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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
5 from 1 rating
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.
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!
You only need 3 ingredients for this delicious cranberry brie bites. Use homemade cranberry sauce or your favorite store-bought cranberry sauce in this recipe.
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 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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
