Get Your “HO HO HO” On With These 22 Holiday Appetizers for Cocktail Parties

Hosting a holiday cocktail party is all about creating an inviting, festive atmosphere—and the food should add to the experience, not create more work for you! With these easy yet impressive appetizer recipes, you can serve up crowd-pleasing bites without spending endless hours in the kitchen. Each dish is designed to look and taste amazing with minimal prep time, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the party.

From elegant finger foods that feel sophisticated to fun and flavorful nibbles that keep things relaxed, these appetizers offer something for every guest. With these ideas in your repertoire, you’ll host a party that feels effortless and leaves everyone asking for your secrets. Let’s make your holiday cocktail party memorable, enjoyable, and absolutely stress-free.

Caramelized Onion Tartlets with Brie

Caramelized Onion Tartlets with Brie. Photo credit: The Savory Cipolla.

These mini tartlets with sweet caramelized onions and melted brie in crispy phyllo shells are a go-to for appetizers at cocktail parties. They’re elegant, delicious, and can be made ahead for easy entertaining, ensuring no one leaves hungry.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Tartlets with Brie

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Crispy bacon and juicy shrimp brushed with a honey Cajun glaze? Yes, please! These bite-sized treats are perfect for cocktail party appetizers, offering a sweet and spicy combo that’s sure to impress guests.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Baked Taco Cups

Baked Taco Cups. Photo credit: On My Kids Plate.

These baked taco cups are a fun, handheld appetizer that everyone will enjoy. Their crispy dough and seasoned beef filling make them ideal for cocktail party appetizers, offering guests a hearty snack without the mess of a traditional taco.
Get the Recipe: Baked Taco Cups

3 Ingredient Sausage Balls

3 Ingredient Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Cincy Shopper.

These simple sausage balls are a must-have for any gathering. With just sausage, cheese, and Bisquick, they’re an easy yet filling option for appetizers at cocktail parties, especially when served with a dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Sausage Balls

Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Air Fryer Crab Cakes. Photo credit: A Grateful Meal.

These air fryer crab cakes are full of flavor and make a perfect addition to your cocktail party appetizers. They’re crispy on the outside and packed with crab meat inside, ideal for serving with a dipping sauce for a light, satisfying bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Marinated Olives with Feta

Marinated Olives with Feta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A mix of marinated olives and feta is the perfect Mediterranean snack to offer at cocktail parties. It’s light, flavorful, and requires minimal prep, making it an easy yet impressive addition to any appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Olives with Feta

Easy Baked Brie with Nuts and Honey

Easy Baked Brie with Nuts and Honey. Photo credit: GypsyPlate.

Creamy baked brie drizzled with honey and sprinkled with nuts is an easy showstopper for cocktail party appetizers. Serve it with crackers or bread, and watch your guests flock to it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Brie with Nuts and Honey

Caprese Zucchini Cups

Caprese Zucchini Cups. Photo credit: LikeHotKeto.

These bite-sized zucchini cups stuffed with caprese flavors are perfect for appetizers for cocktail parties. Serve them hot or cold, and they’ll add a fresh, healthy option to your appetizer spread while still packing in bold Italian flavors.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Zucchini Cups

Grape Jelly Meatballs Crockpot

Grape Jelly Meatballs Crockpot. Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

Sweet and savory grape jelly meatballs are always a hit at cocktail parties. Cook them in the crockpot for a hands-off approach, and they’ll be ready when your guests arrive, ensuring you can relax and enjoy the night.
Get the Recipe: Grape Jelly Meatballs Crockpot

Easy Homemade Mini Sausage Rolls

Easy Homemade Mini Sausage Rolls. Photo credit: An Edible Mosaic.

Puff pastry stuffed with spiced sausage makes these mini sausage rolls an ideal choice for appetizers for cocktail parties. Their crispy, flaky texture and savory filling make them irresistible, and they’re easy to hold while mingling.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Mini Sausage Rolls

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp. Photo credit: FoodnService.

Air fryer coconut shrimp brings the flavors of the Caribbean to your next gathering. These crunchy bites are a fresh, flavorful choice for cocktail party appetizers and can be made in just 30 minutes, making them a quick and easy addition to the spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Asian Meatballs

Asian Meatballs. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These Asian meatballs, coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, are always a crowd-pleaser. They’re great for cocktail party appetizers because they’re easy to serve and even easier to eat, making them perfect for guests to snack on while they mingle.
Get the Recipe: Asian Meatballs

Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese in Puff Pastry

Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese in Puff Pastry. Photo credit: Sense & Edibility.

Puff pastry wrapped around dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese is the perfect bite for cocktail parties. Fancy yet simple, these appetizers will impress even the most discerning guests.
Get the Recipe: Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese in Puff Pastry

Air Fried Ravioli

Air Fried Ravioli. Photo credit: A Cedar Spoon.

Crispy air-fried ravioli is the kind of appetizer that vanishes quickly at cocktail parties. With just a few ingredients, this easy-to-make dish can be served with a dipping sauce for a satisfying and fun finger food.
Get the Recipe: Air Fried Ravioli

Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini

Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini. Photo credit: The Savory Cipolla.

Creamy brie topped with sweet and savory bourbon bacon jam on a toasted crostini is just the kind of indulgence people love at cocktail parties. These can be prepped ahead, so you’ll spend more time enjoying the party and less time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini

Mini Mexican Pizzas

Mini Mexican Pizzas. Photo credit: FoodnService.

Mini Mexican pizzas are a fun, flavorful option for cocktail party appetizers. Packed with savory toppings, these bite-sized pizzas are easy to eat and offer a delicious twist on a classic taco night favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mini Mexican Pizzas

Easy Tandoori Chicken Tikka Recipe

Easy Tandoori Chicken Tikka Recipe. Photo credit: Go Healthy Ever After.

This oven-baked Tandoori Chicken Tikka brings all the flavor of a traditional tandoor right to your kitchen. The tender chicken skewers make a great addition to appetizers for cocktail parties. Their bold, smoky spices pair perfectly with a cold drink, making them a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tandoori Chicken Tikka Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Air Fryer

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Air Fryer. Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

Air fryer bacon-wrapped shrimp is an easy dish that’s perfect for any event. These make excellent cocktail party appetizers, offering juicy shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon, all cooked to perfection in no time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Air Fryer

Keto Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños

Keto Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños. Photo credit: FoodnService.

Cheesy, spicy, and wrapped in bacon, these jalapeños are perfect for appetizers at cocktail parties. With only four ingredients, they’re quick to make and offer a great balance of heat and creaminess in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Keto Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños

Salmon Crudo with Brown Butter, Citrus, and Soy

Salmon Crudo with Brown Butter, Citrus, and Soy. Photo credit: Home Cooking Collective.

Thin slices of raw salmon dressed in a citrusy soy sauce and brown butter create a light and refreshing dish. This crudo is perfect for cocktail party appetizers, offering a fresh, sophisticated bite that pairs well with chilled drinks.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Crudo with Brown Butter, Citrus, and Soy

Air Fryer Gnocchi

Air Fryer Gnocchi. Photo credit: Green Heart Love.

Air-fried gnocchi comes out crispy on the outside and soft inside, making them a surprising hit for appetizers for cocktail parties. Toss them with a light dusting of Parmesan or dip them in marinara, and you’ve got a bite-sized snack that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Gnocchi

Panko Shrimp

Panko Shrimp. Photo credit: FoodnService.

This crispy panko shrimp dish is an addictive choice for cocktail party appetizers. Made with pantry staples, these shrimp are easy to whip up and perfect for dipping, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Panko Shrimp

Dips for Football Games That’ll Keep Everyone Glued to the Snack Table

Photo credit: Little Chef Within.

When it comes to dips for football games, the snack table can be just as exciting as the action on the field. These dips are perfect for keeping everyone gathered around, making sure no one misses out on the fun. Whether you’re the host or just bringing a dish to share, these easy-to-make options will score big with the crowd.

Dips for Football Games That’ll Keep Everyone Glued to the Snack Table

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