25 Holiday Appetizers: Delicious Ways to Start the Party

These no-fail holiday hors d'oeuvres will start your Christmas party on a memorable note.

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Photo By: Courtesy Kelsey Nixon ©CookingChannelTV.com

Baked Brie With Raspberry Preserves

Keep holiday guests satisfied while they wait for dinner to begin with this warm appetizer. Baked Brie always impresses, but its preparation couldn't be easier. Get the recipe.

Creamy Lump Crab Dip

Fold creamy mascarpone cheese with large chunks of crabmeat and sweet corn, then bake together until bubbly and hot. Serve with toasted crostinis. Get the recipe.

Pesto Tomato Bruschetta

This classic Italian appetizer is as simple to make as it is hearty and filling. Get the recipe.

Shrimp Cocktail

Always a favorite, the classic shrimp cocktail is a quick and easy appetizer. Pair the shrimp with its perfect complement: horseradish cocktail sauce. Get the recipe.

Crostini With Herbed Cream Cheese

This simple, rustic appetizer is a great way to get any fall or holiday gathering started. The flavors are a little sweet and a little savory, and the textures shine with toasted bread, crunchy nuts and a delicious creamy topping. Get the recipe.

From: Sam Henderson

Goat Cheese Quesadillas

Combine goat cheese with guava jam for a tasty creation that can be made in minutes. Get the recipe.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs Stuffed with Stilton Cheese

Simple to make, yet always a big crowd-pleaser. The figs are cooked in port wine for added flavor, then stuffed with cheese and wrapped with prosciutto for a savory combination. Get the recipe.

Black Truffle Artichoke Dip

Black truffle paste (available in gourmet stores or online) adds a decadent touch to a party favorite. Get the recipe.

Pistachio Soup

This spiced winter soup can be served warm or at room temperature. For an open house or cocktail party, serve petite portions in shot glasses or small mugs. Get the recipe.

Keftethakia Cocktail Meatballs

These Greek-inspired meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated. Perfect for a last-minute party. Get the recipe.

Creamy Smoked Salmon Roll

This appetizer version of the traditional salmon and cream cheese breakfast combination can be made up to two days ahead of time for super-easy party prep. Get the recipe.

Blackened Tuna Bites

Crisp cucumber slices take the place of crackers in this sushi-inspired, bite-sized party appetizer. Get the recipe.

Carrot-Ginger Soup Shooters

This spicy, vegetarian carrot-ginger soup can be served hot or at room temperature. Spoon single servings into shot glasses for the perfect party-sized portion. Get the recipe.

Watermelon-Mint Skewers

Simple, fresh watermelon and feta appetizers flavored with red wine vinegar and mint pair perfectly with bubbly champagne. Get the recipe.

Green Salad With Blood Oranges, Almonds and Dates

Pefect for sit-down holiday meals, in-season blood oranges bring unexpected color to this simple salad. Get the recipe

Chocolate-Caramel Kettle Chips

Super-crunchy, salty, kettle-fried potato chips are the perfect canvas for the addition of sweetness and chocolate. A thin layer of caramel and chopped nuts makes this chip satisfy all your cravings at once. Get the recipe.

Smoked Gouda and Herb Puffs

These bite-sized balls of smoked, cheesy, herby goodness are the perfect appetizer for a dinner party. Just be careful — they’re so addictive that it’s impossible to eat just one or two (or three)! Get the recipe.

Oysters Rockefeller

This classic holiday appetizer is deceptively simple to make. We got the Jekyll Island Club Hotel in Jekyll Island, Ga., to share its popular version. Get the recipe.

Date and Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Sweet dates and creamy goat cheese taste even better together. Mix up the citrusy date topping a day or two before your party, then assemble just before guests arrive. Get the recipe.

Salmon Lollipops

Three ingredients are all you need to make these party-perfect appetizers. Simply cover balls of cream cheese in salmon and sprinkle with chives to create irresistible and savory hand-held treats. Get the recipe.

Maple-Nut Popcorn

The sweet-and-spicy snack mix is seriously addictive. Place bowls of this nutty mix around your holiday party and watch it disappear. Get the recipe.

Spicy Shrimp Toast

These decadent, bite-sized shrimp toasts are crisp, super savory and bursting with flavor. Coupled with the sweet chile sauce, this is the perfect cocktail party appetizer. Get the recipe.

Salmon Tartare in Wonton Cups

Cool and crisp, this lighter holiday appetizer is the perfect foil to the season's richer offerings. Use a mini-muffin pan to create these wonton cups, then fill with chopped salmon and cucumbers in a spicy sauce. Get the recipe.

Mini Quiche Florentine

The classic combination of spinach and Swiss cheese paired with the fresh thyme and Parmesan make these bite-sized quiches an instant hit with even the pickiest eaters. Get the recipe.