The best holiday appetizers that are perfect for the season and will delight your guests!
From Thanksgiving to the New Year, we gather with family and friends over tasty treats and toast the holidays. Music, conversation and laughter abounds but food will always be the focal point of any holiday party.
Whether you’re planning a casual cocktail soiree, a formal Christmas dinner or a blowout New Year’s bash, this holiday appetizer recipe roundup with amazing party food from some of my favorite bloggers will help make you the toast of the party!
How many holiday appetizers do I need?
For every 10 guests, it’s ideal to have at least 5 appetizer selections, with each selection serving 10-12 guests. You can multiply this base amount by each group of 10 you have and subtract 2 to get an approximate amount. This will ensure you don’t run out of food. As the number grows, you can double up on amounts and worry less about the number of appetizer selections.
20 guests = 8-10 appetizer selections
30 guests = 13-15 appetizer selections
40 guests = 18-20 appetizer selections
(at this point, do yourself a HUGE favor and make it potluck or hire a caterer!)
50 guests = 20-25 appetizer selections
Buffet Layout with Party Food
Consider investing in or renting warming trays or a buffet server if you plan to serve several warm appetizers. If possible, have the food spaced out in several stations and have plates, napkins and utensils set-up in several locations to avoid too much traffic in one area.
No matter what, your party will be a hit with these delicious holiday appetizers (and maybe a cocktail or two)!
1. Cheddar Bacon Puffs
These easy-to-bake cheddar and bacon puffs are airy little cheese puffs with loads of flavor. Partygoers will be addicted.
2. Slow Cooker Candied Nuts
These candied nuts are perfect on a holiday party buffet and for holiday gifts too!
3. Herbed Cheese Ball
A savory cheese ball is ubiquitous with holiday gatherings and this one delights with toasted pine nuts covering a creamy, herb-filled cheese ball.
4. Mistletoe Mimosas
This elegant holiday mimosa, made with pomegranate and rosemary, is perfect for holiday gatherings. Cheers!
5. 5 Million Dollar Dip
5 Million Dollar Dip is made with, you guessed it, 5 ingredients. It’s simple, easy and deliciously addicting! Serve with buttery round crackers or toasted baguette slices and your golden.
6. Cranberry Brie Pastry Tarts
Half Baked Harvest promises everyone will love these sweet and savory tarts and I agree!
7. Baked Parmesan Fingerling Potato Fries
Easy Baked Parmesan Fingerling Potato Fries make the perfect holiday appetizer! These grown-up version of fries are perfectly seasoned with a crispy exterior and creamy buttery interior.
8. Prosciutto Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini
This is the perfect holiday party food that has a delicious combination of sweet, salty and creamy. And no utensils required!
9. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
What could be better than shrimp wrapped in bacon?! This simple shrimp appetizer has a bit of a sweet and spicy mix and will become one of your favorite holiday appetizers.
10. Cranberry Meatballs
Meatballs make a perfect appetizer, especially for the holidays. And this meatball recipe with an incredible cranberry sauce is out of this world.
11. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
These crab stuffed mushrooms filled with tender crab and three types of cheese and baked to golden brown perfection. An easy and elegant appetizer that can be assembled ahead of time!
12. Creamy Spanakopita Tarts
These delightful tarts pay homage to the classic Spanakopita! These festive and foolproof mini phyllo tarts are filled with a lighter spinach and feta filling. And they are amazing.
13. Baked Ham and Cheese Rollups
A delightfully tangy mustard glaze make these Baked Ham and Cheese Rollups standout from the crowd.
14. Reuben Egg Rolls
These are not your traditional Chinese restaurant egg rolls. They are savory and tangy and utterly delicious!
15. Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites
These Fried Tortellini Bites are surrounded by a crispy Parmesan Crust and make a fantastic appetizer with some warm marinara sauce for dipping!
16. Caprese Salad Kabobs
Trade in the usual crudité platter for these fun kabobs. Finish with a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar and your guests will devour them.
17. Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppadews
Peppadews have a sweet, briny flavor with an oh-so-subtle kick. As yummy as they are on there own, stuffing them creamy goat cheese makes these delightful little peppers absolutely addictive!
18. Puff Pastry Caviar Canapés
A holiday party isn’t complete without bubbly and caviar. And these bite size puff pastries are stuffed with savory butter and bright, briny caviar. Pour a glass of champagne for the perfect accompaniment.
19. Smoked Salmon Latkes With Scandinavian Horseradish Cream
These crisp, rösti-style potato pancakes are topped with smoked salmon and fresh horseradish cream. Partygoers will adore these!
20. Sweet & Spicy Chicken Bites
These delicious Sweet & Spicy Chicken Bites are a family favorite holiday appetizer.
21. Pretzel Pastry Pigs with Hard Cider Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Classic pigs in a blanket are taken to the next level here. Wrapped in homemade pretzel dough and served with a tangy cheese and cider sauce for dipping, these piggies are perfect for any party!
22. Tamale Bites
These festive and zesty Tamale Bites are a sure-hit for all your gatherings and holiday parties!
23. Caramel Apple Cider Mimosas
These Caramel Apple Cider Mimosas are decadent and delicious. As you know, I love a good mimosa recipe, and this is my favorite one for the holidays!
24. Sausage Bites with Fig Mustard
The combination of the mustard with fig is superb and perfectly pairs with sliced sausage.
25. Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe
Need an easy dip recipe? This Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip is delicious and made in the crock pot with lots of cheeses, fresh spinach and artichoke hearts.
GET THE RECIPE
26. Caviar, Kettle Chips and Crème Fraîche
Caviar and crème fraîche are a classic canapé combo. Substitute traditional blinis with homemade kettle chips and you have a decadent appetizer that is addictively delicious!
GET THE RECIPE
