Holiday Appetizer
A savory holiday appetizer featuring creamy beef and cheese mixture topped with walnuts, baked to perfection—perfect for festive gatherings and served hot with crackers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the softened cream cheese and milk until smooth.
- Stir in the finely chopped dried beef, instant minced onion, chopped green pepper, and pepper; mix well.
- Stir in the sour cream until fully combined.
- Spoon the mixture into an 8-inch pie plate.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Serve hot with assorted crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before blending. You can substitute the dried beef with chopped ham or turkey for a different flavor. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. This appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings and pairs beautifully with assorted crackers or fresh vegetable sticks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this holiday appetizer with a variety of crackers, breadsticks, or fresh cut vegetables for dipping. You can also pair it with a light salad for a well-rounded spread. This dish complements classic holiday meals and is a great addition to a buffet alongside options like Venison Pie or Rice Sambrosa.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture grainy and affect the taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Appetizer contains roughly 160 calories, with 4g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this appetizer ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving to enjoy it warm. This makes it a great option for busy holiday gatherings.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit them altogether. This will still provide a delicious creamy dip that everyone will love.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
While it is not recommended to freeze this appetizer due to changes in texture upon thawing, you can freeze the mixture before baking. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking for best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).