17 savory holiday starters everyone will be fighting over

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Get ready to kick off your holiday celebrations with appetizers that are sure to steal the spotlight. From cheesy bites to elegant dips, these 17 savory starters are perfect for keeping everyone happy while they wait for the main course. Don’t be surprised if your guests can’t stop coming back for more—they’re just that irresistible!

A cracker being dipped into a dish of jalapeño cranberry dip.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hot Chipped Beef Dip

A bowl of dip with carrots and celery.
Hot Chipped Beef Dip. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Need a snack that’ll disappear fast this holiday season? This Hot Chipped Beef Dip is creamy, cheesy, and so good you’ll be scraping the bowl. Whip it up, grab a chip, and dig in before your family eats it all! It’s guaranteed to be the hit of the party.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chipped Beef Dip

Spiced Almonds

A white bowl filled with roasted, seasoned almonds is placed on a white and grey striped fabric.
Spiced Almonds. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Kick your snacks up a notch with these homemade spiced almonds! They’re loaded with flavor—chili powder, celery salt, and a little heat. Just toss them in buttery Worcestershire sauce, pop them in the microwave, and you’re set. Super easy, and your friends will be asking for the recipe nonstop!
Get the Recipe: Spiced Almonds

Bacon Curls

A person holding up a bacon curl with a bite out of it.
Bacon Curls. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Need a quick snack for the holidays? Microwave Bacon Curls are where it’s at! Easy to make, super fast, and perfect for hanging out with family. Everyone’s gonna love these crispy bites! They’re the perfect treat to munch on while you relax and enjoy the holiday fun.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Curls

Cowboy Caviar

A bowl of bean and corn salad with diced avocado, red onion, tomatoes, and cilantro surrounded by tortilla chips.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Forget the basic chips and salsa this holiday season—Cowboy Caviar is where it’s at! Loaded with fresh veggies, beans, and a little kick, it’s a delicious dip that’ll keep everyone happily munching before dinner!
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Meatballs in a white bowl on a wooden table.
Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These grape jelly and chili sauce meatballs are perfect for the holidays! They’re super easy to make and will be gone in no time. Seriously, everyone will be asking for more before you even blink. They’re a total crowd-pleaser for any holiday party or family get-together!
Get the Recipe: Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps

Overhead view of cream cheese pickle wraps on white plate.
Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Need a quick holiday snack? Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps have you covered! These salty, tangy bites are super easy to make and disappear before you know it. Perfect for keeping everyone munching while the food’s cooking!
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps

Alabama Fire Crackers

A white bowl filled with seasoned square crackers is placed on a wooden surface, with a red and white checkered cloth in the background.
Alabama Fire Crackers. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

You’ve got to make Alabama Fire Crackers this holiday season! Just toss some crackers in a ziplock with a spicy oil mix, let them sit overnight, and bam – snack time! They’re always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any holiday hangout!
Get the Recipe: Alabama Fire Crackers

Snack Mix

Close up of snack mix made up of Chex, pretzels, peanuts, and Cheerios.
Snack Mix. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Skip the boring chips! This snack mix, straight from Grandma’s kitchen, is the perfect munchie to keep everyone happy while you’re cooking. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to level up your appetizer spread!
Get the Recipe: Snack Mix

Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

A cracker being dipped into a dish of jalapeño cranberry dip.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Jalapeño Cranberry Dip is sweet, tart, spicy, and creamy – the perfect holiday appetizer! It’s super easy to whip up with just a few steps, and it’ll definitely stand out at your holiday get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

Chili Popcorn

A bowl of popcorn on a red and white checkered tablecloth.
Chili Popcorn. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Bored of the same old snacks? This chili popcorn is about to spice things up for the holidays! With chili powder, garlic, and paprika, it’s super easy to make and totally addicting. Better make a big batch—it won’t last long!
Get the Recipe: Chili Popcorn

Dill Pickle Dip

Pickle dip with crackers and tomatoes on a plate.
Dill Pickle Dip. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Dill Pickle Dip is so easy to throw together for the holidays! Just mix a few simple ingredients, and you’ve got a creamy, tangy dip that everyone will love. It’s the perfect snack for any holiday get-together!
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Dip

Deviled Eggs with Bacon

Two deviled eggs on a wooden table.
Deviled Eggs with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Bored with the same old snacks? Try out these Bacon Deviled Eggs! They’re not your typical deviled eggs—they’re filled with creamy goodness, topped with crispy bacon, and have a zesty pickle kick that’ll have everyone going back for more!
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Bacon

Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders

Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders with poppy seeds.
Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Ham and Cheese Sliders are a super easy and delicious appetizer that’s perfect for holiday parties and potlucks! They’ve got ham, mozzarella, mustard, butter, poppy seeds, onions, and of course, those soft Hawaiian rolls.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders

Rattlesnake Bites

A hand with blue nail polish pulling apart a cheesy rattlesnake bite with jalapenos.
Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These rattlesnake bites are loaded with melty cheese and spicy jalapenos, all wrapped in a crispy, crunchy coating. Think of them as a mix between a mozzarella stick and a jalapeno popper—basically, the best of both worlds!
Get the Recipe: Rattlesnake Bites

Taco Dip with Ground Beef

A layered taco dip with ground beef and cheese.
Taco Dip with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Taco Dip with Ground Beef is a holiday must-have that everyone will love. With layers of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and all the tasty toppings, it’s the perfect appetizer for any holiday gathering. Serve it up and watch it disappear!
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Ground Beef

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

Chicken wings glistening with a rich, sticky barbecue sauce arranged on a white plate accompanied with a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings are a super quick and easy snack or dinner. They’re crispy, coated in tangy BBQ sauce, and air fried for a healthier twist on classic wings. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and some sides to make it a full meal. Ready in just minutes, they’re perfect for game day or busy nights!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A bowl of buffalo chicken dip with celery and chips.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This slow cooker buffalo chicken dip is perfect for the holidays and so easy to make. It mixes the spicy kick of buffalo wings with a creamy, cheesy dip that’s sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. You won’t have to worry about a thing while it cooks!
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

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