This easy holiday appetizers post is in partnership with ALDI.
I’ve always loved to entertain others in my home but I never knew I could love it as much as I do now that we’re in our new Tennessee home! Living closer to our family has brought along numerous impromptu get-togethers, making me happier than ever before. With the holidays coming right on up, I am definitely planning to host both family and friends for all sorts of festivities. I’ll be hosting a girls’ night white elephant party next week, a casual Christmas Eve cocktail party for my family followed by a big Christmas Day lunch. Luckily, I’ve picked up a few party hosting hacks along the way and I’m so excited to share a few of my favorites with you all today in partnership with ALDI.
Today I’m sharing my personal favorite easy Holiday appetizers to whip up for a group: my Mango Chutney Cheese Ball. I’m also spilling details on a simple way to impress your guests by throwing together an oh-so-stylish cheese board. Last, but not least, you’ll find an easy way I like to garnish and spice up an already delicious bottle of wine too. Head on down below for more!
My First Hack to Hostessing: Order Groceries Online
Let’s be honest, I’d rather spend my free time enjoying the holidays at home or with friends instead of getting out and combating the hustle and bustle of running errands. Instacart has been my saving grace for well over a year now. I just love that ALDI shoppers can take advantage of this incredible service too!
Instacart makes it so easy to shop for groceries. I seem to never forget anything on my list when I go this route. I also often avoid impulse purchases too which saves me oodles at the grocery store. (I’m easily tempted to add multiple things to my cart I don’t necessarily need when I walk into a grocery store hungry!)
Right now, ALDI shoppers can receive $10 off their first Instacart purchase of $35 or more with the code ALDILOVE. In many cities, ALDI shoppers’ Instacart groceries can arrive within just one hour too!
Impress Guests with a Mango Chutney Cheese Ball
My family and friends literally request I make this delectable appetizer every year. This Mango Chutney Cheese Ball is actually a recipe I “borrowed” from my mom – but I updated it a little bit to make it all my own. My mom would make this exact same dish when hosting parties when she was my age and it is so special to see the tradition now passed down to me. (No surprise our family holiday traditions involve cheese!) Wonder if Annie will be serving this dish to her guests too in 20-30 years?!
One of the reasons why I continuously whip up this easy holiday appetizer year after year is because it is not at all difficult to make. The chutney takes less than an hour to simmer and makes enough not only for this dish but to be bottled afterward enabling you to enjoy its sweet flavors all season long.
Grab the recipe and instructions below. Just try not to swipe a bite before your guests come! A challenge I always seem to find the most difficult.
Ingredients
- Chutney:
- 5 Cups Diced Mangoes
- 2 Cups of Sugar
- 1 Cup White Vinegar
- 1/2 Cup of Raisins
- 1/3 Cup Diced White Onion
- 1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1/2 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1/4 Teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- 1 Clove Garlic
- Cheese Ball:
- 1 Block of Happy Farms Cream Cheese
- 1 Cup of Happy Farms Shredded 2% Milk Sharp Cheddar Cheese (you can adjust this to your liking - I tend to usually add more though)
- 1/2 Cup of Sliced Green Onions
- 1/4 Cup of Bacon Pieces
- Butter Crackers
Instructions
- For the Chutney:
- Bring sugar and vinegar to a boil in a pot on the stove top until the sugar dissolves.
- Then add all of your remaining ingredients and let simmer for up to an hour or until your chutney becomes somewhat thickened. Don't forget to stir here & there throughout.
- For the Cheese Ball
- Mix and shape softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese into a ball. I'll usually take my rings off (it gets a bit messy) and roll the ball out on big plate.
- Pour chutney over the cheese ball and garnish with green onions and bacon pieces.
- Arrange butter crackers around the cheese ball and serve.
