Appetizer Ideas For A Holiday Party

With less than a week until Christmas and the holidays in full swing, we are in the midst of party season. Whether you are hosting your own party or attending a party with family and friends– there are so many fun appetizer ideas and recipes that will be sure to impress. Make something that is visually appealing, festive and delicious all at once! Preparing and serving appetizers during holiday parties is such a fun way to begin a party and welcome guests. Appetizers are an important part of any meal but are often overlooked. Serving holiday appetizers allows your guests to prepare their appetite and appreciate the meal to come. They are also a delicious way to kick off the holiday party.

Here is a round up of appetizer ideas that are perfect for any holiday party.

Appetizer Ideas For A Holiday Party

Cold Appetizer Ideas For Holiday Party

Charcuterie Board

A Charcuterie board is a great, easy app to throw together and feed a crowd. Impress your guests by making a Christmas tree charcuterie board with lots of yummy finger foods for your guests to enjoy at your Christmas party. This one from Get On My Plate is fairly simple to whip up but looks so pretty and festive. Feel free to substitute your favorite meats, cheeses, nuts and fruits.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are always a crowd pleaser and provide a nice hit of protein prior to the main event. These Christmas Deviled Eggs from Delicious are made with creme fraiche (can sub cream cheese or sour cream), dijon, mayo and a sprig of rosemary and pomegranate seeds for a festive garnish. I always love to add a pinch of cayenne pepper and worcestershire sauce to my deviled eggs too!

Holiday Cheese Ball Wreath

Another fun and festive holiday appetizer is this Holiday Cheese Ball Wreath from Food Network. This cheese mixture makes for a great dip for crackers, bread or crudités. Another simple recipe to whip up that makes a pretty decorative addition to any holiday spread.

Shrimp Cocktail

I love shrimp cocktail and the holidays always feel like the perfect time to enjoy it. This is a great app to put together in a pinch because it doesn’t involve any prep! Grab some pre-cooked shrimp from your local market and a yummy cocktail dip and voila! Throw it on a pretty plate and you have an app that will go like hot cakes! Want to throw together your own homemade Shrimp Cocktail Sauce? Try this recipe from The Black Peppercorn.

Olives & Cheese

This Festive Olive and Cheese Appetizer from All Recipes is another easy, yet impressive looking app to throw together without too much prep. Get your favorite olive and cheese combos from your local market and garnish with some rosemary sprigs.

AvoCado & Feta Dip

You can’t go wrong with a delicious avocado dip and this one with feta is so yummy! The color is so pretty for the season as well. The combination of flavors–avocado, feta, jalapeño and cilantro make such a delicious holiday app!

Warm Appetizer Ideas For Holiday Party

Winter Fruit Pavlova Roulade

Try this Winter Fruit Pavlova Roulade Recipe from Farmhouse Pottery. This Pavlova is so sweet and delicious and makes the perfect addition to a holiday party with pretty, cranberry, rosemary, pomegranate and persimmon garnishes.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a must for the holidays and these ones from Delish can’t be beat! This would make a great Christmas appetizer with the savory deliciousness of mushrooms, bread crumbs, cream cheese, parmesan, garlic and herbs. Yum!

Cranberry Brie Bites

I love this idea of Cranberry Brie Bites from Food Network. Although I usually make the traditional cranberry brie puff pastry it can get messy and lead to overeating before the main course. The combination of sweet cranberry sauce and savory brie and pastry in bite size pieces makes a perfect festive and delicious appetizer before Christmas dinner.

Spinach Dip

You can’t go wrong with warm dips over the holidays. Cold temperatures outside make us crave warm comfort foods. This Knorr Spinach dip recipe from Culinary Hill can be served hot or cold (note the change in recipe– sour cream versus cream cheese) and is delicious. Serve in a bread bowl and your guests won’t be able to resist!

Artichoke Dip

Artichoke dip is such a yummy, warm treat to eat especially during the winter holidays. This Hot Spinach Artichoke dip is delicious. The combination of artichoke, spinach, creamy cheeses and herbs can’t be beat!

Feeding Frenzy

This is a simple recipe from my in-laws that always disappears within seconds. Preheat your oven to 375. Layer an even spread of sour cream or cream cheese then salsa and top with cheddar cheese along a sheet pan. Cook for about 20 minutes and serve with tortilla chips. It’s simple and will feed a hungry crowd in a pinch! Keep the ingredients on hand to whip up on a whim if you are hosting this season!

Fondue Bread Bowl

Fondue is perfect for the chilly holiday season. Make your favorite fondue recipe and serve in a cut out bread bowl with veggies, cheeses, and meats. Try this Gouda-and-Beer Fondue Bread Bowl recipe from Food Network. Keep warm in a fondue pot!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

For those that like an appetizer with a kick, try The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip from The Forked Spoon. This classic buff chick recipe will make all your spicy dip dreams come true! Serve with tortilla chips, veggies or crackers! This makes for great leftovers too! Make wraps in tortillas or serve over greens.

What is your favorite appetizer recipe for the holidays? Let us know in the comments below!