19 holiday appetizers that’ll make you forget the main course

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Get ready for a flavor-packed holiday feast with 19 appetizer recipes that are so good, they’ll outshine the main course. From tasty dips to savory bites, these recipes are not just starters—they’re the stars of your holiday gathering, guaranteeing delicious moments and festive vibes.

beet cucumber salad is shown on a pink plate with a wood cutting board and dill.
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

4-Ingredient Guacamole

Guacamole in a bowl with tortilla chips.
4-Ingredient Guacamole. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Celebrate the holidays with our 4-Ingredient Guacamole—creamy avocados, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro create a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Simple and delightful, it’s a warm addition to your spread that everyone will enjoy. Pair it with tortilla chips for an easy and tasty start to your festive gathering. Your guests will love this straightforward and tasty guacamole.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Guacamole

Deviled Eggs Without Mustard

closeup shot of deviled eggs without mustard topped with snipped chives and paprika on a white plate.
Deviled Eggs Without Mustard. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

For a unique twist, try our Deviled Eggs Without Mustard. Creamy and satisfying, this holiday appetizer skips the mustard kick for a more subtle indulgence. It’s a classic with a surprise, perfect for pleasing your guests. Prepare a batch and watch them disappear at your holiday party. These deviled eggs offer a comforting and familiar flavor without overwhelming spice.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs Without Mustard

Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

beet cucumber salad is shown on a pink plate with a wood cutting board and dill.
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Brighten up your holiday appetizer lineup with the Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill—vibrant colors, earthy beets, and tangy feta add sophistication to your celebration. Wholesome and refreshing, this holiday appetizer is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Serve it as a refreshing side dish for a delightful holiday meal. The combination of ingredients creates a balanced and flavorful salad.
Get the Recipe: Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Bloody Mary Shrimp

plate of bloody mary shrimp on peach tiles with a baguette.
Bloody Mary Shrimp. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Dive into the sea-inspired goodness of Bloody Mary Shrimp, a warm and savory delight perfect for coastal feasting. Infused with bold flavors, this holiday appetizer captures the essence of a classic Bloody Mary. It’s a mouthwatering experience that will have your guests reaching for seconds. These shrimp offer a savory and satisfying kick, perfect for seafood lovers.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Shrimp

Garden Fresh Salsa

A closeup side shot of garden fresh salsa in a white bowl.
Garden Fresh Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Bring garden-fresh goodness to your holiday festivities with our Garden Fresh Salsa—ripe tomatoes, crisp peppers, and aromatic herbs create a delightful medley. Colorful and inviting, this holiday appetizer adds a refreshing touch to your seasonal spread. Scoop it up with your favorite chips for a simple and satisfying snack. This salsa is a straightforward and flavorful addition to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Garden Fresh Salsa

Garlic Peanuts

Close-up shot of garlic peanuts with chopped rosemary.
Garlic Peanuts. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Add a flavorful crunch to your holiday appetizer lineup with Garlic Peanuts—roasted peanuts with a hint of garlic for a warm and savory snack. This festive option is both addictive and comforting, making it a perfect party companion. Place bowls around your gathering for a tasty and simple crowd-pleaser. These garlic peanuts are a savory and satisfying snack.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Peanuts

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Hot honey lemon pepper wings on a dark blue plate surrounded by lemon pepper, lemons, a white linen, and lemonade.
Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Spice things up with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings—a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and citrusy zest. These wings are sure to be a hit at your festive gatherings, offering a tantalizing combination of flavors. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy. These wings deliver a delicious and straightforward flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Mango Pico de Gallo

A bowl of mango pico de gallo sits on a rustic wooden cutting board surrounded by limes, cilantro, and a pink linen.
Mango Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Transport your taste buds to the tropics with Mango Pico de Gallo—a vibrant blend of ripe mangoes, jalapeños, and cilantro. This fruity salsa is a refreshing addition to your holiday spread. Serve it alongside your favorite dishes for a burst of tropical flavor. This pico de gallo brings a fruity and straightforward twist to the traditional recipe.
Get the Recipe: Mango Pico de Gallo

Marinated Brussels Sprouts

Marinated brussels sprouts are shown on a white plate with a spoon and a dark red linen in the background.
Marinated Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enjoy Marinated Brussels Sprouts—a flavorful and sophisticated dish for your holiday table. The marination process enhances their taste, creating a memorable addition to your festive table. It’s a unique way to enjoy Brussels sprouts that will surprise and delight your guests. These Brussels sprouts offer a tasty and straightforward twist on a classic vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Brussels Sprouts

Marinated Tomatoes

Closeup of marinated heirloom tomatoes in a yellow and white pie dish.
Marinated Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Brighten up your holiday appetizer lineup with Marinated Tomatoes—a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes. The marination process enhances their taste, making them a delightful and refreshing addition to your seasonal spread. They’re a perfect complement to a variety of dishes. These marinated tomatoes provide a refreshing and straightforward burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

Pineapple Habanero Salsa

A bowl of pineapple habanero salsa surrounded by cilantro, limes, and a red linen sit on a wooden cutting board.
Pineapple Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Bring the heat to your holiday celebrations with Pineapple Habanero Salsa—a spicy and fruity concoction that pairs the sweetness of pineapple with the bold kick of habanero peppers. This holiday appetizer is a flavorful adventure that adds a touch of excitement to your festive table. It’s a bold choice for those who enjoy a kick in their salsa. This salsa brings a spicy and straightforward twist to your party.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Habanero Salsa

Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Pineapple pico de gallo in a black bowl surrounded by limes and a yellow linen.
Pineapple Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Capture the essence of the tropics with Pineapple Pico de Gallo—a fruity and refreshing salsa that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the zesty flavors of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. It’s a vibrant addition to your seasonal spread. Scoop it up with chips or serve it alongside grilled meats for a burst of tropical flavor. This pineapple pico de gallo offers a fruity and straightforward twist on a classic salsa.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Soy Garlic Wings

Soy garlic wings on a blue plate surrounded by a white linen, a glass of bear, soy ginger sauce, and cloves of garlic.
Soy Garlic Wings. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Satisfy your craving for bold flavors with Soy Garlic Wings—perfectly balancing the umami richness of soy with the savory goodness of garlic. These wings are a delicious and comforting addition to your festive gatherings. They’re easy to make, making them a go-to choice for any holiday party. These wings provide a savory and straightforward flavor that’s easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Soy Garlic Wings

Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa

Roasted mango habanero salsa on a wooden cutting board surrounded by lime and cilantro.
Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Turn up the heat with Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa—a flavorful and spicy holiday appetizer that marries the sweetness of roasted mangoes with the fiery kick of habanero peppers. It’s a tantalizing addition to your seasonal spread, bringing a burst of heat and flavor to the table. Serve it with your favorite snacks for a memorable experience. This salsa offers a spicy and straightforward twist to your party.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa

Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Closeup side view shot of turkey bacon wrapped asparagus bundles in a green dish.
Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Wrap up the holiday season with a flavor-packed bite—Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus combines the smokiness of bacon with the freshness of asparagus. This delightful dish is a satisfying and elegant addition to your festive table. It’s easy to prepare and a tasty way to enjoy a classic flavor combination. These bacon-wrapped asparagus provide a straightforward and delicious option for your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Serrano Salsa with Lime

A bowl of serrano salsa is shown with limes, chips, cilantro, and a red linen.
Serrano Salsa with Lime. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Add a kick to your holiday appetizer lineup with Serrano Salsa with Lime—a spicy and tangy delight that combines the heat of serrano peppers with the zesty freshness of lime. This flavorful salsa is a bold addition to your festive spread. It’s a simple and tasty way to add a bit of excitement to your holiday party. This salsa offers a spicy and straightforward twist to your party.
Get the Recipe: Serrano Salsa with Lime

Air Fryer Lumpia

Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Embrace the crispy goodness of Air Fryer Lumpia—a holiday appetizer that delivers a satisfying crunch with a savory filling. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for festive gatherings, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce for an easy and tasty treat. These air fryer lumpia provide a straightforward and crispy snack for your holiday party.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Air Fryer Artichokes

Air fried artichokes ready to eat.
Air Fryer Artichokes. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Elevate your holiday appetizer experience with Air Fryer Artichokes—a warm and crispy delight that brings out the natural flavors of artichokes. These artichokes have a golden brown exterior, making them a sophisticated and flavorful addition to your seasonal spread. They’re easy to make and a tasty alternative to traditional fried snacks. These air fryer artichokes offer a straightforward and crispy twist to your holiday party.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Artichokes

Homemade Cheese Spread

Homemade Cheese dip in a pink bowl with veggies on the side.
Homemade Cheese Spread. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Spread the warmth of the season with Homemade Cheese Spread—a holiday appetizer that combines the creamy richness of cheese with flavorful herbs and spices. This homemade delight is a comforting and indulgent addition to your festive table. It pairs well with crackers or crusty bread, making it a simple yet satisfying treat for your holiday gathering. This homemade cheese spread provides a straightforward and flavorful option for your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cheese Spread

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