A holiday house really fills up when there’s a table spread with grab-and-go snackable bites that people can take while chatting. These 27 instant favorites are warm, cheesy, dippy, and can be made ahead of time. So you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying the company of your loved ones, and less time cooking. Choose a few, combine them, and enjoy the snacks!
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1) Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese
These little caps vanish quicker than you can place the tray down.
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Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese
Tender button mushrooms that are stuffed with a creamy garlic cheese filling and baked to golden brown perfection.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Gently twist the stems out of the mushrooms, finely chop the stems, and set the caps on the sheet.
- Saute the chopped stems and garlic in the olive oil for 3 minutes, then stir into the cream cheese with Parmesan and parsley.
- Spoon the filling into each cap and sprinkle the tops with panko.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.
Notes
Pat the mushrooms dry before filling so they roast instead of steam.
2) Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Sweet, spicy, smoky, and gone in about four seconds flat!
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Cream cheese with seasoning is placed into cut jalapeños and wrapped in bacon before being put into the oven to crisp up.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and set a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Mix the cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl until smooth.
- Spoon the filling into each jalapeño half and press to fill the cavity.
- Wrap each stuffed half with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange on the rack and bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the bacon is crisp.
- Let them rest 5 minutes so the filling sets before serving.
Notes
Wear gloves while seeding the jalapeños to keep the heat off your hands.
3) Mini Caprese Skewers
The simplest classy-appearing application you'll ever put together.
Mini Caprese Skewers
Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil threaded on skewers and drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Method
- Drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Thread a tomato, a folded basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto each small skewer.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Notes
Assemble these up to a few hours ahead but add the glaze right before serving.
4) Cranberry Brie Bites
Jam filled little cups that are flaky and melty and taste like the holidays.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Crisp golden-baked brie and cranberry sauce crescent dough cups.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- Roll out the crescent dough, cut it into 24 squares, and press one into each muffin cup.
- Tuck a cube of brie into each dough cup.
- Top each with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a few chopped pecans.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the dough is golden and puffed.
- Sprinkle with fresh rosemary and serve warm.
Notes
Let them cool 2 minutes before lifting so the brie does not run.
5) Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Put this down and see how quickly the chips disappear.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
A bubbling and golden dish of three cheeses, spinach and artichokes, blended into a hot and creamy mix.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and garlic until smooth.
- Fold in the spinach, artichokes, mozzarella, and half the Parmesan.
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish and top with the remaining Parmesan.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until hot and golden on top.
- Serve warm with chips, crackers, or toasted bread.
Notes
Squeeze the spinach really well or the dip turns watery.
6) Garlic Parmesan Knots
The buttery garlicky knots smell the best when they come out the oven!
Garlic Parmesan Knots
Soft pizza dough tied into knots, then baked and coated in garlic-Parmesan butter.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Divide the dough into 16 pieces, roll each into a rope, and tie into a knot.
- Arrange the knots on the sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden.
- Stir the melted butter with garlic, half the Parmesan, parsley, and salt.
- Brush the warm knots with the garlic butter and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with the rest of the Parmesan and serve warm.
Notes
Use store-bought dough to make these a true ten-minute job.
7) Mini Quiches
Cute little egg cups that are great for brunch and party trays.
Mini Quiches
Buttery mini crusts stuffed with a delicious egg, cheese, and bacon custard.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- Cut rounds from the pie crust and press one into each muffin cup.
- Whisk the eggs with the half-and-half, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle cheese and bacon into each crust, then pour the egg mixture over the top.
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the centers are set and puffed.
- Garnish with chives and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
These reheat beautifully, so make them a day ahead.
8) Deviled Eggs
A timeless favorite that always manages to sell out first.
Deviled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs stuffed with a creamy, tangy mustard and mayonnaise yolk mixture and sprinkled with paprika.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the eggs in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat for 12 minutes.
- Transfer the eggs to an ice bath, then peel and halve them lengthwise.
- Scoop the yolks into a bowl and mash with mayonnaise, Dijon, vinegar, and salt.
- Pipe or spoon the yolk mixture back into the egg whites.
- Dust with smoked paprika and sprinkle with chives before serving.
Notes
An ice bath makes the eggs slip right out of their shells.
9) Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
Just throw them in the slow cooker and let them work the party for you.
Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
Meatballs in a sweet-and-sour sauce with a light kick.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the grape jelly, chili sauce, sriracha, and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until smooth and glossy.
- Add the meatballs and stir to coat.
- Cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Transfer to a slow cooker on warm and top with green onions to serve.
Notes
Keep them in a slow cooker on warm so they stay saucy all night.
10) Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Simple to create but elaborate enough to impress.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Asparagus spears that are wrapped with prosciutto and roasted until golden brown.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Toss the asparagus with olive oil and black pepper.
- Wrap each spear with a strip of prosciutto in a spiral.
- Arrange the wrapped spears on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 12 to 15 minutes until the prosciutto is crisp and the asparagus is tender.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve warm.
Notes
Skip the salt since the prosciutto brings plenty on its own.
11) Buffalo Chicken Dip
Game day in a dish gets people so excited that they will battle to get the last scoop.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Creamy and spicy shredded chicken dip with buffalo sauce and melted cheese.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then stir in the buffalo sauce and ranch.
- Fold in the shredded chicken and half the cheddar.
- Spread into a baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Top with green onions and serve with celery and tortilla chips.
Notes
Rotisserie chicken makes this a five-minute prep.
12) Shrimp Cocktail
Chilled, snappy, and got ready in around ten minutes.
Shrimp Cocktail
The shrimp is poached, then chilled, and served with our house-made zesty cocktail sauce.
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil with the lemon halves.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and curled.
- Drain and plunge the shrimp into an ice bath to stop the cooking.
- Whisk the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and hot sauce for the sauce.
- Chill the shrimp and sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Arrange the shrimp around a bowl of cocktail sauce to serve.
Notes
Do not overcook the shrimp or they turn rubbery.
13) Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini
Just a bit fancy! Sweet and tangy.
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Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini
Creamy goat cheese with fig jam and a hint of honey on toasted baguette slices.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet.
- Toast for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden and crisp.
- Spread each toast with goat cheese, then top with a spoonful of fig jam.
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with walnuts and thyme.
- Arrange on a platter and serve.
Notes
Toast the bread ahead and assemble right before guests arrive.
14) Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
Fresh, bright, and the taste of summer in the winter months.
Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
Crisp toasted bread with a fresh tomato, basil, and garlic topping.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Brush the baguette slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toast for 8 minutes until crisp.
- Combine the tomatoes, garlic, basil, balsamic, salt, and remaining olive oil in a bowl.
- Let the tomato mixture sit for 10 minutes to mingle.
- Spoon the topping onto the toasts just before serving.
- Arrange on a platter and serve right away.
Notes
Top the toasts at the last minute so they stay crisp.
15) Pigs in a Blanket
A bite that all the kids, and grown ups as well, want to grab first.
Pigs in a Blanket
Small smoked sausages are encased in a buttery crescent roll and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Unroll the dough and cut each triangle into three thin strips.
- Wrap each cocktail sausage in a strip of dough and place seam-side down on the sheet.
- Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with everything seasoning.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Serve warm with mustard for dipping.
Notes
A little seasoning on top makes these feel special.
16) Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Grazing centerpiece that can also be used as table decor.
Cheese and Charcuterie Board
An arranged spread of grazing includes cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers.
Ingredients
Method
- Place small bowls of honey and any spreads on a large board first.
- Arrange the cheeses in different areas of the board and pre-slice the cheddar.
- Fold and fan the salami and prosciutto into ribbons and rosettes.
- Fill the gaps with grapes, dried apricots, and nuts.
- Tuck crackers along the edges and serve at room temperature.
Notes
Pull the cheeses out 30 minutes early so they soften and taste their best.
17) Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Smooth and smoky and oh so scoopable!
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Creamy blended chickpeas with swirls of sweet roasted red peppers and tahini.
Ingredients
Method
- Add the chickpeas, roasted red peppers, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic to a food processor.
- Blend until the mixture starts to come together.
- With the motor running, stream in the olive oil until smooth and creamy.
- Blend in the cumin and salt, adding a splash of water if too thick.
- Spread into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and serve with pita and veggies.
Notes
A swirl of extra peppers on top makes it look bakery-worthy.
18) Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds
Slice into this wheel of gooey goodness and watch the room go silent.
Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds
A melted wheel of brie paired with honey and toasted almonds and ready to be scooped.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place the brie wheel in a small oven-safe dish.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the center is soft and gooey.
- Toast the almonds in a dry pan until golden and fragrant.
- Drizzle the warm brie with honey and top with almonds and rosemary.
- Serve immediately with crackers and sliced apples.
Notes
Score the top rind in a crosshatch so it melts evenly.
19) Zucchini Fritters
Gone in a flash yet oh-so-crispy around the edges and mouth-wateringly soft in the center.
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the grated zucchini with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out the liquid.
- Stir the zucchini with eggs, flour, Parmesan, and dill until combined.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Scoop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the pan and flatten slightly.
- Fry for 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
Really wring out the zucchini or the fritters fall apart.
20) Caprese Salad Bites
Gives a nice light feeling compared to the heavier apps.
Caprese Salad Bites
A delicious combination of basil, fresh mozzarella, and tomatoes all enhanced with olive oil and salt.
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into rounds of similar size.
- Stack a tomato slice, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella slice on each serving spot.
- Arrange the stacks on a platter.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Season with flaky salt and cracked pepper just before serving.
Notes
Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor.
21) Crab Cakes with Aioli
Every single time, these little cakes impress and wow everyone.
Crab Cakes with Aioli
Lump crab cakes that have been pan-seared and come with a crunchy exterior as well as a creamy aioli, which is made with lemon and garlic.
Ingredients
Method
- Gently mix the crab, panko, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon, Old Bay, and parsley, keeping the lumps intact.
- Form the mixture into small patties and chill for 15 minutes.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the cakes for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Drain briefly on paper towels.
- Serve warm topped with a dollop of lemon-garlic aioli.
Notes
Chilling the cakes first helps them hold together in the pan.
22) Salami and Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
Three ingredients, zero cooking, total crowd magnet.
Salami and Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
Pickles wrapped in herbed cream cheese and salami slices, then cut into pinwheels.
Ingredients
Method
- Stir the cream cheese with chives and garlic powder until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese over each salami slice.
- Lay a thin strip of pickle along one edge of the salami.
- Roll the salami tightly around the pickle.
- Slice each roll into bite-sized pinwheels and secure with toothpicks.
- Arrange on a platter and chill until ready to serve.
Notes
Chill the rolls before slicing for cleaner pinwheels.
23) Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños
All the popper flavor, no bacon! Baked until bubbly.
Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños
Baked until golden, these jalapeño halves are filled with a cheesy, garlicky filling.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Mix the cream cheese, Monterey Jack, and garlic powder until combined.
- Spoon the filling into each jalapeño half.
- Toss the panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the tops.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the peppers are tender and the tops are golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Leave a few seeds in if you like extra heat.
24) Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups
Refreshing, has a crunch, and packed with intense Thai flavor.
Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups
Savory ground chicken combined with a sweet-tangy Thai sauce, and served in crunchy lettuce cups.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground chicken until browned, about 6 minutes.
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into the lettuce leaves.
- Top with chopped peanuts and cilantro and serve right away.
Notes
Set up a little build-your-own bar and let guests assemble.
25) Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Visually appealing and colorful earthly ingredients with a creamy texture brighten the table.
Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Beets roasted and mixed with greens and creamy goat cheese with a citrus vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, wrap the beets in foil, and roast for 45 minutes until tender.
- Cool the beets, then peel and cut them into wedges.
- Whisk the olive oil, orange juice, balsamic, and salt for the dressing.
- Arrange the greens on a platter and top with the beets.
- Scatter goat cheese and walnuts over the top.
- Drizzle with the citrus vinaigrette and serve.
Notes
Roast the beets a day ahead to save time at the party.
26) Warm Spinach Bacon Salad
This warm salad is rich in flavor, and can stand proudly next to all the heavy options.
Warm Spinach Bacon Salad
Tender spinach combined with a warm dressing made from bacon, eggs, and crunchy bacon pieces.
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet until crisp, then remove it and reserve the drippings.
- Whisk the vinegar, Dijon, and brown sugar into the warm drippings to make the dressing.
- Place the spinach and red onion in a large bowl.
- Pour the warm dressing over the spinach and toss until lightly wilted.
- Top with the crisp bacon and sliced hard-boiled eggs and serve right away.
Notes
Toss the salad just before serving so the spinach stays bright.
27) Garlic Breadsticks
Warm and buttery, the perfect treat to accompany your busy hands.
Garlic Breadsticks
Breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle and cut it into 12 strips.
- Twist each strip and arrange on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Stir the melted butter with garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Brush the warm breadsticks with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Notes
Serve with warm marinara for dipping.