15 Holiday Appetizers and Snacks That’ll Make You the Party Hero

When the holiday season rolls around, it’s all about bringing people together—and nothing gets a party started like great holiday appetizers. Whether you’re hosting or just need to bring something to share, having a few go-to recipes will make you the star of the event. From bite-sized snacks to easy-to-make dips, these appetizers are simple, quick, and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just offering a snack before dinner, these ideas will keep your guests coming back for more. The right appetizers can set the tone for a fun and memorable holiday gathering. Get ready to step up your party game with these easy and tasty options!

Sticky Wings

A plate of glazed chicken wings garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The wings are served on a blue plate, set on a white marble surface. A blue cloth is visible in the background. — Sticky Wings. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

These sticky wings have the perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors that everyone craves. The caramelized finish makes each bite even more irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a holiday gathering, these wings are sure to be a favorite. Get the recipe: Sticky Wings

Mini Pumpkin Cakes

These mini pumpkin cakes with caramel buttercream frosting bring the flavors of fall into a small, delicious package. The combination of soft pumpkin cake and rich frosting makes them the perfect treat for any holiday occasion. They’re easy to serve and a great way to add a seasonal touch to your dessert table. Get the recipe: Mini Pumpkin Cakes

Peppermint Bark Graham Crackers

Peppermint bark graham crackers are a simple yet festive holiday treat that everyone can enjoy. With crunchy graham crackers topped with layers of chocolate and peppermint, they offer a fun and easy snack. Perfect for parties or to share as a gift, these treats will get you into the holiday spirit. Get the recipe: Peppermint Bark Graham Crackers

Mini Pumpkin Pies

A plate with four small pies, one topped with whipped cream, sits on a marble surface. Nearby, a muffin tin holds more pies, and bowls of whipped cream and cinnamon are visible. A spoon and beige cloth are also present. — Mini Pumpkin Pies. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

Mini pumpkin pies are the perfect way to enjoy the classic flavors of pumpkin pie without having to bake a whole pie. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday feasts or casual gatherings. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser at any holiday table. Get the recipe: Mini Pumpkin Pies

Magic Cookie Bars

A child's hand reaching for white chocolate oat bars on a parchment-lined surface. The bars are arranged in a grid pattern, some stacked, with a cooling rack nearby. — Magic Cookie Bars. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

These magic cookie bars are a fun twist on a classic dessert, packed with layers of flavor and texture. They’re easy to prepare and make for a great dessert to share at any holiday party. Simple yet satisfying, these bars are sure to please a crowd. Get the recipe: Magic Cookie Bars

Cranberry Cocktail Sausages

Cocktail sausages with toothpicks are arranged on two white rectangular plates. A wooden spoon and red checkered napkin are nearby. A small dish of red sauce is in the background on a wooden surface. — Cranberry Cocktail Sausages. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

These cranberry cocktail sausages are a perfect holiday appetizer that combines savory and sweet flavors in one bite. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, they’re quick to prepare and sure to be a crowd favorite. A great option for anyone looking for an easy dish that stands out at a holiday gathering. Get the recipe: Cranberry Cocktail Sausages

No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bites

Close-up of several coconut-covered dessert balls on a white rectangular plate. They are arranged in focus in the foreground, with a blurred background, highlighting their textured appearance. — No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bites. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

These no-bake peanut butter cheesecake bites are a quick and easy dessert to whip up when you’re in a pinch. With a creamy texture and rich peanut butter flavor, they’re a perfect treat for your next holiday party. Simple to prepare and ideal for anyone craving something sweet without the fuss. Get the recipe: No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bites

Velveeta Chili Cheese Dip

A skillet filled with melted cheese and garnished with green onions. It's accompanied by a wooden spoon, tortilla chips, round corn chips, and a few cherry tomatoes on the side. A striped cloth is partially visible in the background. — Chili Velveeta Dip. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Velveeta chili cheese dip is the ultimate comfort food that’s always a hit at parties. The combination of smooth, melted cheese and hearty chili creates a dip that everyone will love. It’s an easy and crowd-pleasing choice for game days or casual holiday gatherings. Get the recipe: Velveeta Chili Cheese Dip

Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans

A blue and white cup filled with chocolate-covered almonds is placed on a light surface. Some almonds are scattered around the cup. The rich chocolate coating is shiny and textured. — Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Chocolate-covered espresso beans are the perfect quick pick-me-up with a little indulgence. The combination of rich chocolate and bold espresso creates a treat that’s both energizing and satisfying. These make a great snack for holiday parties or as a gift for coffee lovers. Get the recipe: Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans

Pecan Pie Cookies

A tray of freshly baked pecan cookies on a patterned cloth. One cookie on a small plate has a bite taken out, revealing a soft interior. Small dishes of whole pecans are placed nearby on a light surface. — Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

These pecan pie cookies are a fun, bite-sized take on the classic holiday dessert. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, nutty flavor, they’re perfect for serving at holiday gatherings. Easy to prepare and always a crowd favorite, these cookies are a must-try this season. Get the recipe: Pecan Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies

A plate of delicious apple turnovers on a rustic wooden table. One turnover is halved, revealing a filling of spiced apple pieces. Additional turnovers are seen on a brown paper in the background. — Apple Pie Cookies. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

These apple pie cookies capture all the flavors of traditional apple pie in a small, handheld treat. They’re an easy way to enjoy the familiar taste of apple pie without the hassle of making a full pie. Great for fall snacks or holiday gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress. Get the recipe: Apple Pie Cookies

Sheet Pan Nachos

A close-up of loaded nachos topped with cheese, beef, black beans, corn, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, red onions, sour cream, and cilantro. A bowl of diced red onions is on the side. — Sheet Pan Nachos. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

Sheet pan nachos are the perfect go-to dish when you need something quick and satisfying. Loaded with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a variety of toppings, they’re sure to be a hit at any holiday party. Plus, they’re super easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Nachos

Pumpkin Pecan Cookies

A bowl of powdered sugar-coated cookies on a beige napkin, surrounded by pecans, a striped pumpkin, and more cookies on a wooden cutting board. The setting is a white marble countertop. — Pumpkin Pecan Wedding Cookies. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

These pumpkin pecan cookies are a sweet, nutty treat that’s perfect for the fall season. With just the right amount of seasonal spice, they bring a cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. These cookies are ideal for any holiday spread or casual snack. Get the recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Cookies

Crack Chicken Dip

A close-up of a hand holding a tortilla chip dipped in a cheesy dip, with melted cheese stretching from a pan. The pan of cheese dip sits on a striped towel, and a bowl of plain tortilla chips is beside it. — Baked Crack Chicken Dip. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

Crack chicken dip is a creamy, cheesy dip that combines savory shredded chicken with just the right amount of smoky spice. It’s the kind of dip that disappears quickly at any gathering. Serve it warm with your favorite chips or crackers for a standout appetizer. Get the recipe: Crack Chicken Dip

Creamy Garlic Mushrooms

A close-up of a white plate with stuffed mushrooms garnished with parsley. The background includes lemon slices, green lettuce, and a wooden surface. — Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

Creamy garlic mushrooms are a savory side that adds richness to any meal. The smooth, buttery sauce and tender mushrooms make this dish a great addition to a holiday dinner spread. Whether served on their own or over pasta, they’re sure to complement any main dish. Get the recipe: Creamy Garlic Mushrooms