Holiday parties always mean juggling too much in too little time, and figuring out what to bring can feel like another item on a long to-do list. These quick appetizers will make your life easier. They’re simple, ready in 20 minutes or less, and perfect for impressing a crowd without any unnecessary effort. Whether it’s a family gathering or a work potluck, these recipes deliver big on flavor without keeping you stuck in the kitchen.
Pomegranate Salsa
Pomegranate Salsa is as festive as it gets. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it perfect for chips or as a topping for tacos or meats on your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Salsa
Parmesan Crisps
Parmesan Crisps are ready in five minutes with just one ingredient. They’re perfect for adding crunch to salads, soups, or just enjoying on their own as a quick snack.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crisps
Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Roasted Red Pepper Dip is smooth, creamy, and full of flavor. Made with white beans, feta, and roasted peppers, it’s a quick, impressive addition to any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Cheesy Edamame Crostini
Cheesy Edamame Crostini is a fresh take on crostini with lemon and creamy edamame spread. These easy bites are perfect for shaking up your appetizer routine.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Edamame Crostini
Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus
Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus blends the season’s best flavors with cranberries, pomegranate, and rosemary for a dish that’s both festive and quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus
Velveeta Cheese Dip
Velveeta Cheese Dip is a classic for a reason. It’s ridiculously easy to throw together and pairs perfectly with chips for a no-brainer holiday appetizer that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Velveeta Cheese Dip
Mini Goat Cheese Balls
Mini Goat Cheese Balls are the kind of bite-sized snacks that disappear fast at parties. Herbs, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pretzels make them a quick and great option when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Mini Goat Cheese Balls
Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini
Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini is a smart choice when you want to impress without much effort. With a mix of cheese, basil, and garlic on toasted bread, it’s ready in under 15 minutes and always delivers.
Get the Recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini
Taco Cups
Taco Cups take the flavors everyone loves and shrink them into bite-sized greatness. They’re quick to make, fun to eat, and perfect for gatherings where finger foods rule.
Get the Recipe: Taco Cups
Roasted Grapes Phyllo Cup
Roasted Grapes Phyllo Cups combine the sweetness of grapes with creamy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts for a flavor-packed bite. Easy, quick, and guaranteed to stand out on any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Grapes Phyllo Cup
Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese
Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese is your holiday go-to when you need something fast and festive. It’s a simple dip that pairs great with crackers and looks as impressive as it tastes.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese
Baked Brie with Garlic and Thyme
Baked Brie with Garlic and Thyme is an effortless way to add some class to your spread. Gooey brie with a touch of herbs is the kind of appetizer that gets people talking—and eating.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Garlic and Thyme
Smoked Salmon Crostini
Smoked Salmon Crostini is fancy without being fussy. Stack salmon and a few simple ingredients on toasted baguette slices, and you’ve got a platter that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Crostini
Crab Cakes
These Crab Cakes are packed with fresh lump crab meat and couldn’t be easier to make. Perfect for serving as an appetizer that feels special but is totally doable.
Get the Recipe: Crab Cakes
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a holiday crowd-pleaser. With flaky puff pastry and melty cheese, these little bites come together fast and always steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers are a quick win for your appetizer lineup. Just four ingredients and 20 minutes later, you’ve got a colorful, flavorful dish that’s ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Christmas Cheese Trees
Christmas Cheese Trees are a fun and festive addition to your holiday table. Made with Laughing Cow cheese, pretzels, and herbs, they’re as easy to assemble as they are great to eat.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cheese Trees
Shrimp Spring Rolls
Shrimp Spring Rolls bring fresh, juicy flavor wrapped in a crispy bite. They’re quick to prepare and add a great crunch to your appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Spring Rolls
Southern Jalapeño Pimiento Cheese Spread
This Southern Jalapeño Pimiento Cheese Spread takes the classic up a notch with just the right amount of kick. Perfect as a dip, sandwich filler, or holiday snack that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Southern Jalapeño Pimiento Cheese Spread
Horseradish Cocktail Sauce
Horseradish Cocktail Sauce comes together in five minutes flat and makes seafood like shrimp and crab shine. The horseradish adds the perfect punch to keep things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Horseradish Cocktail Sauce
Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry Brie Bites pack everything you love about holiday flavors into a flaky, crispy crust. Quick to assemble, they’re the perfect last-minute appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites
Italian Bruschetta
Italian Bruschetta is a fresh, no-cook option that comes together in minutes. Juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil make it a perfect light addition to any appetizer lineup.
Get the Recipe: Italian Bruschetta
Spicy Dill Pickle Dip with Jalapeño
Spicy Dill Pickle Dip combines creamy texture with a kick of heat. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to adjust to your spice preference and perfect for dipping chips or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Dill Pickle Dip with Jalapeño
Soppressata Provolone Cones
Soppressata Provolone Cones are a simple yet classy snack ready in under 15 minutes. With provolone cheese, soppressata, and a touch of crunch, these cones are a guaranteed hit.
Get the Recipe: Soppressata Provolone Cones
Pumpkin Hummus
Pumpkin Hummus is a festive option for fall and winter gatherings. Creamy chickpeas and flavorful pumpkin make it a versatile dip to pair with crackers, veggies, or bread.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Hummus
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.
