Celebrations Made Better with These 10 Holiday Appetizers

These 10 unforgettable holiday appetizers bring big flavor to your party spread 🎉. From creamy dips to crispy bites, there is something here for everyone. Most can be prepped ahead and served hot or cold, which makes hosting way easier. Whether you are planning a big dinner or just a casual get-together, these apps will get the party started right.

Collage of 10 unforgettable holiday appetizers including meatballs, dips, guacamole, and pinwheels, with text overlay for holiday appeal.

Holiday appetizers are a must whether you’re hosting a festive party or bringing a dish to share at Christmas gatherings. If you’re like me, you’re probably doing a little bit of both and would love some tried and true recipes to rely on. I have assembled 10 of the most unforgettable holiday appetizers to help you in this very situation. I have made every single recipe multiple times, so you can rest assured that these are amazingly delicious and will leave your guests asking for the recipe.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip

This is NOT your average dip! If you are looking for something different that will liven up the appetizer bar as well as your taste buds, this is the right dip for you! It is a cinch to assemble and only bakes for about 20 minutes. I even use a rotisserie chicken from the market to make it even easier. The blue cheese crumbles on top really give the cream cheese dip an extra punch and leave you wanting another bite! It tastes best with crackers, veggies, or plain ole’ tortilla chips.

Spicy buffalo chicken dip in a white baking dish topped with melted cheddar, green onions, and crumbled blue cheese, with veggie sides.

Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs

These bad boys are the perfect holiday appetizer because the Crockpot does all the work! I set the slow cooker on warm and pop open a tube of toothpicks, and they disappear in no time! The sweet and sour sauce is great on top of beef, pork, or even turkey meatballs. These are so yummy you may want to make extras for dinner!

Sweet and sour meatballs garnished with chopped green onions, served over creamy mashed potatoes, ideal for easy holiday appetizers.

Homemade Cilantro-Lime Salsa

A gathering without chips and salsa is no party, in my opinion, but not just any salsa will do. As easy as it is to run to the store and buy a jar of Tostitos, it will take less time to make this homemade salsa. You can make it as hot or as mild as your guests prefer, and it stays great in the fridge for up to 10 days. This stuff is so good you’ll want to put it on your eggs in the morning!

A tortilla chip being dipped into homemade cilantro-lime salsa, one of the 10 unforgettable holiday appetizers perfect for any gathering.

Classic Hummus

It is important to choose healthy snacks, especially during the holidays. This classic lemon garlic hummus is a tasty option for those who are counting their calories, have allergies, or are vegetarians or vegans. The hummus is easily blended in a food processor and can be served cold or at room temperature. I love this dip with cucumbers, but all veggies, chips, and pita bread go well with it.

Smooth lemon garlic hummus topped with herbs and served with fresh cucumbers, a healthy option in the 10 unforgettable holiday appetizers.

Mozzarella and Pepperoni Pinwheels

These pepperoni pinwheels are a fun way to add color and texture to your appetizer table! I simply use pre-made crescent dough, roll it out, and then layer on my favorite toppings. Use pepperoni and mozzarella to keep it generic, or add fun alternatives like broccoli, peppers, or ham and pineapple. They take just 30 minutes to bake and taste great at any temperature. Just be sure to make plenty because the kids love these!

Golden mozzarella and pepperoni pinwheels arranged on a plate, showcasing their spiral shape and holiday-ready presentation.

7-Layer Mexican Bean Dip

I thank the Lord for bean dip! It is probably my favorite appetizer, especially when made with homemade salsa and chunky guacamole. What makes this dip great for the holidays is that it can be assembled ahead of time and left in the fridge until you are ready to heat it up. Or if you prefer it cold, just pop it on the table at go-time. My sister and I make this on Thanksgiving morning and just leave it on the table to munch on throughout the day. We’ll have to make extra this year because it’s usually gone by lunch!

Close-up of 7 layer Mexican bean dip topped with cheese, tomatoes, and cilantro, served with tortilla chips for holiday snacking.

Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

This is another great option for the busy cook who wants her guests to be comfortable but doesn’t have time to man the appetizer table. The slow cooker heats the cream cheese and artichoke chunks to perfection, making every bite addicting! This tastes great with tortilla chips or pita chips, or if you want something more fancy, serve the dip in a sourdough bread bowl. Just don’t forget the secret ingredient!

Creamy spinach artichoke dip in a white bowl with a side of tortilla chips, perfect for the 10 unforgettable holiday appetizers list.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

My husband wants me to tell you that these are his favorite appetizer! In fact, he will make a meal of these jalapeno poppers! The cream cheese filling is really easy to make, and everything can be prepped ahead of time. Take 10 to 15 minutes before your guests arrive to grill them in the frying pan, and you’ll have the perfect ooey gooey, soft, but crunchy appetizer to serve. I recommend making a double batch because these always disappear!

Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers on a plate with toothpicks, showing melty cheese and crispy bacon from the 10 unforgettable holiday appetizers.

Roast Beef Tortilla Wraps

This is a recipe I use when I cater special parties like bridal or baby showers. They are the perfect size for serving and make any appetizer buffet look pretty. What I love most about these roast beef wraps is that they can be assembled ahead of time and left in the fridge until I am ready to cut and serve. And if you don’t like roast beef and cheddar, switch it up and try turkey and provolone or ham and swiss. The possibilities are endless!

Sliced roast beef tortilla wraps with spinach and cheese, stacked and ready to serve as part of the 10 unforgettable holiday appetizers.

Restaurant-Style Chunky Guacamole

Have you ever gone to a restaurant and ordered guacamole that they prepared for you tableside? You’ve probably thought, “I can do that…but it never comes out the same!” With this easy recipe, you can have perfect guacamole every day if you like! Not only is it a great appetizer for parties, but it is also a wonderful addition to your salad, your grilled chicken, or even your morning toast.

Bowl of chunky guacamole served with tortilla chips, a bright and creamy option from the 10 unforgettable holiday appetizers collection.

Making Memories with Holiday Appetizers

I hope these 10 Unforgettable holiday appetizers help you with your next gathering, making it a homey, warm, and delicious time! Drop me a line in the comment section below, and let me know what ones you used! Should you need more ideas, feel free to check out my Pinterest boards below. Happy cooking, y’all!

Heidi Davison

Head Baker & Owner

Hi, I'm Heidi, Head Baker and Owner of Heidi's Bakery in Knoxville, TN.

What began as a blog to share family recipes has become a thriving bakery, thanks to community support.
Many recipes here are from my family’s cookbook. Give them a try and leave a comment below!

Heidi Davison the Owner of Heidis Bakery

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