Are you ready for the hustle and bustle of the quickly approaching holiday season? With all the planning that takes place, make sure you’re prepared with some go-to holiday appetizer recipes. Festive, delicious, and memorable, these holiday appetizers will be the first to go!
From pomegranate goat cheese bites to baked brie and prosciutto rolls, we’ve got you covered. Just click the link below the image to get the recipe. Enjoy!
01 | Pomegranate Goat Cheese Bites
These are listed first for a reason: they’re easy, they’re festive, and they’re absolutely delicious. There are so many renditions of a phyllo bite but these are my favorite for the holiday season. I’ve served these for a light appetizer before Thanksgiving dinner as well as at a few holiday parties and they’re always a hit.
02 | Roasted Stuffed Dates
I grew up with the bacon wrapped date (still good!) but after discovering this delicious recipe there’s no going back. Especially when I’m in a hurry. These can be made hours ahead and you don’t have the fuss of making sure the bacon is fully cooked. Plus, the crunch of the walnuts is addicting!
03 | Quick Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey
I’m a huge ricotta fan, and this ricotta dip does not disappoint. Given it’s a lighter cheese, it’s a nice alternative to bring to a holiday party to counterbalance all of the heavy and rich appetizers. Extra tip: I actually use this as a topping for salmon as well.
04 | Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Goat Cheese Bites
A savory option for a phyllo bite, this one definitely impresses! I love the color story of this appetizer- perfect for the holidays.
05 | Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Bites with Puff Pastry
These are glorious and always are quick to go at holiday parties. While they look like they may be difficult, they’re actually quite the opposite. Simply use a sheet of defrosted puff pastry and a cookie cutter to make the tart shapes. Options are endless with the shape you choose!
06 | Prosciutto, Pear, And Blue Cheese Appetizer
Fair warning on this one, they take a bit of gracefulness to put together, but after a few you’ll get the hang of it! Cutting the blue cheese in the correct size and having enough of a curve carved in the pear is key. They sure are worth it though! Tip: sprits some lemon on the pears to keep them from browning right away.
07 | Sparkling Cranberry Brie Bites
These little bites are at the top of my list to try this year. I love the sparkle and think they’re perfect for a transition from Thanksgiving’s cranberry sauce to Christmas’ red and green color story. Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried these!
08 | Easy Pesto Tortellini Skewers
Super simple, super yummy. Kids and adults love these and the skewer makes them super easy to eat. The green tortellini is perfect for the Christmas holidays but you can easily try alternatives like butternut squash for more of a Fall feel.
09 | Bacon Blue Deviled Eggs with Roasted Garlic and Asparagus
This. Is. The. Best. Deviled. Egg.
I can’t say it enough: it’s absolutely divine! First, I love the updated plating with the egg standing upright versus on it’s side. The added asparagus is truly the perfect crunch, and the blue cheese? You’ll be in heaven. This is truly a jaw droppingly beautiful appetizer to bring to any holiday party.
Related: 15 Fabulously Gourmet Deviled Egg Recipes
10 | Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip
I brought this dip to a work holiday party and I was honestly surprised by how many people loved it! It has just the right amount of unexpected kick from the jalapeno that blends really nicely with the tartness of the cranberries. It’s so easy to make and store that it became my potluck go to!
11 | Mushroom Tartlets
You’re either a mushroom person or you’re not, and if you are… these are for you! These are yummy in all the right ways. The only problem with them? They go fast!
12 | Crispy Prosciutto Cups with Goat Cheese and Figs
I always love including figs in my holiday meals and these are one of my all time favorites. The color is just striking and overall makes for a very memorable bite.
Related: Top 25 Holiday Gourmet Side Dishes
13 | Roasted Lemon Spinach and Artichoke Dip
If you haven’t discovered Half Baked Harvest yet, you’re welcome. She has the absolute best recipes and are food photography alone is inspiring beyond belief! I have yet to be disappointed by any of her recipes, and this one truly lives up to all the hype. I love the twist of adding pine nuts and lemon to this dip: genius!
14 | Baked Brie and Prosciutto Rolls
After my rave review of Half Baked Harvest I would be remised if I didn’t give you another amazing recipe! I love these prosciutto rolls. They’re so fun to eat and the kids love helping me make them. The gooey brie? No one can resist!
15 | Gorgonzola Pear English Muffin Pizzas
A little more informal, these english muffin pizzas are cozy and delicious and perfect for a night carving pumpkins or watching Christmas movies. I often time swap the gorgonzola for blue cheese and swear by using sour dough english muffins- try it and let me know what you think!
16 | Warm Baked Brie Crescent Roll
This little appetizer is much easier to make then it appears and it’ll have your guests wondering how on Earth you were able to do it! Simply wrap the brie in two pieces of crescent roll dough and brush with egg wash. Easy peasy!
17 | Garlic Herb Roasted Olives with Burrata
Olives and Burrata should be at every party, non negotiable. This recipe from our girl Tieghan at Half Baked Harvest is the winner though! You’ll never want to try another recipe again. Promise.
18 | Brown Sugar and Brown Butter Derby Pecans
Nothing screams holiday season like a handmade nut mix. This is such a great appetizer for any holiday party or holiday potluck but also serves as a great holiday gift. Simply wrap up in a cute little bag with ribbon and a note with the recipe. Easy, thoughtful, personal.
Related: Top Best 20 Halloween Recipes
19 | Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
Yum. Yum. Yum. These are an obvious crowd pleaser! I love the bright color and who seriously says no to a great bruschetta?
20 | Baked Shrimp and Chive Rice Paper Dumplings
I tried these one night for a side dish for dinner and my God, we thought we had gone to heaven. I’ll be the first to admit I am not the best at making the squares perfect but the unbelievable taste is so worth the try. I ended up watching this YouTube video on 16 ways to fold Dumplings and made a few different shapes instead.
21 | Feta Spinach Stuffed French Bread
I love this appetizer for many reasons but namely you can assemble pretty quickly at your hosts’ home, making it easy to transport. Simply have the bread scooped prior and bring the filling in a baggie you can throw away while there. No worrying about the individual bruschetta flying off your plate or getting smooshed by the plastic wrap while you commute. You can even have guests cut their own slices to simplify your prep even more.
22 | Cranberry Brie Bites
You can’t go wrong with brie or cranberries during the holidays which is why this is the perfect combo. I love the added rosemary for color and flavor too. Truly a perfect bite!
23 | Cranberry Pistachio Fig Cheese Log
I love a recipe that serves as a great base but allows for you to interpret and try out different variations. I love the combination of the fig puree and pistachio but also loved experimenting substituting in some spicy crushed pecans. You really can’t go wrong with a goat cheese log!
24 | Beef Wellington Bites with Dijon Sauce
I hear “beef wellington” and can’t help but think of Gordon Ramsey. Just me? Well, these are a beef wellington sure to get his approval. Savory and juicy, these bites will have you craving more!
25 | Cheesy Savory Thumbprint Cookies with Bourbon Tomato Jam
I love a savory cookie. Such a unique appetizer to bring so you’re sure to wow. Having a few different tomato jam options is always fun too!
Tried any of these? Let us know how they turned out in the comments! Wishing you all a very merry holiday season!
[…] Related: The Best 25 Holiday Appetizers […]