Appetizers are important: They set the tone for the meal or party to come. But they’re never more important than during the holidays when there are more occasions requiring pre-dinner snacks, appetite enhancers, and small plates accompanied by festive cocktails or cups of punch.
If you’re looking for Martha-level recipes for holiday appetizers, you’re in luck: We’re sharing some you’ll actually find at our founder’s festive gatherings, including simple one-bite snacks, crowd-pleasing dips, and even a wildcard entry or two to keep things interesting. There’s truly something for everyone, from the traditional to the adventurous.
Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket
Kirsten Francis
Take your presentation of this go-to party treat up a notch by baking the pizza dough-wrapped hot dogs in a springform pan. Guests can pull them apart themselves, and then dip in a kicky sriracha mayonnaise.
Labneh Dip With Caramelized Onions and Fennel
Consider this a new take on a classic: It’s essentially a more inspired take on caramelized onion dip. Like it’s inspiration, it’s sure to be the first thing to go at a party.
Puff-Pastry Cheese Straws
David Malosh
These twisty hors d’oeuvres just keep on giving: Everyone loves them, they are easy to eat out of hand, and they pair well with practically any drink. Another bonus: They’re easy to make using store-bought puff pastry.
Salmon Mousse
Here’s a quick, easy, and sophisticated spread: A modest portion of smoked salmon yields a luxurious mousse when blended with sour cream and a touch of lemon juice.
Baked Camembert With Cherry Jam
Nico Schinco
Here’s a secret: You don’t have to spend a fortune on cheese. Just heat Camembert, or another inexpensive triple cream like Brie, right in its box until melting. Set it out with crostini, crudités, cherry jam, and nuts on top.
Spicy Shrimp Dip
Armando Rafael
Tender shrimp, fiery serrano chiles, and plenty of fresh lime juice and cilantro take this creamy dip to the next level. A crunchy panko topping is the perfect finishing touch.
Classic Deviled Eggs
Bryan Gardner
What’s a holiday gathering without deviled eggs? You could easily make a whole menu using our deviled egg variations on the classic appetizer.
Spanish Chorizo Balls
Con Poulos
For those occasions when you need a hot appetizer, we suggest these half-pork, half-chorizo meatballs. Serve them alongside plenty of crusty bread to sop up all of the delicious citrus-spiked tomato gravy.
Warm Olives With Cracked Coriander
Justin Walker
When you want to prepare an impressive but oh-so-easy appetizer, this four-ingredient wonder is exactly what you need. Coriander seeds are toasted in olive oil until fragrant, then tossed with olives and bay leaves.
Fried Macaroni-and-Cheese Bites
David Malosh
This snackable form of the perennial favorite pasta dish is sure to be a hit at any party. Make the stove-top mac and cheese a few days ahead so it can firm up in the refrigerator, then wow your family with this irresistible bite.
Chicken-Liver Mousse With Raspberry Jelly
Christopher Testani
Both exquisite and easy, the rich combination of chicken livers and butter is beautifully complemented by the sweet-tart raspberry jelly in this chic appetizer.
Smoked Trout Pate on Toasted Baguette
Burcu Avsar
Just a few ingredients are all you need for this super easy but sophisticated hors d’oeuvre. Make them for a last-minute get-together or a more formal soirée.
Shrimp and Crudité Platter With Two Sauces
Justin Walker
Here’s a Martha-level appetizer spread that’s sure to delight. It’s a feast of raw and steamed vegetables, hard-cooked eggs, and chilled seafood served with a side of jarred mayonnaise doctored with anchovies and oil-packed tuna, as well as a vegan avocado-based green-goddess dip.
Date, Olive, and Goat-Cheese Tart
Louise Hagger
This chèvre tart is like a cheese plate in a single bite, with luscious dates, briny olives, and pickled chiles, all cradled in a buttery pastry shell.
Cheese Ball
Cranberry Walnut Cheese Ball.
Brit + Co
This throwback appetizer has a nostalgic appeal, backed up by a delicious taste. It starts with a mixture of cream cheese and cheddar enhanced with Dijon and Worcestershire sauce, and then you roll the ball in a coating of finely chopped pecans. Serve with crackers and veggies for a surefire win.
Pull-Apart Cheesy Pesto Bread
Lennart Weibull
There’s so much to love about this four-ingredient cheesy bread: it’s easy to make, doesn’t require a laundry list of items, and tastes out of this world. Simply cut a loaf of bread at one-inch intervals and spread pesto between each slice, then stuff with mozzarella and Taleggio, bake, and serve.