Christmas is just around the corner, and with it comes the time to organize the perfect menu for the holidays. Appetizers are the first step to winning over our guests' palates and creating a magical atmosphere.

But how can you stand out and offer something truly special? Here are 5 Christmas appetizer recipes to impress friends and family, combining tradition and innovation. Perfect for an unforgettable holiday menu!

Reinventing the classics: gratinated scallops with crispy breading

Gratinated scallops are a holiday appetizer classic. To make them even more irresistible, we suggest a crispy and aromatic breading, made with breadcrumbs, fresh chopped herbs, and a dusting of Parmesan cheese. A touch of originality that will make all the difference.

Ingredients:

• 500g scallops
• 100g breadcrumbs
• 40ml extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh chopped parsley q.s.
• Garlic powder q.s.
• Salt q.s.
• Ground black pepper q.s.
• Lemon (grated zest)
• Butter (optional)

Preparation:

1. Rinse the scallops well under cold running water. Remove the hard, sandy part, then separate the mollusk from the shell.
2. In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with extra virgin olive oil, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and grated lemon zest. Combine all the ingredients well until you get a homogeneous and slightly moist mixture.
3. Arrange the scallops on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spread a generous layer of breading on each scallop, pressing lightly to make it adhere well.
4. If desired, add a small knob of butter on each scallop. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 10-15 minutes, or until the breading is golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer: preheat the air fryer to 200°C, arrange the scallops in the air fryer basket, drizzle them with a little extra virgin olive oil, and cook for about 8-10 minutes.
5. Remove the gratinated scallops from the oven and serve them hot as an appetizer or main course.

The gratinated scallops pair perfectly with a side dish of sautéed vegetables, such as asparagus or zucchini, even in an air fryer. For an extra touch, you can serve the scallops on a bed of arugula or garnish them with a few fresh parsley leaves.

An Oriental Journey: smoked salmon rolls with avocado and sesame 

For those who love more exotic flavors, smoked salmon rolls are an excellent choice. Fill them with ripe avocado, fresh cream cheese, and a touch of wasabi for a spicy note. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve with soy sauce. A combination of flavors that will surprise your guests.

Ingredients:

• 200g smoked salmon
• 1 ripe avocado
• 50g cream cheese
• Juice of half a lime
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper q.s.
• Fresh chopped dill (optional)

Preparation:

1. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and peel the flesh. With the help of a hand blender, blend it until you obtain a cream. Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Lay a slice of smoked salmon on a cutting board. Spread a little avocado cream over the entire surface and, if desired, sprinkle with a little chopped dill.
3. Gently roll the salmon onto itself, forming a roll. Repeat the operation with the remaining slices of salmon.
4. Roll the appetizers in the sesame seeds, pressing lightly to make them adhere well.
5. Arrange the rolls on a serving plate and serve immediately.

In the recipe, you can also use other types of cream cheese, such as robiola or salted ricotta, to vary the flavor. Try preparing homemade cheese with B-Cheese. In addition to dill, you can add other chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives.

Holiday comfort foos: savory mini-cheesecakes with cracker crust 

Cheesecakes are not just a dessert! In their savory version, they are perfect as an appetizer. Prepare them in small portions, using a crust of crumbled crackers and various fillings, such as gorgonzola and walnuts or smoked salmon and cream cheese. A comfort food revisited in an elegant style.

Ingredients for the crust:

• 150g dry crackers or biscuits
• 80g melted butter

Ingredients for the filling (salmon example):

• 250g cream cheese
• 100g smoked salmon, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper q.s.
• Fresh chopped dill (optional)

Preparation:

Crust:

1. Finely crumble the crackers using a food processor or blender.
2. Combine the crumbled crackers with the melted butter and mix well until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
3. Distribute the mixture into muffin tins, pressing it well onto the bottom to create the crust.
4. Place the molds in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Filling:

1. In a bowl, process the cream cheese with a fork until creamy.
2. Add the chopped salmon, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
3. If desired, add the chopped dill for a touch of freshness.

Assembly:

1. Fill the muffin tins with the salmon mixture, leveling the surface.
2. Put the mini-cheesecakes in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until they are firm.

Unmold the mini-cheesecakes and serve them decorated with a small