25+ Quick and Easy Holiday Appetizers
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Explore 25+ quick and easy holiday appetizers for Christmas and New Year celebrations! Discover simple, crowd-pleasing recipes like festive dips, savory bites, and finger foods to elevate your holiday gatherings.
Planning Tips for Holiday Appetizers
- Servings per person: If only appetizers are being served, plan for 10-12 pieces per person over 2-3 hours. If appetizers are being served before a full meal, plan for 4-6 pieces per person. Adjust for kids (half portions) or heavy eaters.
- Variety: Offer a balance of hot and cold, and savory and sweet items. Plan for 5-7 different appetizers for 20+ guests.
Preparation Tips
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prep as many items as possible 1-2 days in advance. Assemble cold apps like cheese platters or dips the day before; bake or reheat hot ones on the day of the party. Freeze as many of the appetizers as can be safely frozen. Some may be frozen for at least a month ahead.
- Safety First: Keep raw meats separate to avoid cross-contamination. Chill perishables below 40°F (4°C) and reheat to 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne issues during busy holidays.
Serving Tips
- Presentation Matters: Arrange on tiered platters or boards for visual appeal—garnish with holiday herbs like rosemary for Christmas flair. Also, be sure to label items with allergen info.
- Flow and Timing: Set up a self-serve station away from the kitchen to encourage mingling. Serve in waves: cold apps first, then hot ones timed for freshness. Remember to replenish every 30-45 minutes.
- Portion Control: Use small plates or skewers for easy grabbing, which helps limit waste and keeps things tidy.
25+ Quick and Easy Holiday Appetizers
Cranberry Salsa Over Cream Cheese
Cranberry Salsa over Cream Cheese Recipe
Cranberry Salsa over Cream Cheese is a quick appetizer perfect for the holidays! It's fresh, tangy, delicious, ready in minutes, and an easy make-ahead recipe! Delicious served with crackers, fruit, or chips. You can also serve the fresh, zesty cranberry salsa with chips or over beef, fish, and sandwiches!
Cookie Dough Dip
Cookie Dough Dip Recipe
The BEST Cookie Dough Dip Recipe – Seriously the BEST Cookie Dough Dip Recipe that I’ve ever tasted! So quick and easy and always a favorite when you serve it! This creamy dip tastes just like cookie dough in dip form! Made with cream cheese, chocolate chips, and a secret ingredient that takes it over the top! Everyone will ask for the recipe! Serve with graham crackers, pretzels or fruit!
Apple Dip
Easy Apple Dip Recipe
Easy Apple Dip Recipe – Sweet, creamy Apple Dip is easy and delicious for parties and snacks! Ready in minutes from just a few ingredients, it's an addictive dip for apples, pretzels, and more!
Warm Brie with Honeyed Fruit Compote
Warm Brie with Honeyed Cranberry Walnut Fruit Compote Recipe
Warm Brie with Honeyed Fruit Compote makes a beautiful, quick and easy appetizer. Made with a honeyed cranberry walnut fruit compote, this warm brie recipe is festive for the holidays!
Cranberry Meatballs
Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
My Cranberry Meatballs Recipe are always a crowd favorite. Sharing TWO ways to make – homemade or an even easier crockpot version with three ingredients.
S’mores Dip
S’mores Dip Recipe
This easy S'mores Dip Recipe transforms the classic campfire treat into a gooey, shareable dessert dip with melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows. Perfect for parties, game nights, or cozy evenings – ready in under 15 minutes!
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
This hot Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe is easy, cheesy, and delicious! Bake in the oven or make crockpot spinach artichoke dip in your slow cooker! Make ahead and freezer-friendly. It's a crowd-favorite dip and perfect for entertaining!
Spinach Dip Bites
Spinach Dip Bites Recipe
These Spinach Dip Bites are quick, easy appetizers perfect for game days, holidays, and more! Bake this delicious bite-sized treat in 15 minutes for entertaining or snacking!
Bacon Cheddar Dip
Bacon Cheddar Dip Recipe
Discover the ultimate Bacon Cheddar Dip Recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon, this easy dip recipe is perfect for game day, holiday parties, or any gathering. Ready in 10 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that ranks among the best dip recipes!
Southern Pimento Cheese
Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe
This homemade Southern Pimento Cheese from my family recipe is delicious as a spread, dip, or sandwich. It has a secret ingredient and makes the best pimento cheese! Always a classic favorite in Southern homes and parties!
Pigs In a Blanket
Best Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
This makes the Best Pigs in a Blanket recipe! An optional update on the classic 2-ingredient appetizer that makes it a crowd-favorite!
Swedish Meatballs
Swedish Meatballs Recipe
The Best Swedish Meatballs feature tender meatballs in a rich, creamy sauce! These savory meatballs are ready in 30 minutes for a delicious dinner or satisfying appetizer!
Chicken Cheese Ball
Chicken Cheese Ball Recipe
Chicken Cheese Ball makes an easy, elegant dish when entertaining. This family favorite chicken cheese ball recipe can be made up to three days ahead.
Ranch Oyster Crackers
Ranch Oyster Crackers Recipe
Ranch Oyster Crackers Recipe – Quick, easy and absolutely addictive, these delicious ranch crackers make the perfect nibble or snack!
Sausage Balls
Sausage Balls Recipe
Sausage balls are an easy and delicious dish. Perfect for breakfast and brunch or as a game-day and holiday appetizer!
Cheese Straws
Cheese Straws Recipe
These delicious Cheese Straws are an heirloom family recipe and Southern classics! Made with a cookie press, ready in 30 minutes and perfect for entertaining!
Roasted Pecan Halves
Simple Roasted Pecan Halves Recipe
Roasted pecans make everything better. A quick, delicious recipe for roasted pecan halves that are great as an appetizer, snack, or on your favorite salad.
Honey Roasted Peanuts
Honey Roasted Peanuts Recipe
Honey Roasted Peanuts make a delicious snack! Made with just four ingredients with one addition if you prefer them spicy!
Sugar Coated Nuts
Sugar Coated Nuts Recipe
Sugar Coated Nuts make a delicious little nibble. Perfect for serving at parties, showers or when entertaining, these sugar coated nuts are always a hit!
Chocolate Dipped Pecans
Chocolate Dipped Pecans Recipe
Chocolate Dipped Pecans make an easy, yet elegant treat perfect for entertaining and gifts!
Cinnamon Pecans
Cinnamon Pecans Recipe
This Easy Cinnamon Pecans recipe makes a quick and easy delicious nibble. Made with four ingredients and a great make ahead recipe.
Praline Brie
Praline Brie Recipe
Praline Brie is an elegant, yet simple appetizer perfect for entertaining. Warm brie, juicy fruit and a decadent praline sauce makes this a party favorite!
Pineapple Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread
Pineapple Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread Recipe
Pineapple Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread – This quick and easy recipe comes together in a snap with just four ingredients! This sweet and spicy cream cheese spread is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, crackers or bagels!
Deviled Eggs
Classic Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs make the perfect appetizer or side dish for family meals, parties, showers, and other events. Get this family favorite deviled eggs recipe you are sure to love.
Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, also known as ham and cheese sliders, feature layers of savory ham and melted Swiss cheese on sweet Hawaiian rolls, topped with a mouthwatering butter sauce. This crowd-favorite recipe is perfect for easy meals or parties!
Crab Cakes
Crab Cakes
This delicious Maryland Crab Cake recipe is full of succulent crab and tasty seasonings! It makes the perfect appetizer or main dish for a special dinner! Ready in under 30 minutes!
Grape Jelly Meatballs
Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe
Grape Jelly Meatballs make the best appetizer recipe! It is a crowd favorite. Juicy meatballs are slow-cooked until tender in a sweet and spicy sauce. Made with three ingredients and a crowd favorite!
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe – These 5-ingredient bacon wrapped dates are out of this world delicious and so easy!
Shrimp Dip
Shrimp Dip Recipe
This easy Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese recipe is creamy, crunchy and makes the perfect appetizer! Succulent shrimp is the star of this dip that comes together in less than 15 minutes!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
