Easy Appetizers for Holiday Hosting

November 2, 2023

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Ingredients

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 pound large tail-on shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon Thai sweet chili sauce

Time + Servings

  • Prep time: 5 minutes 
  • Total time: 25 minutes 
  • Yield: 4 servings

Directions

  • In a bowl, lightly season flour with salt and black pepper. In another bowl, combine panko and shredded coconut. In a third bowl, beat two eggs to blend.
  • Dip shrimp gently and one at a time into seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into eggs, then into panko mixture.
  • In an air-fryer basket, arrange shrimp in a single layer; cook at 400°F until shrimp is cooked through, about 7 to 9 minutes. Depending on the size of your air-fryer basket, you may have to cook the shrimp in separate batches.
  • In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha and chili sauce.
  • When ready to serve, arrange shrimp on a platter. Include dipping sauce alongside or drizzle on top of the shrimp.

Sweet Potato Bites

Ingredients

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼" thick rounds
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 bag marshmallows (10 oz.)
  • ½ cup pecan halves

Time + Servings

  • Prep time: 10 minutes 
  • Total time: 40 minutes 
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. On a large baking sheet, toss sweet potatoes with melted butter and maple syrup. Arrange potatoes in an even layer and season with salt. 
  • Bake until potatoes are tender, flipping halfway through, about 20 minutes. Remove baking sheet from oven. Switch oven to broil. 
  • Top each sweet potato with a marshmallow and broil until puffed and golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes; remove from broiler.
  • Top each marshmallow with a pecan half. Sprinkle with cinnamon or brown sugar for additional flavor and serve.

Whipped Ricotta Toast

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 slices thick-cut bread, such as sourdough, toasted

Time + Servings

  • Total time: 15 minutes 
  • Yield: 2 servings

Directions

  • In a food processor or blender, combine the ricotta and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Blend briefly to combine; with the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and continue processing on high speed until the ricotta is smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Spread or pipe whipped ricotta onto toast and season with pepper.
  • Top with honey, lemon zest or fresh herbs, such as thyme, for added flavor. 

Two people exchanging gifts
December 3, 2025
To help you shine at your next workplace white elephant party, here’s a list of affordable and useful gift ideas.
Table with plate settings, pumpkins and candles
November 26, 2025
Here are 9 unique and meaningful ways to express your gratitude.
November 25, 2025
Inventive ideas to turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious new meals.
Person on a laptop computer while seat a desk.
November 20, 2025
Your security and peace of mind are important to GBU Life. Here are a few key reminders to help you stay safe and recognize legitimate communications from us.
family
November 5, 2025
Do you have enough life insurance for your family?
Two people hugging
October 22, 2025
Wondering how your donation to The GBU Foundation fuels opportunities and growth in communities? Here you'll find stories from some of the the 2024 Community Grant Award winners.
People sitting at a table and talking.
October 1, 2025
October 5 marks National Do Something Nice Day, a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.
August 29, 2025
As days shorten and leaves begin to change, September invites us to refocus our minds to new possibilities. What better way to grow than by learning a new language?
August 12, 2025
A handy guide to help you find the best prices on school supplies, electronics, clothing and more.
With some strategic planning, you can easily navigate the back-to-school shopping season.
August 11, 2025
With some strategic planning, you can easily navigate the back-to-school shopping season.