25 Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers To Bring To Your Next Holiday Gathering

Dried Beef Cheese Ball

“This dried beef cheese ball recipe is a festive favorite in our house,” says Allrecipes member Kristi Demanette, who shared this recipe. “Grandma usually doubles the recipe—otherwise, it won’t last long! It can be rolled in ground nuts, bacon bits, or left plain.”

Olive Puffs

Allrecipes member Syd, who shared this recipe, says “These puff pastry-wrapped olives are our family’s favorite holiday appetizer. We make them with a variety of olives – pimento stuffed green, plump kalamata, Provencal – just make sure they are pitted. We like to use strongly flavored olives; the flavor of canned ripe olives disappears in the puff pastry. You can make these ahead, and freeze; allow 30 minutes for the pastry to thaw before baking. Another advantage: the kids like to make them and eat them.”

Sausage Balls

“These sausage balls are a real crowd pleaser, whether you serve them as a breakfast or brunch treat, a holiday party appetizer, or a game-day nibble,” said Allrecipes member Stephanie, who shared this recipe. “Savory sausage, store-bought biscuit mix, and sharp Cheddar cheese team up for a yummy savory flavor that can’t be beaten! My family makes these every Christmas morning.”

Stuffed Peppadews

Can’t get much easier than this! Two simple ingredients that pack a big punch come together for an irresistibly piquant bite.

Pine Cone Cheese Ball

This festive (and delicious) cheese ball is a show-stopper of an appetizer.

“I made this for Thanksgiving and Christmas,” said one Allrecipes member. “I had family just hang out by the cheese dip, and they kept coming back! Great recipe, got lots of compliments, I will definitely be making this again! Thanks Chef John.”

Hot Pepper Jelly

I love this two-ingredient appetizer so much I wrote a story about it—and I enjoy it every holiday season. It couldn’t be easier to pack, you can even assemble onsite.

“Well, I had my doubts about this simple appetizer, but I made it anyway for Thanksgiving last year,” shared another Allrecipes community member. “It was HUGELY popular. So I had to drop my high-brow notion that appetizers needed to be complicated. Do yourself a favor and try this.”

Hazelnut-Chai Twists

“These hazelnut-chai twists are a pantry-friendly appetizer featuring chocolate-hazelnut spread and chai seasoning,” says recipe developer Sarah Brekke. “They will be a surefire hit at your next party. If you don’t have chai seasoning, try cinnamon or apple pie spice.”

Cranberry Brie Bites

Everyone loves this tangy, cheesy, and creamy appetizers. They’re a a classic for a reason! Pack a big Tupperware full of these delicious morsels and watch them disappear.

“These little bites are delicious and very addictive,” shared one reviewer. “They make a great appetizer for Thanksgiving, since you can prep them up to 3 days in advance. This is definitely a keeper recipe for me! Thanks for sharing your recipe!”

Savory Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Fun and easy to make, this savory puff pastry Christmas tree is filled with a combination of creamy goat cheese and sun-dried tomato pesto. It’s so much easier to make than it looks and is guaranteed to get lots of “oohs and aahs” from guests!

Parmesan Cookies

These savory cookies are so easy to prepare and call for just 3 ingredients. You can prepare the dough and then refrigerate until ready to bake. Serve with wine as a nibble, or as part of an appetizer spread.

“We really like this recipe for a savory cookie,” said one reviewer. “I made a change using 4 oz butter and 4 oz goat cheese since I am a bit sensitive to dairy products. I’m making them again today for a gathering. Thanks for the semi-wild idea!”

Best Spinach Dip Ever

This five-ingredient dip sure is a crowd pleaser—and the bread bowl is just an added flourish. Feel free to serve in a bowl or Tupperware container, it will be just as tasty!

“Easy to make and takes no time at all,” says one reviewer. “Great taste and I love the water chestnuts! If you don’t like spinach then try it with finely chopped broccoli! I got rave reviews for that version and I always use dry vegetable soup mix. One of my favorite recipes to do with home made pumpernickel bread!”

Brie and Apple Mini Tarts with Thyme Caramel

Savory mini Brie cheese, apple, and walnut tarts are drizzled with a thyme-infused caramel and finished with a sprinkling of flaky salt. Make these ahead of time and bring along to your next holiday party—it’s sure to be a hit!

Best Smoked Salmon Dip

This recipe can be prepped up to three days in advance, making it a great option for the busy holiday season.

“This was great! I grew up in Alaska so had high standards, and this recipe meets the mark,” said one reviewer. “I made 1/2 the recipe with homemade smoked salmon. Only difference is I used Neufchatel cheese instead of cream cheese, and didn’t have fresh dill so I used the conversion of Dried dill. Very flavorful, I’m definitely making this one again. Thank you for the recipe!”

Candied Walnuts

Allrecipes member Dawn Timmerman says “candied walnuts are easy to make at home with this simple recipe. They’re such a special treat for the holidays that it’s well worth every minute it takes to make them. Store cooled nuts in airtight containers.”

“I make these every year during the holidays for my family and ALL my neighbors, I’ve been making them for 6-7 years,” shared one reviewer.

Kalamata Olive Tapenade

“I didn’t change a thing,” said one Allrecipes member. “I have made this a number of times as an appetizer when we’ve had guests for dinner, and everyone (or at least those who like olives!) loves it. It is nice on top of hummus as well. Thanks for the great recipe!”

Salami and Cream Cheese Stuffed Pepperoncini

This dish comes together just as fast as you can assemble it. No cooking required! This is great on its own, or as a part of a festive cheese and meat board.

Sicilian Eggplant Caponata

I grew up enjoying this dish around the holidays, and it makes such a great option for bringing to a party. It gets better the longer it sits, and can be served at any temperature. Serve with crusty bread or crackers. Any leftovers can be used to top pasta, or used as a relish in a panino.

“I made this dish exactly as directed and I was extremely pleased with the result,” shared one reviewer. “I served it over tortellini and I will definitely make this again.”

Cheesy Pesto Roll Wreath

This savory appetizer is great to eat as a bite on its own or spread onto crackers. You can add fresh rosemary sprigs and cherry tomatoes to make the wreath even more festive.

” It was tasty, good and impressively festive,” shared one Allrecipes member. “Glad we made this!”

No Bake Pecan Pie Dip

Why save pecan pie for dessert when you can have it for an appetizer?  Think crunch paired with creaminess. Allrecipes culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin likes it best with apple slices, but pretzel crisps or crackers also work well.

Party Pinwheels

“Pinwheels are a must-have at holiday parties,” says Maddies Mom, the Allrecipes member who shared this recipe. “This recipe is easy to make and delicious.” The red bell peppers and green onion and celery make this version particularly festive, but feel free to mix it up and make it your own

Chex Muddy Buddies

This dish is simple, sweet, and so easy to transport.

“The first time i made it i followed the recipe, the second time I made it i used cinnamon Chex, I like the original way better,” shared one reviewer. “Milk chocolate is a really good chocolate to use. This was a huge hit for Thanksgiving and Christmas, everyone loved them.”

Parmesan Puff Pastry Stars

This two-ingredient recipe is deceptively simple, and oh-so tasty. Party goers can snack on these on its own, or as a part of a charcuterie board—a cheesy vehicle for dips, spreads, and meats.

Festive Olive and Cheese Appetizer

This easy-to-assemble cherry tomato, olive, and cheese appetizer platter is arranged with fragrant rosemary sprigs to resemble a holiday wreath. Your friends and family will love nibbling on this beautiful display. Serve with toothpicks.

“Made this for my family Christmas party, so easy and beautiful,” said one Allrecipes user. “There was barely anything left, besides the rosemary sprigs. I will make this again and look forward to taking to a friends house.”

Alabama Fire Cracker Dip

This Alabama firecracker dip is a creamy dip with shreds of Cheddar cheese, and just enough cayenne pepper to provide a little kick at the end of each bite. The ranch seasoning adds aromatic, herbal notes.

“My friends and family went crazy for this super easy, make ahead dip,” said an Allrecipes member. “Served with Ritz crackers and it disappeared!!! YUMMY!! Everyone asks for this recipe.”

Best Ever Party Appetizer

We have to round out this list with the “best ever party appetizer.” The combination of marinated goat’s cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, and herbs is pretty irresistible. Serve on a platter with a sliced baguette. Everyone’s going to ask you for the recipe!

“Took this to a Christmas Party and it was a big hit,” said an Allrecipes member. “As simple as this is the flavor is wonderful. Will definitely make this again as is.”