Holiday parties have enough moving parts without throwing complicated appetizers into the mix. Finger foods are the way to go—quick to prep, easy to eat, and guaranteed to keep guests happy. These recipes keep things simple and festive, striking that balance between crowd-pleasing and budget-friendly.
Pomegranate Salsa
This bright, colorful salsa pairs perfectly with chips or can dress up meats and tacos. It’s like holiday cheer in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Salsa
Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus
Butternut squash hummus topped with cranberries and pomegranates is a festive take on a classic. Share it with friends or bring it to your next party.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus
Chocolate Covered Oranges
Chocolate-dipped orange slices are a quick and easy treat. They’re perfect for snacking or adding a sweet touch to any winter gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Oranges
Dark Chocolate Granola Bark
Crunchy granola, nuts, and dried cherries come together in this dark chocolate bark. It’s a quick dessert or snack that’s perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Granola Bark
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Cranberry and orange make these buttery shortbread cookies perfect for the season. Bake a batch for your next holiday get-together.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Mini Caprese
These bite-sized pastry cups pack the classic tomato, basil, and mozzarella combo into party-ready perfection. Drizzled with balsamic reduction, they’re simple to make and even easier to grab at a gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mini Caprese
Peppermint Bark Popcorn
Popcorn gets a holiday glow-up with white chocolate, crushed candy canes, and a drizzle of dark chocolate. It’s sweet, salty, and ready to keep the party going.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Bark Popcorn
Cottage Cheese Taco Dip
A no-fuss version of 7-layer dip with whipped cottage cheese for a creamy base. Add your favorite taco toppings and watch it disappear from the table.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Taco Dip
Christmas Cookie Dip
With just five ingredients and a few minutes, this dessert dip screams holiday cheer. It’s great for when you want a festive treat without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookie Dip
Veggie Pinwheels
These tortilla roll-ups filled with cream cheese and fresh veggies are a crowd favorite. Prep them ahead of time for stress-free snacking during parties or game day.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pinwheels
Pigs In A Blanket
Crescent dough wrapped around mini sausages never fails to please. Quick to whip up, these are perfect for anyone who loves a classic party snack.
Get the Recipe: Pigs In A Blanket
Bruschetta with Cream Cheese
Cream cheese takes this simple bruschetta to another level. Perfect for any gathering, it’s a fast way to impress without trying too hard.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta with Cream Cheese
Christmas Deviled Eggs
Red and green garnishes turn these deviled eggs into a holiday centerpiece. Easy to prep and great for feeding a crowd, they’re perfect for any festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Deviled Eggs
Reese’s Cup Reindeer Treats
Turn Reese’s cups into adorable reindeer with pretzels and M&Ms. They’re fun, easy, and guaranteed to get the holiday party rolling.
Get the Recipe: Reese’s Cup Reindeer Treats
Bruschetta with Mozzarella
Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella meet crispy bread for a party starter everyone loves. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s simple and perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta with Mozzarella
Christmas Puppy Chow
A crunchy, chocolate-peanut butter mix dusted in powdered sugar with festive M&Ms makes this a party hit. It’s great for snacking, gifting, or just keeping everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Puppy Chow
Holiday Pinwheels
These colorful pinwheels with red and green cream cheese are as festive as they are easy to make. Perfect for adding some flair to your holiday lineup.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Pinwheels
Skillet Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Smokies wrapped in crispy bacon and caramelized to perfection are pure party gold. They’re quick to make and disappear even faster.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Bacon Wrapped Pickles
Pickles wrapped in bacon are a fun, savory snack. Great for backyard BBQs, game days, or whenever bacon feels right (so, always).
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Pickles
Christmas Sushi Roll
These sushi rolls shaped like Christmas trees bring the holiday spirit to the table. They’re a clever way to wow without any of the usual stress.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Sushi Roll
Raspberry Chipotle Sauce Cream Cheese Dip
Creamy, tangy, and just a little spicy, this two-ingredient dip comes together in two minutes. It’s a no-brainer for any party spread.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Chipotle Sauce Cream Cheese Dip
Jalapeno Poppers Wrapped in Bacon
Creamy, cheesy jalapenos wrapped in crispy bacon are a party favorite for a reason. Bake them up for an appetizer that brings the heat.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Poppers Wrapped in Bacon
Ricotta and Roasted Red Pepper Crostini
Garlic-rubbed bread topped with lemony ricotta and roasted red peppers is an easy way to keep the party snacks fresh and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta and Roasted Red Pepper Crostini
Garlic Crostini With Olive Oil
These crispy garlic crostini are great on their own or paired with dips and cheese boards. Simple to make and even easier to love.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Crostini With Olive Oil
Reindeer Cookie Balls
Cute reindeer-shaped cookie balls are quick to make and perfect for adding some festive charm to your holiday dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Cookie Balls
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
