Easy Holiday Appetizers For Christmas and New Year's

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The holiday season brings no shortage of reasons to gather - from Christmas parties and family celebrations to casual New Year's get-togethers. And no matter the occasion, easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers are always the first thing guests reach for.

Three image collage of holiday party appetizers including cheese balls, puff pastry appetizers, charcuterie boards, and more.

Holiday Appetizers

The holiday season brings no shortage of reasons to gather - from pre-dinner social hours and open houses to Christmas celebrations and New Year's Eve parties. And no matter the occasion, easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers are always the first thing guests reach for.

This collection of easy holiday appetizers includes festive bites that are simple to prepare, easy to serve, and perfect for entertaining throughout the season. You'll find everything from cheese and charcuterie boards to puff pastry appetizers, like this Spinach Puff Pastry Christmas Tree, to crostini, finger foods, and small bites, like these mini quiches, designed to help you enjoy the celebration - not stay stuck in the kitchen.

Top view of Christmas Charcuterie Board in a wreath shape on a round wood cutting board with fruit, meats, and cheeses.

Easy Christmas Charcuterie Board

A quick and easy holiday charcuterie board for snack and grazing before the meal!

Christmas Charcuterie Board

A puff pastry Christmas tree rests on a wooden tray, adorned with sprigs of rosemary. Accompanying the festive display are small bowls of grated cheese, black pepper, and chili flakes, while fir branches add to the holiday charm.

Spinach Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

It's the festive season and this Spinach Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is savory treat you, your family, and guests will love. Simple to make with a cheesy spinach filling, store-bought puff pastry and pizza sauce for serving.

Spinach Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Holiday Cheese Board

This easy Holiday Cheese Board takes minutes to assemble, is a beautiful and delicious display of seasonal finger foods and appetizers that will keep everyone satisfied for parties and gatherings. I'm keeping it super simple with store-bought ingredients and almost zero prep.

Holiday Cheese Board

A variety of roasted mixed nuts, including pecans, cashews, and almonds, are scattered on a sheet of parchment paper. Coated with a shiny glaze hinting at slow cooker maple spice, they promise an enticing burst of flavor with every crunchy bite.

Slow Cooker Maple Spiced Nuts

Slow Cooker Maple Spiced Nuts. They've become a quick favorite in my house. And a popular gift for friends.

Crock Pot Spiced Nuts Recipe

A festive hummus platter topped with chopped parsley, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta, arranged in a wreath shape on a wooden board. A bowl of pita chips is placed in the center. Pine branches are visible in the background.

Christmas Hummus Wreath Appetizer

A quick and easy party appetizer that will take you minutes to make. Delicious homemade hummus spread into a wreath shape and decorated with cherry tomatoes, parsley, feta, and a simple-to-make red pepper bow!

Hummus Christmas Wreath

Small puff pastry squares topped with melted cheese, a dollop of red jam, and fresh herbs make for easy holiday appetizers, beautifully arranged on a wooden serving board.

www.kitchensanctuary.com

Cranberry Brie Bites

"A simple appetizer or party snack that always gets polished off in minutes!"

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Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists.

Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twist...the holiday app everyone asks for...year after year...quick, easy, and delicious!

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Four cranberry pecan goat cheese balls, coated with chopped herbs and nuts, sit on a wooden board next to a cheese knife.

Quick Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls

Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls, a festive, delicious appetizer or holiday snack, is so simple and easy it will become your go-to recipe. It is packed with cranberries, pecans, and fresh parsley and seasoned with cinnamon and honey. It's incredibly delicious.

Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls

Close-up of a plate with deviled eggs, each topped with creamy yellow filling. This delightful deviled eggs recipe is garnished with small green herbs, neatly arranged on a light-colored plate, creating an appetizing presentation.

Easy Deviled Eggs Recipe

This best Deviled Eggs recipe is an elevated twist on a classic with a few simple ingredients like hard boiled eggs, pickle juice, and mustard.

Deviled Eggs Recipe

A white plate with skewers of salami, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil, arranged in a circle around a bowl of green pesto dip. The plate sits on a wooden board.

Easy Salami Caprese Skewers Recipe

These Salami Caprese Skewers are a simple and delicious no-cook appetizer made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and savory Genoa salami. Perfect for summer entertaining, potlucks, or easy snacking.

Salami Caprese Skewers

www.thekitchenalchemist.co.uk

Beef and horseradish crostini

A very British canapé. Beef and horseradish are best friends that hold a special place in many a Brit's heart. But contrary to popular belief, they don't only have to put in an appearance at Sunday lunch. Oh no. They go a treat on a delicate little crostini too, making them ideal snackage for part

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Vertical top view of Mediterranean Charcuterie Board

Easy Mediterranean Charcuterie Board

This Mediterranean Charcuterie Board is a simple, delicious meal that's incredibly easy to assemble. Minutes to make and filled with healthy Mediterranean options for all your favorite gatherings, whether for parties, dinners on the patio, or picnics in the park.

Mediterranean Charcuterie Board

A baked brie covered in golden pastry, garnished with rosemary and surrounded by grapes, cranberries, round crackers, and decorative pumpkins. A cheese knife rests on a marble slab nearby.

Baked Brie Recipe

Elevate your fall parties with the irresistible combination of creamy Baked Brie, honey, and cranberries. A crowd-pleasing appetizer that's quick and easy to make.

Bake Brie Recipe

An oval platter with mini tarts topped with diced tomatoes, herbs, and melted cheese. The platter is set on a marble surface, surrounded by red roses in silver vases.

pizzazzerie.com

Kentucky Hot Brown Bites

Try these delicious Kentucky Hot Brown Bites for a quick and easy appetizer, perfect for the Kentucky Derby or any occasion.

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Party style Mini Quiche on a wood serving board

Easy Mini Quiche Recipe

Homemade Mini Quiche is so incredibly easy to make, you'll find yourself skipping the freezer section of your market. Delicious party food, teatime snack (or coffee break too), this recipe shows you how simple it is to make 3 different mini quiche varieties in one mini muffin tin.

Mini Quiche Recipe

Stuffed Mushrooms

"A delicious start to any gathering, Stuffed Mushrooms make a festive and easy appetizer for any occasion."

Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Side view of Mexican Shrimp Cocktail in serving glasses garnished with shrimp and cilantro

Easy Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a delicious, easy summer appetizer that's packed with tender cooked shrimp and veggies in a spiced cocktail sauce.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Cucumber slices topped with a delightful blend of ingredients, perhaps a savory combo like chicken or ham salad, garnished with sprigs of dill. These tasty bites are neatly arranged on a pristine white platter.

Simple Ham Salad Recipe

A simple ham salad recipe elevated to incredible with the addition of a few unique ingredients. And is utterly delicious. Ready in 10 minutes, it's a salad you'll make all season!

Ham Salad Cucumber Bites

aclassictwist.com

Spinach Artichoke Dip Bites

Why have spinach artichoke dip when you can have spinach artichoke dip bites wrapped in a warm buttery crust?? These are perfect for Game Day.

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Closeup side view of tartlets on a serving platter with silver tongs.

Rose Zucchini Tartlets

Celebrate summer and delight guests with elegant rose zucchini tartlets. These easy puff pastry appetizers are perfect for teatime and garden parties.

Easy Zucchini Rose Tartlets

www.foodandwine.com

Smoked-Trout-and-Caper-Cream-Cheese Toasts Recipe

Inspired by the classic combination of bagels with lox and cream cheese, Tory Miller devised this variation using smoked and locally raised trout.

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www.freebiefindingmom.com

Christmas Party Appetizer Ideas: Christmas Tree, Snowman Cheese Balll

These Christmas Tree and Snowman Cheese Ball designs are sure to be a crowd pleaser at your holiday parties. Learn how to make them today!

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www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com

Warm Bacon Cheese Dip - The Girl Who Ate Everything

Warm Bacon Cheese Dip that can be prepared in minutes and is a crowd pleaser. Bring this appetizer dip to watch the game!

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www.myrecipes.com

Roasted Fennel & Prosciutto Flatbread Recipe

Gourmet without all the work! Roasted fennel and prosciutto flatbread has all the flavor combinations and crispy crust you could want!

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Top view of Hummus on a black and white plate with olive oil, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion

5 Minute Hummus Recipe

This homemade hummus recipe is a quick and easy, healthy party food or afternoon snack that's utterly addictive, creamy, and delicious, and made with about 4 ingredients in 5 minutes or less.

5 Minute Hummus

Black Eyed Peas Dip

Black Eyed Peas Dip is a warm, creamy and delicious dip oozing with cheesy goodness, packed with flavor, and simple to make!

Black Eyed Peas Dip

Blue and White Bowl of Everything Bagel Pretzels

Everything Bagel Pretzels: Quick & Easy Party Food

Take your party pretzels to a new level and make Everything Bagel Pretzels. They are the quickest and easiest party food, and absolutely delicious. Made in minutes with 3 simple ingredients.

Everything Bagel Pretzels

Side view of Hot Caprese Dip with pitas and cheese pulling up from the dish.

Easy Caprese Dip Recipe

Hot Caprese Dip is an easy party appetizer filled with the Mediterranean flavors we love! It's zippy, cheesy, and oh-so-simple with a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes in the oven! It's party time!

Hot Caprese Dip Recipe

Homemade Sweet and Spicy Coconut Curry Popcorn

A fun twist for holiday appetizers -- and one everyone loves!

Coconut Curry Popcorn

Side view of candied nuts in a silver serving dish

Sweetly Spiced Candied Nuts

Sweetly Spiced Candied Nuts are a perfect combination of savory and sweet. They make fabulous holiday gifts and are always a crowd pleaser. Easy to make with less than 5 minutes of prep and a few minutes in the oven.

Spiced Nuts Recipe

Why These Holiday Appetizers Work for Any Celebration

Holiday hosting looks different for everyone - but the best appetizer recipes share a few commonalities. The recipes in this roundup are:

Easy to make with familiar ingredients
Well-suited for parties where guests graze and mingle
Flexible for different occasions, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations
Reliable crowd-pleasers you can count on year after year

Whether you're hosting an open house, planning snacks before a holiday meal, or setting out bites for a New Year's Eve party, these appetizers fit right in.

Simple Tips for Holiday Appetizer Planning

When planning holiday appetizers, a little strategy goes a long way. For grazing-style gatherings, plan on 2-3 appetizers per hour, with a mix of warm and cold options for easy timing. Choosing at least one make-ahead recipe helps reduce last-minute prep, while saving one warm appetizer to serve fresh keeps the spread feeling special.

Small seasonal touches - like fresh herbs, nuts, or citrus - add a festive feel without extra effort.

From Christmas gatherings to New Year's celebrations, these easy holiday appetizers are designed to make entertaining feel effortless. Bookmark this list - it's one you'll reach for all season long.

More Easy Appetizers to Try

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