These Holiday Appetizers Are So Good, They're Practically a Gift of Their Own

If you're looking for the perfect pairings for a festive evening, these delicious appetizers are just what you need to celebrate right. From finger foods like cranberry brie puff pastry swirls to make-ahead appetizers like seasoned cheese balls, the options are nearly endless and oh so good. Complete with all the best flavors of the season, these festive apps will make dinner so much more exciting.

From easy to difficult, light to hefty, and cheap to splurge-worthy, there's a bite in here for every chef out there — seasoned or not. So what are you waiting for? Choose from this extensive list of sometimes gooey, sometimes crispy, and always scrumptious holiday starters for the meal of your dreams. We promise you won't regret it!

— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano and Haley Lyndes

01
Star Bread Chips
Olivia's Cuisine

Star Bread Chips

Whether you want to upgrade your cheese board or make your finger foods look even more delightful, these easy-to-make chips will do the trick. Just dust some bread with olive oil, herbs, and salt, and your work is just about done!

Get the recipe: star bread chips

02
Mini Pastry-Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie Bites
Half Baked Harvest

Mini Pastry-Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie Bites

If you need a last-minute appetizer, make these impressive bites. Brie cheese, cranberry jam, and puff pastry work together to make each bite of these a true delight. Add fresh sage to make these complete.

Get the recipe: mini pastry-wrapped cranberry baked brie bites

03
Artichoke Dip Stuffed Rolls
Show Me the Yummy

Artichoke Dip Stuffed Rolls

Take artichoke dip to the next level when you make these divine rolls. Just stuff biscuits with a hefty scoop of artichoke, jalapeño dip, and some jack cheese, and top 'em off with butter.

Get the recipe: artichoke dip stuffed rolls

04
Baked Caramelized Onion Dip
Inspired by Charm

Baked Caramelized Onion Dip

You might've had onion dip before, but have you had it baked and caramelized? Warm, rich, and bursting with sharp flavor, this dip will go fast.

Get the recipe: baked caramelized onion dip

05
Goat-Cheese-Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Dates With Rosemary Honey
Half Baked Harvest

Goat-Cheese-Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Dates With Rosemary Honey

What do you get when you mix bacon, goat cheese, and dates together, you ask? The most mouthwatering recipe of them all. These baked bites will melt in your mouth, so be sure to grab a couple so you can enjoy every bite.

Get the recipe: goat-cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates with rosemary honey

06
Caramelized Winter-Fruit-Stuffed Brie
How Sweet Eats

Caramelized Winter-Fruit-Stuffed Brie

Imagine: two layers of creamy cheese; caramelized apples, pears, and cranberries; and a dash of butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Now tell us, what could possibly be better?

Get the recipe: caramelized winter-fruit-stuffed brie

07
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Swirls
Half Baked Harvest

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Swirls

Sweet and savory, these puff pastry swirls are perfect for a preholiday dinner. Flaky puff pastries are paired with rich brie cheese, dried cranberries, and a dash of cinnamon sugar to make this five-ingredient recipe one to remember.

Get the recipe: cranberry brie puff pastry swirls

08
Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs
The Cookie Rookie

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs

Warm, rich, and almost too good to be true, these chicken meatballs are filled with Swiss cheese and ham and cooked to perfection in a dreamy white wine dijon sauce. Eat them while they're hot for best results.

Get the recipe: chicken cordon bleu meatballs

09
Cranberry-Jalapeño Baked Brie Dip
Host the Toast

Cranberry-Jalapeño Baked Brie Dip

If you're into dips, you'll be all about this recipe! Tart, sweet, and a little spicy, this baked brie dip will be hard to walk away from. Notice how well the cranberries, jalapeños, and brown sugar work together to create a taste like no other.

Get the recipe: cranberry-jalapeño baked brie dip

10
Three-Cheese Mini Macaroni and Cheese Bites
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Three-Cheese Mini Macaroni and Cheese Bites

You know your dinner is off to a good start when mac and cheese makes a debut at the top of the menu! These little bites are filled with warm noodles and rich cheese, making it hard to stop eating them. Dig in!

Get the recipe: three-cheese mini macaroni and cheese bites

11
Cranberry Crostini
Cookie + Kate

Cranberry Crostini

Easy, simple, and bursting with flavor, these crostini will make your mouth water. The cranberry-orange sauce sits atop a whole-grain crostini that's coated in goat cheese, meaning these will leave you wanting more after just one bite.

Get the recipe: cranberry crostini

12
Caramelized Pear and Baked Brie Bread Bowl
Whitney Bond

Caramelized Pear and Baked Brie Bread Bowl

The holidays and baked Brie go together like peanut butter and jelly, in our opinions. The best part about this cheesy app is that it's surrounded by warm, easy-to-pull-apart bread, making it a treat to eat.

Get the recipe: caramelized pear and baked brie bread bowl

13
Chinese Chicken and Brussels Sprout Egg Rolls With Sweet Chile Pomegranate Sauce
Half Baked Harvest

Chinese Chicken and Brussels Sprout Egg Rolls With Sweet Chile Pomegranate Sauce

Baked or fried, these eggs rolls taste as delicious as ever. With the mushrooms, ginger, and rich chicken, you'll want these to be the main meal.

Get the recipe: Chinese chicken and brussels sprout egg rolls with sweet chile pomegranate sauce

14
Honey Bacon Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites
A Zesty Bite

Honey Bacon Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites

If you need an easy and quick app, you can't go wrong with these phyllo bites. They only take 20 minutes to whip up, and the results are drool-worthy.

Get the recipe: honey bacon goat cheese phyllo bites

15
Prosciutto-Wrapped, Feta-Stuffed Dates
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Prosciutto-Wrapped, Feta-Stuffed Dates

With only three ingredients, these small bites are so easy to make. You'll get notes of rich prosciutto, sharp feta, and sweet dates. Yes, please.

Get the recipe: prosciutto-wrapped, feta-stuffed dates

16
Brie and Cranberry Potato Bites
Cookin' Canuck

Brie and Cranberry Potato Bites

When you make this recipe, you'll get to enjoy warm brie cheese atop roasted potatoes that are doused in a dollop of cranberry sauce. They're seasonal, festive, and too tasty to pass up.

Get the recipe: brie and cranberry potato bites

17
Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread
Half Baked Harvest

Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread

Warm, savory, and sweet, this pull-apart bread is a dream come true. Just cut the bread to create a crosshatch pattern; stuff it with butter, brie, pecans, and cranberries; and bake until warm. It's almost too easy not to make!

Get the recipe: cranberry brie pull apart bread

18
Roasted Butternut Squash Bruschetta
Show Me the Yummy

Roasted Butternut Squash Bruschetta

Bruschetta is good any time of year, but this fall-inspired recipe makes it even better in the chilly months. A fluffy baguette is topped with goat cheese, arugula, roasted butternut squash, and tomatoes to make this app practically burst with flavor.

Get the recipe: roasted butternut squash bruschetta

19
Baked Brie Dip With Caramelized Onions and Delicata Squash
A Cozy Kitchen

Baked Brie Dip With Caramelized Onions and Delicata Squash

On a chilly fall night, nothing sounds quite as good as a warm, rich cheesy dip. This baked brie delicacy is made with squash, brie and mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions, and fresh spices. Eat it with French bread, apple slices, pears, and more.

Get the recipe: baked brie dip with caramelized onions and delicata squash

20
Cranberry Brie Pastry Tarts
Half Baked Harvest

Cranberry Brie Pastry Tarts

Quick, easy, and a fan favorite, these tarts are too good to be true. Creamy brie, tangy cranberries, and a fluffy puff pastry work together to make these cheese-filled tarts ready to be served in no time.

Get the recipe: cranberry brie pastry tarts

21
Cranberry Goat Cheese Ball
Whitney Bond

Cranberry Goat Cheese Ball

Sweet and savory, this cheese ball is so easy to make! All you need is fresh rosemary, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and goat cheese. Dunk crackers, toast, pears, apples, and veggies into it for best results.

Get the recipe: cranberry goat cheese ball

22
Sweet and Salty Snack Board
Show Me the Yummy

Sweet and Salty Snack Board

Complete with crackers, chocolate, fresh fruit, and cheese, this tasty snack board will go fast! Seasonal apples and rich cheese will make this your new go-to app in no time.

Get the recipe: sweet and salty snack board

23
Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites
Show Me the Yummy

Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites

Tell us, is there anything better than a bite of warm, gooey goat cheese? We think not. This easy recipe combines rich goat cheese with honey, walnuts, and spices that are baked until warm. Done and done.

Get the recipe: warm walnut goat cheese bites

24
Warm Caramelized Fennel, Leek, and Cheese Dip
A Cozy Kitchen

Warm Caramelized Fennel, Leek, and Cheese Dip

Take the traditional cheese dip up a notch when you whip up this gooey dish. The leeks and garlic give it a kick, while the brie, parmesan, and mozzarella will make cheese-lovers swoon. Add a dash of lemon zest and crushed red pepper for an extra hint of spice.

Get the recipe: warm caramelized fennel, leek, and cheese dip

25
Cherry Bruschetta
Show Me the Yummy

Cherry Bruschetta

Move over, cranberries! This cherry bruschetta is ready to take center stage. Goat cheese, cherries, pecans, rosemary, thyme, and pinot noir are combined with a chewy baguette to make the most mouthwatering app of them all.

Get the recipe: cherry bruschetta

26
Spicy Cranberry Salsa
Chili Pepper Madness

Spicy Cranberry Salsa

If you love salsa, you better buckle up! This cranberry-infused dip is tart and tangy, meaning it pairs superwell with rich French bread and nutty crackers. Feel free to put it on your favorite fall foods for an extra kick.

Get the recipe: spicy cranberry salsa

27
Pork and Brie Puff Pastry Bites
Show Me the Yummy

Pork and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

With only six ingredients needed, these puffy pastry bites will be the star of the show. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm pastry that's topped with gooey brie, rich cranberry sauce, salty nuts, and flavorful pork tenderloin. Yum.

Get the recipe: pork and brie puff pastry bites

28
Mushroom Brut Brie
Show Me the Yummy

Mushroom Brut Brie

Mushrooms and brie go hand-in-hand to make this cheesy app one to remember. Warm cheese is topped with cooked mushrooms, nutty pistachios, and brut champagne, meaning this easy dish is not only impressive, but also easy to make.

Get the recipe: mushroom brut brie

29
Melty Baked Brie With Walnuts, Honey, and Figs
A Cozy Kitchen

Melty Baked Brie With Walnuts, Honey, and Figs

If you want something that's both sweet and full of fresh flavors, you must try these honey-covered figs. Walnuts, brie, honey, and fresh thyme work together to make these purple figs a treat for your taste buds.

Get the recipe: melty baked brie with walnuts, honey, and figs

30
Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs
The Cookie Rookie

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs

Chicken meatballs stuffed with Swiss cheese and ham cooked in a white wine dijon sauce makes for juicy meatballs that practically burst at the seams with flavor.

Get the recipe: chicken cordon bleu meatballs

31
Buffalo Chicken Mac 'n' Cheese Cups
POPSUGAR Photography | Erin Cullum

Buffalo Chicken Mac 'n' Cheese Cups

Spicy buffalo chicken and rich cheddar mac . . . need we say more?

Get the recipe: Buffalo chicken mac 'n' cheese cups

32
Pumpkin Herb Cheese Ball
Running to the Kitchen

Pumpkin Herb Cheese Ball

Make your appetizer table the hottest spot in the house when you add this cheese ball to the mix. Creamy mascarpone, cream cheese, cheddar, pumpkin, and fresh herbs make this satisfying app a dream come true. Crunchy crackers, warm bread, and seasonal veggies can all be dunked into it.

Get the recipe: pumpkin herb cheese ball

33
Autumn Chicken and Phyllo Dough Pot Pies
Half Baked Harvest

Autumn Chicken and Phyllo Dough Pot Pies

Imagine getting a taste of chicken tenders, apple cider, and butternut squash all in one bite. These little pot pies have all that and more! Perfect for a chilly fall night, these will be a hit, and can even serve as the main dish.

Get the recipe: autumn chicken and phyllo dough pot pies

34
Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
The Cookie Rookie

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

Cooked in a cranberry pepper jelly sauce, these flavorful meatballs are a perfect harmony of all the best flavors.

Get the recipe: sweet and spicy cranberry cocktail meatballs

35
Caramelized Garlic Butter Toast With Pan-Fried Mushrooms
Half Baked Harvest

Caramelized Garlic Butter Toast With Pan-Fried Mushrooms

If your main course for Halloween is savory, this rich toast will pair perfectly with it. Made with some of fall's finest flavors, this app will go fast. Top it off with as many mushrooms as you can fit!

Get the recipe: caramelized garlic butter toast with pan-fried mushrooms

36
The Cheesecake Factory's Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Damn Delicious

The Cheesecake Factory's Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

The only thing better than mac and cheese? Fried mac and cheese.

Get the recipe: fried mac and cheese balls

37
Twice-Baked Acorn Squash With Maple Butter and Pecans
A Cozy Kitchen

Twice-Baked Acorn Squash With Maple Butter and Pecans

You've heard of twice-baked potatoes, but have you heard of twice-baked acorns? These cute little cups are filled with all the best flavors of the season along with creamy maple butter and crunchy pecans. Yum!

Get the recipe: twice-baked acorn squash with maple butter and pecans

38
Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes With Thyme and Blue Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Brandi Milloy

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes With Thyme and Blue Cheese

If you have a slow-cooker, this will be your new favorite recipe in no time. Blue cheese lends a sharp, pungent tang to the naturally sweet potatoes, and the thyme gives a fresh, earthy flavor to this tasty recipe.

Get the recipe: slow-cooker sweet potatoes with thyme and blue cheese

39
Brussels Sprout Salad With Pomegranate, Walnuts, and Jalapeño
Alexandra's Kitchen

Brussels Sprout Salad With Pomegranate, Walnuts, and Jalapeño

Lighten up the heavy meal with this zesty salad. Featuring rich walnuts and spicy jalapeños, it'll give dinner the kick it needs.

Get the recipe: brussels sprout salad with pomegranate, walnuts, and jalapeño

40
Brussels Sprout, Beluga Lentil, and Cranberry Holiday Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Brussels Sprout, Beluga Lentil, and Cranberry Holiday Salad

Fresh, light, and bright, this holiday salad will be a gift to your taste buds. Kale, brussels sprouts, and glossy black beluga lentils provide its wholesome base, while dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and clusters of clementine wedges are a festive nod to the season.

Get the recipe: brussels sprout, beluga lentil, and cranberry holiday salad

41
Pumpkin Cornbread Drop Biscuits
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Pumpkin Cornbread Drop Biscuits

These wholesome, cinnamony cornbread biscuits satisfy a savory craving for pumpkin before dessert even makes it to the table. They're also perfect for mini Thanksgiving sandwiches the next day (on the off chance that there are any leftovers!).

Get the recipe: pumpkin cornbread drop biscuits

42
Crispy Salt and Pepper Smashed Potatoes
Simply Delicious Food

Crispy Salt and Pepper Smashed Potatoes

Normal mashed potatoes are always good, but change things up with these smashed 'taters. They are crispy and smooth at the same time, which is why they will be everyone's favorite dish after just one bite.

Get the recipe: crispy salt and pepper smashed potatoes

43
Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath
Half Baked Harvest

Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath

Everyone loves garlic bread, and it's even better when it's festive and easy to eat! This pull-apart wreath is prefect for sharing and for avoiding a crumbly mess.

Get the recipe: pull-apart garlic butter bread wreath

44
Bacon Green Bean Bundles
Dinner at the Zoo

Bacon Green Bean Bundles

Sneak in vegetables and bacon all-in-one by making these tasty bundles. The are rich in flavor and have nutrients, too!

Get the recipe: bacon green bean bundles

45
Creamy Cheesy Cornbread
Cookies and Cups

Creamy Cheesy Cornbread

When is cornbread not the perfect side dish? This cheesy cornbread is great on its own or can be eaten with other pairings.

Get the recipe: creamy cheesy cornbread

46
Baked Asparagus Fries
PaleoHacks

Baked Asparagus Fries

If you're in the mood for French fries, but don't want to suffer from the calories, cook up these baked asparagus fries as a healthy side dish instead. Not only are they tasty, they are also really easy to make.

Get the recipe: baked asparagus fries

47
Stuffing Muffins
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Stuffing Muffins

Savory, comforting, and craveably carb-heavy, stuffing (or dressing, if you'd prefer) is divine in its many permutations, but none are as flat-out adorable as these stuffing muffins. Not sold on the cute factor? No matter; stuffing muffins are also preportioned, are easier to serve, have more of those delectable crispy edges, and if — and that's a big if — you have leftovers, they're easy to pop in the freezer to keep fresh for days down the line.

Get the recipe: stuffing muffins

48
Cranberry Baked Brie
Averie Cooks

Cranberry Baked Brie

Give your feast a touch of elegance with baked Brie recipe. It pairs well with hearty main dishes and breads of all kinds.

Get the recipe: cranberry baked Brie

49
Cranberry Salad
Dinner at the Zoo

Cranberry Salad

Toss out your boring cranberry sauce and make a cranberry salad instead.

Get the recipe: cranberry salad

50
Deep-Fried Stuffing
Spicy Southern Kitchen

Deep-Fried Stuffing

If your family is the type that loves fried food, this recipe is for you.

Get the recipe: deep-fried stuffing