The anticipation of any holiday meal is palpable, and it starts with the apps! Kick things off strongly with delectable, savory, and sweet bites that welcome guests and prep their appetites for the celebratory feast to come. Most of these appetizers can be prepped in advance, so that day off all you have to do is quickly assemble and plate these finger foods for a fabulous start to every type of holiday party. Busy hosts, these holiday appetizers are for you!
Clams With Chorizo and Crusty Bread
Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Beware of guests prone to fill up on appetizers, because this one will do it. The dish is just a bit spicy and super savory, a light but satisfying way to kick off a meal. Pre-slice the bread, or leave it out with a knife to let folks DIY each bite.
Baked Brie With Bourbon Apples
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Emily Hall
Show us a party that isn’t greatly enhanced by baked Brie. We’ll wait. These bourbon apples are perfect for a cold weather get together, and can even be prepped a day in advance. Just heat everything right before your guests are slated to arrive.
Shaved Apple Fennel Salad
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Emily Hall
A light appetizer with an intriguing crunch lets guests nosh while they mingle without feeling too full. This salad is quick to toss together, and leftovers can act as a nice slaw on any sandwich.
Yogurt Dip With Herb Oil
Victor Protasio
This restaurant-quality dip truly takes minutes to whip up, and is certainly one of those dishes that leaves guests asking for the recipe. Serve with the dippers of your choice—anything from pita chips to crudites suits this creamy yogurt dip.
Crispy Falafel Bites
Fred Hardy
Get out your food processor and your best skillet for this savory starter. These herby bites come together in under an hour, and the dip can be made ahead so you can spend even less time in the kitchen this holiday. Just wait to drizzle it with oil until just before serving.
Make Ahead Holiday Salad
Greg DuPree
Any make-ahead recipe is so welcome at one of the busiest gathering times of the year. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish, this salad is a hit thanks to its crispness and tanginess, and yes, can be prepped well in advance of the event.
Holiday Charcuterie Board
jenifoto / Getty Images
For a grazing board to appease all meat and cheese lovers, add a little holiday flare. This is a way to get creative, encourage help from little ones or anyone who wants to participate, and make a photo-worthy spread that can be enjoyed for hours.
Honey Prosciutto Crisps
Victor Protasio
Sure, prosciutto is great straight from the package. But have you ever tried baking it? With honey? Life changing.
Kale Flatbread Bites
Victor Protasio
Sneaking green vegetables into appetizers is never a bad idea, but these kale flatbread bites are so indulgent, it doesn’t even feel like you’re getting your veggies. Cut into small pieces to encourage snacking, not feasting. This is an appetizer, after all.
Crispy Potato Latkes
Antonis Achilleos
Latkes are a fantastic way to start any holiday meal. They can be fried ahead of time and reheated in the toaster oven, or kept warm on a tray in the oven. Serve with applesauce, sour cream, or other condiments.
French Onion Soup Bites
Victor Protasio
Serving soup can potentially get messy, but these one-bite snacks help keep everything tidy while encompassing all the flavors of soup without any spilling potential. They’re crispy, cheesy and easy—make over 30 bites in under an hour.
Fish Antipasto Board
Victor Protasio
Say hello to your new favorite grazing board. The rich smoked trout dip is as delicious on crunchy veggies as it is slathered on a cracker or baguette. Plus, the bread makes an ideal foundation for softened butter and anchovies. Any way you take it, we know you’ll love it. If you’re hosting a Feast of Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, consider this as the perfect way to start the feast.
Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia
Greg DuPree
Homemade bread is always impressive, and this one is a cinch to whip up. There’s no kneading required, mostly just an overnight rise so the focaccia can puff up before you adorn it and bake it.
Air Fried Gochujang Maple Cauliflower Bites
GREG DUPREE; FOOD STYLING BY EMILY NABORS HALL, PROP STYLING BY CLAIRE SPOLLEN
Disguised as a bar snack, these crisp cauliflower bites are a warm, sweet, and spicy start to a holiday meal. Make the glaze as spicy as you want, and serve with a creamy dip to help cut the heat.
Crispy Homemade Baked Potato Chips
Lauren Simpson
Potato chips are always a hit, but up the ante a little with a homemade version. They’re not too complicated to make, arguably a bit healthier (they’re baked!), and you can even have fun with potato varieties and use purple potatoes or sweet potatoes to add some color to your chip bowl.
Curried Butternut Squash Soup
Antonis Achilleos
This soup is creamy without being too heavy, and makes for a wonderful and easy appetizer. It can be made days in advance and reheated on the stove or in the slow cooker. Guests can serve themselves in small cups with a ladle, or pass out shot glasses of warm soup as a fun start to the meal.
Steamed Clams With Garlic Toasts
CAITLIN BENSEL
A big bowl of steamy clams is the perfect appetizer to gather around as guests trickle in. Serve with small slices of toast, so everyone can help themselves to a nice dip in the buttery sauce. A ladle on the side may also be good to include.
Deviled Eggs
Aniko Hobel/Getty Images
Easy to prep and plate the day before, and always a crowd-pleaser, deviled eggs are a go-to holiday appetizer for good reason. Try adding different herbs to the filling or popping something crispy on top (bacon bits or sesame seeds are a good bet) for a fun twist on the classic.
Salmon Nigiri
Daniel Agee
A little sushi starter is always a good idea. Not only is it tradition for some families, but serving a bit of sushi is a festive and light way to get the party started. Homemade nigiri can also be a fun family project before hosting or attending a celebration.
Bacon Wrapped Apricots With Sage
CON POULOS
A fun twist on your classic bacon wrapped dates, these dried apricots are sweet and tangy, and provide a great base for crispy bacon. Sage adds an undeniable winter holiday note. Make extra because these are way too easy to constantly pop in your mouth.