17 Best Appetizers for Your Holiday Potluck Parties!
Is there anything better than a potluck spread of party apps? Not in my world! Whether you’re looking for a quick recipe, a make-ahead dish, or something that will truly wow the crowd, we’ve got you. From creamy dips and cheesy bites to charcuterie boards and festive finger foods, these appetizers are guaranteed to shine at any gathering.
Antipasto Board Appetizer
An antipasto platter is the ultimate party food offering to share with guests. With artichokes, olives, tomatoes, cheese and deli meats, this spread has something for everyone at a party. You can add your favorite meats and cheeses to this platter to make it your own.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Board Appetizer.
Roasted Nut Party Mix
What makes a handful of nuts better? Sweet and spicy flavors. Made with pecans, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, and almonds, this homemade snack is worthy of sharing or even gifting to family and friends!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Nut Party Mix.
Cowboy Caviar
Don’t tell the party guests that this bean dip is secretly super-nutritious – it is bound to be gobbled up based on flavor alone! Made with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, two types of beans, and a tangy dressing, it’s hard to stop eating this dip! Serve with tortilla chips or crackers for a scoopable snack that everyone always adores.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar.
Baked Brie with Fig Jam
Looking for a fancy but tasty appetizer that your Thanksgiving guests will love? Then try this easy recipe for baked brie with fig jam. It’s got a thick layer of savory and gooey brie cheese that’s topped with a layer of sweet fig jam and it’s perfectly delicious spread on a slice of baguette.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Fig Jam.
Old Bay Steamed Shrimp
Every holiday spread needs some shrimp and this Old Bay steamed shrimp recipe is a great way to give a classic shrimp cocktail a little upgrade and extra flavor. It’s mild in flavor, but everyone will wonder how you made it because it tastes so good! Serve this shrimp as a peel-and-eat appetizer along with a snack-y spread.
Get the Recipe: Old Bay Steamed Shrimp.
Whipped Feta Dip
This whipped feta dip is perfect for party snacking! It’s SO delicious and always a huge hit! Made with flavor boosters like salty feta, savory garlic, and bright lemon, this creamy dip is incredibly flavorful. and can be enjoyed in so many ways. Serve it with plenty of pita chips, veggies, and kalamata olives on the side.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta Dip.
Dirty Martini Dip
Get the party started with this dirty martini dip. Despite the name, this amazing dip is alcohol-free, and full of delicious flavors. The name comes from the inclusion of stuffed olives like those you would use in a dirty martini. This dip is perfect for a party and you can serve it with a variety of crackers, chips, and veggies.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Martini Dip.
Mediterranean Charcuterie Board
This Mediterranean board features meat, cheese, olives, pita, veggies and so much more. It’s a great spread to put out and will be a welcome reprise from the sweets and candy. Make your own hummus or lean on store-bought, no one will even know!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Charcuterie Board.
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
This cranberry jalapeño dip is just what your party needs this holiday season! It’s festive, flavorful, and easy to make, which means you can whip it up for last-minute parties. A spicy and tart mixture of fresh cranberries, jalapeños, onion, and sugar are all spread over cream cheese for a creamy dip with the perfect balance of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jalapeño Dip.
Cheesy Street Corn Dip
This street corn dip takes the traditional (and beloved) flavors of Mexican street corn and turns them into a dippable form. Roasted corn, sour cream, mayo, Tajin, and plenty of cheese are baked together for an extra-cheesy dip. This elote dip comes together really quickly, is made with simple ingredients, and is always a crowd-pleaser and the perfect appetizer for game days or parties.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Street Corn Dip.
Mediterranean Hummus Platter
This hummus platter is topped with a delicious mix of Mediterranean veggies for the perfect snack to share. Serve with something crunchy like pita chips and an assortment of dipable veggies like celery, endive, and carrots. It’s easy to prep ahead and always looks impressive.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Hummus Platter.
Roasted Corn Salsa
Make this roasted corn salsa with plenty of poblanos, red onions, citrus and cilantro for big flavor in each bite. Serve with tortilla chips, or on the side of your next taco night at home. If it tastes familiar, it’s because it’s a copycat Chipotle recipe!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Corn Salsa.
Chili Cheese Dip
This humble chili cheese dip starts with a can of chili and makes the perfect snack to share with friends, but you will need access to a microwave! Serve with tortilla chips or crackers for a three-ingredient party food that guests will devour! It may not look like much, but it’s always a crowd-favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip.
Marinated Olives with Feta
This Mediterranean-style appetizer is perfect for any occasion and it pairs nicely with any other appetizers that you may be serving. You will need kalamata and green olives, feta cheese, caperberries, and high-quality olive oil to make this dish. Mix together and serve!
Get the Recipe: Marinated Feta with Olives.
Smoked Salmon Dip
Smoked salmon, fresh dill, red onion, cream cheese, and of course plenty of cold smoked salmon are combined for a delicious and savory salmon dip that everyone is sure to love. Serve it with an assortment of crackers. It’s light, bright, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip.
Trader Joe’s Cheese Platter
When it comes to appetizers you can’t get much easier than a Trader Joe’s cheese platter, and there is something for everyone. This post breaks down two different budget options and exactly what to buy for each option. You will also be able to find most of these items at your local grocery store if you don’t live near a Trader Joe’s!
Get the Recipe: Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board.
Green Goddess Dip
This herby avocado dip is a great appetizer to make for a party or a snack for at home. It pairs well with veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and peppers. You can also offer it with chips or pretzels if you like.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Dip.
