Hosting during the holidays is all about sharing food that feels festive yet easy. From cheesy bites to savory dips and elegant small plates, appetizers set the tone for a cozy, joyful gathering. These 24 festive holiday appetizer recipes will wow your guests without keeping you stuck in the kitchen.
1. Cranberry Brie Bites
Golden, gooey, and sweet-savory — a party favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz brie cheese, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- Fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut puff pastry into squares, press into mini muffin tin.
- Fill each with brie and cranberry sauce.
- Bake 12–15 min until golden. Garnish with rosemary.
2. Stuffed Mushrooms
Savory, bite-sized, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 20 white mushrooms, stems removed
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan, grated
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix cream cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley.
- Fill mushroom caps, place on baking sheet.
- Bake 20 minutes until golden.
3. Holiday Charcuterie Board
A stunning centerpiece with no cooking required.
Ingredients
- Variety of cheeses (cheddar, brie, gouda)
- Sliced cured meats (salami, prosciutto)
- Crackers and breadsticks
- Grapes, dried fruit, nuts
- Fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Arrange cheese and meats on a large wooden board.
- Fill gaps with grapes, nuts, and rosemary.
- Add crackers around the edges.
4. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Creamy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Transfer to baking dish.
- Bake 20 minutes until bubbly. Serve with bread or chips.
5. Shrimp Cocktail
Elegant and refreshing with no cooking fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1/2 cup cocktail sauce
Instructions
- Boil shrimp with lemon in salted water 2–3 minutes.
- Chill in ice water.
- Serve with cocktail sauce.
6. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Sweet, smoky, and addictively good.
Ingredients
- 20 pitted dates
- 10 slices bacon, halved
- 20 almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Stuff dates with almonds, wrap with bacon. Secure with toothpick.
- Bake 20 minutes until crispy.
7. Deviled Eggs with Holiday Garnish
A classic appetizer dressed up for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 12 hard-boiled eggs, halved
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Pomegranate seeds, dill for garnish
Instructions
- Remove yolks, mash with mayo, mustard, paprika.
- Pipe into egg whites. Garnish with dill and pomegranate.
8. Mini Caprese Skewers
Fresh and festive, with red, green, and white colors.
Ingredients
- 20 cherry tomatoes
- 20 mozzarella balls
- 20 basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Thread tomato, basil, and mozzarella onto skewers.
- Arrange on platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
9. Sweet & Spicy Holiday Meatballs
Sweet, tangy, and perfect for cocktail parties.
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Mix cranberry, barbecue, honey, and chili flakes in a saucepan.
- Heat until bubbly. Add meatballs and coat well.
- Simmer 10 minutes, serve warm.
10. Baked Brie with Honey & Pecans
Gooey, sweet, and elegant.
Ingredients
- 1 wheel brie cheese
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans
- Crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place brie on baking sheet, bake 12 minutes.
- Top with honey and pecans, serve immediately.
11. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Simple, salty, and elegant.
Ingredients
- 20 asparagus spears
- 10 slices prosciutto, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Wrap each asparagus spear with prosciutto.
- Place on baking sheet, drizzle with oil. Bake 12–15 minutes.
12. Puff Pastry Cheese Stars
Fun and festive finger food.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 egg, beaten
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cut puff pastry into stars with cookie cutter. Sprinkle cheese in the middle.
- Brush with egg, top with sesame seeds. Bake 12 minutes.
13. Cranberry Glazed Meatballs
A holiday twist on cocktail meatballs.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked meatballs
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Heat cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar in saucepan.
- Add meatballs, toss to coat.
- Simmer until heated through, serve warm.
14. Smoked Salmon Crostini
Light, elegant, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 6 oz smoked salmon
- Fresh dill
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Spread cream cheese on toasted baguette slices.
- Top with salmon, dill, and a squeeze of lemon.
15. Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese
Colorful, healthy, and festive.
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes, sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Toss sweet potato slices with oil, bake 20 minutes.
- Top with goat cheese and pomegranate seeds.
16. Holiday Pinwheels
Easy make-ahead party food.
Ingredients
- 4 large tortillas
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
Instructions
- Spread cream cheese on tortillas.
- Sprinkle with spinach and peppers. Roll tightly.
- Chill 30 minutes, slice into rounds.
17. Spiced Roasted Nuts
Crunchy and addictive, great for snacking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed nuts
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Toss nuts with butter, sugar, cinnamon, salt.
- Spread on baking sheet, bake 12 minutes.
18. Holiday Bruschetta
A fresh appetizer in holiday colors.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced & toasted
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
- 2 tbsp basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Mix tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and oil.
- Spoon mixture onto toasted baguette slices.
19. Garlic Knots
Warm, buttery, and perfect for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cut dough into strips, tie into knots.
- Bake 12 minutes. Brush with garlic butter and parsley.
20. Sausage Balls
Savory, cheesy, and bite-sized.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 2 cups biscuit mix
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix sausage, biscuit mix, and cheese. Roll into balls.
- Place on baking sheet, bake 20 minutes.
21. Holiday Cheese Ball
A retro classic that always delights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese and cheddar. Shape into ball.
- Roll in cranberries and pecans.
- Chill until firm, serve with crackers.
22. Mini Quiches
Delicate, customizable, and make-ahead friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup diced ham or veggies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cut crust into circles, press into mini muffin tin.
- Whisk eggs and milk, add cheese and ham.
- Fill crusts, bake 15 minutes.
23. Cranberry & Brie Crostini
Elegant and simple holiday appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
- 8 oz brie cheese
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Top toasted baguette slices with brie. Broil until melted.
- Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce, garnish with thyme.
24. Holiday Veggie Platter with Dip
Healthy and festive finger food.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup ranch dip
Instructions
- Arrange broccoli in tree shape on a platter.
- Add cherry tomatoes as ornaments, cucumber as tree base.
- Serve with dip in center bowl.
Final Thoughts
Holiday appetizers don’t have to be complicated to impress. With these 24 festive recipes, you’ll have plenty of options for gatherings big or small. From creamy dips to elegant bites, every dish is designed to spark joy and bring people together.
🎄✨ Save this roundup for holiday planning, and share it with friends who love hosting!
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