When it comes to entertaining for the holidays, I include the grill every chance I get.  It’s a no-brainer the main course is grilled, but I don’t stop there.  I make sure the appetizers get a little “grate time,” too.

My favorite types of appetizers have three requirements: they must be bite size, addictive, and grilled.

Here are two of my favorite small bites:

Planked Sausage Cups

Mix together 8 ounces of ground sausage and 8 ounces of cream cheese. 
Spoon the sausage and cheese mixture into mini fillo shells and top with minced fresh basil. 
Place the shells on a soaked cedar plank and grill over direct medium heat for approximately 10-15 minutes.

Red Pepper Bites

Mix together ½ pound of ground meat, ½ pound of ground sausage, ¼ cup of breadcrumbs, and season with salt, pepper, and granulated garlic.  
Cut a red pepper into 1 inch square planks.  
Top each square with a dollop of the meat mixture and then top the meat with a 1 inch square piece of sharp cheddar cheese.  
Grill indirect over medium heat for approximately 20 minutes.