Between Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, holiday parties and Sunday games, there are plenty of opportunities in November and December to gather — and to bring delicious food with you. Whether you’re hosting or just want to contribute, we’ve got 13 easy (we promise) and delicious appetizer recipes for you to try that are guaranteed to please a crowd and be easy to eat one-handed. Cheers!
Kale Burger Sliders
Victor Protasio
Kate Hudson packs her mini burgers with plenty of seasonings like paprika, celery seeds and onion powder — plus a serving of kale or spinach so you can sneak in a few veggies for the kids.
Get the recipe here.
Italian Deviled Eggs
Victor Protasio
The classic finger food gets a delightful twist from Lidia Bastianich thanks to cornichons and diced zucchini. “They can be made earlier in the day and kept in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve,” said the chef. “They taste better after the flavors blend for an hour or two.”
Get the recipe here.
Baked Ricotta with Roasted Grapes
Victor Protasio
Rachael Ray tops her cheesy starter with homemade roasted grapes, balsamic vinegar and toasted pistachio nuts. Serve with crostini dressed with olive oil and sea salt for a showstopping spread.
Get the recipe here.
Gruyère Cheese Puffs
Jennifer Causey
For a holiday gathering, chef Ludo Lefebvre likes serving his gougères with goat cheese or orange preserves. “They’re the perfect bites for parties,” he said.
Get the recipe here.
Tomato, Arugula & Prosciutto Pizza
Jennifer Causey
Pizza should make an appearance at every party in our opinion — and the holidays are no different. With fresh ingredients like arugula, cherry tomatoes and burrata, Donatella Arapia’s recipe won’t weigh you down before the big meal.
Get the recipe here.
Baked Brie Bites
Your favorite holiday appetizer gets a miniature makeover. The secret to these five-ingredient treats is to cut the puff pastry into rounds and pre-bake it, then top them with apricot preserves, candied pecans and brie for the last few minutes.
Get the recipe here.
Portobello Mushroom Satay with Peanut Sauce
Jennifer Causey
Veteran Top Chef and MasterChef judge Graham Elliot drizzles the meaty mushroom with homemade peanut sauce and suggests leaving out more with the skewers so guests can dip as they please.
Get the recipe here.
Chili-Roasted Cashews
Hector Sanchez; Inset: Source: Meera Sodha/Twitter
If you’re in a pinch and need to throw together a last-minute pre-dinner snack, the author of Made in India, Meera Sodha, has just the answer. The chili powder-spiked nuts will keep guests satisfied while you put the finishing touches on the main event.
Get the recipe here.
Creamy Ranch Hummus
Hector Sanchez; Inset:Slaven Vlasic/Getty
Whip up this combination of our two favorite things — ranch and hummus. The recipe, which comes from Ilan Hall of the former The Gorbals restaurant in Brooklyn, “has the same flavor as ranch and is healthier for you, too.”
Get the recipe here.
Butternot Tots with Spicy Maple Mustard
Connoisseurus Veg
Replace your standard tater tots with in-season butternut squash to make the perfect finger food. The spicy maple mustard adds a surprising gourmet twist.
Get the recipe here.
Spinach Cheesy Balls
Sweet as Honey
These healthy (and gluten-free!) spinach balls will help satisfy people’s craving for comfort food long before you set the table for dinner.
Get the recipe here.
Green Goddess Veggie Dip Cups
theviewfromgreatisland.com
Whip up a homemade herb dressing for a fun, festive dip — and make snacking and socializing easy for guests by prepping the pre-cut veggies in individual cups.
Get the recipe here.
Greek Layer Dip
Erin Clarke of Well Plated
Layered with cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, tomatoes and Greek yogurt on top of a hummus base, this is a lightened-up alternative to a classic seven-layer dip. Plus, it’s big enough to serve a crowd.
Get the recipe here.