For National “Cook for Christmas” Day, I prefer to think of it as PRE-Cook for Christmas. These are the days when I prep all that I can ahead of the holiday celebrations. Thus, at party time, I can enjoy the festivities along with everyone else.
As we plan our Christmas Cocktail Party, I’m lining up a menu with hot & cold options, nibbles (like an extra-nutty version of Chex Mix) and heartier items, as well as sweet and savory choices. Many menu selections that will be served hot, I can make ahead of time and pop into the freezer.
So, I’ve prepared the Incredible Crabbies, an annual family favorite since the 1960s (“Fifty Years of Fabulous Family Favorites: Starters, Sippers & Sweets” p 72).
Today also included my Baked Stuffed Mushrooms. (Same book, p 83) Mushrooms I do pop in the oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes to partially cook the mushrooms before I wrap, label, and place the trays in the freezer.
I also turned my Cheesy Garlic Bread into little tapas bomb, easy for grab-and-go party fare. That’s 4 recipes done and 36 to go!
Cheesy Garlic Bread Bombs
These are fun, Super Simple, and terrifically tasty, either served with soup or an entrée or as tapas.
Hawaiian dinner rolls (sweet or savory)
Melted butter (with salt)
Dry onion soup mix
Mixed Italian herbs (fresh, dried, or lightly dried)
Garlic powder
Blend of shredded Monterey Jack and either Cheddar or Mozzarella cheeses
Chopped fresh or lightly dried basil
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Cut an X in top of each role, taking care not to cut through the bottom or outer edges. Press inner dough to sides and bottom of each roll, forming a “cup.” Liberally brush insides of each cup with melted butter and sprinkle soup mix and Italian herbs inside. Brush the top and sides of each roll with butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Press 2 T shredded Jack cheese combo into each roll, letting some remain mounded on top. Sprinkle with basil and shredded Parmesan. Bake in single layer at 375°F for 10 minutes. Serve warm, as they are or with warmed marinara sauce for dipping.
KISS Tips: Before baking, you can wrap the rolls in foil or plastic wrap on a foil pan and refrigerate or freeze for later use. Bake 15 minutes if they are coming from the refrigerator and up to 20 if still frozen.
KISS Variation: Turn these into Pepperoni Pizza Bombs by lining each roll’s “cup” with 2 slices of pepperoni (on bottom and up sides), followed by shredded Mozzarella cheese & oregano. Brush tops & outsides with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Top with a sprinkle of mixed Italian herbs and shredded Parmesan cheese. Follow the same wrapping and baking instructions.
