12 Appetizers Perfect For The Holidays

The holidays require a good arsenal of appetizers. This collection includes my go-to recipes when entertaining or attending parties – that everyone always loves! Whether you need one or several crowd-pleasing snacks, this recipe roundup will have what you need.

1. Beef Tenderloin Rumaki

This classic Beef Tenderloin Rumaki is finger food at its finest! Tender beef, water chestnuts, and chives are wrapped with bacon.

2. Pineapple Cheese Ball

A holiday family favorite! I featured this recipe on TV recently, and it was received incredibly well: so many people reached out for this recipe! My family makes this one every year during the holidays, and it’s always the first to be devoured.

A pineapple cheese ball covered in almonds looking like a pinecone

3. Polynesian Chicken Wings

Another classic in my family, these chicken wings are sweet, sticky, and so savory. The smell that fills the house always reminds me of Christmas at the family farm. They’re tender and filled with flavor – everyone loves these wings!

These Polynesian Chicken Wings are sticky, sweet, and perfectly salty.

4. Marinated Olives

These marinated olives are a nice fill-in appetizer. Not only are they delicious on an appetizer spread, but they also make a beautiful gift. Package them up in a nice glass jar: a gift that any host or hostess would love to receive.

5. Parmesan Straws with Everything Seasoning

This is another recipe I shared in a TV segment that I received so many inquiries about! Puff pastry is such a versatile ingredient, and this recipe proves that it doesn’t need much to be delicious.

A cream bowl filled with everything parmesan straws on a cream towel

6. Rosemary and Maple Roasted Nuts

Another delicious appetizer that doubles as an outstanding gift! I make multiple batches of these delicious mixed nuts throughout the holidays and always have them out when entertaining (or who am I kidding, to snack on myself!).

7. Lox Bagel Dip

An outrageously delicious and simple dip! This one always elicits “ooh’s” and “ahh’s”. The presentation alone is enough to entice interest, but when you try it? Good luck not eating the whole plate!

A platter of dip topped with lox, dill, red onion, capers, and dill surrounded by ingredients

8. Peppermint Crunch Snack Mix

Maybe you’re looking for something sweet that isn’t necessarily dessert to put on your spread. This is it! This snack mix is sweet, salty, chocolatey, and perfectly festive thanks to a candy cane crunch.

9. The Best Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are synonymous with the holidays for me. This recipe has been in my family for as long as I can remember, and although I’ve never met a stuffed mushroom I didn’t like, these have always been my absolute favorite. They’re simple to make and even easier to enjoy!

These Stuffed Mushrooms are simple and absolutely delicious! The mushrooms stems are chopped and sautéed with garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs for a savory stuffing.

10. Whipped Feta

Whipped feta is one of the easiest appetizers to make and eat! It’s super customizable, but I like serving it for the holidays surrounded by an array of red and green vegetables to be super festive!

A platter of red and green vegetables shaped as a wreath surrounding whipped feta

11. Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Chimichurri & Cocktail Sauce

This is one of the first recipes I shared on So Happy You Liked It, and I make it time and time again! Pretty PLEASE don’t get pre-cooked shrimp. Get raw shrimp and roast it yourself! It takes mere minutes to cook the most perfect juicy shrimp cocktail. Serve it with a herby chimichurri sauce and the classic cocktail sauce – the more horseradish, the better.

12. Dill Pickle Snack Mix

This Dill Pickle Snack Mix is a tangy and crunchy snack that is absolutely addictive! All the flavor of a dill pickle in a handful of pretzels, Chex cereal, and mixed nuts. A snack mix people will absolutely swoon over!