Tag: cream cheese

Quick and Easy Holiday Appetizer Idea for Busy Hosts

With parties to host, potlucks to attend, and a million things on the to-do list this holiday, having an easy go to appetizer recipe in your back pocket is essential.

Easy Holiday Appetizer: Crostini Perfection

With the holiday season in full swing, parties to host, and potlucks to attend, a quick and easy appetizer recipe is a lifesaver. Not only does it keep your guests happy and occupied while you finish up the main course, but it also allows you to enjoy the festivities without stressing over complicated preparations.

That’s why we love Crostini Appetizers. Wind & Willow mixes make it effortless to create gourmet bites that will wow your guests. With minimal effort, you can whip up a stunning and delicious Easy Holiday Appetizer that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Bite-sized, customizable, and oh-so-delicious… Ready to dive into the world of crostini? Let’s break down the basics:

The Building Blocks of a Perfect Crostini

A crostini is a simple yet elegant appetizer that consists of three main components:

  1. The Base: Toasted bread slices, typically from a baguette or ciabatta loaf.
  2. The Spread: A creamy or chunky topping, like cheese, pâté, or tapenade.
  3. The Garnish: A final touch to enhance flavor and presentation, such as fresh herbs, nuts, or fruit.

Crafting the Perfect Base

  • Choose Your Bread: Opt for a sturdy bread like a baguette or ciabatta.
  • Slice it Thin: Cut the bread into 1/2-inch thick slices.
  • Toast to Perfection: Toast the bread slices in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet until golden brown and crispy.

Pro Tips:

For added flavor, brush the bread slices with olive oil or melted butter before toasting.

Many stores now sell these small baguette toasts ready-made! You can find them in the cracker or bread aisle, but we prefer the ones in the bakery area that are freshly made.

baguette or italian loaf cut for crostini

Endless Topping Possibilities

The fun part of making crostini is experimenting with different toppings. Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity:

The BLT Cheeseball and Appetizer Mix by Wind & Willow
Bruschetta Cheeseball and Appetizer Mix by Wind & Willow
Jalapeno peach Cheeseball and Appetizer Mix by Wind & Willow

Garnishing a Crostini

Topping your crostini appetizers with a garnish is totally optional, but gives even more room for creativity! You can garnish with a contrasting flavor, like topping a Jalapeno Jack crostini with cranberry jelly. You can garnish to add color like adding the tomato and herb topping to the top of a BLT crostini. Likewise, you can add a garnish that hints at the flavor of the topping, like adding cheddar and bacon to the top of a Smokehouse Bacon & Cheddar crostini. Keep it simple by topping the crostini with the included cheeseball topping packet, or let your creative side show by trying out new combinations on each slice. 

Some of our Favorite Combos

Jalapeno Jack + Cranberry Sauce

Caramelized Onion + Caramelized Onions

Bacon Stuffed Mushroom + Mushroom, Cheese, and Chive

Bruschetta + Fresh Tomatoes, Bacon, and Balsamic Glaze

The Perfect Holiday Appetizer Could not be Easier

Toasted bread? Check! Wind & Willow Cheeseball and topping? Check! There you have it. The perfect holiday appetizer with items you can keep on hand. Crostini appetizers will make you look like you worked hard, but truly you will have gotten the party started with minimal effort. That is the beauty of having Wind & Willow in the pantry. With the time you save, you may actually be able to relax and enjoy your guests!

We would love to see the creative combinations that you use to make your own crostini recipes! Tag us on Facebook and Instagram @Windandwillowfoods for a chance to be featured.

How to Create a Brunch Board

Creating a brunch board can take something simple, like bagels and cream cheese, and elevate it into something special.  Turn a few humble ingredients into the unexpected centerpiece of a gathering. We love giving our guests the opportunity to pick and choose their favorite bagel and toppings.  Each bite can be unique and creative. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a beautiful brunch board using ingredients you likely have on hand.

Choose your Spread

Start by preparing two or more of your favorite Wind & Willow Cheeseballs. On our board we used two sweet Cheeseballs, Carrot Cake and Lemon Blueberry, but you could also mix in a savory Cheeseball to give more options. Whether you choose sweet, savory, or a combination, starting with Wind & Willow is a must for creating the best gourmet spread!

Once your cheeseballs are prepared, place them on the board. This could be any food safe tray, cutting board, or even a sheet pan! Placing the cheeseballs in a bowl first is optional, but helps to contain them.

Add Some Color

Next, place fruit around the tray. Here, we chose berries, but depending on what cheeseballs you use, pair whatever fruit you like! If using savory cheeseballs, traditional savory toppings like tomatoes and red onions would be perfect in place of fruit.

Waffles, Bagels, and Toast… oh my!

Add waffles, toast, or bite sized pancakes to the board. Adding at least one option in addition to bagels ensures that everyone will have something they love. Plus, it makes the board look beautiful.

Finally, add a variety of mini bagels. The small size fits perfectly on the board and also means guests can try more than one flavor combination!

Serve this board as is or alongside savory fare and cocktails for a full brunch effect!

Brunch Made Easy

Using Wind & Willow Cheeseball Mixes takes a breakfast that could come across as pretty boring and turns it into a colorful centerpiece full of flavor! Gathering quality ingredients and being intentional about placement on your board makes all the difference in the world.  We love taking simple everyday moments, like breakfast with your family, and elevating it to a moment full of memories! 

We would love to see how you use Wind & Willow products to spruce up your brunch! We are on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram @windandwillowfoods. Tag us for a chance to be featured on our page.