20 Easy Holiday Appetizer Recipes

1. Pea “Hummus”

How to make it: Purée 1 cup thawed peas, 2 tbs. tahini, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 tbs. lemon juice in food processor until smooth. Garnish with peas, olive oil.

Source: Whole Living

(Photo: Food Stylist: Stephana Bottom; Prop Stylist: Elizabeth MacLennan for Pat Bates and Associates)

2. Baked Feta with Capers and Tomatoes

How to make it: Place feta cheese, chopped tomatoes, red onions, capers, oregano, and olive oil on foil. Wrap; bake at 350°F for
15 minutes.

Source: Lottie + Doof

(Photo: Food Stylist: Stephana Bottom; Prop Stylist: Elizabeth MacLennan for Pat Bates and Associates)

3. Bacon-and-Pear Bites

How to make it: Cut just-ripe pears into ½-inch cubes; sprinkle with salt, sugar, and cayenne pepper. Put on a toothpick with crispy bacon.

Source: Mark Bittman

(Photo: Food Stylist: Stephana Bottom; Prop Stylist: Elizabeth MacLennan for Pat Bates and Associates)

4. White Chocolate Grapes

How to make it: Melt white chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl. Dip grapes in chocolate and then sugar or sprinkles. Refrigerate until set.

Source: Food & Wine

(Photo: Food Stylist: Stephana Bottom; Prop Stylist: Elizabeth MacLennan for Pat Bates and Associates)

5. Spicy Maple Nuts

How to make it: Mix 2 cups each pecans, almonds, and walnuts with ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 tbs. olive oil, 2 tbs. chopped herbs, and ¼ tsp. cayenne. Bake for 15 minutes at 350°F.

Source: Food & Wine

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

6. Roasted Chickpeas

How to make it: Toss 1 can rinsed, drained, dried chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and spices (like Creole blend, cumin, paprika). Roast at 400°F for 30 to 40 minutes.

Source: steamykitchen.com

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

7. Edamame

How to make it: Boil fresh or frozen edamame in pods for 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with coarse salt. (They charge you eight bucks for this in restaurants!)

Source: Mark Bittman

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

8. Beyond Simple Chips

How to make it: Buy decent tortilla chips; sprinkle with lime juice and chili powder. Eat fast, before they get soggy.

Source: Mark Bittman

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

9. Pimento Cheese Dip

How to make it: Combine ½ lb. grated sharp cheddar, ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 (4-oz.) jar drained and diced pimientos, and ½ tsp. horseradish (or hot sauce) in a bowl.

Source: designsponge.com

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

10. Avocado Crostini

How to make it: Toast crusty bread; top with mashed avocado, olive oil, coarse salt, and pepper.

Source: Country Living

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

11. Hot Dog Bites

How to make it: Broil a good hot dog, roll in a tortilla spread with brown mustard. Slice. You know everyone will eat them.

Source: Mark Bittman
(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

12. Spinach-Artichoke Dip

How to make it: Heat 1 cup frozen spinach and 1½ cups artichokes. Add 170 grams (6 oz). warmed cream cheese, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/3 cup parmesan, 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, and 1/4 tsp. garlic powder. Heat.

Source: Alton Brown

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

13. Hummus Deviled Eggs

How to make it: Mix 5 or more yolks from 12 hard-boiled eggs with 1 cup hummus. Pipe into eggs, garnish with parsley and smoked paprika.

Source: food52.com

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

14. Salted Caramel Apple Dip

How to make it: Combine 225 grams (8 oz.) cream cheese, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¾ cup caramel sauce, 1 tsp. vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Serve with apple slices.

Source: cooks.com
(Photo: Hemera/Thinkstock)

15. Pistachio-Covered Cheese Log

How to make it: Beat 1 bar cream cheese, 1 cup grated cheddar, 1 tbs. mustard, and 1 tsp. Worcestershire. Refrigerate. Shape into log; roll in chopped toasted pistachios. Chill.

Source: Everyday Food
(Photo: Hemera/Thinkstock)

16. Buffalo-Style Celery Sticks

How to make it: Mix together 60 grams (2 oz.) each of blue cheese and cream cheese. Stuff 6 celery stalks with mixture. Top with cayenne pepper.

Source: Everyday Food

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

17. Red-and-Green Shrimp

How to make it: Serve shrimp cocktail with cocktail sauce (red) and salsa verde or pesto (green).

Source: myrecipes.com

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

18. Popcorn with Parmesan and Thyme

Toss plain popped popcorn with olive oil, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh thyme, and lemon juice.

Source: kitchenetteblog.com

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

19. Greek-Style Nachos

How to make it: Top pita chips with feta, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini. Bake until melted; top with chopped tomatoes, olives, Greek yogurt.

Source: Cat Cora
(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

20. Cheeseburger Dip

How to make it: Combine 1 lb. cooked ground hamburger, 1 lb. Velveeta cheese, 1 can tomatoes
with green chilies, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Microwave; top with chopped scallions.

Source: recipe.com

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)