Description
Introducing the Holiday Veggie Tree Bites – a delightful, easy-to-make appetizer that combines the festive charm of the holiday season with a healthy, colorful selection of vegetables. Perfect for parties, these bites feature a crisp base made from crescent dough, topped with a smooth layer of hummus and a vibrant mix of finely chopped fresh vegetables. This recipe not only brings a burst of color to your holiday table but also offers a nutritious alternative to traditional holiday snacks.
Ingredients
- 8-ounce refrigerated crescent dough sheet
- 2 cups finely chopped fresh vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers)
- 1 cup hummus
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Baking Area
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside for later use.
2. Roll Out the Dough
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour on a clean, smooth surface. Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto the floured surface. Using a rolling pin, gently press and shape the dough to an even thickness.
3. Cut the Dough
Employ a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Gather scraps, reroll, and continue cutting until all the dough is used.
4. Bake the Dough
Carefully place the cutout dough trees on the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the trees turn lightly golden brown.
5. Cool the Trees
Remove the baked trees from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding with toppings.
6. Prepare the Vegetable Topping
While the trees cool, finely chop the selected vegetables and mix them together for a colorful topping.
7. Assemble the Veggie Trees
Spread a heaping teaspoon of hummus over each cooled tree, then sprinkle the chopped vegetables on top. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings & Preparation Time
The recipe serves approximately 12 to 15 tree bites, perfect for a group of 5-6 people as an appetizer. Total preparation time, including cooling and chilling, is about 45 minutes, with an active preparation time of 30 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover veggie tree bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: These bites are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to preserve the freshness of the vegetables. However, if you prefer them warm, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes.
Conclusion
These Holiday Veggie Tree Bites are not just delicious; they’re also a visually appealing addition to any festive table. Quick to prepare, packed with nutrients, and inherently customizable with your choice of vegetables, they offer a fantastic way to entice guests with a healthy option. Whether you’re looking to add a bit of flair to your holiday party or simply seeking a tasty, nutritious snack, these veggie tree bites are sure to deliver satisfaction and festivity in every bite.
Print
Holiday Veggie Tree Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 15 tree bites, serving 5-6 people as an appetizer 1x
Description
Introducing the Holiday Veggie Tree Bites – a delightful, easy-to-make appetizer that combines the festive charm of the holiday season with a healthy, colorful selection of vegetables. Perfect for parties, these bites feature a crisp base made from crescent dough, topped with a smooth layer of hummus and a vibrant mix of finely chopped fresh vegetables. This recipe not only brings a burst of color to your holiday table but also offers a nutritious alternative to traditional holiday snacks.
Ingredients
- 8-ounce refrigerated crescent dough sheet
- 2 cups finely chopped fresh vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers)
- 1 cup hummus
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Area
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside for later use.
- Roll Out the Dough
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour on a clean, smooth surface. Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto the floured surface. Using a rolling pin, gently press and shape the dough to an even thickness.
- Cut the Dough
- Employ a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Gather scraps, reroll, and continue cutting until all the dough is used.
- Bake the Dough
- Carefully place the cutout dough trees on the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the trees turn lightly golden brown.
- Cool the Trees
- Remove the baked trees from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding with toppings.
- Prepare the Vegetable Topping
- While the trees cool, finely chop the selected vegetables and mix them together for a colorful topping.
- Assemble the Veggie Trees
- Spread a heaping teaspoon of hummus over each cooled tree, then sprinkle the chopped vegetables on top. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.