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13 Microwave Holiday Appetizers
It's that time of year when the kitchen is at capacity: Your stove is brimming with loaded cookie sheets and the stove has too many pots bubbling away. But what do you do when you're tight on space or time? Fear not, because we've got a magical solution for you that’s probably already in your kitchen: the microwave! Prep a few of these simple, fast, and elegant appetizers in Anyday microwave dishes and stop stressing.
Still anxious? We've got some tips up our sleeves to make your holiday party prep a breeze. First and foremost, save precious time by prepping ahead.
Make-ahead appetizer ideas
When it comes to holiday parties, smart preparation is your best friend, and the microwave is your right-hand man. You want to be the fun party host, not the one stuck in the kitchen all night. Our best advice? Lean on the microwave to help you get appetizers on the table and out of the kitchen!
Here are some prep-ahead tips to make sure you can enjoy the party as much as your guests:
- Room temp is best: Plan some appetizers that can be served at room temperature. This not only adds variety to your spread, but gives you a breather while waiting for that second round of pastry puffs to emerge from the oven. Try our Bacon and Onion Jam Dip with crackers, or fancy Fingerling Potatoes for a simple (yet impressive) snack to start.
- Prepare dips: Spreads like hummus can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Want to serve a hot dip, like spinach-artichoke dip? Prep the recipe in advance and portion into our 1/2-cup Anytime Trays. When it's time to serve, simply transfer a portion into an Anyday dish, microwave for 1-2 minutes, give it a stir, and voilà – you've got a warm, gooey dip ready to impress your guests.
- Upgrade your olives and nuts: Marinating olives and toasting nuts can be done well in advance. Infuse those olives with your favorite flavors a day or two ahead of time. Toast a big batch of mixed nuts in the microwave, season them to perfection, and store them in airtight containers. These make for excellent snacks that can be readily set out for your guests.
- Chop veggies and garnishes: Don't wait until the last minute to chop vegetables and garnishes for your appetizers! Dice up colorful bell peppers, cucumber slices, or carrots and store them in the fridge. They'll be ready to arrange when it's time to plate.
Lean on the microwave
So, as you embark on your holiday party planning journey, remember the microwave is your trusty sidekick. Embrace the convenience, and let your Anyday dishes work their magic. Your guests will be in awe of your culinary prowess, and you can savor the joy of the holidays, one microwave-cooked appetizer at a time.
Read on for stress-free holiday appetizers, sweets, and snacks, all made in the microwave:
Holiday appetizer recipes
![Shrimp Cocktail](http://cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/products/ShrimpCocktail_1x1.jpg?v=1640194699)
Shrimp Cocktail
![Easy Baked Brie made and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring warm, gooey brie cheese topped with honey and nuts.](http://cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/products/ANYDAY_Q4_EasyBakedBrie_Web1024_1x1.jpg?v=1667233519)
Easy "Baked" Brie
![Bacon-wrapped walnut dates served on a plate with fresh grapes and a side of dipping sauce, prepared in a clear glass Anyday dish.](http://cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/products/ANYDAY_Q4_BaconWrappedWalnutDates_Web1024_1x1.jpg?v=1667331220)
Bacon-Wrapped Walnut Dates
![Warm Marinated Olives](http://cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/products/WarmMarinatedOlives_1024_1x1.jpg?v=1640374341)
Warm Marinated Olives
![Spinach Artichoke Dip](http://cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/files/ANYDAY_Q2_2023_SpinachArtichokeDip_1x1.jpg?v=1685719347)
Spinach Artichoke Dip
![Candied Nuts made and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring a mix of nuts coated in a sweet, caramelized glaze.](http://cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/products/CandiedNuts_1x1.jpg?v=1626719706)
Candied Nuts
![Chocolate Ganache made and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring a rich and smooth chocolate spread.](http://cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/products/ANYDAY_Q4_MicrowaveGanachewithAnytimeTray_Web1024_1x1.jpg?v=1670894934)
Chocolate Ganache
![Super quick cheesecake bites made and served in the silicone Anytime Freezer Trays, featuring creamy custard on a buttery graham crust. This method ensures rich and smooth bite-sized treats, perfect for a quick and delicious dessert.](http://cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/files/Anyday_Photos_Recipes_Cheesecake_1040_1_1x1.webp?v=1719344646)
Microwave Cheesecake Bites
![David Chang's Fingerling Potatoes with Yuzu Kosho Mayo made and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring roasted fingerling potatoes paired with a tangy yuzu kosho mayo dipping sauce.](http://cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/products/FingerlingPotatoeswithYuzuKoshoMayo_1x1.jpg?v=1640192977)
Fingerling Potatoes with Yuzu Kosho Mayo
![Perfectly baked mini pumpkin pies made in the Anytime Freezer Trays, featuring a rich and creamy pumpkin filling spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These delicious, single-serving pies are ideal for a festive dessert, offering a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic fall treat.](http://cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/files/Anyday_Photos_Recipes_MiniPumpkinPIes_1040_1x1.jpg?v=1698251522)