Easy Make Ahead Asparagus Appetizers

During the Christmas holidays, my family and I like to take time out and relax and enjoy each other’s company. This is especially true on Christmas Eve. After attending an evening church service together, we like to come home and light some candles, put on some Christmas music and spend some time together. We each get to open one gift – this helps to satisfy some of our younger family members who are so anxious for Santa to come! As the night progresses, we like to snack on various appetizers. We do this instead of having a meal. This way everyone can sit where they are comfortable and there are no large pots and pans or dishes to clean up.

The recipes below are family favorites. They are not only delicious but they can be prepared and stored in the freezer months in advance. A few can be taken out and baked at a time. This is great for those unexpected guests that pop in during the holidays! My suggestion is to make a batch of each variation during Thanksgiving weekend. You will be ready to go for the rest of the season!

Ingredients

1 loaf of very thin white bread with crusts removed
1 pkg frozen asparagus spears
1 8 ounce pkg. softened cream cheese
1 4 ounce pkg. blue cheese
1 beaten egg
1/2 tsp. freshly cracked pepper
1 stick melted butter

In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, blue cheese, beaten egg and freshly cracked pepper. Take one slice of white bread and roll with a rolling pin until flat. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese mixture on slice of bread. Place one frozen asparagus spear at one end of the slice of bread. Roll up and gently press seam to close. Dip into melted butter and place in plastic freezer bag. Repeat until all asparagus is used. Store in freezer until ready to use.

When ready to use:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove appetizers from freezer. Cut each into three pieces. Place each piece on an non-greased baking sheet. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve. Note: This recipe makes approximately 75 appetizers.

Variations

Olive and Cheddar Cheese Puffs

Combine 1 8 ounce pkg. of cream cheese with 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Add 1/2 cup of chopped green and black olives and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro. Combine with 1 beaten egg. Spread mixture on very thin white bread and roll up. Dip in melted butter and freeze until ready to use. Remove from freezer and cut into three pieces. Follow baking instructions above.

Fig and Goat Cheese Appetizers

Combine 1 8 ounce pkg. of cream cheese with 4 ounces of goat cheese. Add 1/2 cup of chopped dried figs and 1/4 cup finely chopped prosciutto. Combine with 1 beaten egg. Spread mixture on very thin white bread and roll up. Dip in melted butter and freeze until ready to use. Remove from freezer and cut into three pieces. Follow baking instructions above.