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A Christmas party does not need to revolve only around chicken wings and sausages to feel festive. Traditional Christmas spreads also include comforting vegetarian classics like roast potatoes, buttery vegetables, nut roasts, mince pies, fruit cake, gingerbread, and warm mulled desserts that bring just as much joy to the table. Think of vegetarians, and people believe that paneer is the only option that they can have or serve on a party table. While paneer is amazing, it cannot always be the main star of the whole story. Christmas is about abundance, colour, as well as comfort, and well-planned veg spread options make everyone feel included. Think of golden crusts, bubbling cheese, garlicky mushrooms, crunchy corn, crispy vegetables and warm spices that fill the room with festive aromas.
These quick veg snacks aren’t just “healthy options”, but they’re the kind everyone loves and finishes fast. Once the fairy lights are on, music is playing, and plates are being filled up again with appetisers, no one will miss the meat as everyone will be too busy enjoying the veg snacks.
Paneer Tikka Toast Cups
These little toast cups give all the festive vibes without you having to spend hours in the kitchen. Soft bread slices are pressed into muffin moulds, baked till they turn crisp, then filled with flavourful paneer filling, capsicum, onions and some cheese from the top. The contrast in the taste is what makes them a perfect party snack, which is crunchy on the edges, juicy from inside that it gets from paneer, and has that familiar tikka flavour everyone adores. A quick brush of butter before you put it for baking adds to the richness, whereas a final sprinkle of chaat masala from the top gives a street-style lift. Paneer tikka toast is easy to hold, eat, and will vanish from the plates faster than you expect.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Crispy Corn & Cheese Pops
These bite-sized pops are comfort food that every party should have. Sweet corn kernels are lightly crumbled and mixed with some cheese, herbs, green chilli, and a little cornflour, then shaped and pan-fried until they turn golden and crisp. The outside remains crisp, whereas the inside remains soft, creamy and a bit sweet. Every bite crackles before it melts in your mouth. Serve them hot with a side of herby mayo or spicy dip, and they will feel festive. Crispy corn cheese pops are also popular because they delight both kids as well as adults alike.
Veg Cheese Quesadilla
Quesadillas are a saviour when guests come early. It can be quickly made with a quick sauté of onions, bell peppers, corn and spices when layered between tortillas with plenty of cheese. Once it is cooked, the cheese pulls apart beautifully, whereas the vegetables remain juicy and lightly spiced. To make it look more appealing, cut them into triangles, and they make neat, fuss-free snacks. The taste is familiar and exciting, having the comforting cheese with a subtle twist of Indian masala. Serve it with salsa or some mint chutney, and you will have a snack that will feel festive and is also filling.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Mushroom & Garlic Butter Skewers
These skewers are proof that even simple ingredients can taste sumptuous. Button mushrooms are tossed in garlic, butter, herbs and pepper, then pan-fried or air-fried until they turn glossy and golden. The mushrooms absorb the butter, becoming juicy and a little smoky, having crisp edges and an earthy flavour. They are light and deeply satisfying, making them perfect to have before the main course. Serve them straight off the skewer with a squeeze of lemon from the top, and they instantly feel like a cafe-style snack.
Mini Aloo Stuffed Pockets
Think of these as a twist to the classic aloo paratha. Boiled mashed potatoes are mixed with spices, onions and herbs, then stuffed into small dough discs, and shallow-fried until they turn golden. The outside remains crisp and flaky, whereas the inside remains soft, warm and just right spicy. Mini aloo stuffed pockets are comforting, familiar, and extremely satisfying, particularly on a cool December evening. Serve them with a side of green chutney or ketchup, and it will instantly give that cosy, homemade feeling to your Christmas party spread.
(Image credit: Freepik)
