20 Best Holiday Appetizer Recipes

Brie and Cranberry Bites

These delightful bites combine creamy Brie with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, perfect for a festive gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 egg, beaten

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 2-inch squares.
3. Place a cube of Brie on each square, followed by a teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
4. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling and seal with beaten egg.
5. Place on the baking sheet and brush with egg wash.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Stuffed Mushrooms with Garlic and Herbs

These savory stuffed mushrooms are filled with a garlic-herb cream cheese mixture, making them a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 16 large button mushrooms
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Remove stems from mushrooms and chop them finely.
3. In a bowl, mix chopped stems with cream cheese, garlic, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon the mixture into the mushroom caps and place them in the prepared dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

This simple yet elegant appetizer pairs tender asparagus with salty prosciutto for a delightful bite.

Ingredients:

• 12 asparagus spears
• 6 slices of prosciutto
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Trim the woody ends off asparagus and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Cut prosciutto slices in half and wrap each piece around an asparagus spear.
4. Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until prosciutto is crisp.

Caprese Skewers

These fresh and colorful skewers are a bite-sized version of the classic Caprese salad.

Ingredients:

• 12 cherry tomatoes
• 12 small mozzarella balls
• 12 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Thread a cherry tomato, mozzarella ball, and basil leaf onto each skewer.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.
3. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Bread Bowl

Transform the beloved spinach and artichoke dip into a shareable bread bowl appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 round sourdough loaf
• 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the top off the sourdough loaf and hollow out the center.
3. In a bowl, mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Fill the bread bowl with the mixture and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the dip is bubbly and golden.

Smoky Deviled Eggs

Add a touch of smoky flavor to this classic appetizer with smoked paprika and bacon.

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Boil eggs for 10 minutes, then cool and peel.
2. Halve the eggs and remove yolks.
3. Mash yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, smoked paprika, bacon, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into egg whites.
5. Garnish with additional paprika and bacon before serving.

Pomegranate and Goat Cheese Crostini

These crisp crostini feature tangy goat cheese and sweet pomegranate seeds for a festive bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 4 oz goat cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place baguette slices on a baking sheet.
2. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Spread goat cheese on each slice, then top with pomegranate seeds.
4. Drizzle with honey and garnish with thyme leaves.

Mini Beef Wellington Bites

These delectable mini beef wellingtons provide a gourmet touch to any holiday party.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 8 oz beef tenderloin, cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Sauté mushrooms in a pan until cooked, then let cool.
3. Roll out puff pastry and cut into small squares.
4. Spread mustard on beef cubes, place them on pastry squares, top with mushrooms.
5. Fold pastry over filling, seal with egg wash, and place on baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Caramelized Onion and Blue Cheese Tartlets

These tartlets combine the rich flavors of caramelized onions and blue cheese in a flaky pastry shell.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 oz blue cheese, crumbled
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cook onions in butter over medium heat until caramelized, about 25 minutes.
3. Cut puff pastry into circles and place on the baking sheet.
4. Top each circle with caramelized onions and crumbled blue cheese.
5. Bake for 15 minutes until pastry is golden and cheese is melted.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

Cranberry and Pecan Cheese Ball

This festive cheese ball combines cream cheese, cranberries, and pecans for a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon honey

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, and honey.
2. Form into a ball and roll in pecans to coat.
3. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
4. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.