gently toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to let the flavors meld.
- If desired, arrange the phyllo or tortilla cups on a serving platter and warm in a 175 °C (350 °F) oven for 3‑4 minutes to deepen the crunch and golden colour.
- Spoon one marinated mozzarella ball and two olives into each mini cup. Drizzle a little of the leftover marinade over them for extra flavour.
- Sprinkle the chopped basil or parsley on top and add a fresh crack of black pepper (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
Can I use jarred marinated mozzarella?
Absolutely! Using pre-marinated mozzarella cuts down prep time even more. Just toss the olives in a bit of fresh marinade to keep that herbaceous zing.
What if I don’t have phyllo cups?
No worries. Mini tortilla cups, endive leaves, or even small radicchio cups work great. Just pick something sturdy enough to hold the cheese and olives.
How far in advance can I assemble these?
You can marinate the cheese and olives up to 24 hours ahead. Fill the cups a couple of hours before serving and keep them chilled until guests arrive.
Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Totally vegetarian! If you want a vegan version, swap mozzarella for marinated tofu cubes or vegan cheese alternatives.
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