If you’re looking for the best appetizer recipes to wow your guests this holiday season, look no further! We’ve got everything from easy to elegant covered.
I compiled a list of delicious holiday appetizers to get you in the spirit!
The most challenging element of planning a holiday party, whether it is for two or 200 people, is finding the right appetizers. Am I alone in this struggle?
This list provides a wealth of excellent holiday party appetizers that will impress your guests.
I pride myself on the food I serve–not just in terms of taste but presentation. It’s not enough to have nice silverware or china; the food should be artfully arranged and enticing.
I perk up at bright, vibrant colors and creative spreads. I also want to make dishes that people will eat. Considering I have 5 kids, 4 still at home, you can guarantee that some of these get-togethers need to be kid-friendly, but that also doesn’t mean your table needs to be unappealing.
Consequently, I searched for the best New Year’s and Christmas appetizers and snack recipes. Some are classics like brie or fondue, while others were never considered.
Check out these quick and easy recipes for delicious finger foods!
Not sure how many appetizers you’ll need for your next party? I’m here to help! Whether you’re hosting a small, intimate gathering or a party for 50, I’m sharing how many snacks and apps you should have on hand.
In the holiday spirit? Check out these links for all things Christmas – décor, cookies, and candy. I’ve got you covered with this list of 50 recipes for appetizers. Some are my personal favorites, and some come from other great blogs.
Whether you’re looking to feed a lot of people or just need something small for Christmas dinner, there’s sure to be something here that will satisfy your cravings!
My guests will have a wide variety of snacks this holiday, so there’s no chance they’ll go hungry.
How many appetizers do I need for 10 guests?
A good rule of thumb is that for each group of 10-12 guests, you should have five appetizer selections. Remember that each selection should serve 10-12 people, so multiply that number by your total number of groups. And don’t worry about having too much food – it’s always better to err on the side of caution and remove 1-2 appetizers from your final count.
- 20 guests = 8 appetizer selections
- 30 guests = 12 appetizer selections
- 40 guests = 15 appetizer selections
- 50 guests = 18-20 appetizer selections. Don’t worry. You can double up on some recipes; that’s what I do.
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Appetizers You Have to Try
Regardless of the time of year or holiday, these recipes will always come in handy!
Easy Beef Queso – Dash of Sanity | This Easy Beef Queso is a simple yet insanely delicious recipe. The best part is it can be ready in just under 20 minutes.
Cheese Ball Board – Dash of Sanity | I’m preparing for the holidays by stocking up on appetizers and snacks that are easy to make. With all the recent buzz about butterboards, I created my version – a cheese ball board.
Easy Italian Meatballs – Dash of Sanity | My grandmother’s homemade Italian meatballs perfectly blend flavor and simplicity.
7 Layer Dip – Dash of Sanity |Mouthwatering 7 Layer Dip is always a huge hit at barbecues, get-togethers, and gameday gatherings, layering your favorite dip ingredients onto one plate.
Best Ever Queso – Dash of Sanity | This simple recipe can be made at the last minute and in less than 15 minutes whenever the occasion requires cheesy goodness.
Best Ever Spinach Artichoke Dip – Dash of Sanity | This Spinach Artichoke Dip is packed with amazing flavor and easy to whip up. It’s a no-cook, mix-and-go recipe that tastes amazing with French bread, crackers, and chips.
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip – Dash of Sanity | This dip is easy to make and will keep you coming back for more. It’s packed with bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch – everything you need for a great time!
Buffalo Chicken Dip – Dash of Sanity | This cheesy buffalo chicken dip is a delicious and flavor-packed appetizer that will be gone in no time! The Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing give it a great zing, and it’s so addicting that you won’t stop eating it!
Cheese Ball Recipe – Dash of Sanity | Simple to make ahead of time and incredibly delicious, it is always a real crowd-pleaser.
Chex Mix – Dash of Sanity |
Cream Cheese Veggie Dip – Dash of Sanity | It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, and it only takes a few minutes to whip up. So next time you’re looking for a healthy snack idea, try this dip.
Sour Cream Dip – Dash of Sanity | Sour Cream Dip is a delicious, creamy dip that can be used for various dishes. Whether serving up vegetables, chips, or baked potatoes, this classic dip is an easy and elegant way to add flavor to your meal.
5-Minute Blender Salsa – Dash of Sanity | This Best Ever 5-Minute Salsa is easy to make yet delicious salsa. It is perfect on tacos, or as a snack with your favorite chips.
Ranch Cream Cheese Vegetable Pizza – High Heels and Grills | This veggie pizza is a party classic and perfect for a light bite.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Taquitos – Dash of Sanity | Chicken Buffalo Taquitos are insanely delicious and made with all of the flavors from Buffalo Chicken Wings in this easy-to-eat taquito.
Cripsy Rosemary Potatoes – Dash of Sanity | These Rosemary Potatoes are incredible! Crispy, parmesan crust seasoned with rosemary, this recipe is easy to make
Baked Ham & Cheese Rolls Ups – High Heels and Grills | I love this recipe so much we make it for dinner at our house. These pinwheels are the perfect party snack!
Chili Cheese Dip – Dash of Sanity |Chili cheese dip is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress! Its irresistible combination of savory chili and creamy cheese has everyone returning for more.
Air Fryer French Fries – Dash of Sanity | With little to no oil, they still give you that crispy texture and golden-brown color everyone loves, but with fewer calories and less fat.
Firecracker Shrimp – Dash of Sanity | An incredible combination of sweet and spicy is ready in just 20 minutes.
Sour Cream Mexican Dip – Dash of Sanity | Creamy, cheesy, and made with sour cream, Rotel, taco seasoning, and cheddar cheese, the ultimate dip with tortilla chips or Fritos.
Sweet Potato Cakes – Dash of Sanity | Garnished with crisp cucumber salsa, these mouthwatering bites will become a new party favorite.
Roasted Chile Cheese Tart – Dash of Sanity | With little preparation and bold flavors, I am completely swooning over this savory tart recipe.
Best Ever Breadsticks – Dash of Sanity | These Focaccia Breadsticks are the perfect addition to your favorite meal, with crisp Parmesan cheese and garlic crust and perfectly soft inside.
Sheet Pan Pizza – Dash of Sanity | Sheet Pan Pizza – Simple, made from scratch with a no-rise pizza crust & loaded with your favorite toppings, it will become your Friday night to-go-to.
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp – Dash of Sanity | Pair it with honey-sriracha sauce to add layers of flavor. This recipe is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also healthier than the original fried version.
French Onion & Bacon Cheese Ball – Dash of Sanity | French Onion & Bacon Cheese Ball – Caramelized onions, Gruyere, and cream cheese coated in French’s® Crispy Fried Onions and chives make for an insanely delicious appetizer.
Mexican Corn Dip – Dash of Sanity | This street corn salad comes together in just a few minutes; everyone will love it!
Shrimp Wontons – A Dash of Sanity | These shrimp bites are crispy and delicious. They look fancy but are easy to make.
Cherry Salsa – Dash of Sanity | Whether you pair it with grilled chicken fish tacos or enjoy it with tortilla chips, this Cherry Salsa is sure to impress.
Bacon Ranch Taquitos – Dash of Sanity | Filled with cheesy taco ranch chicken and baked to perfection, these tacos are perfect for any game day or get-together.
Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip – Dash of Sanity | This succulent dish is a fantastic spinach artichoke bacon dip that’s easy to make and will be loved by all your friends and family. The creamy texture and savory flavors are unforgettable, especially with the added deliciousness of bacon bits throughout.
Buffalo Chicken Poppers – Dash of Sanity | These poppers are easy to make and even easier to eat. They’re not too spicy!
Sweet & Tangy Barbecue Meatballs – Ready in 30 minutes and made with a few simple ingredients, they make a great appetizer or even dinner as meatball subs.
Cheese Fondue – Dash of Sanity | Fondue is always in style at our house! This retro party snack is always a favorite – the kiddos love it, too!
Fried Jalapeno Poppers – Serious Eats | These Fried Jalapeno Poppers are my dad and hubby’s favorite thing to eat before any party even gets started.
Garlic Butter Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus – Cafe Delites | I just love how simple this asparagus dish is! Easy to make and eat – you will love it.
Warm Bacon Cheese Dip – Spend With Pennies | More bacon but this time in a cheesy warm dip. Grab the crackers because you’ll want to make this one for sure.
Soft Pretzel Bites – Sally’s Baking Addiction | Golden chewy pretzel bites look like an amazing snack. Don’t forget the cheese for dipping.
Caramel Fondue – Creme De La Crumb | Perfectly dippable and perfectly delicious! This dessert fondue just looks amazing.
Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta – Center Cut Cook | This cheesy Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta dip is a copycat recipe from the Olive Garden.
Mushroom Marsala Fondue – A Dash of Sanity | Another cheesy fondue but this one is dressed up with mushrooms. It’s inspired by the classic mushroom marsala dish but serve up as a delicious fondue.
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pull Apart Bread – Half Baked Harvest | So many great things in this pull apart bread: chicken, ranch, and buffalo sauce. This one would be a hit for sure.
Best Ever Candied Almonds – Dash of Sanity | Every snack table needs something sweet and candied nuts are always a great choice.
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle – Iowa Girl Eats | These skewers make for an eye-catching appetizer that can be made in minutes.
Pumpkin Hummus – Food Faith Fitness | Hummus gets a fall twist! I just love this – looks amazing.
Creamy Bacon & Shrimp Dip – A Dash of Sanity | So many wonderful flavors going on in this dip recipe! It can be served with crackers, bread, or just a spoon.
5 Layer Greek Dip – I Heart Naptime | I just love all the textures and flavors in this Greek-inspired dip. Feta cheese with fresh veggies is a great way to balance out other rich and decadent appetizers.
Bacon Bombs – Love Bakes Good Cakes | These are for all you bacon and cheese lovers out there, we have you covered.
Maple Pecan Baked Brie – Fake Ginger | I just love the combination of sweet with the creamy brie cheese. This is an easy and elegant appetizer for a party.
Firecracker Chicken Meatballs – Little Spice Jar | Sweet, spicy, and savory – that’s an amazing flavor combo for a meatball. I can hardly wait to make these Firecracker Chicken Meatballs for our New Year’s party appetizer.
Bruschetta with Tomato & Basil – Simply Recipes | This Italian classic would be a hit at any party!
Sour Cream Fruit Dip – Dash of Sanity | This three-ingredient fruit dip will quickly become your go-to recipe for any dessert occasion. It’s rich, creamy, and an instant crowd favorite!
Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Meatballs – The Recipe Rebel | These meatballs have a tropical twist with pineapple. Serve them with toothpicks and watch them disappear.
Everything Parmesan Cheese Crisps – Just a Taste | Parmesan crisps are easy to make and delicious crunchy snack.
Roasted Grape Crostini with Walnuts – Healthy Seasonal Recipes | Roasted grapes are delicious and perfect for serving on crostini with some creamy cheese.
Holiday Cheese Ball Bites – Six Sisters’ Stuff | I just love these mini cheeseballs. Instead of dipping into one cheese spread, everyone gets their own!
Parmesan Garlic Smashed Potatoes – Little Spice Jar | These are a wonderful side dish, but great as a party snack, too, because they’re easy to serve. They’re like little crispy mashed potato bites.
Looking for more holiday ideas?
- 50 of the Best Holiday Cookies
- 50 of the Best Holiday Candies
- 50 of the Best DIY Christmas Decorations
Such an amazing list! Can’t wait to try them!
Awesome recipe
wow! How many awesome appetizer ideas! Appetizers are my favorite part of a dinner!
These appetizer recipe seems truly delicious and unique, I was actually looking for same !!!