70+ Holiday Appetizers You’ll Flip For!

A collection of more than 70 appetizer recipes for your next holiday party, from comforting classics to spicy new bites, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

by Sabrina Snyder

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3-image collage of meatballs, pinwheel wraps, and a pecan date appetizer

Appetizers are so deliciously appealing, and it’s no wonder why guests love them! The Appetizer Recipes included here really just touch the surface of the many delicious options on the site. They’re kind of like an adult version of snacking as a kid. Instead of Lunchables, it’s charcuterie boards. Instead of topping white bread with spreads and meats, it’s topping flaky puff pastry like my Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites. This holiday season, your guests will enjoy all of these small bites, made with incredibly delicious sauces, spices, herbs, and seasonings.

Holiday Appetizers

Enjoy a collection of the best appetizers to serve at your holiday parties this season!

Cheese Boards & Cheeseballs

These cheese boards are the perfect addition to your holiday party because they’re easy to make, look festive, and are always a crowd-pleaser!

Bacon Cheese Wreath on serving platter 1x1
Bacon Cheese Wreath
Easy Bacon Cheese Wreath is a fun flavorful holiday appetizer. Tasty bacon, green onion, parmesan cheese, and cream cheese ball shaped like a festive wreath.
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Cream cheese log with cherry topping
Cherry Cheese Log Recipe
Cherry Cheese Log is a festive holiday appetizer that's creamy, sweet, and nutty. A crowd-pleasing, make-ahead favorite!
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Ingredients rolled up and served on a plate with crackers
Cheese Ball Recipe
The classic Cheese Ball is an easy party appetizer that can be made quickly. Be sure to make this for all your Holiday parties and potlucks!
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Ingredients rolled up and served with crackers
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a great snack for a holiday party. Serve the soft creamy, savory, and sweet cheeseball with crackers to share!
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Cheese ball on a plate with crackers
Garlic Parmesan Cheese Ball Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Cheese Ball is an easy holiday snack! Perfectly creamy and crunchy. The best part is it comes together in just a few minutes!
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serving platter with olives in center and cheeses arranged around, topped with fresh herbs and pimentos 1x1
Olive and Cheese Ring Recipe
This Olive and Cheese Ring is a gorgeous antipasto perfect for any holiday party, with marinated olives, herbs, pimentos, and two cheeses.
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Cheese Board with crackers and accompaniments on round wood board.
Easy Cheese Board
An Easy Cheese Board is perfect for holiday parties, get-togethers with friends, or any event. Follow simple directions to make it look perfect.
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Dips & Spreads

Enjoy these dips with an assortment of crackers, veggies, and slices of baguette for an easy appetizer your guests will enjoy!

Garlic Shrimp Dip shrimp in skillet after baking with melted cheese and parsley garnish, hand dipping bread
Garlic Shrimp Dip
Garlic Shrimp Dip is a creamy, savory dip that's perfect to serve at parties. Made with shrimp, cream cheese, mozzarella, and lemon juice.
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cooked dip in a skillet
Crab Artichoke Dip Recipe
Crab Artichoke Dip is the perfect, crowd-pleasing party dish! It comes together so quickly and can even be made ahead of time and baked later!
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loaded, cheesy, and meaty spread in a bowl next to a pile of chips on a chopping board
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip Recipe
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip is a cool, crowd-pleasing spread that delivers bold, savory flavors and always disappears fast at game day parties.
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Ranch Dip in serving bowl with veggies 1x1
Ranch Dip
Ranch Dip is a delicious condiment you can make yourself, with mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, and spices.
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Baked Fontina Cheese Dip inspired by Ina Garten with garlic and thyme amped up with the addition of fresh mozzarella and Parmesan is the perfect appetizer.
Baked Fontina Cheese Dip
Baked Fontina Cheese Dip inspired by Ina Garten with garlic and thyme amped up with the addition of fresh mozzarella and Parmesan is the perfect appetizer.
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Cheesy Crab Dip
Creamy Cheesy Crab Dip
Crab dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer made with sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar, and crab meat, ready in only 45 minutes!
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Diip on Ritz cracker over cooked dip in bread bowl
Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip Recipe
Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip is a spicy dip that you can make in 30 minutes. This ingredient combo is perfect and will be a hit at your party!
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Dip finished in a bowl with green onions on top and bowl surrounded by potato chips on platter, 4x3
Clam Dip Recipe
Easy Clam Dip is a cold cream cheese dip recipe with canned clams, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green onions made in minutes.
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bread in the Dip
Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Ultimate Spinach Artichoke Dip is the perfect, easy, cheesy Holiday appetizer. Prep only takes 5 minutes and it's all done in 30 minutes.
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Platter with crackers and fruit around dip
Cranberry Dip Recipe
Cranberry Dip is a delicious Thanksgiving appetizer that has a classic holiday flavors. Make it for your crowd and watch it disappear quick!
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dip after baking in a dish on table
Bacon Cranberry Swiss Cheese Dip Recipe
Bacon Cranberry Swiss Cheese Dip is a creamy, crunchy, savory-sweet appetizer that's perfect for parties and holidays. Try making it today!
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Dip with dipping scoops on plate
Sweet & Sour Chicken Dip Recipe
Sweet & Sour Chicken Dip has all the flavor of Chinese takeout but can be made in the comfort of your own home! It will be a family favorite!
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Dip in a casserole dish with slices of toasted bread
French Onion Soup Dip Recipe
French Onion Soup Dip is perfect to serve with chips or crusty French bread as a party appetizer with onions and bubbly Swiss cheese over the top.
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Closeup of spread in a bowl with garnishment and bagels
Smoked Salmon Spread Recipe
Smoked Salmon Spread is an easy appetizer recipe that's perfect for brunch and it only takes 10 minutes to make. It will be a table favorite!
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Cheese spread on plate of crackers
Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread Recipe
Prepare a festive Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread in just minutes! A perfect holiday appetizer for your Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.
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Puff Pastry

These incredibly easy appetizer recipes come together in a short amount of time, and are always a big hit at any party or get-together!

cooked pork wrapped in pasty
Sausage Rolls Recipe
Sausage Rolls are a classic British appetizer that's easy to make and perfect for any gathering. Or make them bigger for lunch! Try them soon!
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crispy pork, dairy spread, and greens on a baked pastries
Bacon Blue Cheese Caramelized Onion Tart Recipe
Bacon Blue Cheese Caramelized Onion Tart is rich, bold, and party-ready. It looks impressive and is effortless to make! Try this appetizer!
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Caramelized Onion Feta Pastry Bites from Trader Joe's are one of their most popular frozen appetizers (and most expensive) and they're easy to make at home!
Caramelized Onion Feta Pastry Bites (Trader Joe’s Copycat)
Caramelized Onion Feta Pastry Bites from Trader Joe’s are one of their most popular frozen appetizers (and most expensive) and they’re easy to make at home!
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Ham and cheese pinwheels piled on a serving plate
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites make an easy and delicious party appetizer or a flaky and savory breakfast. Ready in under 25 minutes!
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Top view of pastry covered brie with apples and crackers
Baked Brie Recipe
Try this delicious Baked Brie recipe, a perfect appetizer to impress your guests at holiday parties and weekend get-togethers.
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Stacked pinwheels with a bite taken out of 1
Cheesy Pesto Pinwheels
Cheesy Pesto Pinwheels are the perfect party snack. Crescent rolls, pesto sauce, red peppers and cheese come together in 30 minutes for a tasty appetizer.
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Bacon Cheddar Puff Pastry rolls
Bacon Pinwheels Recipe
Bacon Pinwheels are a quick, easy 10-minute crispy, cheesy appetizer or snack. Perfect for holiday parties and great to make ahead of time.
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Single piece of cooked puff pastry
Parmesan Puffs Recipe
Parmesan Puffs are the perfect light and airy party appetizer for any gathering or celebration. Be sure to make extra because these go fast!
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Pastries on a baking sheet.
Blueberry Vanilla Goat Cheese Pastry Bites Recipe
Blueberry Vanilla Goat Cheese Pastry Bites with just five ingredients are the easiest appetizers you'll serve your guests. Great for parties.
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Savory filled puff pastries on appetizer plate.
Spinach Artichoke Puffs
Easy Spinach Artichoke Puffs are a rich, savory appetizer with your favorite party dip as the filling wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry.
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cranberry bites in a muffin tin
Cranberry Goat Cheese Pastry Bites Recipe
Cranberry Goat Cheese Pastry Bites with just five ingredients are a quick and easy appetizer that all your party guests will love! Try soon!
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Bacon Lovers

The ultimate appetizers for anyone who loves the savory, salty taste of bacon, including my favorite sweet and savory combinations!

Top down view of cooked bacon wrapped sausages on plate with bowl of BBQ sauce
Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Lil’ Smokies
Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Lil' Smokies are the perfect easy party appetizer and they're sure to go fast! Made with just 3 ingredients.
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Chocolate nut covered bacon.
Chocolate Covered Bacon Recipe
Chocolate Covered Bacon is an unexpected treat with oddly matched ingredients. Chocolatey, nutty, and savory meld together irresistibly.
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Spicy Sweet Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites Recipe
Spicy Sweet Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites deliver the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory in a quick, irresistible party appetizer.
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plate of wrapped chestnuts
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are crunchy, savory, candied-bacon perfection. Perfect bite-sized appetizers for your next holiday party!
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Candied Bacon on wire rack w/ baking sheet
Candied Bacon
Candied Bacon is crispy, sweet and salty oven baked bacon strips and brown sugar. An easy side dish recipe for a special breakfast or brunch.
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Sweet Potato with toothpicks in them
Bacon Wrapped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Sweet Potatoes perfectly combine sweet and salty with crispy bacon, tender sweet potatoes, brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
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Sweet & Savory Meatballs

Served with toothpicks and napkins, meatballs become the perfect bite-sized appetizer!

Pineapple Meatballs in cooking pan 1x1
Pineapple Meatballs Recipe
Pineapple Meatballs are an easy to make appetizer or the main dish. You'll want to pour the pineapple sauce on everything!
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Meatballs in sauce in skillet, showing melty cheese at center 4x3
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are cheesy, melty Italian meatballs perfect for appetizers or topping your favorite Italian main dish.
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Cocktail Meatballs (Grape Jelly Meatballs) Recipe
Cocktail Meatballs are the perfect appetizer made with only 3 ingredients! They are going to have you wishing you made more!
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Slow Cooker Meatballs with spaghetti on a white plate
Slow Cooker Meatballs
Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs are juicy and flavorful, cooked in a rich homemade marinara. Everything made in the crockpot, no stovetop needed!
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Cranberry Meatballs in serving dish 1x1
Cranberry Meatballs
Cranberry Meatballs are a perfect appetizer for parties with homemade meatballs in a rich, sweet cranberry sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes!
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ground beef balls in bowl ready to eat
Marmalade Meatballs Recipe
Marmalade Meatballs are a zesty twist on the classic crockpot appetizer. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they’re perfect for any event!
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Mediterranean-Inspired

These appetizers use wholesome ingredients and flavors from the Mediterranean, perfect for everything from holiday spreads to dinner parties!

Marinated Olives olives in bowl with fresh herb and lemon garnishes
Marinated Olives
Marinated Olives are an easy, elegant appetizer. Fresh herbs and garlic cloves infuse an olive oil marinade for kalamata and green olives.
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Baked artichoke filled with breadcrumbs and cheese.
Stuffed Artichokes Recipe
Easy Stuffed Artichoke recipe with a rich citrusy sauce. Filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs creating a delightful contrast of flavor.
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Sweet and savory relish in cast iron skillet with crostini.
Caponata
Caponata is a traditional Sicilian dish that blends sweet, savory, and tart flavors. A perfect and colorful dish for your next dinner party.
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ravioli being dipped into red sauce
Fried Ravioli Recipe
Easy Fried Ravioli is a quick and crispy appetizer that has a warm and gooey center. Ready to enjoy in minutes! Even the kids will enjoy!
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Greek party skewers on a plate
Italian Antipasto Skewers
Spice from the pepperoni, the sweet vinegar of the balsamic glaze, the tender tortellini filled with ricotta and spinach, the briney flavor of the pepperoncini and the artichoke heart. This skewer is going to be a solid contender for favorite bite at your next party!
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Marinated Mozzarella Balls in jar 1x1
Marinated Mozzarella Cheese Balls
Marinated Mozzarella Cheese Balls are the perfect appetizer made in olive oil dressing with garlic, rosemary, and pepper flakes for flavor.
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Pesto Cheesy Bread picked up slice
Pesto Cheesy Bread
Pesto Cheesy Bread is a garlicky, cheesy melt-in-your-mouth bread with homemade Pesto, ready in just 30 minutes. Great as an appetizer or served with pasta!
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Party skewers with olives, feta cheese, and grape leaves
Greek Antipasto Skewers Recipe
Greek Antipasto Skewers are one of my favorite appetizers. They have lots of flavors, but require little effort no plate and no utensils!
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finished mushrooms plated with lettuce
Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
These Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms are tender, savory, flavorful, and so easy to make! Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish to your main!
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Labneh in bowl
Labneh
Labneh is a tangy yogurt cheese made with olive oil and whole milk yogurt. It’s perfect for serving with crisp veggies and warm pita.
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Closeup of mushrooms in juice
Easy Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Easy Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are a restaurant favorite made at home in 30 minutes. A perfect appetizer with no fuss and all flavor!
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Dates on white serving tray
Blue Cheese Pecan Dates Recipe
Blue Cheese Pecan Dates are a tasty and impressive appetizer. Serve at parties and special events. You will love how easy they are to make!
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More Appetizers

These appetizers were too good to leave out because they’re full of incredible flavor and really easy to throw together or make ahead of time!

Wrapped cocktail wieners piled on a platter
Pigs In A Blanket Recipe
Pigs in A Blanket are an iconic party appetizer that are so quick to make! Bring on the nostalgia with these crescent-wrapped mini dogs.
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Aerial view of Crackers on serving plate
Sharp Cheddar Crackers Recipe
Sharp Cheddar Crackers are a super easy, salty, buttery snack that you can make in less than 20 minutes with just 5 simple ingredients.
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Mashed Potato Pancakes on serving platter 1x1
Mashed Potato Pancakes
Mashed Potato Pancakes are hot, buttery, and crispy with cheddar cheese, green onions, and garlic. Super easy to make on the stovetop!
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Christmas Pinwheels on serving platter 1x1
Christmas Pinwheels
These Christmas Pinwheels are an easy appetizer made in about 15 minutes! Holiday tortilla roll-ups filled with cream cheese, ranch, and crunchy veggies.
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Bowl of fruit and nut mix
Cranberry Trail Mix Recipe
Cranberry Trail Mix is the perfect sweet and salty, crunchy snack. Ideal for on the go snacking or for having a treat at home. Try it today!
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Candied Pecans in serving bowl on wood round
Candied Pecans
Candied Pecans are tasty holiday snacks and edible Christmas gifts. Crunchy pecans roasted in a cinnamon vanilla caramel. Great on ice cream!
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Top view of tortillas rolled with spread inside on a plate
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are an easy bite-sized appetizer made in minutes. Tortillas rolled with dried cranberries in a creamy cheese blend.
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meatballs on serving dish with fork
Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
Ham Balls are a great way to use leftover ham! These easy appetizers are savory, tender, and baked in a sweet, tangy glaze!
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Sausage Balls on toothpick dipped in Ranch dressing
Sausage Balls Recipe
Sausage Balls are irresistible, cheesy bites bursting with flavor, perfect for any party! Ready in under 30 minutes!
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plated tomato appetizer
Tomatoes Rockefeller Recipe
Forget the oysters, these Tomato Rockefeller bites will be the hit of your dinner party as part of a plated appetizer or as a passed option.
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Baked savory pastry puffs with cheddar.
Easy Cheese Puffs Recipe
Easy Cheese Puffs are the ultimate, savory snack or party appetizer. They're airy, cheesy, light, and packed with flavor!
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Serving plate of fried appetizer with dipping sauce.
Fried Mushrooms Recipe
Fried Mushrooms are the best party snack with a delicious batter and breadcrumb coating. Fry and serve with your favorite creamy dip.
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Top view of rangoons served with sauce
Crab Rangoon Recipe
Crab Rangoon is a favorite Chinese takeout appetizer made at home. Hand folding instructions and ready in just 20 minutes. Try them tonight!
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Bite being dipped in sauce
Garlic Bread Meatball Bites Recipe
Garlic Bread Meatball Bites are a crowd-pleasing favorite. This dip-able finger food is perfect for the ultimate party snack. Try them today!
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These holiday appetizers are perfect for almost any holiday potluck. You could even host your own appetizers-for-dinner party so you can really go all out enjoying these! Let me know in the comments below which of these recipes was your favorite. For more recipe ideas, try my other collections like my 14 Finger-Licking Good Chicken Wings for Game Day and my 40+ Greatest Cream Cheese Dip Recipes of All Time!

About the Author: Sabrina Snyder

Sabrina is a professionally trained Private Chef of over 10 years with ServSafe Manager certification in food safety. She creates all the recipes here on Dinner, then Dessert, fueled in no small part by her love for bacon.

Sabrina Snyder is a professionally trained personal and private chef of over 10 years who is the creator and developer of all the recipes on Dinner, then Dessert.

She is also the author of the cookbook Dinner, then Dessert – Satisfying Meals Using Only 3, 5 or 7 Ingredients, published by Harper Collins.

She started Dinner, then Dessert as a business in her office as a lunch service for her coworkers who admired her lunches before going to culinary school and becoming a full time personal chef and private chef.

As a personal chef Sabrina would cook for families one day a week and cook their entire week of dinners. All grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning was done along with instructions on reheating. As a private chef she cooked for private parties and cooked in family homes in the evenings for families on a nightly basis after working as a personal chef during the day.

Sabrina has been certified as a ServSafe Manager since 2007 and was a longstanding member of the USPCA Personal Chef Association including being on the board of the Washington DC Chapter of Chefs in the US Personal Chef Association when they won Chapter of the year.

As a member of the community of food website creators Sabrina Snyder has spoken at many conferences regarding her experiences as a food writer including the Indulge Food Conference, Everything Food Conference, Haven Food Conference and IACP Annual Food Professionals Conference.

Sabrina lives with her family in sunny California.

See more posts by Sabrina

Dinner, then Dessert, Inc. owns the copyright on all images and text and does not allow for its original recipes and pictures to be reproduced anywhere other than at this site unless authorization is given. Read my disclosure and copyright policy. This post may contain affiliate links.

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