I may not be Martha Stewart, but when it’s time for a holiday gathering, I’m fully committed to impressing the crowd. Unfortunately, my culinary skills aren’t advanced enough to whip up anything too elaborate. So, when faced with the inevitable question, “What are you bringing to the holiday party?”, I know I need to get creative. Finding a dish that checks all my boxes can be challenging—I want something festive and delicious, elevated yet low-effort, group-friendly, and stress-free to transport. If you’re also on the hunt for a festive recipe that does it all, I’ve rounded up 35 appetizer recipes that are perfect for a holiday party.
These holiday appetizer recipes use seasonal ingredients that feel festive, are easy to portion for a crowd, and, most importantly, taste incredible. They’re also simple enough to avoid any The Bear-style kitchen chaos—because no one needs more stress around the holidays. Plus, they’re sturdy enough to survive the trip to the party (no precarious layers or spill-prone dishes here). From classic finger foods to creamy dips to fun shareables in festive shapes, these holiday appetizers pair perfectly with a sparkling cocktail and your favorite red sweater. Bring one of these festive holiday appetizer recipes to the party, and you’ll be everyone’s favorite guest.
1. Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath
Ultra-soft, buttery, and impossible to stop eating, this pull-apart garlic bread wreath is an easy crowd-favorite. This recipe is made with store-bought pizza dough to save time without sacrificing flavor. For a little extra pizazz, you could even stuff the dough balls with mozzarella before baking.
2. Upside-Down Onion and Gruyere Tarts
These show-stopping tarts may look intimidating at first glance, but they’re surprisingly low-lift once you start prepping. You may have seen a version of these upside-down pastry tarts on TikTok, which uses puff pastry baked on top of sliced onions and gruyere cheese for a one-and-done baking technique. Made with layers of cheese and rich, caramelized flavor, they come together in minutes and are ideal for anyone who wants an elegant dish with minimal effort.
3. Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Even if dates aren’t normally your go-to, stuffing them with cheese and wrapping them in crispy bacon turns them into instant holiday appetizer gold. Add a drizzle of rosemary honey for some extra-festive flavor, and bake until the bacon is crisp and candied. Then, watch them disappear faster than you can set them out.
4. Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
Nothing sets the tone for a holiday gathering like a chic charcuterie board. Shape your favorite snacks into a Christmas-tree layout using rosemary sprigs as “branches” for a simple, stunning centerpiece. It almost looks too pretty to touch, but with festive favorites like star-shaped cookies and wheels of brie, you’ll have me eating those words (literally). It’s a sure-fire way to make the occasion feel put-together without having to overthink what you want to put on the table.
5. Brie Bites
These little bites look like something from a gourmet spread but are shockingly simple to assemble. Plus, this holiday recipe makes nearly 50 individual appetizers, so they’re ideal for feeding bigger groups or snacky eaters. Each bite is full of melty cheese and cranberry sauce, tucked inside buttery pastry. Consider them the effortless show-stoppers your party snack table needed.
6. Thyme and Garlic Baked Camembert
This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients and offers a tasty alternative to your typical baked brie—though you can easily swap it in if that’s what you’ve got. Rich, creamy, earthy, and herby, this French-inspired appetizer makes any occasion feel instantly festive without any huge mess or fuss. Just score the top of your cheese, tuck in some garlic and thyme, and drizzle with olive oil. It all comes together in under 30 minutes and is delicious with toasted crostini or crackers.
7. Jalapeño Cranberry Dip
Spice lovers, this dip might just be your holiday soulmate. Made with fresh cranberries, jalapeños, and cream cheese, it adds a festive kick to your cracker spread and tucks perfectly onto any charcuterie board. The recipe also walks you through adjusting the heat so you can go mild or full fire. Pair it with your favorite holiday cocktail and let the conversations heat up right along with it.
8. Caramelized Onion, Spinach, and Cheddar Flaky Pastries
Holiday chaos is enough on its own, so thank goodness for recipes like this one that lean on store-bought pastry sheets to keep things easy. Despite the shortcut, the result still gives you a delicious, sweet-and-savory bite for your guests to rave about. Start by caramelizing the onions, then mix in herbs, spices, spinach, and cheese before stuffing and baking. For a game-changing finish, the recipe also recommends topping each pastry with honey, thyme, and flaky salt the moment they come out of the oven.
9. Mushroom Bruschetta
Whether it’s a holiday craft night with the girls or a full-on extended family function, this mushroom bruschetta will elevate any gathering you’ve got planned. The recipe can be made vegan or gluten-free, so any eater can enjoy it, and if sparkling wine is on your menu, consider this its perfect match.
10. Baked Brie with Pomegranates
Rich, gooey, and decked out with festive flavors, this baked brie is the simplest way to make your guests ooh and ahh. It takes just 15 minutes to assemble, but it looks effortlessly impressive when you take it out of the oven. Add pomegranates, crunchy pecans, honey, fresh thyme, or your favorite jams for seasonal flair.
11. Pesto Pinwheels
The best part about these pesto-y pinwheels is that you can make them ahead of time. With just five ingredients—puff pastry, pesto, mozzarella, prosciutto, and parmesan—they come together in just under 20 minutes, and also freeze beautifully for up to two months. Just pop a few in the oven when guests get snacky between meals, and you’ve got the perfect party trick to keep guests satisfied.
12. Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy BBQ Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
The secret to this holiday appetizer recipe is not skipping out on the homemade cranberry sauce—it really does add that cozy, sweet warmth your guests will love. Plus, it only takes 15 minutes to assemble, making it ideal for first-time hosts who want something stress-free but impressive. To make these meatballs, let them cook on high in the slow cooker for 2–3 hours or low for 6–7, then keep on warm for serving. They can also pull double duty as a main-menu item when paired with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or green veggies.
13. Baked Gruyère in Pastry with Rosemary and Garlic
Nothing truly sets a holiday mood like a warm, melty cheese dish, and this baked gruyère does the job beautifully. Made with cubed gruyère, fontina, and store-bought pastry sheets (bless), it’s just as easy as it is indulgent. The cozy aroma alone will have everyone drifting toward the kitchen for a quick bite.
14. Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Pomegranate and Honey
These mascarpone-stuffed dates will perfectly match your party’s Ralph Lauren Christmas vibes. Topped with nuts, pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of honey, this festive recipe is the perfect finger dessert for a cocktail party. The recipe recommends choosing plump, fresh Medjool dates, usually found in the refrigerated section.
15. French Onion Beef Sliders for a Crowd
Small but mighty, these French onion beef sliders will practically fly off the platter at any holiday gathering. Made with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and savory ground beef, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. These sliders are best fresh out of the oven, so wait to bake them until right before you’re ready to serve.
16. Slow Cooker Spinach Dip
This spinach and artichoke dip makes an easy holiday appetizer with minimal effort required. Just toss all the ingredients into a slow cooker, let the cheeses melt, and give it a stir. Then, grab your favorite crackers, veggies, or chips and dig in.
17. Goat Cheese Stuffed Figs
These goat cheese–stuffed figs are the kind of appetizer that looks incredibly chic, but takes almost no effort at all (the best combo). They hit every note at once: salty, sweet, savory, creamy, and perfectly crunchy. Set them out with your favorite seasonal beverage and watch them disappear in seconds.
18. Crab Dip
Crab dip is always a beloved holiday staple in my house, and this version is guaranteed to keep guests happy. It’s rich, cozy, and dangerously scoopable—making it perfect for New Year’s Eve parties or holiday gatherings. Pair it with bread, cauliflower chips, or your favorite crackers.
19. French Onion Tartlets
Brought to you by your local grocery store’s freezer aisle, these festive treats are made with pre-made mini fillo shells. It’s the perfect low-effort, high-reward holiday appetizer—just fill, bake, and enjoy. If you want to prep ahead, the recipe recommends freezing the filling and assembling fresh so the shells stay crisp.
20. Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus
Hummus makes a fantastic appetizer because it’s customizable for any season or flavor preference. For a festive winter edition, this recipe calls for seasonal add-ons like butternut squash, pomegranates, cranberries, and rosemary for a colorful and merry touch. It literally could not be easier to throw together but will make any table look chic. Store-bought hummus works perfectly as a base as well, if you don’t feel like going homemade.
21. Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Dip Stuffed Mushrooms
These sun-dried tomato and spinach–stuffed mushrooms are a guaranteed win for any holiday menu. They’re savory with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes, making them feel balanced and cozy. The recipe recommends cremini mushrooms for extra flavor, but white mushrooms work just as well.
22. Sweet Potato Casserole Bites
For a house full of sweet tooths, these sweet potato bites deliver the perfect post-lunch treat. Marshmallow tops make them kid-friendly and picky-eater approved, while a little touch of pecans can add a satisfying crunch. Simply season sweet potato slices with salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar, bake for 15 minutes, then top with mini marshmallows and broil until toasted. They’re easy, festive, and guaranteed to be a hit.
23. Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread
A savory twist to your favorite pull-apart bread, this cheesy, pesto-filled alternative is the perfect holiday treat to serve small gatherings. It does need two hours of resting time, so be sure to plan ahead and let the dough do its thing. If you somehow don’t finish it in one sitting, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. A few seconds in the microwave brings it right back to peak deliciousness.
24. Antipasto Appetizer Cheese Board
Packed with cured meats, cheeses, artichoke hearts, olives, nuts, and focaccia, this antipasto board keeps guests happily snacking while sipping something seasonal. It’s effortless to assemble with a quick grocery run—or a raid of your fridge. The variety makes it feel abundant and festive without any real cooking. Perfect for easy, low-stress hosting.
25. Roasted Balsamic Cranberry and Brie Crostini
These crostini appetizers are incredibly easy to make, but the cranberry topping makes them perfectly festive for the holidays. Toss some rosemary into a mixture of cranberries, sugar, and balsamic vinegar, then roast until the cranberries start to get sweet and juicy. This “magic topping” will certainly make your crostini a holiday hit.
26. Sweet and Spicy Party Nuts
This cozy, maple-coated nut mix is great for setting out in a bowl or packaging as festive parting gifts. Roast them until crisp, then drizzle with maple syrup and dust with cayenne and warm spices for extra merry flavor. You can use a mix of cashews, pecans, walnuts, and almonds so everyone finds their favorite. Feel free to swap or mix varieties depending on what you have on hand, too.
27. Festive Antipasto Skewers Christmas Wreath
A holiday appetizer that doubles as table decor means you’ve already won the night. This colorful, antipasto wreath—packed with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and more—is fun to assemble and great for getting the whole family involved. Once you’ve gathered all your favorite ingredients, thread them onto skewers and assemble your wreath shape. You can even prep the skewers a day ahead if you’re in a pinch, then arrange right before guests arrive.
28. Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Don’t be shy about packing these stuffed mushrooms to the brim with savory goodness. The recipe also recommends lightly dabbing the bottoms of the mushrooms when they come out of the oven—it’s key to keeping excess moisture off your plate. These babies can also be prepped in advance, making them ideal for cocktail parties or larger gatherings. They’re super easy, elegant, and a guaranteed crowd favorite.
29. Easy Potato Latkes
Made with just a few pantry staples, these delicious potato latkes fry up crisp on the outside and reveal a creamy, smooth potato-and-onion center with every bite. This traditional Hanukkah dish is simple, nostalgic, and endlessly snackable.
30. Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists
This recipe is destined to become a holiday classic. A flaky puff pastry twisted with cheese and wrapped in salty bacon and brown sugar, it makes for the perfect sweet-savory bite.
31. Whipped Goat Cheese Candied Bacon Dip
Made with spicy-sweet candied bacon and warm rosemary honey, this delightful creamy dip is perfect to set the table for a holiday party. It’s rich, cozy, and absolutely irresistible. For the silkiest texture, grab your food processor to whip the goat cheese until it’s perfectly smooth.
32. Caprese Christmas Tree
This caprese-style Christmas tree is as delicious as it is adorable. Fresh mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, herby basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze all come together in a festive, tree-shaped appetizer that will definitely impress your guests. Its natural red-green-white color palette is also perfectly on theme. Top it off with some flaky sea salt to really bring out those fresh flavors.
33. Smoked Salmon Labneh Board
This Middle Eastern–inspired salmon board is a fresh, flavor-packed twist on the viral butter board. Thick, creamy labneh topped with zesty salmon, herbs, and bright garnishes makes for the perfect in-between-meals appetizer to keep guests satisfied while you finish the main course. Serve it with crackers or warm bread for the ideal holiday bite.
34. Christmas Cheeseball
This festive cheese ball is a total showstopper. Made with rich cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, fresh herbs, and chopped veggies, it’s a fun upgrade to the classic holiday cheese ball—with way more personality. Decorated with earthy green parsley, tiny red tomatoes, yellow bell pepper pieces, and a swirl of pine nuts, it almost looks like holiday decor… but tastes like pure party magic. Serve with crackers and let the compliments on your craft skills roll in.
35. Christmas Appetizer Bites
These festive Christmas bites come together in just 25 minutes and deliver major holiday flavors with minimal effort. Their red-and-green color scheme makes them perfect for Christmas parties on the calendar. They’re cute, quick, and guaranteed to be one of the first trays people finish off.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.
Madigan Will, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Madigan writes and edits content for every topic under the digital media sun. As the oldest of four siblings, she enjoys utilizing her big sister persona to connect and inspire readers—helping them discover new ways to maximize their everyday.
Images included in graphics linked within article.
The post 35 Festive Appetizers to Bring to a Holiday Party appeared first on The Everygirl.
