17 holiday appetizers we can’t get enough of

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Looking for holiday appetizers that always impress? These 17 irresistible recipes are ones we can’t stop making and are sure to be a hit at your next party.

Two pictures of stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Sausage balls on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese are a quick and impressive appetizer, taking just 30 minutes to prepare. The combination of savory sausage and creamy cheese baked to perfection makes them an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, whether it’s game day or a festive occasion.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

A plate with cranberry cream cheese and crackers.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Impress everyone with this Jalapeño Cranberry Dip — a unique blend of spicy jalapeños and tangy cranberries that offers the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. This make-ahead dip is sure to stand out at your holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with cheese and basil on a baking sheet.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These baked tomatoes take less than 30 minutes to prepare and offer a straightforward yet impressive addition to your holiday dining, featuring ripe tomatoes topped with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for a warm and comforting taste.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a plate with parsley.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are an impressive, flavorful, and memorable appetizer. Made with straightforward ingredients, you can start prepping components of the recipe in advance so things are as easy as possible come party time.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

A hand holding a slice of cucumber topped with taco dip with cream cheese.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Look no further than this 15-minute Taco Dip for an extra quick and easy holiday appetizer. The combination of cream cheese and taco seasoning makes it a perfect choice to elevate your festive table. Plate with tortilla chips or sliced veggies.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A baking sheet with garnished parmesan crusted potatoes on it.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In less than an hour, you can create these impressive Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Featuring a simple blend of Parmesan cheese and potatoes, their crunchy exterior and fluffy interior make them a total standout to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Chili Cheese Dip

Chili cheese dip in a baking dish with toppings.
Chili Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a filling and flavorful option that comes together in just 30 minutes, try this Chili Cheese Dip, made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection. Serve with chips at parties all holiday season long.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Zucchini boats stuffed with bacon and sour cream.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded with bacon and sour cream, these Loaded Zucchini Boats are a hit for casual holiday gatherings and can be prepared in just 50 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Jalapeño spinach artichoke dip in a white dish with a spoon.
Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip is a simple and crowd-pleasing blend of spicy jalapeños, spinach, artichokes, and cream cheese, ready in under an hour. It’s a delicious and memorable holiday dip when served with veggies, chips, or crackers.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Halloumi Fries

A person pulling apart a halloumi fry.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up these golden and crispy Halloumi Fries in just 25 minutes for a last-minute addition to your holiday menu. Halloumi, a cheese that doesn’t fully melt when baked, is sliced, breaded, and baked to create these fries.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

Bacon Wrapped Peppers ready to enjoy.
Bacon Wrapped Peppers. Photo Credit: Real Balanced.

In 45 minutes, you can bake and serve these flavorful, memorable, and surprisingly filling Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers. They’re filled with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Mini Peppers

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers, ready in about an hour, offer a delicious combination of flavors that are simple to prepare and serve, making them a hit at any holiday event.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Garnished shrimp cucumber bites on a plate.
Shrimp Cucumber Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in only 25 minutes, these Shrimp Cucumber Bites bring a fresh, flavorful element to your appetizer selection with the combination of cucumber, Cajun-spiced shrimp, and guacamole, offering a refreshing choice for your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

A hand holding a toothpick with a bacon egg and cheese breakfast slider.
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a holiday brunch appetizer idea, try these Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders, featuring a classic combination of bacon, egg, and cheese, skewered for easy handling at parties.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

Cucumber Tomato Bites

A hand holding a cucumber tomato bite.
Cucumber Tomato Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These light and refreshing Cucumber Tomato Bites are ready in under 30 minutes, making them a great option for those seeking a healthier, fuss-free addition to their holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites

Zucchini Bites

A plate of zucchini bites next to a cup of dipping sauce.
Zucchini Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Made with Parmesan and cheddar cheese, plus Italian spices, these Zucchini Bites are a flavorful holiday appetizer, ready in just 30 minutes and perfect to enjoy with other foods or on their own.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats

Four cucumber boats on a white serving platter.
Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make these Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats in just five minutes for an effortless holiday appetizer. They offer a quick, flavorful bite topped with creamy avocado and cream cheese, making them a great choice for those looking for something easy and refreshing to serve to guests.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats

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