97 Best Appetizers for New Year's and Christmas

Learn how to make simple yet elegant appetizers for your holiday party.

Christmas wreath made of deviled eggs

Deviled eggs are one of the most popular holiday appetizers. Delight your guests not only with their flavor but also with their beautiful presentation. Arrange the eggs on a board to form a Christmas wreath with a red bow. The egg filling, which forms the wreath itself, is made with fresh herbs, giving the wreath its matching color. The bow filling is made with cheddar and paprika, but for an even brighter bow, top the deviled eggs with chopped pickled pimento peppers. The flavor combination is amazing, and this wreath looks absolutely stunning.

Tortellini with cheese on skewers

What could be more perfect for a party than these festive caprese-style appetizers, decorated with all the colors of the New Year's holidays?

Baked brie in puff pastry with artichokes and spinach

Popular holiday appetizers come together in this recipe for baked brie with spinach and artichokes. Melting brie and a cheesy spinach and artichoke dip are wrapped in a sheet of puff pastry and baked until the shell turns into a crisp, golden crust. Place this treat in the center of the table, arranging crackers and baguette slices (crostini) around for spreading and enjoying. It's a perfect appetizer with wine.

Festive Pizza "New Year's Wreath"

A simple sausage and pepperoni pizza is transformed into a festive wreath for the holiday table. Topped with a golden-brown bow and fresh basil, this pie is just too cute to eat.

Breadsticks with pesto and mozzarella

These Italian-style breadsticks, baked according to this simple recipe, will be a hit among the appetizers at your party. To make them, you'll need just three ingredients: store-bought croissant puff pastry, mozzarella, and pesto sauce (plus a handful of flour for working with the dough). You'll get beautiful, crispy twists filled with cheese and fragrant pesto, leaving you plenty of time to spend with friends instead of in the kitchen. Serve warm. They're delicious on their own or with dipping sauces.

Knot Buns with Cranberries and Brie Cheese

These simple buns are made with store-bought pizza dough, which saves a lot of time. But the truly magical flavor comes from the cranberry sauce and Brie filling. Form the dough into knots, top with the filling, and bake until the buns are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted. The flavor combination is amazing! Serve as an appetizer with the remaining cranberry sauce for dipping.

Canapes with meatballs

Juicy beef meatballs, fried to a crispy crust, are perfect for appetizers at home gatherings, especially when served appropriately, such as canapés. Place one meatball and a round slice of pickled cucumber on a toasted square of rye bread, spread with brown mustard, and pierce the whole thing with a skewer. The flavor combination is superb: the spicy, smoky meatball, the tangy mustard, and the sweet and sour cucumber. This appetizer will be a hit at your party.

Crostini with Brie and Prosciutto

This sophisticated yet easy-to-make Mediterranean-inspired appetizer will be a hit with all your guests. Baguette slices are topped with Brie cheese and toasted in the oven to create a creamy texture and crispy bread. Each crostini is then drizzled with a drop of honey and garnished with prosciutto ribbons. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, if desired, for a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Marinated Feta Cheese – 3 Recipes

With a few spices and a little time, ordinary feta can be transformed into a delicious appetizer to serve with baguette toast or grilled vegetables and meats. This recipe features three versatile flavor combinations, all prepared using the same method: feta with garlic, lemon, and herbs, feta with smoked chipotle, and feta with sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes. Marinate the feta in trendy Mason jars for a visually appealing appetizer, or to share with friends. Leftover fragrant oil is perfect for salad dressing.

Crab cakes with brown rice

Geoffrey Zakarian suggests serving these miniature crab cakes as an appetizer at a house party. Made with real crab meat, brown rice, and spices, they're incredibly juicy and delicious. Large Japanese panko breadcrumbs and frying in a mixture of vegetable oil and butter create a wonderfully crispy coating. Pair these crab cakes with a quick aioli sauce made with mayonnaise and fresh herbs.

Festive Brie Cheese Pouches

Brie cheese is one of the most popular treats for Christmas and New Year's. Whether at a feast or a buffet party, appetizers made with it are always a hit thanks to its wonderfully creamy texture and ability to pair harmoniously with other ingredients. Ree Drummond suggests making miniature puff pastry pouches with a slice of brie folded inside, topped with dried cranberries, pistachios, and rosemary. To give these crispy pouches a festive look when serving, arrange them on a tray, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, and garnish with rosemary sprigs.

Puff pastry buns with sausage and honey mustard

This interesting alternative to sausage rolls makes a great appetizer for any occasion. It's incredibly easy to make with just three ingredients. Store-bought puff pastry is spread with honey mustard, sprinkled with pieces of Polish smoked sausage, and rolled into a roll. At this point, you can refrigerate the dough for a few hours. This will help it set better, making it easier to cut the roll into individual buns. It's also a great way to prepare everything in advance and pop it in the oven for when guests arrive, as these puff pastries are best eaten warm.

Pretzel-flavored monkey muffins

These monkey bread-style muffins are the perfect appetizer for a house party. It's important to use non-puff pastry dough to prevent it from falling apart when scalding with baking soda. Each muffin is filled with cheddar and baked until the center is melted and the outside is golden brown, like a pretzel.

Christmas Tree Pizza

Ree Drummond suggests baking a beautiful pizza in the shape of a decorated Christmas tree for New Year's or Christmas. It looks charming and is delicious. Balls of dough are used to form the base of the tree, which is then coated with sauce, sprinkled with mozzarella, and decorated with garlands of sweet peppers, cherry tomato ornaments, and pepperoni. To make the tree trunk look realistic and also delicious, sprinkle it with a mixture of Italian herbs. This pizza is served as an appetizer: guests can tear off a small bun from the tree and enjoy.



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Deviled Eggs "Christmas Trees"

If you're serving deviled eggs for New Year's, make them into charming, decorated Christmas trees! Avocado and fresh herbs are added to the yolk filling, creating a green color. Pipe tall Christmas trees into the egg white halves using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip, and attach a small star to each tree using a bell pepper. Decorate each tree with paprika and, if desired, cut out small ornaments from the bell peppers.

Stuffed mini peppers with crab and cheese

Sweet crab meat, creamy cheese, and crisp bell peppers combine beautifully in this super-simple yet delicious appetizer that's guaranteed to impress guests at your next event. For a more striking look, use mini peppers in a variety of colors—red, orange, and yellow. Just four ingredients, and the results are stunning!

American Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Spinach dip is a true homemade soul food: chunks of artichoke and spinach in a creamy blend of Parmesan, cheddar, and sour cream. Serve with chips for an appetizer.

Festive Cheese Wreath Cheeseball

Decorate your table with a festive cheeseball "wreath." Use a small muffin tin with a hole in the center to make the wreath, or roll the mixture into a ball or log. For a cheeseball perfect for any occasion, instead of a colorful garnish, roll the cheeseball in sliced ​​toasted almonds.

Oven-baked brie cheese

This is a simple recipe, perfect for a party. Drizzle brie with honey and bake for 5-7 minutes, until soft and pliable. Serve with crackers and fruit.

Creamy Shrimp Scampi Dip

This rich, garlicky sauce has caused quite a stir in our kitchen. We've transformed our favorite dish—shrimp pasta—into a tender appetizer for a crowd. It's easy to make ahead and bring to a party: ask your hosts if you can use their oven and quickly bake it.

Italian wedding soup

The secret to the authentic Italian flavor in this soup is homemade meatballs. Giada De Laurentiis uses curly endive for vibrant color and texture.

Swedish meatballs

These miniature meatballs are served with a slice of pickled cucumber and a dipping sauce made of tangy lingonberry jam and sour cream.

Baked Brie with Cranberries, Pecans, and Bacon

This simple cheese sauce is a hit at parties, so you might want to double it! You can change the dried fruit to suit your taste: cherries, raisins, figs, and dates all work well here.

Baked Coconut Shrimp

Traditionally, coconut shrimp are deep-fried, but here they're baked in a crispy breading. A honey, orange, and curry dipping sauce adds a piquant flavor.

Fried Onion Dip

For a sweet twist, Ina adds caramelized onions to the sauce. Serve with crunchy vegetables like celery, carrots, and endive for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Fried ravioli

Crispy fried ravioli are a great all-purpose appetizer for any party.

Tartlets with spinach and goat cheese

Fill filo pastry shells with a classic holiday appetizer of spinach and cheese.

Chicken balls with cheese

The key ingredients of this delicious fried appetizer are grilled chicken and sharp cheddar. The dish is served with a blue cheese dipping sauce, mayo, and a hint of hot sauce.

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Dip

This flavorful sauce is inspired by the spicy shrimp dishes of New Orleans cuisine. A base of sour cream and cream cheese creates a savory flavor and creamy texture.

Shrimp cocktail with physalis and horseradish sauce

Bobby Flay puts his own spin on the classic seafood appetizer: he poaches shrimp with lemon, black peppercorns, and cilantro, then serves them with a dipping sauce made with roasted Mexican tomato, jalapeño, and horseradish.

Cheese and beer fondue in a bread bowl

This delicious fondue is served in a round bread bowl—an edible version. For a hearty appetizer, serve the fondue with pieces of fried bratwurst, bread, and fruit.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Claire's Buffalo Wing Sauce delivers all the flavors of Buffalo wings (hot sauce, blue cheese, and celery) without the hassle of deep-frying. For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese.

Baked Spicy Olives

These roasted olives have a tangy, spicy flavor thanks to rosemary, garlic, and red chili pepper. A splash of mandarin juice adds a vibrant finishing touch.

Classic hummus

This festive appetizer is ready in just 10 minutes. Ina uses garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice for her hummus. Serve with crisp vegetables for dipping.

Cheese Croquembouche

To hold the cheese profiteroles together, use cream cheese, goat cheese, and Parmesan.

Crostini with sun-dried tomatoes and thyme

Guests can hold cocktails in one hand and these simple toasts in the other. Slow-roasting the tomatoes with thyme and sea salt intensifies their flavor and color.

Stuffed Artichoke Casserole

Love stuffed artichokes but don't have time to cook them? Try this simple casserole: it's just as delicious but takes half the time.

Focaccia with onions and herbs

This impressive appetizer is super easy to make thanks to frozen pizza dough. Top it with rosemary-oregano olive oil and thinly sliced ​​onions.

Baked Cheese Bread Antipasto

Forget about other cheese appetizers: this bread, with its gooey topping that contains all the flavors of antipasto, is the perfect holiday dish.

Bacon and Onion Pesto Flatbread

The base of this elegant appetizer is baked pizza dough, topped with lemon crème fraîche, green onion pesto, and crispy bacon.

"Christmas Tree" with Cheese-Stuffed Peppers

This kale "tree" will take pride of place on the holiday table. It's decorated with a garland of cheese-stuffed chili peppers—guests can remove them by untying the ribbons.

Walnut and Roasted Pepper Spread

For a simple, impressive appetizer, blend flavorful walnut oil, toasted nuts, and roasted red peppers.

Simple cheese platter presentation

Aina knows how to throw a party without the hassle. Here's her formula for success: the perfect cheeseboard with four types of cheese, fruit, and crackers.

Jalapeño Poppers with Shrimp in Batter

This dish will satisfy both shrimp lovers and those who prefer stuffed jalapeños. For a crispy, savory appetizer, deep-fry the peppers stuffed with shrimp.

Sausage balls

The secret ingredients in this pork and shredded sharp cheddar appetizer are store-bought onion soup mix and pancake mix.

Scallops wrapped in ham

First, Giada coats the scallops in a pesto sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and black olives, then wraps them in slices of prosciutto. The baked scallops are served on a bed of arugula.

Cheddar cheese gougères with applesauce, ham and sage

These cheese profiteroles are small but delicious. They combine sweet and savory ingredients, including prosciutto, sage, and warm, spiced apples.

Bruschetta with shrimp, tarragon and arugula

For this warm winter appetizer, Giada tops slices of bread with a tomato, shrimp, and creamy mascarpone cheese topping. The flavorful mixture also includes arugula and tarragon.

Chestnut soup with fried parsley

Guests will love this warm, nutty soup, made with roasted chestnuts and dry sherry. Serve as an appetizer in low glasses or as a first course in soup bowls.

Croquettes with cheese and ham

This unique appetizer takes a classic sandwich approach: good old ham and cheese. Top the tender ham filling with an egg and cracker mixture, then deep-fry the croquettes until crispy and the cheese melts inside.

Spicy potato chips

Give store-bought potato chips a makeover by coating them with a mixture of chili powder, paprika, and other spices, then warming them up in the oven.

Club sandwiches with goat cheese and herbs

Ina's sandwiches are delicious and easy to make. The cream cheese filling is complemented by garlic, goat cheese, and fresh herbs, topped with cucumber.

Shrimp bisque

Aina achieves a smooth, creamy sauce by blending the cooked shrimp in a food processor with tomato paste and seafood broth. For a sophisticated and vibrant flavor, Aina cooks the shrimp in a small amount of cognac and sherry.

Eggplant with ricotta

Breaded eggplant is sautéed instead of deep-fried, resulting in a crispy crust without excess oil, resulting in a less greasy dish. For an appetizer inspired by eggplant alla Parma, top with ricotta and tomatoes.

Warm spinach salad

This warm spinach salad with a mustard vinaigrette dressing gains rich flavor and texture from pistachios and red grapes. Add some crispy bacon and crumbled blue cheese for an even more sophisticated twist.

Seafood cocktail with scallops and shrimps

Surprise your guests with a spicy seafood cocktail of scallops and shrimp. Savory ingredients like lime juice, onion, and chili pepper provide a rich flavor without adding calories.

Layered crab rangoon-flavored dipping sauce

This fresh, savory dipping sauce is inspired by the popular diner dish, crab rangoons (fried dumplings).

Crudo of scallops and clams in shells

Fresh seafood doesn't require a lot of extra ingredients. In his recipe, Ted coats scallops and clams with olive oil, salt, and crushed jalapeño. The most important thing here is the quality of the ingredients. Choose a reputable supplier and let them know you'll be eating the shellfish raw.

Cheese dip with baked broccoli and cheddar

This dip is based on the classic combination of broccoli and rich, tangy cheddar. Like most cheese dips, it's best used immediately after cooking, while still hot. Use mild cheddar for this recipe, as sharp cheddar tends to become grainy in this type of dip.

Seven-layer cobb dip with cranberries

This festive dip is like a layered salad. Spoon a serving onto a plate (be sure to scoop up all the layers) and spread on your favorite crackers.

Potato chips with rosemary and olive oil

These potato chips are easy to make at home and perfect for any occasion. Try adding garlic and rosemary to the frying oil to transform this homemade snack into an elegant party appetizer.

Fried grapes with walnuts

Roasting the grapes intensifies their sweet flavor, while the walnuts add richness and crunch. Serve with crackers and your favorite cheese.

Avocado sauce

Feta cheese adds a festive twist to traditional guacamole: savory, spicy, and tangy.

Portioned salad "B-L-T"

The classic sandwich is transformed into a compact appetizer: crispy pancetta and chive-flavored mayonnaise are served on fresh lettuce boats.

Potato boats with cheese

Prepare the dish in advance, and just before serving, reheat the potatoes in the oven under the top heat.

Cayenne Pepper Cheese Sticks

Surprise your party guests with homemade cheese sticks. The recipe is surprisingly simple, but you'll need to grate the cheese yourself: store-bought grated cheese contains ingredients that prevent lumps from forming, which can ruin the final result.

Palmier puff pastries with meat and parmesan

These savory puff pastries are easy to make thanks to store-bought dough. Be sure to chill it! Refrigerating the dough will help the puff pastries hold their shape when cut.

Bruschetta with figs and blue cheese

Sweet fig jam pairs perfectly with tangy blue cheese in this simple appetizer that's ready in just 20 minutes.

Mini shrimp sandwiches

For a festive look, decorate these shrimp stuffed sandwiches with cute toothpicks.

Sweet and hot peppers stuffed with cream cheese

Stuff jalapeños and sweet red peppers with store-bought cheese paste—this appetizer takes just 5 minutes to make. Tell your guests which peppers are on the plate so they don't get caught off guard by the spicy flavor.

Canapes with salami and filling

This appetizer requires only 4 ingredients and is easy to make in bulk—perfect for a party.

Puff pastry tartlets with tomatoes

Frozen puff pastry is a lifesaver when you're expecting guests and short on time. These mini tarts are made with just 4 ingredients and take just 40 minutes.

Greek meze

For a simple Greek plate, Aina uses both store-bought ingredients (like hummus and dolma) and homemade ones (marinated feta and pita chips).

Crostini with baked tomatoes, ricotta and basil

Crostini is an Italian appetizer made from toasted bread and topped with almost any filling. This version uses roasted tomatoes and herbed ricotta. Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the toasts just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Cheese fondue in mushroom caps

Stuffed mushrooms are even more delicious with Raclette cheese. Your guests will love the combination of the creamy cheese filling and the crispy breadcrumb topping.

Deviled eggs with crispy bacon

Deviled eggs are prepared in the style of a classic breakfast. Ree adds crispy peppered bacon to the appetizer—a new way to serve eggs and bacon.

Bruschetta with prosciutto

For a flavorful bruschetta base, rub a whole clove of garlic onto slices of toasted bread; the rough texture of the bread acts as a grater, allowing you to easily infuse the appetizer with garlicky flavor.

Vegetable bundles with tarragon and lemon dip

This vegetable appetizer will be a welcome change from the heavy dishes typically served at holidays. Get ready for the party with your kids: ask them to tie vegetable sticks with chives.

Lobster hushpuppies with horseradish cream

These hushpuppies are delicious and elegant, yet they take less than an hour to make. Although the base is made from large chunks of lobster meat, a little meat is also added to the batter.

Gougères with liquid cheese and mustard-beer dip

Gougères are savory pastries made with choux pastry, the same kind used to make profiteroles, éclairs, French doughnuts, and other treats. They look impressive and seem complicated to make, but in reality, this dish is hard to mess up. Geoffrey Zakarian even recommends letting gougères caramelize in the oven: the slightly bitter flavor pairs well with the rich, creamy Mornay sauce.

Caprese Canapes with Plum-Balsamic Dressing

Ree uses fresh rosemary sprigs as skewers for this classic appetizer to add flavor and interest. If you don't have a balsamic reduction bottle handy, use a spoon: hold the bowl of balsamic reduction over a plate, dip the spoon into the mixture, and lightly drizzle it over the appetizer.

Chicken satay with peanut sauce

Ree's simple chicken satay is served at room temperature, so it can be prepared well in advance of guests' arrival.

Artichoke and Leek Soup

Transform a classic dip into an elegant soup. Crème fraîche and chives make a simple, elegant garnish.

Persimmon and Prosciutto Appetizer

Try a winter version of this melon appetizer wrapped in prosciutto. Winter is the season not only for citrus fruits but also for persimmons.

Breaded shrimp with popcorn

Try a new way to use popcorn at your holiday table. Popcorn and panko breadcrumbs make a great, light coating for shrimp.

Potatoes with pepper steak

Steak and potatoes don't have to be served as a main course. They make a perfect party appetizer, served with sour cream.

Thick white bean and escarole dipping sauce

Serve this raw vegetable appetizer at a holiday party. You'll be surprised how quickly the plate of this dip will disappear.

Crostini with meatballs

This appetizer is a wonderful combination of elegance and heartiness. The miniature meatballs fit perfectly on crostini toast for this hearty appetizer.

Pumpkin and spinach tart

If you love flat pies, you'll love this savory tart. The homemade 3-ingredient crust is super easy to make, and the vegetable filling with three types of cheese makes for a satisfyingly filling dish.

Shrimp cocktail with spicy ginger sauce

This isn't your typical shrimp cocktail. The sauce is infused with mango chutney and chili sauce, which add a sweet and spicy flavor, and the shrimp are seasoned with ginger and other spices.

Cocktail meatballs

Meatballs look special when presented beautifully. Garnish this simple dish with green onions for a fresh, vibrant flavor.

Whipped ricotta with raisins and pine nuts

Save oven space with this sweet and savory cheese sauce. Blend ricotta and capers in a food processor, then top with raisins, pine nuts, and a drizzle of honey. Yummy!

Crackers with mustard-onion jam and figs

For a sophisticated appetizer, Aida Mollenkamp spreads ricotta with a mustard, orange, and onion paste on crackers. Fresh figs provide a beautiful and aromatic finishing touch.

Mashed Potato Dip with Roasted Peppers

This savory potato sauce is a twist on the classic Greek skordalia sauce. Blanched garlic and fresh lemon juice add a tangy kick. A quick roasted red pepper sauce is placed in the center of the potato mixture, enhancing the flavor of this appetizer.

Polenta and Porchetta Canapes (Pork Roll)

Ted Allen tops polenta circles with roasted pork with herbs and pickled onions. To save time, prepare the pork in advance (but no more than 3 days).

Rosemary Cheese Cookies from a Syringe Press

These savory cookies contain two types of grated Italian cheese (Pecorino and Parmesan) and are seasoned with chopped rosemary leaves.







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