The holiday season is bustling, and as Christmas Day approaches, those last-minute grocery runs are inevitable. If you’re hosting or attending a festive gathering, quick and easy grilled appetizers can save the day! Here are a few crowd-pleasing recipes you can whip up in no time using ingredients you can grab during your final grocery dash.

1. Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Why it’s a hit: This appetizer is elegant, simple, and packed with flavor.

• Ingredients to grab:
  • Fresh asparagus
  • Thinly sliced prosciutto
  • Olive oil
  • Black pepper
• How to make it:
  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of prosciutto.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper.
  4. Grill for 2–3 minutes on each side until the prosciutto is crispy.

Pro tip: Pick up some balsamic glaze to drizzle on top for an extra layer of flavor.

2. Grilled Brie and Cranberry Crostini

Why it’s a hit: It’s festive, cheesy, and a little sweet—perfect for Christmas vibes!

• Ingredients to grab:
  • A baguette
  • Brie cheese
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Olive oil
• How to make it:
  1. Slice the baguette into thin rounds and brush both sides with olive oil.
  2. Grill each side of the slices for about 1–2 minutes until lightly charred.
  3. Top with a slice of brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
  4. Return to the grill (on indirect heat) for a minute to melt the cheese slightly.

Pro tip: Add chopped walnuts or fresh rosemary for a gourmet touch.

3. Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter

Why it’s a hit: They’re quick to cook and always disappear fast from the platter!

• Ingredients to grab:
  • Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • Fresh parsley or dill
  • Skewers
• How to make it:
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Thread shrimp onto skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes beforehand to avoid burning).
  3. Melt butter and mix with minced garlic and chopped herbs.
  4. Brush the shrimp with the garlic butter and grill for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
  5. Brush with more garlic butter before serving.

Pro tip: A squeeze of lemon elevates the flavor even more.

4. Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms

Why it’s a hit: They’re bite-sized, savory, and customizable.

• Ingredients to grab:
  • Large mushrooms (like cremini or portobello)
  • Cream cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic
  • Breadcrumbs
• How to make it:
  1. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and clean them.
  2. Mix cream cheese, parmesan, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs in a bowl.
  3. Fill the mushroom caps with the mixture.
  4. Grill over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes until the filling is golden and bubbly.

Pro tip: Add chopped bacon or herbs like thyme to the filling for extra flair.

5. Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Why it’s a hit: A little heat, a lot of cheese, and smoky bacon make this a party favorite!

• Ingredients to grab:
  • Fresh jalapeños
  • Cream cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Bacon
• How to make it:
  1. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
  2. Mix cream cheese and shredded cheddar, then stuff the jalapeño halves with the mixture.
  3. Wrap each half with a strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
  4. Grill over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melty.

Pro tip: Look for pre-cooked bacon if you’re short on time—it grills faster!

6. Grilled Caprese Skewers

Why it’s a hit: They’re colorful, light, and ridiculously easy to make.

• Ingredients to grab:
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Fresh mozzarella balls
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Balsamic glaze
  • Skewers
• How to make it:
  1. Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers.
  2. Grill for about 1–2 minutes per side, just enough to warm them up slightly and add grill marks.
  3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Pro tip: Use flavored olive oil (like garlic or basil) for extra dimension.

Grilling Tips for the Holiday Rush

1. Preheat your grill: Make sure it’s hot and ready to go to save time.
2. Prep in advance: While the grill heats, prep your ingredients so the cooking process is seamless.
3. Use foil or a grill basket: For delicate items like stuffed mushrooms or crostini, these tools make grilling easier.

With these quick and festive grilled appetizers, you’ll be the star of any Christmas gathering. Grab the ingredients during your last-minute grocery runs, fire up the grill, and enjoy the magic of a deliciously smoky holiday!

Happy Grilling and Merry Christmas!