15 Appetizers and Dips That’ll Start Your Holiday Dinner Right

Set the tone for your holiday dinner with appetizers and dips that bring everyone to the table. These 15 recipes are quick, versatile, and designed to keep guests happy while you finish preparing the main course. From savory to creamy options, they help create a welcoming and festive atmosphere for your gathering. Start your evening right with these simple ideas that make hosting easier and more enjoyable.

Fundido dip with chips. — Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

A wooden board with savoury, baked triangular pastries next to fresh parsley, shallots, and a bowl of mushrooms on a rustic table. — My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

These mushroom pastries feature a flaky crust and savory mushroom filling, making them a great fit for holiday dinners. Whether served warm or cooled, they provide a flavorful start to your evening. Their ease of preparation lets you save time while still offering a thoughtful appetizer. These pastries create a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

Air Fryer Cheese Bites Recipe

A plate of breaded chicken nuggets garnished with parsley. The nuggets are golden brown, and the dish is placed on a white surface with a striped cloth partially visible. — Air Fryer Cheese Bites Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

These air fryer cheese bites are a perfect appetizer to start your holiday dinner with a crispy and cheesy treat. Their crunchy exterior and gooey center make them a favorite among guests. Quick to prepare, they help you keep things easy while still impressing your crowd. These bites bring warmth and fun to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Bites Recipe

How to Make the Best Hummus with Canned Chickpeas

A bowl of hummus garnished with a swirl of olive oil, whole chickpeas, fresh cilantro leaves, and a sprinkle of ground spices. The bowl is placed on a light marble surface. — How to Make the Best Hummus with Canned Chickpeas. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

This creamy hummus is a versatile addition to your holiday dinner, perfect for pairing with veggies, pita, or chips. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s quick to whip up when preparing a festive spread. Its smooth texture and light flavor balance the richness of other appetizers. It’s an easy way to bring everyone together before the main course.
Get the Recipe: How to Make the Best Hummus with Canned Chickpeas

Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts Recipe for Warm Cheesy Goodness

A wooden bowl filled with melted cheese, chopped peaches, and pecans. A bread slice is seen in the background, and a piece of bread is used to scoop up the cheesy mixture. Pecans are scattered around the bowl. — Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts Recipe for Warm Cheesy Goodness. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This baked brie with honey and nuts is a creamy and melty appetizer that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Served warm with crackers, it’s an inviting start to your holiday dinner. The combination of sweet honey, crunchy nuts, and brie makes it irresistible for guests. This dish brings a touch of elegance to the table without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts Recipe for Warm Cheesy Goodness

My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

A stuffed mushroom topped with melted cheese and garnished with green herbs is centered on a speckled white plate. The plate rests on a wooden surface, and a tray with more stuffed mushrooms is in the background. — My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

These vegan tofu-stuffed mushrooms bring a hearty yet light option to your holiday appetizer spread. The meaty texture of the mushrooms combined with the flavorful tofu filling makes them a versatile choice for guests. They are easy to prepare and bake, ensuring you can focus on other holiday preparations. These appetizers are sure to impress with their balance of taste and substance.
Get the Recipe: My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

My Creamy White Bean Hummus Recipe

A close-up of a bowl of simple white bean hummus garnished with crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, and dill. Part of the bowl contains pita chips, and a small dish with salt and pepper is visible in the background. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface. — My Creamy White Bean Hummus Recipe. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

This creamy white bean hummus is a simple yet flavorful dip to enhance your holiday appetizer spread. It’s quick to make, using pantry staples like beans and tahini, and pairs well with fresh veggies or pita. Its smooth texture and subtle flavor are a crowd-pleaser for all kinds of guests. This dip adds a light and refreshing note to your festive table.
Get the Recipe: My Creamy White Bean Hummus Recipe

Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions

A pile of pumpkin pockets. — Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

These puff pastry pumpkin pockets are a delicious way to bring seasonal flavors to your holiday dinner. The flaky pastry and sweet caramelized onions create an appetizer that’s both flavorful and visually appealing. Easy to bake, they allow you to focus on other holiday tasks while still serving something special. These pockets are a delightful nod to autumn’s best ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions

Creamy Baked Feta Dip with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Honey

A close-up of a dish featuring a block of feta cheese topped with a mix of chopped nuts and herbs. Two hands with light pink nails are holding the dish, which is placed in a light blue rectangular baking tray. — Creamy Baked Feta Dip with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Honey. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

This creamy baked feta dip combines savory cheese with sweet honey and dates, topped with crunchy hazelnuts for a holiday-ready appetizer. It’s simple to prepare and can be served warm for a comforting start to your dinner. The mix of flavors makes it a memorable addition to your festive table. This dip brings a touch of sophistication without complicating your preparations.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Feta Dip with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Honey

Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

A rustic table setting features bowls of eggplant and tomato dip. — Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk). Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

This Moroccan roasted eggplant and tomato dip is a flavorful option to kick off your holiday dinner. Its bold spices and rich texture make it a standout choice for pairing with crackers or bread. The dip can be prepared in advance, helping you stay organized during the holidays. It’s a conversation-worthy appetizer that adds global inspiration to your table.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

My Festive Christmas Bruschetta

A festive platter features toasted bread topped with cream cheese, roasted cranberries, and a relish-like topping. The plate is decorated with dark, glittery fabric, surrounded by greenery and red berries, creating a holiday atmosphere. — My Festive Christmas Bruschetta. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

This Christmas bruschetta combines goat cheese, cranberries, and herbs for a bright and festive holiday appetizer. Served on crisp baguette slices, it adds a colorful and flavorful element to your dinner table. It’s quick and easy to assemble, leaving more time for other holiday preparations. This dish brings a cheerful seasonal vibe to your gathering.
Get the Recipe: My Festive Christmas Bruschetta

Spicy Black-Eyed Pea Dip With Tomatoes, Garlic, And Jalapeno

Dip on plate with tomatoes and spicy peppers around. — Spicy Black-Eyed Pea Dip With Tomatoes, Garlic, And Jalapeno. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This spicy black-eyed pea dip adds bold flavors and heat to your holiday appetizer lineup. It pairs beautifully with tortilla chips or crusty bread, making it a versatile choice for your table. Its vibrant mix of ingredients complements the festive atmosphere of the season. This dip will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Black-Eyed Pea Dip With Tomatoes, Garlic, And Jalapeno

Roasted Carrot And Feta Dip

A plate of hummus garnished with slices of cherry tomato, a parsley leaf, and sprinkled with black sesame seeds and spices. The dish is placed on a marble surface next to a partial view of a plate with sliced bread. — Roasted Carrot And Feta Dip. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

This roasted carrot and feta dip combines the sweetness of roasted carrots with the creamy richness of feta cheese. Topped with crunchy dukkah and honey, it adds layers of flavor to your holiday appetizer spread. Its vibrant color and texture make it a visually appealing choice for gatherings. This dip adds a fresh and flavorful beginning to your celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot And Feta Dip

Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

Bacon beer cheese in a dark bowl surrounded by pretzel knots on a cutting board. — Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

This beer cheese dip with bacon is a savory and rich appetizer that’s perfect for starting a holiday dinner. Made with sharp cheddar and crispy bacon, it pairs well with pretzels or chips. Its creamy consistency and bold flavors make it a favorite among guests. This dip sets the stage for a flavorful and festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

Bacon Cheddar Dip

This bacon cheddar dip is a creamy appetizer that combines the richness of cheese with the smokiness of bacon. It’s quick to prepare, making it a convenient choice for holiday hosting. Whether served warm or cold, it pairs well with crackers, chips, or fresh veggies. This dip is a surefire way to start your dinner with something hearty and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Dip

Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

This cheesy chipotle fundido dip combines the bold flavors of chipotle with the creamy goodness of hummus for a standout appetizer. Baked to perfection, it’s the kind of dish that will have everyone gathering around the table before the main event. Serve it with chips or roasted vegetables for an irresistible start to your holiday dinner. This dip’s rich and spicy profile guarantees it will set the tone for the meal ahead.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip