Easy Holiday Appetizers (more than 17 recipes!)
Posted: 12/06/2019
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Deck the halls with these deliciously easy and festive holiday appetizers! Shhh…you don’t have to say how quickly you put them together!
Cocktail parties, family get-togethers, impromptu neighborhood gatherings, formal dinners….all of these fun holiday occasions usually include appetizers.
Sometimes you’re the host of the party, sometimes you’re asked to bring an appetizer to a Christmas or New Year’s party. And at this busy time of year, you’re looking for something a little snazzy and festive, that’s awesomely delicious, and not too time consuming to make.
For the last few years, our extended family has met in the dining room of the assisted living facility where my grandma lives. Since she is unable to travel to our homes, we bring the party to her. However, the kitchen facilities are somewhat restricted, so our menu is limited to appetizers, i.e., finger foods. Honestly, the kids are way more happy with this type of food and happy kids equals happy moms and dads. We usually snack all evening, sing carols, play group games like Christmas Bingo, and everyone has a blast. Every year, Grandma says that was the best Christmas she ever had!
Often though, it seems like I’m scrambling to find the best recipes for delicious, easy yet sort of fancy, finger foods that are crowd pleasers. I created this collection of easy holiday appetizers as a go-to source of recipe ideas to make for Christmas and New Year’s parties. Some can be made ahead and some you will be able to put together quickly at the last minute, but I guarantee they are all easy to make.
Favorite appetizers
You’ll recognize a few of the appetizers as long time favorites such as 7-layer dip (always one of my most popular dips) or baked brie cheese. The crostini with roasted tomatoes and ricotta is always a huge hit all year round.
Healthier appetizers
I’ve also included some appetizers with which you may already be familiar but made them a bit healthier: spinach balls made with whole wheat flour, queso dip with butternut squash, or a cheddar dip with cauliflower puree.
Unique appetizers
Quite a few of the appetizers have a unique twist: cranberry salsa, whipped feta with lemon and dill, stovetop spinach dip, toasted cheese ravioli, or coq au vin stuffed mushrooms.
Particularly addicting apps
Particularly addicting are the spiced pecans and the bacon guacamole bites. Trust me on this one. You won’t want to make these too far in advance or you’ll find that they’ve disappeared before the guests arrive!
I’m sure you’ll find several that are perfect for your special occasion. And the best part? None of the appetizers will have you slaving away in the kitchen for hours!
17 Easy Holiday Appetizers
Go ahead and put this Roasted Tomato and Ricotta Cheese Crostini recipe into your regular rotation. It’s not only a crowd-pleasing appetizer, but it also makes a killer vegetarian lunch.
This baked Brie recipe with cranberry sauce and bourbon candied pecans will be your new favorite recipe for entertaining.
This healthy queso dip is about as healthy as you’ll get when it comes to a decadent, cheesy dip. You’ll love the subtle sweetness and vibrant color that the butternut squash adds. This one is a must-try!
These bacon wrapped dates are stuffed with fontina cheese and sprinkled with an insanely delicious brown sugar spice rub. They're going to be the hit of your next party!
These bacon guacamole appetizer bites are perfect for game day – plus they’re low-carb!
This spiced pecan recipe gives you everything you want in a spiced nut – sweet, crunchy, spicy and unbelievably addicting.
A delicious and elegant party appetizer that you can prep a day or two in advance, these Spinach Artichoke Phyllo Bites will be a hit at your next party.
Spinach Balls are great hot out of the oven but are also great as they cool to room temperature, making them a perfect appetizer! Always a huge hit!
This stovetop spinach dip can be served to guests straight from your stove. The sun-dried tomatoes will have people raving about this easy recipe!
These kale and spinach dip bites are a twist on a bread bowl full of spinach dip, but these are easier to make and eat!
Baked not fried, these toasted cheese ravioli are the perfect game day snack or appetizer. You won’t be able to stop snacking on them!
This isn’t your traditional stuffed mushrooms recipe – these mushrooms have all the great flavors of coq au vin in one tasty bite. It’s the perfect appetizer!
Whipped feta with lemon and dill is the perfect summer spread! Classy and sophisticated with the bright flavors of lemon, it's perfect spread on a crisp slice of French bread! Get the easy recipe on RachelCooks.com!
These fun pepperoni pizza tortilla pinwheels make a great appetizer or school lunch. Your kids will think they have hit the jackpot when they open their lunchbox and see these!
This roasted cauliflower and cheddar dip is unbelievably creamy and flavorful – blending the cauliflower into a silky dip helps greatly reduce the calories in this dip.
This isn't your ordinary 7 layer dip recipe - it has a couple unique layers that make it really stand out from the crowd. Make it for your next party and everyone will be asking for the recipe!
This two ingredient easy cranberry salsa will be the hit of the dip table at your next party – and it takes less than five minutes to make!
