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Everyone knows that the best party of a holiday party is the appetizer spread! Make your menu one to remember by filling it with these easy holiday appetizers. From small bites to delicious dips, we’ve got you covered for all of your hosting duties.
I know I can’t be the only person who immediately looks for the appetizers when I get to a party.
It doesn’t really matter what type of party it is: Christmas, game day, Halloween, or just a summer cookout. I’m going to say hi to the host and then figure out where the appetizer spread is.
Other than Christmas cookies, appetizers are probably my favorite things to make during the holidays. Everyone loves them, so they are a great way to make your guests happy whether you’re hosting a big party or just a family gathering.
Tips for easier holiday hosting
Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas or New Year’s Eve party or just having a small family gathering, I’ve got a few tips and tricks that will help make hosting easier and more fun along the way:
- Make batched drinks: Make a big batch of wassail, slow cooker hot chocolate, or Christmas punch. Set out some pretty cups and let guest serve themselves so you don’t have to spend all evening playing bartender!
- Use disposable serving ware: If you’re having a big party, you may not having enough plates and flatware for everyone anyway. You can find some elegant gold-rimmed disposable plates and gold disposable flatware that will look pretty while making cleanup easier.
- Focus on appetizers and desserts: Instead of worrying about a big sit-down dinner, serve an array of appetizers and desserts. I promise, everyone will leave full and happy, and no one will miss the holiday turkey!
My favorite easy holiday appetizer recipes
You don’t need to make things complicated in order to put together a fantastic holiday appetizer spread.
These 20 appetizer recipes are simple to make, but always come with a big pay-off in terms of flavor. You can even prep many of them ahead of time, making things even easier when it’s time for guests to arrive!
Be sure to check out all of my Christmas recipes for even more ways to make the holiday season perfectly delicious.
Hot appetizers
Cranberry Meatballs
These cranberry meatballs are made in the slow cooker with only a handful of ingredients for a bite that’s sweet, tangy, and totally delicious.
Easy Baked Brie with Jam
Top creamy brie with your favorite jam and buttery crackers before baking it to perfection. Switch up the type of jam you use to make it your own!
Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Use pesto, onion jam, pepper jelly, or any other savory spread to make a stunning and surprisingly easy puff pastry Christmas tree.
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
This version of baked brie pairs the cheese with honey, pecans, and fresh herbs and wraps it in puff pastry. This is another one that looks elegant but is shockingly easy to make!
Cranberry Brie Bites
Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
These bacon-wrapped little smokies are a little sweet, a little spicy, and impossible to resist!
Spinach Artichoke Dip
If you can’t resist spinach artichoke dip on a restaurant menu, you’ve got to try this homemade version.
Spinach Artichoke Bites
Grab a tub of spinach artichoke dip from the store and pair it with crescent rolls to make these 2-ingredient spinach artichoke bites.
Cold appetizers
Mini Cheese Balls
Flavored with ranch and green onion, these mini cheese balls are adorable and so simple to make.
Ranch Crackers
Buttery ranch crackers come together in only a few minutes and disappear even faster than that! Make these with cheese sandwich crackers or oyster crackers.
Marinated Cheese
Marinated cheese is the ultimate make-ahead appetizer. Pair cheddar and cream cheeses with a tangy mixture featuring sun-dried tomatoes and let it rest overnight while you prep the rest of your party menu.
Candied Pecans
These candied pecans are perfect for anyone who loves a sweet little bite. These cinnamon-y pecans will remind you of trips to the mall as a kid!
Ranch Chex Mix
Who doesn’t love a good snack mix? This one is made with plenty of ranch seasoning for a savory bite that everyone will love!
Classic Cheese Ball
Make this classic cheese ball one or two days ahead of time and roll it in the chopped pecans just before serving. It is always a hit during the holidays!
Deviled Eggs
There’s a reason deviled eggs are always one of the first things to disappear from an appetizer spread! Top these with paprika, bacon, chives, or any number of other garnishes for a perfect bite.
Loaded Baked Potato Dip
This creamy dip is packed with all of the toppings you’d normally find on a loaded baked potato. Serve it with ruffled chips and your guests will be begging for the recipe!
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
This tangy cream cheese dip is delicious alongside fresh fruit or even pretzels. This is one of my family’s very favorite recipes!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
This is another 2 ingredient recipe that will absolutely impress your guests. Just set out the cream cheese to soften ahead of time and you can throw this together just before guests walk in the door!
Homemade French Onion Dip
This homemade french onion dip is better than anything you can buy at the store! Make it the night before and get one more thing off your party prep list.
