If your holiday appetizers aren’t making people chase you down for the recipe, it’s time to rethink the menu. Forget the boring crowd-fillers, these options are the kind that steal the spotlight and get the party talking. They’re bold, unexpected, and just fancy enough to make you look like you really tried (even if you didn’t). Who needs a main course when the starters are this good? Bring the wow factor and let the compliments roll in.
Cranberry Cheddar Sausage Balls
These cranberry cheddar sausage bites are perfect for holiday gatherings or game days. Paired with cranberry sauce for dipping, they’re a tasty and easy-to-eat treat that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cheddar Sausage Balls
Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
A healthy and creamy dip, this roasted garlic white bean dip includes cottage cheese for an added protein boost and super creamy texture. It’s a unique and healthy option for any holiday party.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
Whipped Goat Cheese Dip
Infused with roasted garlic and fresh rosemary, this whipped goat cheese dip is a creamy, tart, and savory delight. Easy to make, it’s perfect with vegetables, fruit, crackers, or spread on crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Goat Cheese Dip
Cheesy Edamame Crostini
A fresh take on appetizers, this cheesy, lemony edamame crostini is perfect for parties, offering a unique and delicious twist that your guests will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Edamame Crostini
Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip
Made with goat cheese and cream cheese, this butternut squash dip has a creamy texture and is topped with a tart cherry compote. Served with pita chips, it’s an irresistible holiday appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip
Pickled Cranberries
Quick pickled cranberries offer a sweet and tart flavor, perfect for adding to drinks, topping cooked meats, or featuring on a charcuterie board. They’re a versatile and festive addition to any holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Cranberries
Goat Cheese Tomato Sausage Tart
This indulgent tart combines goat cheese, tomato, and sausage for a rich and flavorful appetizer. Perfectly paired with a glass of wine, it’s ideal for a holiday gathering or a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Tomato Sausage Tart
Blue Cheese Steak Crostini
These crostini offer a delightful combination of garlicky toasted bread, salty blue cheese, rare steak, and a balsamic reduction, creating a perfect little appetizer bite that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Steak Crostini
Pumpkin Goat Cheese Dip
This pumpkin goat cheese dip with caramelized onions is a flavorful addition to any holiday spread. It can be served warm or cold and pairs well with crackers, sliced fruits, or vegetables, offering a unique seasonal flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Goat Cheese Dip
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip
This classic dip can be served warm or at room temperature. Paired with your favorite crackers, chips, or veggies, it’s a familiar yet always welcome addition to any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip
Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus
This butternut squash hummus is a festive and fun holiday appetizer, adorned with cranberries, pomegranates, and rosemary. It’s a colorful and flavorful twist on classic hummus.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus
Pomegranate Salsa
Bright and festive, this pomegranate salsa is a visually stunning holiday appetizer. It’s great with chips but can also be used to top meats or pair with tacos for a fresh twist on winter flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Salsa
Roasted Red Pepper Dip
A creamy and smoky appetizer, this roasted red pepper dip features fresh basil, lemon, garlic, white beans, and feta. It’s a smooth and indulgent choice that pairs well with chips or crackers.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Dip
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.
