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25+ Quick and Easy Holiday Appetizers
Robyn Stone
Published Dec 20, 2025
Explore 25+ quick and easy holiday appetizers for Christmas and New Year celebrations! Discover simple, crowd-pleasing recipes like festive dips, savory bites, and finger foods to elevate your holiday gatherings.
Planning Tips for Holiday Appetizers
- Servings per person: If only appetizers are being served, plan for 10-12 pieces per person over 2-3 hours. If appetizers are being served before a full meal, plan for 4-6 pieces per person. Adjust for kids (half portions) or heavy eaters.
- Variety: Offer a balance of hot and cold, and savory and sweet items. Plan for 5-7 different appetizers for 20+ guests.
Preparation Tips
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prep as many items as possible 1-2 days in advance. Assemble cold apps like cheese platters or dips the day before; bake or reheat hot ones on the day of the party. Freeze as many of the appetizers as can be safely frozen. Some may be frozen for at least a month ahead.
- Safety First: Keep raw meats separate to avoid cross-contamination. Chill perishables below 40°F (4°C) and reheat to 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne issues during busy holidays.
Serving Tips
- Presentation Matters: Arrange on tiered platters or boards for visual appeal—garnish with holiday herbs like rosemary for Christmas flair. Also, be sure to label items with allergen info.
- Flow and Timing: Set up a self-serve station away from the kitchen to encourage mingling. Serve in waves: cold apps first, then hot ones timed for freshness. Remember to replenish every 30-45 minutes.
- Portion Control: Use small plates or skewers for easy grabbing, which helps limit waste and keeps things tidy.
25+ Quick and Easy Holiday Appetizers
Cranberry Salsa Over Cream Cheese
Cranberry Salsa over Cream Cheese Recipe
Cookie Dough Dip
Cookie Dough Dip Recipe
Apple Dip
Easy Apple Dip Recipe
Warm Brie with Honeyed Fruit Compote
Warm Brie with Honeyed Cranberry Walnut Fruit Compote Recipe
Cranberry Meatballs
Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
S’mores Dip
S’mores Dip Recipe
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Spinach Dip Bites
Spinach Dip Bites Recipe
Bacon Cheddar Dip
Bacon Cheddar Dip Recipe
Southern Pimento Cheese
Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe
Pigs In a Blanket
Best Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Swedish Meatballs
Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Chicken Cheese Ball
Chicken Cheese Ball Recipe
Ranch Oyster Crackers
Ranch Oyster Crackers Recipe
Sausage Balls
Sausage Balls Recipe
Cheese Straws
Cheese Straws Recipe
Roasted Pecan Halves
Simple Roasted Pecan Halves Recipe
Honey Roasted Peanuts
Honey Roasted Peanuts Recipe
Sugar Coated Nuts
Sugar Coated Nuts Recipe
Chocolate Dipped Pecans
Chocolate Dipped Pecans Recipe
Cinnamon Pecans
Cinnamon Pecans Recipe
Praline Brie
Praline Brie Recipe
Pineapple Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread
Pineapple Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread Recipe
Deviled Eggs
Classic Deviled Eggs
Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Crab Cakes
Crab Cakes
Grape Jelly Meatballs
Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
Shrimp Dip
Shrimp Dip Recipe
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Enjoy! Robyn xo
