These Heat-and-Serve Holiday Appetizers Are So Good No One Will Know They Came Out of the Freezer

Sara Cagle
Nov 19, 2018

Between wrapping presents, welcoming house guests, and watching seasonal movies, there’s little time left during the holidays to make flawless appetizers from scratch. Luckily for us all, grocery stores are here to help with quick, convenient, and surprisingly delicious frozen appetizers to heat up at home, so no friend or family member will know the difference. Here are our top four places to buy ready-to-reheat holiday apps — plus specific recommendations on which goodies to grab.

trader joe’s

TJ’s rarely fails to fulfill our entertaining needs with whimsically tasty treats, and its bite-size appetizers are no exception. Our favorites are the gooey Mushroom & Black Truffle Flatbread With Mozzarella Cheese ($4), which you can slice into smaller pieces; the flaky, golden brown Spanakopita Filled With Spinach, Ricotta, and Feta Cheese ($4); the spicy and crispy Mini Chicken Tikka Samosas ($4); the Mini-Frank-Filled Parmesan Pastry Puffs ($4); and the tangy yet sweet Pastry Bites With Feta Cheese and Caramelized Onions ($5). Buy them all for an exciting, affordable spread that will please any palate.

Costco

If you’re throwing (or attending) a huge holiday party, you can’t go wrong with a Costco run. Embrace an around-the-world theme with Cuisine Adventures Spinach and Feta Spanakopita ($15), Sukhi’s Potato Samosas With Cilantro Chutney ($11), and TigerThai Jumbo Tempura Shrimp ($13). For cheese lovers, we recommend The Perfect Bite Co. Five-Cheese Mac and Cheese Bites ($10) and Caramelized Onion and Gorgonzola Pastry Bites ($13), as well as Brazi Bites Brazilian Cheese Bread Bites ($13), which taste like cheesy clouds.

Classic appetizers include Phillips Mini Crab Cakes ($20) and Cuisine Adventures Pigs in a Blanket ($12) and Florentine and Cheese-and-Bacon Mini Quiche ($13). Can’t decide on a single appetizer? We don’t blame you. Feed a crowd with the hearty Schwan’s Appetizer Variety Pack ($95), which has roasted chicken wings with barbecue sauce, cheddar and bacon potato skins, and mozzarella sticks.

sam’s club

Sam’s Club is another one-stop shop for hefty quantities and crowd-pleasing flavors. For easy-as-can-be app shopping, snatch up a variety of Member’s Mark items, such as Crispy Cheese and Spinach Spanakopita, Cream-Cheesy Crab Rangoons, both vegetarian and bacon-filled Mini Quiche, Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp With Pepper Jack Cheese, and Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese Bites With Bacon and Hatch Chilies — all $10 a pop.

whole foods

Want to keep your holiday indulgences on the healthier side? Run to Whole Foods (or shop the chain on Amazon) for a host of simple finger foods, such as Royal Asia Boom Boom Shrimp With Sriracha Aioli ($5), Kim & Scott’s Bavarian Soft Pretzels ($6), Feel Good Foods Gluten-Free Chicken Egg Rolls ($5), 365 Organic Mozzarella Sticks ($5), and a Whole Foods Mini Quiche Trio ($7). Add some green to the scene with Spinach and Cheese Spanakopita ($5), Buttery Artichoke, Kale, and Swiss Chard Bites ($4), and Potato and Pea Samosas ($3), or slice up a wood-fired Stracchino and Arugula Pizza ($6).

Need more holiday-party prep ideas? Follow Brit + Co on Pinterest!

(Photos via Sara Cagle/Brit + Co, Sam’s Club, and Whole Foods)

The Cutest Last-Minute Easter Basket Fillers

The Easter Bunny is on the way — which means it’s time for egg decorating ideas, egg hunts (even if just the plastic variety), adorable kid chaos, and picky-eater-approved Easter dinner ideas. But I find getting creative with the Easter baskets to be my favorite part of the decorating. Ready to think outside the box?

Here are 14 ideas to give your kiddies the best Easter basket ever.

Amazon

Redify Upgraded Soft Beaded Jump Rope

Encourage those little feet to get outside and exercise with this springy, soft-beaded jump rope.

Green Toys Dough

All little fingers love making dough snakes and pizzas. Kids will absolutely adore this Easter basket filler.

Amazon

Easter Sidewalk Chalk

Make colorful hopscotch and more with these chalky small-hand-friendly eggs.

Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Vosges Fairy Bunnies

Elevate your kiddos Easter chocolate with these organic chocolates from Vosges, in sea salt milk chocolate and dark chocolate raspberry (or maybe just treat yourself;).

Meri Meri

Surprise Carrots

Kids can unwrap these crepe paper carrots to reveal a fluffy chick, two temporary tattoos and one joke.

Walmart

CrystaLynx Dragon Eggs

My dragon-loving daughter loves these fidget toys, inspired by 3D-printed dragon eggs. They can collect these twelve crystal dragons, each with its own vibrant colors and stunning details.

Amazon

Bunny Keychain With Tin

A soft, snuggly bunny keychain that makes them feel a little more grown up — while still wrapping them in that cozy, loved feeling.

Amazon

Fetti Easter Temporary Tattoos

Have you been wracking your brain over your tween's Easter basket? These temporary tatts solve that problem.

Maisonette

Rainbow Fairy Puzzle

Get their minds ticking with this 4-in-1 puzzle.

Musical Eggs

They can make music at home or in the car with these musical wooden eggs.

Chillin With My Peeps Onesie or Tee

Whether it's their first or fifth Easter this Etsy tee will make your IG Easter photos even cuter.

Amazon

Schleich Unicorn Toys

For the kid who is more in a unicorn vs. bunny phase.

Amazon

Butter Slime 4-Pack

Kids are obsessed with slime—and this 4-pack of DIY kits is the ultimate Easter basket win.

The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes

I'm in love with this empowering message from a classic Easter bunny book.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more Easter inspiration!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated from a previous post; additional reporting by Theresa Gonzalez.

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Netflix's 'Pride And Prejudice' Finally Found Its Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy

It is a truth universally acknowledged that I will absolutely eat up any Pride and Prejudice adaptation. Jane Austen's most famous story has everything: romance, sisterly love, and the blueprint for the enemies-to-lovers trope. To this day, I've never read a fight with dialogue as memorable as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, and the fact the story eventually gave us THE hand flex in Joe Wright's 2005 adaptation? That's just the cherry on top.

If you've been on TikTok for more than a day, you've probably seen the scene, which stars Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, replayed at different speeds and angles, which is both its own commentary on the female gaze and a testament to how rich Austen's books are. There are countless glances and touches between Elizabeth and Darcy that add so much nuance to their relationship. And it looks like we're getting countless other moments to turn into TikTok edits because a brand new limited series is coming to Netflix! And the new Pride and Prejudice cast is unbelievable.

Here's everything we know about Netflix's Pride and Prejudice, starring Emma Corrin, Jack Lowden, and Olivia Colman.

Who's in the Netflix Pride and Prejudice cast?

Des Willie/Netflix

The Pride and Prejudice cast is already a super buzzy lineup (and "fantastic," according to one X user). I agree! So far we have:

  • Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet: a headstrong and intelligent young woman determined to marry for love.
  • Jack Lowden as Mr. Darcy: a handsome and wealthy bachelor that has a reputation for his pride.
  • Olivia Colman as Mrs. Bennet: Lizzy's very enthusiastic mother, who wants her daughters married and cared for.

“Playing Elizabeth Bennet is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Emma says in an interview with Netflix. “To be able to bring this iconic character to life, alongside Olivia and Jack, with Dolly’s phenomenal scripts, is truly the greatest honor. I can’t wait for a new generation to fall in love with this story all over again.”

The other characters we're still waiting on are Jane Bennet, Mr. Charles Bingley, Caroline Bingley, Mary Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Mr. George Wickham, Lydia Bennet, and Mr. Bennet. According to The Daily Mail, Daisy Edgar-Jones (Twisters) has been sent scripts for the series, and now I just NEED to see her as Jane! (Maybe we could get Paul Mescal as Bingley?)

Is there a new Pride and Prejudice coming out in 2026?

Focus Features

Yes we're getting a brand new Pride and Prejudice! THR reports the series is set to film later this year, so there's a good chance we'll see the show next year.

Dolly Alderton (Everything I Know About Love) is writing the script for Pride and Prejudice while Euros Lyn will direct.

“Once in a generation, a group of people get to retell this wonderful story and I feel very lucky that I get to be a part of it,” Dolly tells Netflix. “Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is the blueprint for romantic comedy — it has been a joy to delve back into its pages to find both familiar and fresh ways of bringing this beloved book to life."

"The book is a gift to adapt — packed with drama and depth as well as comedy and charm," she continues. "In it lies the opportunity to examine the complexities of love, family, friendship and society, while aspiring to Austen’s delightfully observational voice. With Euros Lyn directing our stellar cast, I am so excited to reintroduce these hilarious and complicated characters to those who count Pride and Prejudice as their favorite book, and those who are yet to meet their Lizzie and Mr Darcy.”

Where can I watch Pride and Prejudice?

Nick Wall/Netflix

You'll be able to watch the show on Netflix, but stay tuned for the Pride and Prejudice release date!

This is going to mark the first time the streamer's adapted a Jane Austen story since 2022's Persuasion, which received a 30 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and led to reviews with titles like Netflix's Persuasion is an absolute disaster and ‘Persuasion’ Is Awful and It’s Also Everything That’s Wrong with Netflix. The report also follows the news that the BBC is adapting The Other Bennet Sister, which revolves around Mary.

With Dolly Alderton behind the scenes, I'm sure the new adaptation will have the same wit as the original story, with a modern edge that will attempt to make it more relatable, with (hopefully) enough respect for the original work to make it not feel untrue to the original story.

How many episodes of Pride and Prejudice are there?

​John-Mark Smith/Pexels

Pride and Prejudice on Netflix will have six episodes total.

Where is Pride and Prejudice filming?

Pixabay/Pexels

Pride and Prejudice is set to film in the U.K. later this year.

What is Pride and Prejudice about?

Amazon

Pride and Prejudice Plot

Pride and Prejudice follows the Bennet family and their five daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. When Mr. Darcy arrives to town — and Elizabeth immediately dislikes him — she strives to see as little of him as possible. This proves to be a difficult task when Jane falls for his best friend Mr. Bingley.

Does Netflix have Pride and Prejudice?

Focus Features

Wondering, Where can I watch the original Pride and Prejudice movie? Both the 2005 Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion are on Netflix now! The 1995 Pride and Prejudice is on Peacock.

Check out The Best Jane Austen Books Everyone Should Have On Their Bookshelf to catch up on all the best Austen novels.

This post has been updated.

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8 St. Patrick’s Day Children's Books That Are Pure Gold

If you've been searching for a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your little ones, look no further. Reading a children's book together is a great way to dive into the magic of Irish folklore, shamrocks, and leprechauns.

Here are some of the best St. Patrick's Day books to spark your kiddo's imagination and teach them about the spirit of the holiday.

Scroll to see our favorite St. Patrick's Day children's books!

Amazon

1. I'm A Leprechaun by Mallory Loehr

This book by Mallory Loehr and illustrated by Brian Biggs is a charming read for your youngest St. Patrick's Day celebrants. Recommended for ages 2 through 5, it introduces children to the playful world of leprechauns through simple, engaging text and vibrant illustrations.

The story highlights the fun-loving nature of these mythical creatures, who are known for their pranks, hidden pots of gold, and being talented shoemakers. It has an easy-to-follow storyline that's perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

Amazon

2. Lucky Tucker by Leslie McGuirk

If you have a little one who loves four-legged friends, you can't go wrong with Lucky Tucker by Leslie McGuirk. This sweet story follows Tucker the terrier, who is having a rough time on St. Patrick's Day.

Well, that's until he stumbles upon a patch of four-leaf clovers. Little does he know this magical spot is home to a leprechaun who turns Tucker's luck around in the most wonderful way.

This heartwarming tale, fit for kids between the ages of 2 and 5, is perfect for young readers who enjoy fun animal stories and a touch of magic.

Amazon

3. Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie DePaola

Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie DePaola blends humor and life lessons in a way that captivates young readers. This classic children's book, recommended for ages 4 to 8, follows Jamie O'Rourke, who's known as the laziest man in all of Ireland, with a farm in disarray.

But when Jamie encounters a leprechaun and begins to grow a potato so large it seems almost magical, his luck takes a turn for the better. Yet, as the spud grows bigger, he starts to wonder if the giant gift is more trouble than it is worth.

Amazon

4. St. Patrick's Day, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg

This lively collection of poems, written by D.J. Steinberg and illustrated by Emanuel Wiemans, perfectly captures the spirit of St. Patrick's Day.

As a follow-up to Kindergarten, Here I Come!, this book uses fun, rhythmic verses to take kids ages 4 to 6 through all the exciting parts of the holiday, like wearing green, playing the bagpipes, and hunting for leprechauns. It has catchy lyrics and vibrant illustrations.

Amazon

5. It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun by Marilyn Sadler

Written by Marilyn Sadler and illustrated by Stephanie Laberis, It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun is a story about learning to embrace who you are. It's a delightful read for children 3 to 7 years old.

Connor O'Connor, a little leprechaun, isn't thrilled with his role in life and decides to use some magic to try out different jobs, such as being a carpenter, a fairy, and even a king. His adventures lead him to learn an important lesson about self-acceptance and appreciating his own unique qualities.

Amazon

6. The Leprechaun Under the Bed by Teresa Bateman

The Leprechaun Under the Bed, written by Teresa Bateman and illustrated by Paul Meisel, is a tale of unexpected friendship.

Brian O'Shea is a solitary leprechaun who enjoys a peaceful life. That's until a human named Sean McDonald builds a house right on top of Brian's underground abode. Despite their differences, a friendship begins to grow.

This humorous and whimsical book, intended for kiddos aged 4 to 8, serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely friendships can blossom.

Amazon

7. The Night Before St. Patrick's Day by Natasha Wing

Penned by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Amy Wummer, The Night Before St. Patrick's Day is a fun twist on the classic holiday story.

On the eve of March 17, Tim and Maureen set out to catch a leprechaun by putting up clever traps. Then, they wake up to the sight of green eggs and the sound of bagpipes and realize they actually caught one.

The only problem? They're not exactly sure what to do next. This story is full of surprises and will help get your kids between the ages of 4 and 8 into the St. Patrick's Day spirit.

Amazon

8. Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola

Last but not least, Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces little ones to the life and legacy of Saint Patrick.

DePaola shares the story of Patrick's noble birth in Britain, his captivity in Ireland, and his eventual return to spread Christianity, founding the first Christian church in Ireland. It even touches on the famous legend of Patrick banishing snakes from Ireland!

This read is a stellar way to help children between the ages of 5 and 8 understand the importance of the holiday and the man behind it.

For more book recs, be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Meghann Fahy & Brandon Sklenar Are Super Hot In 'Drop'

I haven't been able to stop thinking about Drop since I saw it (and since I interviewed stars Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar!) — and if you like thrillers, I'm sure you'll be obsessed with this one too. The script is tight, the visuals are beautiful (albeit eerie), and Meghann and Brandon are absolutely electric onscreen together. In Brit + Co's latest episode of our Yap City podcast, we dive into the interview experience and why the movie is so dang good.

Here's why you should see Meghann Fahy & Brandon Sklenar's Drop, in theaters now!

What is the movie Drop 2025 about?

Drop follows Violet (Meghann Fahy), who's excited for her date with Henry (Brandon Sklenar) — until she starts getting anonymous drops to her phone threatening her son. She can't tell Henry about the messages, especially since the final one instructs her to kill him.

But despite the thriller of it all, I've been calling Drop a "scary rom-com" because of just how electric Brandon and Meghann are onscreen, and how much I care about them as a viewer. I cared more about their relationship than some actual romance movies this year!

And in this episode of Yap City, I offer some behind-the-scenes moments from my Drop interviews, and spill on which Emily Henry character fits Brandon Sklenar perfectly.

Where can I watch Drop?

@britandco Y’all won’t want to miss this one. #drop#dropthemovie#meghannfahy#movie#brandonsklenar#1923#whitelotus#moviereview#review#fyp#foryoupage @Universal Pictures @Blumhouse #greenscreen♬ So High School - Taylor Swift

Drop is in theaters today, April 11, 2025!

Who's in the Drop cast?

The Drop cast has some of the hottest names around, including:

  • Meghann Fahy as Violet: a widowed mother finally going on a date who starts getting anonymous drops to her phone.
  • Brandon Sklenar as Henry: Violet's date who tries to help her figure out the drop mystery.
  • Violett Beane as Jen: Violet's sister and date night babysitter.
  • Jacob Robinson as Toby: Violet's (very adorable) son.
  • Reed Diamond as Richard: a man Violet meets who's also at the restaurant for a date.
  • Gabrielle Ryan as Cara: the bartender who keeps an eye on Violet.
  • Jeffery Self as Matt: Violet and Henry's waiter.
  • Ed Weeks as Phil: the restaurant pianist.

Where did Drop film?

Director Chrisopher Landon and the Drop team built the restaurant set themselves, and Christopher told me in an interview that the gilded look of the restaurant was meant to mimic a cage — and make Violet and viewer feel trapped. The movie filmed in Ireland.

Let us know what you think about the movie on Facebook.

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Listen To The Hypnotic Snippet Of Hailee Steinfeld's New Song For 'Sinners' Movie

Hailee Steinfeld is no stranger to stealing scenes in movies, but her latest role in Ryan Coogler's Sinners is full of sexy and horrifying moments that'll leave audiences begging for more. Plus, she'll be starring alongside Michael B. Jordan (Creed and Black Panther)!

Should we start an early petition for a ‘Dangerous’ music video?

Based on clips floating around the internet, this historical horror is set to provide a stage for both of their bewitching performances. Perhaps what makes us even more intrigued is how delighted the True Grit actress and Creed actor are about playing characters that'll have viewers talking long after the credits roll.

Scroll to learn more about the electrifying news surrounding 'Sinners!'

What is the movie Sinners about?

Warner Bros. Pictures

When twin brothers Smoke and Stack return home for a new beginning, they're initially met with welcome arms. But as daylight turns to dusk and gives way to nightfall, unspeakable horrors expose themselves to the townspeople. Evil in the form of vampires consume everything in their path and it changes the brothers in ways they could've never prepared for.

It's set in the 1930s South which means we'll get dialect, fashion, music, and more themes from that time period.

Where was Sinners 2025 filmed?

Warner Bros. Pictures

According to IMDB, Sinners was filmed in the following Louisiana cities: New Orleans, Bogalusa, Donaldsonville, and Labadieville!

Who's Hailee Steinfeld starring as in Sinners? 

Warner Bros. Pictures

Hailee Steinfeld will be starring as Mary, the love interest of Stack. Since not much is known about her outside of that, we're assuming their romance is forbidden. What we do know is Hailee's a fan of her character and the overall themes of Sinners.

According to PEOPLE, the actress shared more of her thoughts in her newsletter BEAU SOCIETY March 28. She wrote, "...This role is far removed from what I've done, but that's part of what drew me to it! I feel like I'm stepping into my own more and more as I get older, and this role mirrors that."

She also shared that it didn't take much for her to be a part of Sinners. "The minute I heard Ryan Coogler, I was in. Then I read his script and was like, 'Holy s---, this feels like a massive undertaking.' The story is so complex and layered," calling herself "fortunate and honored to even be remotely considered." So, how does Hailee Steinfeld feel about Sinners as a whole?

She says it's "thrilling and sexy and daring and dangerous — with bold representations." Calling this type of movie a "first" for her, she continued sharing her excitement about it on the TODAY Show while chatting with Jenna Bush Hager and John Legend. She said, "This role, I feel just challenged me in ways that I was ready for." She also praised Ryan Coogler for being "the most incredible writer and director," which continues to speak to his amazing sight!

Is Hailee Steinfeld on the Sinners movie soundtrack?

YouTube

Plus, the actress revealed she recorded new music for the Sinners soundtrack! She shared the news in her BEAU SOCIETY newsletter and gave subscribers an inside peek at how her song "Dangerous" was created.

She wrote, "Eleven days ago, I found myself somewhere I haven’t been in over two years: a recording studio. Not just any recording studio, but Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady!" Hailee then proceeded to thank everyone who helped her record the song.

She thanked Ryan Coogler for his unwavering belief in her role as Mary and "also as a musician," before expressing gratitude for Coogler's wife Zinzi, a producer for the Sinners movie. "She was a guiding force throughout the entire process," Hailee said of her and also commended her "calm confidence" for bringing "a perspective to this song that made it click" for the actress."

Setting her sights on Ludwig Göransson, Hailee noted how "his music tells stories that will burn a hole in your heart" and calls working with him "beyond a dream." She was also stoked that he "brought in Sara Aarons, an amazing songwriter (via phone call), to help with the top line."

Lastly, Hailee complimented violinist and orchestrator Serena McKinney Göransson (Ludwig's wife) for bringing "so much soul and precision" to "Dangerous." She applauded Serena's "supportive female energy" and said "watching her work with Ludwig was like watching people paint with sound."

Overall, Hailee feels her new song has a "hauntingly beautiful score" that's perfect for Sinners because it has "emotional tension and quiet unraveling" in it.

Although we can only listen to a snippet of "Dangerous," the full song releases next Friday, April 18.

Who else is in the Sinners cast? 

Warner Bros. Pictures

Besides Hailee Steinfeld, Sinners has a robust cast that'll make the storyline even more rousing. In no particular order, viewers will see:

  • Michael B. Jordan as Smoke/Stack
  • Jack O'Connell as Remmick
  • Omar Benson Miller as Cornbread
  • Li Jun Li as Grace
  • Jayme Lawson as Pearline
  • Wunmi Mosaku as Annie
  • Delroy Lindo as Delta Slim
  • Lola Kirke as Joan
  • Miles Caton as Sammy

Where can I watch Sinners? 

Warner Bros. Pictures

The Sinners movie debuts April 18, 2025, so start planning your trip to your local theater ASAP! But, you can watch a new clip featuring Hailee Steinfeld and Michael B. Jordan right now!

Hailee Steinfeld And Michael B. Jordan In Seductive Sinners Scene

www.tiktok.com

Michael B. Jordan AND Hailee Steinfeld? See NEW clip for #SinnersMovie, in cinemas April 18! #MichaelBJordan #HaileeSteinfeld #MovieRecommendations #NewRelease #MovieClips

It looks like they're going to have a few steamy scenes! Whew, someone pass us a fan! If you're yearning for more, watch the official trailer for Sinners!

Watch The Official Trailer For Sinners

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Trigger warning: There's a few jump scares in the Sinners movie trailer that feature bloody moments.

We think the tagline for the film says it best: "You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home," (via Warner Bros. Pictures).

Are you ready to see Hailee Steinfeld take on a new daring role in the Sinners movie? Share your thoughts on Facebook!

This post has been updated.

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