• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Butter & Baggage logo
  • Recipe Search
    • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breads & Biscuits
    • Breakfast
      • Muffins
    • Casseroles
    • Desserts
      • Bars
      • Brownies
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Fruit Desserts
      • Pies, Cobblers & Crisps
    • Main Dishes
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Seafood
    • Pasta
      • Mac and Cheese
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Dips
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups & Chilis
  • Shop
  • My Favorites
  • Kitchen Hacks
  • About
    • Editorial Policies
    • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Search
  • Recipe Index
  • Kitchen Hacks
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Editorial Policies
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » MSN Slideshows

    29 Holiday Appetizers Even Grandma Will Ask for Seconds

    Published: Dec 20, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Holiday gatherings are the perfect excuse to start the meal with something special, and these appetizers do just that. With holiday appetizers on the list, each bite is designed even grandma will ask for seconds. They balance festive flair with familiar flavors, making the table feel warm and inviting before the main course even arrives. Simple to prepare yet impressive to serve, these starters bring smiles, conversation, and a little friendly competition over who gets the last bite. Every dish has a way of turning ordinary gatherings into memorable celebrations.

    Baked Boursin Everyone Will Beg For

    A white dish holds a creamy, baked cheese spread topped with golden breadcrumbs and herbs, with some spread on a toasted baguette slice nearby; more toasted bread slices are in the background.
    Holiday Baked Boursin Everyone Brings Back. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    This bubbling, buttery Boursin turns bread into a festive must-have bite.
    Get the Recipe: Holiday Baked Boursin Everyone Brings Back

    Silky Smoked Salmon Dip for Holidays

    A bowl of cream cheese salmon dip next to a bowl of crostini.
    Smoked Salmon Dip for Every Holiday Party. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    My All-American Summer Menu 🇺🇸

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Delicious summer recipes just in time for the season

    Rich, creamy salmon dip that disappears in seconds at any gathering.
    Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip for Every Holiday Party

    Melty Holiday Sliders Everyone Loves

    Holiday Sliders Everyone Gobbles Up. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Mini sandwiches packed with melty cheese make the perfect holiday treat.
    Get the Recipe: Holiday Sliders Everyone Gobbles Up

    Classic Deviled Eggs Holiday Hit

    A deviled egg being removed from a platter.
    Classic Deviled Eggs for the Holidays. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy, zesty deviled eggs that charm every guest at the table.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs for the Holidays

    Cheesy Seafood Dip Everyone Craves

    A spoon in a casserole dish of seafood dip.
    Holiday Seafood Dip Everyone Devours. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Rich seafood flavors in a creamy dip that vanishes first at parties.
    Get the Recipe: Holiday Seafood Dip Everyone Devours

    Cheesy Pickle Bites Holiday Favorite

    A Dill Pickle Triscuit Appetizer features a square cracker topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, sprinkled with red pepper flakes, and served on a wooden surface.
    Cheesy Pickle Bites for Holiday Snacking. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Crunchy, cheesy bites with a tangy punch that guests can’t resist.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Pickle Bites for Holiday Snacking

    Warm Beer Cheese Dip Everyone Wants

    A bowl of creamy, white cheese dip sprinkled with black pepper sits on a plate beside a vintage knife, with soft pretzels on a separate plate nearby, all on a light gray cloth background.
    Warm Holiday Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy, cozy beer cheese dip perfect for holiday snacking.
    Get the Recipe: Warm Holiday Beer Cheese Dip

    Sweet & Smoky Cheese Dip Holiday Hit

    A white dish with a block of goat cheese covered in dark berry sauce sits next to a knife. Behind it, a tray is filled with round toasted bread slices, perfect for enjoying with this raspberry cream cheese dip.
    Festive Sweet & Smoky Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Fruity and smoky dip that surprises guests with festive flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Festive Sweet & Smoky Cheese Dip

    Crispy Mushroom Bites Holiday Favorite

    A serving platter with mushroom crescent rolls
    Holiday Mushroom Bites Everyone Loves. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Buttery mushroom-filled bites that vanish first from the appetizer tray.
    Get the Recipe: Holiday Mushroom Bites Everyone Loves

    Mini Ham Melts Holiday Must-Have

    Mini Croque Monsieurs on a black platter.
    Mini Ham Melts for Holiday Crowds. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Cheesy ham bites tucked in buttery bread disappear fast at parties.
    Get the Recipe: Mini Ham Melts for Holiday Crowds

    Cheesy Corn Dip Holiday Classic

    Corn dip in a bowl next to chips.
    Cheesy Holiday Corn Dip Tradition. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Melted cheese and warm corn combine into a dip guests can’t resist.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Holiday Corn Dip Tradition

    Crispy Crab Cakes Holiday Hit

    Holiday Crab Cakes Everyone Requests. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Golden crab cakes with tender centers make an unforgettable appetizer.
    Get the Recipe: Holiday Crab Cakes Everyone Requests

    Spicy Corn Dog Bites Holiday Fun

    Spicy Holiday Corn Dog Bites. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Crunchy, spicy mini bites bring fair-style fun to holiday parties.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Holiday Corn Dog Bites

    Zesty Ranch Crackers Everyone Will Love

    Holiday Ranch Crackers with a Kick. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Fiery, seasoned crackers turn snack time into a holiday favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Holiday Ranch Crackers with a Kick

    Soft Pretzels Holiday Guests Crave

    Two soft pretzels sprinkled with salt rest on a round metal tray beside a bowl of creamy dip topped with black seeds, a knife placed on the bowl. The tray sits atop a gray cloth.
    Holiday Soft Pretzels Everyone Craves. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Warm, salted pretzels with dip make an irresistible holiday treat.
    Get the Recipe: Holiday Soft Pretzels Everyone Craves

    Holiday Brie & Apples Everyone Will Devour

    A serving dish with baked brie covered in apples and walnuts.
    Warm Brie with Caramelized Apples. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy brie paired with caramelized apples melts hearts at the holiday table. Serve warm and watch it disappear.
    Get the Recipe: Warm Brie with Caramelized Apples

    Cheesy Ham Puff Bites for Holiday Tables

    Ham and cheese puff pastries on a cooling rack.
    Crispy Ham and Cheese Party Bites. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Flaky pastry stuffed with melty cheese and savory ham makes these bites the first to vanish at every holiday gathering.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Ham and Cheese Party Bites

    Bacon-Pecan Cheese Balls Guests Crave

    Cheese balls with a toothpick on a tray.
    Mini Bacon-Pecan Cheese Bites. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Rich cheese coated in smoky bacon and crunchy pecans makes these bites impossible to resist during holiday parties.
    Get the Recipe: Mini Bacon-Pecan Cheese Bites

    Spicy Buffalo Shrimp Bites for Parties

    A bowl of Buffalo shrimp with a serving spoon.
    Crispy Buffalo Shrimp Bites. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Crispy shrimp coated in bold buffalo sauce bring heat and crunch that guests line up for at every holiday spread.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Buffalo Shrimp Bites

    Creamy Baked Crab Dip for Holidays

    A plate of crostinis topped with crab dip.
    Baked Crab Dip That Steals the Show. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Warm, cheesy crab dip creates a festive starter that disappears first at every holiday gathering.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Crab Dip That Steals the Show

    Holiday Bacon Jalapeño Poppers

    Crispy Bacon Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Cheese-stuffed jalapeños wrapped in bacon deliver spicy, savory bites that vanish instantly at holiday parties.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Bacon Jalapeño Poppers

    Air Fryer Short Rib Holiday Bites

    Air Fryer Short Rib Bites. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Gourmet air-fried short ribs in bite-size form impress guests while staying simple enough for stress-free entertaining.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Short Rib Bites

    Fresh Shrimp Spring Rolls for Holidays

    Shrimp Spring Rolls with Garlic Dip. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Bright shrimp rolls paired with zesty garlic sauce provide a fresh, eye-catching addition to the holiday appetizer lineup.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Spring Rolls with Garlic Dip

    Honey Garlic Camembert Party Dip

    Honey Garlic Baked Camembert Dip. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

    Baked camembert with honey and garlic creates a gooey, irresistible dip that disappears before the holiday feast even begins.
    Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Baked Camembert Dip

    Crab-Stuffed Shrimp Everyone Will Love

    Butter-Baked Crab-Stuffed Shrimp. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

    Butter-baked crab-stuffed shrimp offer elegant, bite-sized luxury that guests keep coming back for during the holidays.
    Get the Recipe: Butter-Baked Crab-Stuffed Shrimp

    Tropical Mango Pineapple Holiday Salsa

    Bright Mango Pineapple Party Salsa. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

    Sweet mango and pineapple bring a tropical twist to holiday spreads, keeping everyone dipping all night long.
    Get the Recipe: Bright Mango Pineapple Party Salsa

    Golden Turkey Potstickers for Parties

    Golden Turkey Potsticker Bites. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Pan-seared turkey potstickers with a flavorful dipping sauce surprise guests and quickly become a holiday favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Golden Turkey Potsticker Bites

    Loaded Steak Nachos for Holiday Tables

    Loaded Steak Nacho Platter. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Stacked with steak, cheese, and salsa, these nachos spark conversation and keep guests coming back for more.
    Get the Recipe: Loaded Steak Nacho Platter

    Fried Pickle Dip Everyone Will Scoop

    Crispy Fried Pickle Party Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Creamy, tangy fried pickle dip is the first to vanish at holiday parties, perfect with chips or crackers.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Pickle Party Dip

    39 Appetizers That Guarantee An Invite Back

    A collage of four images: creamy cheese dip with tortilla chips, chips with a bowl of queso, seasoned shrimp, and a cracker topped with melted cheese and red pepper flakes—these cheesy appetizers will have guests asking for seconds.
    39 Appetizers That Guarantee An Invite Back. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Hosting can be stressful, but serving the right bites makes all the difference. The kind of appetizers that make everyone rave, ask for the recipe, and practically guarantee you’ll get an invite back are the real stars of any gathering.
    Grab it here: 39 Appetizers That Guarantee An Invite Back

    Explore Recipes

    MSN Slideshows
    « 25 Church Potluck Classics That Southern Cooks Never Write Down
    27 Crowd‑Pleasers Every Potluck Needs (Bring a Copy of the Recipe) »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

    More about me →

    Subscribe

    Cookout Side Dishes

    • Southern style Ranch potato salad in a glass bowl next to green onions.
      Loaded Ranch Potato Salad with Bacon
    • A scoop of summer squash casserole.
      Creamy Squash Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping
    • A serving bowl with a dressed peach and pasta salad.
      Summer Pasta Salad with Fresh Peaches
    • A wooden spoon with a serving of macaroni salad.
      Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad with Cheese

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Our All-Star Recipes

    • A round baking dish of mac and cheese with a serving spoon.
      Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
    • A skillet of charred corn with a wooden spoon.
      Skillet Charred Corn with Bacon and Cream
    • A serving spoon of ground beef potato casserole.
      Hamburger Potato Casserole Without Canned Soup
    • A serving spoon of baked beans with hamburger.
      Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef
    • A baked chicken tamale pie.
      Baked Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole with A Cornbread Crust
    • Square biscuits in a bowl with coffee cups.
      Square Buttermilk Biscuits (Tall & Flaky)

    COPYRIGHT © 2026 BUTTER & BAGGAGE | PRIVACY POLICY | WEB STORIES
    BRANDING & CUSTOMIZATION BY GRACE + VINE STUDIOS

    2 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required