We know that it’s a bold statement to call anchovies the ultimate must-have ingredient for the holiday season, but it’s one we’re willing to make. The truth is that anchovies are incredibly versatile and have the power to bring out the umami flavor in just about any dish. With a few tins of anchovies in your refrigerator this holiday season, you’ll be able to stave off hunger on busy shopping days, create sophisticated appetizers, and elevate the flavor of all your favorite dishes. Here are just a few ways you can use this must-have ingredient this holiday season: 

Anchovies Make a Flavourful Snack 

Exhausted and starving after a big day of shopping? With a tin of anchovies and some bread or crackers, you have a nourishing snack. Simply lay the anchovy fillets on the bread or crackers and enjoy!  

If you want to cut down on the strong flavor of the anchovies, slice some tomato and place it on the bread or crackers before topping them with the anchovies. With a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh or dry basil, you have a drool-worthy snack.     

Anchovies Make Sauces & Dressings Better 

What makes Caesar salad dressing so irresistibly delicious? Hint: it’s not the garlic, it’s the anchovies! That’s right, the secret ingredient in Caesar dressing is anchovy. Anchovies are also the star ingredient in Worcestershire sauce. The moral of the story? Anchovies make sauces and dressings better. Try adding them to your salad dressings this holiday season to add an extra salty tang.  

Did Someone Order Pizza?  

We all get busy around the holidays and there’s no shame in leaning on comfort food favorites, like pizza. Whether you’re ordering in, making it from scratch, or popping a frozen pizza into the oven, anchovies will improve upon an already great dining experience. Simply lay these briny little gems on top of your pizza whole or chop them up and sprinkle them around. 

Bagna Càuda 

Move aside fondue, bagna càuda is here to stay! Originating in Italy, bagna càuda is a hot dip made with garlic, butter, olive oil, and anchovies. Sophisticated and extraordinarily tasty, it’s best paired with crudites and bread. Serve it as an appetizer at your holiday meal and we guarantee you’ll impress your guests. 

Anchovy Butter Goes with Everything 

Speaking of anchovies and butter, anchovy butter is simply not to be missed. Anchovies add flavor and dimension to the butter while the creamy sweetness of the butter cuts through the salty intensity of the anchovies. Spread anchovy butter on toast or melt it and pour it over popcorn. Here is a tasty Anchovy Butter Spread recipe to get you started. 

For more anchovy-inspired recipes, visit our recipes page here.