The holidays are hectic, and if you’re making food from scratch, things can get even more hectic. These appetizer recipes ease some of the pressure because, quite simply, they’re very easy to make. With just a few steps and a few ingredients, most of the work is already done—and many of these recipes can be prepared ahead of time. They practically cook themselves, yet they’re big crowd pleasers.
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Baked Stuffed Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts
Photographer: Brie Goldman / Food Styling: Annie Probst / Prop Styling: Kristin Schooley
“I have made this Baked Brie dozens of times over the years. It is ALWAYS a crowd pleaser. My husband doesn’t like baked brie but loves this recipe! Can’t recommend it enough!” —Jeni
Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites
Allrecipes / Diana Chistruga
“These cheesy pepper jelly bites are hot, tangy, crisp, and buttery, an impressive appetizer that is pretty easy to make.” —Rachaell Rampini
Candied Pecans
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Wow! Made these for a salad just before a party. They were definitely a hit and the party crowd came back looking for more. An absolute keeper. Yum!” —JamMa
Hot Crab Dip
Allrecipes/Julia Hartbeck
This festive crab dip tastes fancy, but it’s just a few ingredients mixed together and baked. Your party will be begging for more.
“I’ve made this several times over the years. Mostly for Christmas appetizers (my family is crazy about appetizers) or other special occasions. I follow the recipe to the ‘T’ and it’s perfect every time.” —Dalynn
Cocktail Meatballs
Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling: Gabriel Greco
“Excellent flavor and easy to make. Definitely need to up the ingredients to double if you want to make it be more of a meal than an appetizer. But great for a party as is!” —Kevin
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
Use store-bought pepper jelly to dress up savory, cheesy “cookies.” It may look like a dessert, but it’s a total win as a pre-dinner appetizer.
“Talk about a show stopper cookie ! My guests absolutely loved these savory cookies and that kick from the red pepper jelly made them so much more interesting. I served the cookies with a bottle of spicy zinfandel and they paired really well. What a fun recipe !” —LovesCooking
Easy 3-Ingredient Cheese Pinwheels
“Love making these cheesy wheels. One trick I have to cut them and it works like magic is wrap dental floss around and cut with it.” —dj2rz26xh9
Mark’s English Sausage Rolls
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
“This sausage roll recipe comes straight from my English husband, Mark. These flaky, golden puff pastries are filled with seasoned pork sausage and a hint of mustard. They’re simple to make, freeze beautifully, and are perfect for parties or picnics.” —POSHIE25
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Grocery Addict
Elegant and easy, you can’t go wrong with this three-ingredient winner: salty, smoky bacon, sweet dates, and a creamy cheese of your choice.
“These are my new go-to app. to bring to parties. They hold up well if you make them ahead of time. The salty bacon paired with the sweet date and tang of blue cheese is so yummy. I’ve made them with goat cheese as well, just as good.” —cillovely
Best Smoked Salmon Dip
Allrecipes
“This was great! I grew up in Alaska so had high standards, and this recipe meets the mark. I made 1/2 the recipe with homemade smoked salmon,” says Jindy. “Very flavorful, I’m definitely making this one again. Thank you for the recipe!
Cranberry Cheese Ball
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
The cheese ball is a quintessentially Southern appetizer that packs an impressive punch—the best part? It’s way easier to make than it looks. Simply mix the ingredients together, form it into a ball to chill, decorate with dried cranberries, and serve it with your charcuterie board.
“I made this for Thanksgiving and it was delicious. The sharp cheddar was a great flavor pared with the cranberry and orange. Will make again.” —Kathleen Sampson
Marinated Cheese
Dotdash Meredith Video Studios
This marinated cheese is colorful, tasty, and great for the holidays. Because it has such a stunning presentation, it is great for the holidays. Serve with crackers, and your guests won’t be able to get enough.
Hot Pepper Jelly
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This pepper jelly recipe, made with jalapeños, green and red bell peppers, and cider vinegar, is a delicious spread for cheese and a great food gift. “Pepper jelly is a Southern party staple,” according to culinary producer and test kitchen expert Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom). “It’s the best thing ever.”
Sausage Balls
“I’ve made these sausage balls for years. A little trick I made last year. I mix the three ingredients together in a mixer bowl. Use the dough spatula to combine. Fast and easy, especially on arthritic hands. These are the best recipe ever.” —Judy
3-Ingredient Baked Goat Cheese Dip
“I was surprised at how great this came out! definitely a simple, but very tasty dip.” —TimidLamb4154