50 Holiday Finger Foods To Serve At Every Party This Season

No silverware required.

By

Updated on October 21, 2023

Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapes — Photo:
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Ah, appetizers. They hold that sacred spot between the previous meal and the one to come and have, on many occasions, staved off the gurgling of our stomachs as we waited for the main course. Few things are more delightful than walking into a relative's home for a holiday gathering and seeing the table already piled high with snacks while the turkey taunts you from the oven. And yet fewer still are the delights of the holiday finger foods. Sure, we love our dips, focaccias, and soups, but the true winners are the ones that require little more than our fingers and a napkin.

Bite-sized treats are perfectly pop-able and are neat and tidy as far as appetizers go. No more losing track of your plate somewhere around the living room, or finding all your guests' plates in odd places if you're the host. Here, 50 holiday finger foods to serve at every party this season—from Christmas and Hanukkah to New Year's Eve, and beyond.

01 of 50

Mini Potato Skins

Mini Potato Skins — Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop styling: Claire Spollen; Food styling: Chelsea Zimmer

In our opinion, potato skins are a great way to get any party started. Though this appetizer recipe requires just 5 ingredients, it's sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

02 of 50

Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapés

Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapes — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

This 20-minute appetizer comes together without any cooking. If you're looking for a make-ahead option, we wouldn't recommend this recipe as the assembled chips should be served immediately.

03 of 50

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed Mushrooms — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Boursin cheese is the key ingredient to packing flavor into these stuffed mushrooms. This appetizer may even convince those who say they don't like mushrooms that they're actually pretty delicious.

04 of 50

Creamy Spinach-Ricotta Crostini

Creamy Spinach-Ricotta Crostini — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

An impressive-looking appetizer that takes just 15 minutes to make? It sounds too good to be true but it's not thanks to this crispy crostini topped with spinach, herbs, and goat cheese.

05 of 50

Fried Mashed Potato Balls

fried mashed potato balls — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

While mashed potatoes generally require a utensil, this version can be served without. Using the shortcut of refrigerated potatoes helps them come together easily.

06 of 50

Spicy Bisquick Sausage Balls

Spicy Bisquick Sausage Balls — Photography: Caitlin Bensel Food Styling: Ali Ramee Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

It's no secret that Southerners love sausage balls. While we all have our go-to recipes, this one is worth trying for the holiday season because it has an extra kick of spice that guests won't be expecting.

07 of 50

Coffee-Rubbed Beef Tenderloin Crostini

Coffee-Rubbed Beef Tenderloin Crostini — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Tender beef sits atop generously thick slices of crusty baguette, ready for hungry guests to swipe from the table, with only the need for a napkin.

08 of 50

Pickled-Shrimp Deviled Eggs

Southern Living Pickled Shrimp Deviled Eggs on a gold surface — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Matthew Gleason

You can never go wrong combining two traditional dishes. This recipe gives one of the most classic Southern appetizers, Deviled Eggs, an upgrade for the holiday season by combining it with another crowd-pleaser: pickled shrimp.

09 of 50

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Tami Hardeman

Requiring just 2 ingredients, this appetizer will become your go-to appetizer for the busy holiday season. We don't think anyone will complain if you make this your signature contribution to potluck parties.

10 of 50

Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

Grape Jelly Meatballs — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

No gathering in the South is complete without at least one slow cooker full of meatballs, preferably covered in grape jelly and chili sauce. It's a classic for a reason.

11 of 50

Fig, Pecan, And Brie Bites

Fig, Pecan, And Brie Bites — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

For busy hosts, this appetizer can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator until it's time to bake them. The recipe only calls for one pastry sheet, which are sold in packs of 2, so you can easily double the recipe.

12 of 50

Cheese Dreams

Cheese Dreams — Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Safe to say we taste these in our sleep. Not only are they delicious, but they're also great for the busy holiday season as they can be made ahead and stored in the freezer.

13 of 50

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This appetizer can be prepped in advance and takes just 5 minutes to bake. It's a crowd-pleaser, especially for vegetarian guests.

14 of 50

Spicy Cheese Twists

Spicy Cheese Twists — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Cheese straws but make them even more spicy. These treats are the perfect party nibble—good luck limiting yourself to just one.

15 of 50

No-Stuff Deviled Eggs

No-Stuff Deviled Eggs — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Melissa Gray; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Deviled eggs deserve a spot on any holiday spread, no arguments accepted. This no-stuff recipe is an easy way to serve them, but your own way.

16 of 50

Pear-and-Brie Puff Pastry Tarts

Pear-and-Brie Puff Pastry Tarts — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Turn a puff pastry into a crowd-friendly appetizer by topping it with sliced pears and brie. Then, cut into bites depending on the group size!

17 of 50

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Pepper jelly is a party trick Southerners swear by, and this holiday rendition is made even better with the addition of shrimp and seasoned crackers.

18 of 50

Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites — Southern Living

It's hard to name a more iconic duo for holiday finger foods than cranberry and brie. These crowd pleasers come together in just 20 minutes with 4 ingredients.

19 of 50

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Spicy chorizo and earthy sweet potato meet the sweetness of plum jam or scuppernong jelly—you decide.

20 of 50

Broiled Oysters with Tasso Breadcrumbs

Broiled Oysters with Tasso Breadcrumbs — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Seafood lovers will scoop these up. Added perk? No waste since you serve them on the half shell.

21 of 50

Pigs In A Blanket

Pigs in a blanket served with dijon mustard — Will Dickey

The pigs are out of town in our rendition of Chicks in a Blanket. Store-bought, buttery crescent roll dough ensconces mini chicken-and-apple sausages for a delightful twist on a well-known treat.

22 of 50

Baked Brie Bites

Baked Brie Bites — Laurey W. Glenn

Our Baked Brie Bites are glorious little phyllo cups overflowing with melty brie, crunchy pecans, and some red pepper jelly.

23 of 50

Cheddar Cheese Straws

Cheese Straws — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

If you want to play it safe, no one ever said no to a cheese straw, and these are as good as it gets.

24 of 50

Tex-Mex Deviled Eggs

Tex-Mex Deviled Eggs — Hector Manuel Sanchez

These deviled eggs have gone rogue in the best way, thanks to the addition of chili powder, peppers, and Cheddar cheese.

25 of 50

Potato Latkes

Potato Latkes — Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: William Smith

This classic potato pancake recipe comes from Atlanta chef Todd Ginsberg. His secret? Clarified butter. It will get you those lacy, crispy edges.

26 of 50

Party Poppers

Party Poppers — Hector M. Sanchez Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

What's a Party Popper, you ask? Chicken, bacon, and herbs stuffed into jalapeño chilis and drizzled with lime. You're welcome.

27 of 50

Cornmeal Popovers

Cornmeal Popovers — Laurey W. Glenn

We could never say no to a good popover, and we're pretty sure your guests won't be able to either.

28 of 50

Crispy Baked Chicken Wings

Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

You'll need a napkin for this one, and maybe a plate. But you can still use your fingers!

29 of 50

Asparagus Ribbon Crostini

Asparagus Ribbon Crostini — Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Crunchy crostini topped with peeled asparagus, lemon garnish, and mint, this appetizer can be a light and welcome addition to any holiday dinner menu.

30 of 50

Ham-and-Cheese Sliders

Ham-And-Cheese Sliders — Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin

It wouldn't be a proper gathering without a classic Ham-and-Cheese Slider. Using Hawaiian rolls helps keep things individualized and easy to pick up off the appetizer table.

31 of 50

Clam Chowder Fritters

Clam Chowder Fritters — Southern Living

Soup as a finger food? Yes, when it's these Clam Chowder Fritters, which are packed with plenty of clams. No skimping!

32 of 50

Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits with Pulled Pork and Slaw

Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits with Pulled Pork and Slaw — Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

If you want to pull out all the stops for your holiday feast, start with these appetizers. Fluffy sweet potato biscuits hold a generous helping of pulled pork and coleslaw, all while remaining a manageable finger food.

33 of 50

Inside-Out Hot Brown Bites

Inside-Out Hot Brown Bites — Hector Sanchez

The Kentucky classic is made pop-able in the form of these Hot Brown Bites packed with tomato, bacon, turkey, and cheese.

34 of 50

Spicy Sweet Potato Crostini

Spicy Sweet Potato Crostini — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This gluten-free crostini swaps the bread for broiled sweet potato slices and pecans that add a satisfying crunch.

35 of 50

Arancini with Pomodoro Dipping Sauce

Arancini with Pomodoro Dipping Sauce — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

An Italian staple, this dish is the perfect combination of cheesy, crispy, and cute. Pair with Pomodoro sauce and toothpicks, and you're ready to serve.

36 of 50

Bacon-Cheese Gougères

Bacon-Cheese Gougères — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Cheese and bacon—need we say more? This is a traditionally French appetizer that may sound fancy, but trust us: It's a tasty dish that any Southern crowd will love.

37 of 50

Fried Olives with Blue Cheese Aïoli

Fried Olives with Blue Cheese Aïoli — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Olives are not just for martinis during the holiday season! This year, they have a spot on the table, too, when fried in a special batter and paired with Blue Cheese Aïoli.

38 of 50

Fried Artichoke Hearts with Roasted Red Pepper Aïoli

Fried Artichoke Hearts with Roasted Red Pepper Aïoli — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Sure, we love anything fried, but these artichoke hearts feel especially seasonal when served with Red Pepper Aïoli.

39 of 50

Homemade Potato Chips with Fried Herbs

Homemade Potato Chips with Fried Herbs — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Potato chips can be fancy! This homemade version is plain enough for kids to enjoy but unique enough for adults to get excited about them, too.

40 of 50

Cheese Snappy Wafers

Cheese Snappy Wafers — Hector M. Sanchez

They say this is a favorite of the Southern host, and given the fact that it's pretty much straight up sharp Cheddar, we can see why.

41 of 50

Bacon-Parmesan Tassies

Bacon-Parmesan Tassies — Jennifer Davick

These little cups of bacon and cheesy goodness will be the delight of the party.

42 of 50

Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts

Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts — Alison Miksch

Puff pastry provides the buttery base and cup for these tiny tomato tarts. Cheddar cheese adds sharpness and basil keeps things fresh.

43 of 50

Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas — Stephen DeVries

These little enchiladas come in their own cups; no plate necessary. The only danger is that everyone will fill up before it's time for dinner.

44 of 50

Muffuletta Deviled Eggs

Muffuletta Deviled Eggs — Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

New Orleans' favorite sandwich gets the deviled egg treatment, olives, pickled vegetables, salami, and all.

45 of 50

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Puffs

Mushroom Puffs — Jennifer Davick

Flakey phyllo meets a savory mushroom filling made decadent with cream, Gruyère, and a splash of sherry.

46 of 50

Georgia-Style Boiled Peanuts

Georgia-Style Boiled Peanuts — Alison Miksch

Calling for only two ingredients, these peanuts are the easiest appetizer you can make, and the ones sure to fly off the table first.

47 of 50

Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce

Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce — Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

These tiny Meatball Sliders will keep hunger at bay while the turkey's in the oven.

48 of 50

Cocktail Meatballs

Cocktail Meatballs (70s)

This is the recipe if you want to feed a crowd. Four dozen pork meatballs are seasoned with fresh black pepper and horseradish. Everyone will be popping them like potato chips.

49 of 50

Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese — Laurey W. Glenn

It's a handheld salad. Endive leaves serve as the cups for rich goat cheese stuffed with chives, parsley, and tarragon.

50 of 50

Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

Bacon Wrapped Smokies — Micah A. Leal

Bacon-wrapped smokies, only sweeter, with brown sugar and honey. Yum!

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