50 of the Best Appetizers for the Holidays that will impress your guests. Everything from easy to elegant we have you covered.
To me since this time of the year I become all about the food. So I went and found 50 of the Best Appetizers for the Holidays to share with you today. Honestly, for me, the hardest part of party planning for the holidays whether it is a small or a large crowd is deciding what to serve as an appetizer. Anyone else have the same issue?
I love to dress to impress, not necessarily in what I am actually wearing but what my table looks like. And no I am not talking what silverware or china I use, I am talking about the food. I love bright, vibrant colors and spreads that make people oh and awe. But I also want to make dishes that people will actually eat. Considering I have 5 young kids still at home you can guarantee that some of these get-togethers need to be kid friends but that also doesn’t mean that your table needs to be a drag. So I went searching for what I would consider the best of the best. I have some classics like brie and fondue and then some dishes that I would have never even dreamed of.
So what are the best finger foods for a party?
Here are just a few ideas:
- Buffalo Chicken Poppers
- Baked Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes
- Baked Ham & Cheese Rolls Ups
- Bang Bang Chicken Wings
- Bacon Bombs
- Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Meatballs
From nuts to shrimps and dip to spreads one thing is for sure that this holiday my guests will not go hungry.
Welcome to the holiday season friends, where cooking for many is apart of the season and parties and celebrations last 2 months long.
How many appetizers do I need for 10 guests?
For every 10-12 guests ideal to have at least 5 appetizer selections, each selection serving 10-12. You can multiply that by each group of 10 you have, but remove 1-2 appetizers for good measure, don’t worry, you won’t run out of food.
- 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 of the recipes, that’s what I do.
Looking for more holiday ideas? Try one of these below from cookies to decor we have you covered.
- 50 of the Best Holiday Cookies
- 50 of the Best Holiday Candies
- 50 of the Best DIY Christmas Decorations.
Pin this collection of 50 of the Best Holiday Appetizers to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Dip – A Dash of Sanity
My Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Dip is something every party needs.
Five Minute Million Dollar Dip – The Recipe Critic
This 5 Minute Million Dollar Dip is so easy and the crowd will love it.
Ranch Cream Cheese Vegetable Pizza – High Heels and Grills
Ranch Cream Cheese Vegetable Pizza is so easy to make and serve. Party must-have.
Shrimp Wontons – A Dash of Sanity
Fancy up your servings with these easy and delicious bite-size Baked Shrimp Wontons.
Baked Goat Cheese & Roasted Cranberries – Honey and Birch
This Baked Goat Cheese Roasted Cranberry Appetizer is so gorgeous you could make it your centerpiece.
Baked Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes – Carlsbad Cravings
Take a break from the crackers and chips and try these Baked Parmesan Fingerling Potato Fries.
Berries & Brie Crescent Rolls – A Dash of Sanity
These Berries and Brie Crescent Rolls are an easy yet elegant twist on a classic.
Baked Ham & Cheese Rolls Ups – High Heels and Grills
These Baked Ham & Cheese Roll-Ups make a great meal or appetizer, a monthly must-have in our home.
Spicy Blood Orange Lil’ Smokies – Sugar and Soul
I could eat the entire batch of these Spicy Blood Orange Lit’l Smokies. Addicting!
Antipasto Skewers – Dinner at the Zoo
These Antipasto Skewers will make a gorgeous addition to your holiday table.
Mixed Candied Nuts – A Dash of Sanity
These simple Mixed Candied Nuts are easy, delicious, and they make a great gift.
Crab Cream Cheese Wontons – Baking Beauty
My kids eat these Crab Cream Cheese Wontons up every time. This appetizer never lasts at a party.
Chiptole Lime Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp – Simply Recipes
Bacon Wrapped Shimp is a flavor combination that is perfect for entertaining.
Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip – Gimme Some Oven
This Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip is best served with baguettes but a cracker or a spoon will work too.
Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball – I Heart Naptime
Grab a cracker and dig on into this Cranberry Orange Cheeseball.
Cheese Platter – Iowa Girl Eats
This creative Cheese Platter makes for easy entertaining.
Buffalo Chicken Poppers – A Dash of Sanity
These Buffalo Chicken Poppers are one of my absolute favorites!
Slow Cooker Chex Mix – Show Me The Yummy
Make this Slow Cooker Chex Mix early and have it done just in time. Less mess, less hassle.
Spicy Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs – Yellow Bliss Road
Make a large batch of these Spicy Cranberry Orange Meatballs, these will be the first to go.
Easy Meatball Crostini Appetizer – Reluctant Entertainer
Everyone young or old will enjoy this Easy Meatball Crostini Appetizer
Cheese Fondue – A Dash of Sanity
This Classic Cheese Fondue is perfect for every holiday get together. Who doesn’t just love melted, gooey cheese?
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
These Garlic Butter Proscuitto Wrapped Asparagus proves that anything wrapped in “bacon” is amazing.
Warm Bacon Cheese Dip – Spend With Pennies
Warm Bacon Cheese Dip is perfect for those bacon lovers, you know who you are.
Soft Pretzel Bites – Sally’s Baking Addiction
Both kids and adults will love these Soft Pretzel Bites with nacho cheese sauce.
Caramel Fondue – Creme De La Crumb
Is this Caramel Fondue a dessert or a starter? Why not both!
Secret Christmas Eve Chex Mix – Half Baked Harvest
I love all of the ingredients in this Secret Christmas Eve Chex Mix, can’t wait to try!
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
This Mushroom Marsala Fondue is my favorite way to eat cheese.
Blue Cheese Appetizer – Half Baked Harvest
This 3-Ingredient Blue Cheese Appetizer is a pull-apart bread as an appetizer, genius.
Mexican Layer Dip – The Pioneer Woman
My dad brings this Mexican Layer Dip to every holiday party and it is always a hit!
Light Tex Mex Shrimp Bites – Julie’s Eats and Treats
My husband would devour every last one of these Light Tex Mex Shrimp Bites
Slow Cooker Chili Con Queso – Creme De La Crumb
I love this Chili’s Con Queso Dip and could eat it all day long.
Best Ever Candied Almonds – A Dash of Sanity
These Candied Almonds are great to have on hand for any occasion.
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle – Iowa Girl Eats
These Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Dizzle make for an eye-catching appetizer that can be made in minutes.
Pumpkin Hummus – Food Faith Fitness
This Pumpkin Hummus is so good. Be sure to grab pita chips!
Creamy Bacon & Shrimp Dip – A Dash of Sanity
This Creamy Bacon & Shrimp Dip can be served with crackers, bread, or just a spoon.
Slow Cooker Cocktail Meatballs – Mom On Timeout
Slow Cooker Cocktail Meatballs are so easy & crowd-pleasing.
5 Layer Greek Dip – I Heart Naptime
I love how fresh this 5 Layer Greek Dip looks.
Bacon Bombs – Love Bakes Good Cakes
These Bacon Bombs are for all you bacon and cheese lovers out there, we have you covered.
Maple Pecan Baked Brie – Fake Ginger
This Maple Pecan Baked Brie is a holiday classic that your table should not go without.
Firecracker Chicken Meatballs – Little Spice Jar
I can hardly wait to make these Firecracker Chicken Meatballs for our New Year’s party appetizer.
Sweet Potato Cake with Black Bean Salsa – A Dash of Sanity
These Sweet Potato Cakes with Black Bean Salsa are a holiday family tradition here in our home.
Bruschetta with Tomato & Basil – Simply Recipes
This Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil is a classic that I see at every holiday party and one of my favorites.
Best Ever Fruit Dip – Layers of Happiness
You can have more than just veggies at the table. This Best Fruit Dip is always a hit.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Meatballs – The Recipe Rebel
Be sure to have enough of these Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Meatballs, this appetizer always goes fast.
Everything Parmesan Cheese Crisps – Just a Taste
I love how gorgeous these Parmesan Cheese Crisps are.
Roasted Grape Crostini with Walnuts – Healthy Seasonal Recipes
I love the flavor combination in these Roasted Grape Crostinis. They are just gorgeous.
Holiday Cheese Ball Bites – Six Sisters’ Stuff
These Holiday Cheeseball Bites add adorable decor for your holiday spread.
Parmesan Garlic Smashed Potatoes – Little Spice Jar
I love these Parmesan Garlic Smashed Potatoes as an appetizer or a side dish.
*This post has recently been updated since 2015.
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Love this round up! Thanks for including my Slow Cooker Chex Mix!!
So helpful for Thanksgiving ideas! & some quick & easy!
Amazing blog!!
Thank you for sharing this and for the amazing giveaway!
xo, Shell
http://acourageousbeauty.com
“From nuts to shrimps and dip to spreads one thing is for sure that this holiday my guests will not go hungry.”
You’re a food blogger… Shrimps? Lol really? Shrimp* might as well just say skrimps.
I am loving these fantastic recipes. Thank you for the
awesome contest and chance to win! 🙂
Thank you for the giveaway.
Wow, this Appetizer list is Amazing! For real, had to wipe the drool off my chin. Thanks for taking the stress out of holiday party planning with all these great recipes.
I would love to win! Could really use it!
These appetizers look delicious!
All The Food Looks Delish!!!
Everything looks so delicious I can’t wait to give it all a try.
I hope everyone has a blessed holiday season.
Now I am super hungry, have to leave to go eat. Thank you for the opportunity!
Thank you for making my party a success!!! Ideas were great and pretty simple.
These were wonderful suggestions!!! Can’t wait to try a few 🙂 thanks!
A fantastic list! I can’t wait to get busy in the kitchen!
What a great list of ideas that are different than the usual. Thank you for sharing.
I’m thinking of making just appetizers for one of our meals this week – these all look so good! Thanks so much for including my stuffed dates
Appetizers are my favorite thing about parties. I can’t wait to try a few of these over the next week. Thank you for including my recipe!
An interesting list of recipes just in time for my Thanksgiving plans. I like the veg ideas as I am expecting a majority vegetarian crowd for my dinners this year. Looks like veg dishes are going to be more popular everywhere, at least here in the US for expats. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so glad the list helped! Enjoy!