Don’t miss out on making these 21 homemade holiday appetizers

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‘Tis the season for holiday cheer, and what better way to spread joy than by making new homemade holiday appetizers? These 21 recipes are designed to add some fun and creativity to your holiday table. Whether hosting a grand family event or an intimate gathering with close friends, these appetizers are all a perfect choice.

A cracker being dipped into a dish of jalapeño cranberry dip.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Sausage balls on a plate with a side of dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Impress your holiday guests with these Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese, which can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. This appetizer combines savory sausage with creamy cheese, baked to perfection, and is an ideal option for serving a crowd, whether it’s game day or a festive occasion.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A baking sheet with garnished parmesan crusted potatoes on it.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In less than an hour, you can make and serve these impressive Parmesan Crusted Potatoes, featuring a simple blend of Parmesan cheese and potatoes. Their crunchy exterior and fluffy interior make them a standout addition to any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

A hand holding a slice of cucumber topped with taco dip with cream cheese.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For an extra quick and easy holiday dip, look no further than this 15-minute Taco Dip, which combines cream cheese with zesty taco seasoning to elevate your festive table.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

A plate of jalapeño cranberry dip with a spoon.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Elevate your holiday appetizer game with the Jalapeño Cranberry Dip, a unique blend of spicy jalapeños and tangy cranberries that offers the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. This make-ahead dip is sure to stand out at your holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

Chili Cheese Dip

Chili cheese dip in a baking dish with toppings.
Chili Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a filling and flavorful option that comes together in just 30 minutes, try this Chili Cheese Dip, made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection. Serve with chips at parties all holiday season long.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Zucchini boats stuffed with bacon and sour cream.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Packed with bacon and sour cream, these Loaded Zucchini Boats can be prepared in just 50 minutes, making them a favorite for relaxed holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Jalapeño spinach artichoke dip in a white dish with a spoon.
Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Ready in less than an hour, the Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip is an easy and crowd-pleasing blend of spicy jalapeños, spinach, artichokes, and cream cheese. Serve with some veggies, chips, or crackers for a delicious and memorable holiday dip.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip

Halloumi Fries

A person pulling apart a halloumi fry.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 25 minutes, you can whip up these golden and crispy Halloumi Fries, making them a perfect last-minute addition to your holiday menu. Halloumi is a type of cheese that doesn’t fully melt when baked. For this recipe, you’ll slice the cheese into a fry-shape, bread them, then bake.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with cheese and basil on a baking sheet.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These baked tomatoes take less than 30 minutes to prepare and offer a straightforward yet impressive addition to your holiday dining, featuring ripe tomatoes topped with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for a warm and comforting taste.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For an appetizer with a delicious combination of flavors that are simple to prepare and serve, try these Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers, which are ready in about an hour and are sure to be a hit at any holiday event.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

Bacon Wrapped Peppers ready to enjoy.
Bacon Wrapped Peppers. Photo Credit: Real Balanced.

In just 45 minutes, you can make these flavorful, memorable, and surprisingly filling Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers. They’re filled with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon, making them a perfect choice for adding variety to your appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Mini Peppers

Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Garnished shrimp cucumber bites on a plate.
Shrimp Cucumber Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Offering a refreshing choice for your holiday menu, these Shrimp Cucumber Bites are ready in only 25 minutes and bring a fresh, flavorful element to your appetizer selection with the combination of cucumber, Cajun-spiced shrimp, and guacamole.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats

A cucumber boat with tomatoes and bacon on it.
Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 10 minutes, you can create these Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats, combining crunchy cucumbers with the rich flavors of bacon, tomato, and avocado for a nutritious option for your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats

Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

A hand holding a toothpick with a bacon egg and cheese breakfast slider.
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a great holiday morning treat, consider preparing Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders, which feature a classic combination of bacon, egg, and cheese. They’re skewered to make them easy to hold and eat at parties where guests will be walking around to mingle.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

Cucumber Tomato Bites

A hand holding a cucumber tomato bite.
Cucumber Tomato Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These light and refreshing Cucumber Tomato Bites are ready in under 30 minutes and are a great option for those seeking a healthier, fuss-free addition to their holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites

Zucchini Bites

A plate of zucchini bites next to a cup of dipping sauce.
Zucchini Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Made with Parmesan and cheddar cheese, plus Italian spices, these Zucchini Bites are a great choice for a flavorful holiday appetizer, ready in just 30 minutes and perfect to enjoy with other foods or on their own.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats

Four cucumber boats on a white serving platter.
Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make these Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats in just five minutes for an effortless holiday appetizer. They offer a quick, flavorful bite topped with creamy avocado and cream cheese. These boats are a great choice for those looking for something easy and refreshing to guests.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats

Buffalo Deviled Eggs

Buffalo deviled eggs garnished with paprika and green onions.
Buffalo Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Buffalo Deviled Eggs, made in just 30 minutes, give a spicy update to a familiar appetizer. They have a splash of buffalo sauce for some extra zip. They are perfect for holiday gatherings if you want something different yet easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Deviled Eggs

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

Spicy tuna cucumber boats on a plate.
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats, ready in about 30 minutes, are a fantastic way to add some heat to your holiday appetizers. Featuring crunchy cucumbers and flavorful tuna, they offer a light and refreshing option, perfect for events where you want to serve something unique yet easy.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini spicy canned salmon patties in a serving bowl.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up a batch of Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties in just 30 minutes to really enhance your holiday spread. These patties are easy to whip together and are delicious when served with a dipping sauce or sauce drizzled on top.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Bacon Pickle Boats Stuffed with Cream Cheese

Bacon pickle boats stuffed with cream cheese on a plate next to a bowl of dip.
Bacon Pickle Boats Stuffed with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Bacon Pickle Boats Stuffed with Cream Cheese can be made in under an hour and are always a standout addition to holiday appetizer lineups. This recipe combines the satisfying crunch of pickles with creamy cream cheese, all wrapped in bacon.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Pickle Boats Stuffed with Cream Cheese

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