![Baked brie with pomegranate and pistachios on a white plate](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/suvkitV17V20p_Lvhp-GCYSIhjM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-26965_Baked_Brie_with_Pomegranate_and_Pistachios_049_preview-3935783476804aa0bab8cb4e4580c7eb.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Christmas time is our favorite season, for sure. But, nonetheless, the constant cooking, entertaining, and planning can feel like a marathon at sprint speed. While we're busy working away in the kitchen, a table full of appetizers can come to our rescue. Whether you're planning the perfect Christmas Eve dinner or a holiday cocktail party, don't forget to set out those trays of finger foods, dips, and spreads to keep hunger at bay. We've rounded up some quick and easy holiday appetizers that will have you covered no matter the occasion (or how down-to-the-wire the prep time is) to get you through the season. These no-fuss Christmas appetizer ideas are simple, delicious, and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes so they won't add too much to your already-full plate.
Cheddar Cheese Straws
![Cheese Straws](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/bBQZHWWWw1lWBQ-Mapb2Fyvh15Y=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-27087_CHEESE_STRAWS_169_preview-f87ab175b97342b68fea4366a78d6161.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford
Cheese straws are a Southern staple for any time or place, but they are especially appreciated around the holidays. These rich cheese straws include paprika and red pepper for a bit of zip. A cookie press makes preparing them a breeze, but you can also use a pastry bag with a star tip.
No-Stuff Deviled Eggs
![No-Stuff Deviled Eggs](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/-DOaa1PUH6tV7h5F_lDePu9Xx68=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27027-Snacktime-DeviledEggs_0121-2000-63684700f78a4a7c9efbc43d16328eab.jpg)
Break out a sleeve of Ritz crackers and forget the piping bags. The hardest part of this recipe is boiling the eggs for 10 minutes and peeling them. Add a dollop of spicy mayonnaise and a slice of hard-boiled egg on each cracker for a fancy finger food that will be the hit of the party.
Bacon Jam
![Bacon Jam](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/WBF_Bw1owoKcMdMk6XdyuBp8wIU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Bacon_Jam_007-a2c422a59ad841d5b6e5846426480018.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
You'll love how easy this smoky-sweet bacon jam is. Serve it with whipped goat cheese, cream cheese, or alone with bread for the ultimate easy but impressive appetizer.
Charcuterie-Board Snack Mix
![Southern Living Charcuterie-Board Snack Mix in a bowl to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/gB9qdGU5vPZ6ScCb0pdODRn5jcU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SouthernLiving27404_Snack_Road_Trip_185-charcuterie-board-snack-mix-9cc8cd5b56514b1f863607dcfbd6fb33.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Forgo the picture-perfect charcuterie board that can be time-consuming to assemble for this snack mix version. The sweet-and-savory snack mix includes gourmet crackers, dried figs, pistachios, Parmesan crisps, and even crispy baked prosciutto chips. And it only takes a moment to refill the bowl.
Two-Layer Pimiento-And-Cheese Dip
![Two-Layer Pimiento And Cheese Dip With Smoked Almonds](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/BBkMh7GBsje_8GyxLGyrnXWp0K0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27650_HTHLAS_food_037a-c2ea001c1de5462db312da9c9fbc0fe4.jpg)
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Micah Morton; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch
For a spin on pimiento cheese, try this two-layer dip that's topped with a romesco-style sauce.
Million Dollar Dip
![million dollar dip on a tray with crudites and crackers](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/sqHIfIQIRwp15pfNP_mQwK3pCSw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MillionDollarDip_Beauty_SEO52_150_preview_scale_100_ppi_150_quality_100-5bee04cc12eb423b89285e876cc9a03d.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
This indulgent dip lives up to its name. The combination of bacon, chive-and-onion cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayo, almonds, and scallions will have everyone coming back for a second scoop. Serve with assorted crackers and sliced vegetables.
Ranch Oyster Crackers
![Southern Living Ranch Snacker Crackers in a bowl to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/9CRYs4ToAiKtLIjFteiXyCUXmjQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living-Ranch_Snacker_Crackers_009-4e1193febc7b4f0dbb9e4a4ca0afdf2d.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
It's an understated appetizer, we'll give you that, but the bowl will be empty by the end of the night. The herby ranch flavor on these petite crackers is just too irresistible to deny.
Creamy Spinach-Ricotta Crostini
![Creamy Spinach-Ricotta Crostini](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/L_mvgsEQbqJUIYkOwbJJLk-Z4qA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/26887_CheeseAppetizers_0484_Creamy-Spinach-Ricotta-Crostini-2000-92ef12e26ea1426991e251424167f7ca.jpg)
Appetizers are often the first impression of any party, so why not serve something that looks impressive, yet takes 15 minutes to pull together? The food processor is a big time saver, allowing you to skip mincing garlic and finely chopping herbs. Also, you can prepare the spinach-ricotta mixture up to two days in advance and assemble the crostinis later.
Okra In A Blanket
![Okra in a Blanket on decorated plate](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/PoO5jUJE8MeRnsRxmRPMPw7TsNE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27252_TGsecret_03-okra-136-2000-95236390e0c240a9a8876a5c179a18cd.jpg)
All you have to do is assemble this no-cook appetizer. Wrap pickled okra with thinly sliced ham and serve with a quick, homemade dip made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and dill.
Baked Goat Cheese Spread With Pepper Jelly
![Baked Goat Cheese Spread with Pepper Jelly](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/C7f9cfpM_qinCXbSSUO76dUq_yg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2616801_appet_cheese_straws_baked_goat_cheese_dip_olives_167_1-2000-b5a14dd7b00a4534b8060ea3f621ed11.jpg)
A holiday appetizer roundup wouldn't be complete without the presence of pepper jelly. Though the sweet and spicy jelly is delicious with a block of cream cheese, we might argue it has no better companion than goat cheese—especially when it's warm and soft from the oven.
Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapés
![Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/2QL4Tg2Pb-Fvec9FvBdKj639p0A=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-27062_MixNMingle_00039_preview-72f55765230f463a91f4af86019c8c45.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
Our elevated, holiday version of "fish and chips" comes together in just 20 minutes for an impressive, bite-sized appetizer. All you need is packaged smoked salmon, crème fraîche, potato chips, and a few fresh ingredients for the garnishes.
Herbed-Goat Cheese Spread
![goat cheese spread](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/PCIM9L8L1qmlm62XK3b9ukQtr7I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2645501_HerbA_Focaccia_028t-9fa4d16ae5ed4d1687aefb1cda5dd4a4.jpg)
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
With just four ingredients and a mixing bowl, you'll have this appetizer ready in five minutes. Serve it on the side with crunchy baguette slices, crostinis, or veggies; or spread it across store-bought focaccia and top with herbs for a wow-worthy presentation. Best of all, you can switch the herbs according to the season—for winter, use rosemary, chives, and sage.
Stuffed Endive With Herbed Goat Cheese
![Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/4txUuNkN5mV1OpFay6jZh1sxe3I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/stuffed_endive-2000-a62aa2b5611a4277a02e12c3b3eb9bec.jpg)
Belgian endive lettuce serves as the vessel for creamy herbed goat cheese in this cool appetizer. You can display it in a festive star-shaped way for the party. If desired, include red Belgian endive leaves along with the green to make your "wreath" look more Christmassy.
Shrimp With Honey-Garlic Sauce
![Shrimp With Honey-Garlic Sauce](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/vV6LrBzCzT4ukpnNNoHIvNFsZTE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2680501_Suppe_27510-b87f624ba86847efbca4297f0b578ba2.jpg)
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley
This quick appetizer is ready in just 15 minutes, and the whole party is guaranteed to love these saucy shrimp with honey that adds a surprising richness and hint of sweetness. Serve skewered or in a bowl with toothpicks.
Creamy Crab Dip
![Creamy Crab Dip Recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/h2JI9gcgsSzk9Sg6bBvjn4CzQ2w=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Creamy-Crab-Dip-Recipe-306311bfeff543099a15a1a6aa878bb5.jpeg)
Looking for an easy throw-together appetizer? This is just the one. Stir together the seven ingredients, top with chopped chives, and serve with celery sticks and crackers.
Baked Brie Bites
Make these extra fast and easy by using frozen mini phyllo pastry shells. The melty baked Brie bites, complemented with red pepper jelly and pecans, will be ready in less than 20 minutes. For a bit of holiday greenery, add a parsley leaf to each one.
Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball
![Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/CE8-qysHYUEZwDxrVlLR8hyu2hc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2429701_amazi34821_0_0-cf580515aedc4ccc98852ef543c135a1.jpg)
Did someone say cheese ball? We love all the variations, including this one with Mediterranean flair. For a more creative holiday form, roll it into a Yule log and decorate.
Buttery Toasted Pecans
![Buttery Toasted Pecans - Southern Living](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/aCXQz1iseHvasbtHd2C5Mh-rLoc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/102023_sl_124-495e626a13604cb0903a1b52137c9281.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Melted butter and simple seasoning is the secret to these easy and flavorful toasted pecans. We recommend toasting them for the full 25 minutes to bring out their nutty aroma and flavor.
Basic Pimiento Cheese
![Southern Living Basic Pimento Cheese in a bowl to serve with crackers and vegetables](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/D-m2QjJgj_IsP3wMRRoJpZc3hDY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Basic-Pimiento-Cheese_Beauty_1_Audit7023-1-851297184ff748bfb6a64c6b1855f1fd.jpg)
Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
It's not a proper Southern holiday party without pimiento cheese making an appearance. This recipe schools you in the two game-changing steps to perfect pimiento cheese: using diced jarred pimientos instead of sliced and hand-shredding your cheese.
Caesar Salad Bites
![Caesar Salad Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/jPSE7JG95kZo_WMfCTvtNNuUVyE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fo_ec046f498f5e826d_spcms-2000-40b62e4debe3442a9d7b1cf3e32bec89.jpg)
These hand-held salad bites are a fresh, crisp addition to your holiday snack lineup. Grape tomatoes add a bright pop of red for a more festive appetizer. Use your favorite bottled salad dressing to make this simple recipe.
Baked Brie With Pecans
![Baked Brie with Pecans](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/9ezG7Y-JP7vEHG5EuIarAR4Dp44=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2615201_pecan_bakedbriewithhoneyed5spice-pecan_0_0-1-ceb74507aeb94f53b288fc6dfeeabc59.jpg)
Chinese five spice powder (which typically consists of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, pepper, and fennel seeds) and honey give the pecans and cherries atop this baked Brie an extra festive flavor. To serve it warm, pop it in the oven 20 minutes before guests arrive.
Afterburners
![Afterburners](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/HNYpgMCLYeBRJlo6dOHpGwF-sak=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-after-burners-ddmfs-3x2-1193-ce99ce0ed53946ceaf2b4ec35d7fbb73.jpg)
Stacy k. Allen, Props: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
Shrimp, jalapeño peppers, and bacon? You can't go wrong with this three-ingredient recipe, especially if you serve them with some spicy queso dip. The shrimp cook perfectly in 10-12 minutes under the broiler.
Pancetta Crisps With Goat Cheese And Pear
![Pancetta Crisps With Goat Cheese and Pear](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/gTpigh8Ggjwu1m--y0tMuQ62Ws4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fo_9749e8442f0858cd_spcms-2000-0942e91b29e8479bb11ba2c6f66a86e3.jpg)
This pretty appetizer uses slices of Barlett pear as the base instead of crackers. With only a few instructions and a little pep in your step, you'll have the slices topped with baked pancetta, crumbled goat cheese, and a drizzle of honey in no time.
Pickapeppa Snack Mix
![Pickapeppa snack mix](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/j8BLDZZ2BYtlKdfcI5PEjBTTUt0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pickapeppa-b89f68f8db3d4e13a7115e924431fc17.png)
JAMES RANSOM
A cocktail party always needs a snack mix, and we have just the one for you. This recipe uses the classic rice-cereal squares (such as Chex), pretzels, and unsalted peanuts with the popular Jamaican hot sauce, brown sugar, and tongue-torching cayenne pepper and chili powder.
Melon, Mozzarella, And Prosciutto Skewers
![Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/803SwiFFlKQZpird8Uk4vWH3l6U=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/melon-mozzarella-prosciutto-skewers-sl-7e7710db7e9f428ea5068bb9c747491d.jpg)
We've added smooth and creamy mozzarella to the classic combination of salty prosciutto and sweet melon. If you're short on time, make this no-cook appetizer even faster by getting a package of pre-sliced melon from the produce section.
Beef-And-Asparagus Bundles
![Beef-and-Asparagus Bundles](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/getezduCAGo_SMW4MshsUh08Sl8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beef-and-asparagus-bundles-2000-352015ffb4694f17b3aa830d0fd4b471.jpg)
There isn't an abundance of quick appetizers using beef, so this five-ingredient recipe has us pretty excited. All you need to do is blanch the asparagus spears and assemble the bundles. We tested this recipe with Alouette Garlic & Herbs spreadable cheese and Boar's Head Londonport Seasoned Roast Beef.
Mini Caprese Bites
![Mini Caprese Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/-XiZI2WsNzaOYudmHGXfEI91Nes=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fo_b486e18d326ec054_spcms_0-2000-a757a7d5960d43c7af47654eba55871a.jpg)
These never disappoint at any party—they are just too easy to pick up and pop in your mouth without missing a beat. Arrange the skewers on a platter or in cocktail glasses set around your buffet.
Cranberry Brie Bites
![Cranberry Brie Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/NZWBudt19u-YUdYCNCgJh5UgikU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sl_seo_112119_am_cranberrybriebites_246-2000-23cbbadccedf4351b2328915899d707c.jpg)
This tart and creamy mini appetizer will make a splash at your holiday brunch or your Christmas Eve cocktail party. Why not make it for both? Including the frozen phyllo shells, the recipe only requires four ingredients—and bakes in just six minutes.
Ham-And-Cheese Skewers
![Ham-and-Cheese Skewers](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/WH-F1qLrd6ssoqY_6ESzJbV9zzg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ham-cheese-party-skwewers-x-e36d17b251c342bfabf732405ea08a9d.jpg)
These are almost too easy—just thread blue cheese wedges (or the cheese of your choice), apple slices, cubes of deli ham, and fresh watercress leaves onto wooden skewers. The result is an elegant-looking appetizer with different flavors and textures in every bite.
Cherry-Pecan Brie
![Cherry-Pecan Brie](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/C57bk-RxAkhA0jdxA-d5xIjZ-zs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cherry-pecan_brie-2000-050c5e2c303445f6b3112344583601e5.jpg)
A sweet blend of cherry preserves, balsamic vinegar, and pepper gives Brie a festive look. "The sauce is wonderful and so easy to make!" one reviewer wrote. "The balsamic and pepper keep it from being too sweet and gives it a nice bite."
Beer-Cheese Fondue
![Creamy Feta Phyllo Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/MCmcE53bzl6weHJtvvWwDmDtPx8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2616801_appet_nutmix_fondue_whippedphyllobites_beefcrostini_241_0_0-2000-b9c86d4b376d46eba85190c39ee81a3c.jpg)
This appetizer will keep guests busy around the fondue pot all evening. Once you've mixed up the warm, melty cheese sauce, you can get creative. Soft pretzels, sliced cooked bratwurst, steamed broccoli florets, roasted Brussels sprouts, and roasted fingerling potatoes are all options.
Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers
![Southern Living Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers on a blue platter to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/uodCP67wH5xPSCYxDpN7YxLxVFs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27496_MkitEasy_DIGI_47_preview_scale_100_ppi_150_quality_100-32dc4e65b37d4703a759b4eac377ccbf.jpg)
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
For this three-ingredient recipe, pick up a jar of cherry-red Peppadew peppers. Then pipe in pimiento cheese and garnish with a sprinkle of chives. Make them dressier by serving them on your favorite silver platter.
Crispy Cheese Wafers
![Crispy Cheese Wafers](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Z639f3pzAOvdn4-FlvvmgFJPnxU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/crispy-cheese-wafers-x_0_0-ce798dd1805c415ab2ca66113b592de3.jpg)
Crispy rice cereal makes these toasted cheese wafers extra crunchy. Use grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese and a pinch of ground cayenne for zestier flavor. Enjoy the wafers on their own or serve with softened cream cheese and pepper jelly.
Smoked-Fish Dip
![smoked fish dip with crackers and crudites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/4aOY2u0ctxYCuP3_hVzfCAVBUNo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2651801_Smoked_Fish_Dip_331-526f062bb49a4f48bf4da84ef294319f.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke
Adam Evans, chef at award-winning Birmingham restaurant Automatic Seafood and Oysters, shared this delicious recipe with us. The dip may have a long list of flavorful ingredients, but all you need to do is mix them together. Serve it with crackers or sliced baguette.
Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups
![Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/RFAde7rbUh9DJSQFGYoAChH3axg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2648701_Bites_to_Bring_Opener_003_Mushroom-Stuffed-Phyllo-Cups-2000-2bb0e47b0f4c402cae8244f3d0736a23.jpg)
Phyllo cups can do some heavy lifting when it comes to a dinner party. The elegant filling for this appetizer combines gourmet mushrooms, garlic, sherry, and cream. Use the food processor to save prep time, and you'll have this bite-sized delight on the table in under 30 minutes.
Lump Crab Mornay
![Lump Crab Mornay](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/gaZjEZFxD1y4G8x68ZcCfCxUVbs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Lump-Crab-Mornay-2265e23b6abe4bc89bd8067add98c2fd.jpeg)
For this recipe, pick up fresh jumbo lump crabmeat if you can. Serve the creamy, rich, and warm crab dip with toast points. Keep it warm under gentle heat in a chafing dish or slow cooker.
Turnip Green Pesto
![Turnip Green Pesto](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/-OoZ5dGBm-VhGaR7F4s9ASnkkes=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2237101_newre1532alternatefocus_2_0-96c1ce5759474799aea2619facb77dd3.jpg)
This wintery pesto is made with fresh turnip greens, toasted walnuts, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of honey. The greens get a quick blanching in boiling water before you blend the pesto. Cover your dip with wrap if you won't be serving immediately to preserve the bright green color.
Spicy Cheese Twists
![Spicy Cheese Twists](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/cZGfF2HSPxdJEEnRJxa6A7Ntal0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/26887_CheeseAppetizers_11713_Spicy-Cheese-Twists-2000-d6a0aef715ba447e8bcb8c5483d4b173.jpg)
The adorable bow ties are made from frozen puff pastry dough. Layered with thyme and aged Gouda cheese, these cheese twists with a kick are simultaneously crispy and tender. Change up the cheese and herb combinations to suit your fancy—try them with Parmesan and rosemary or Cheddar and bacon.
Spicy Sweet Potato Crostini
![Spicy Sweet Potato Crostini](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/zFrAh-BCfhr4XQ6c_uksvQMV4Mk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/crostini2x3-963d2a205d9e47d791475a98f99dae5f.jpeg)
These honey-sweetened sweet potato slices are dreamy enough for dessert—that is until you taste the creamy goat cheese and spicy heat. Look for sweet potatoes that are uniform in width so that when you cut them, you will have round slices that cook evenly.
Spinach-And-Artichoke Bites
![Spinach-and-Artichoke Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/kHQodpTgGP2HKdwSkq6XH2_6gpw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2546201_Cockt_4816_0_0-05389f01bd8948d6b18a5cd5ba3646f3.jpg)
A can of crescent rolls gets filled with a blend of spinach, artichoke hearts, and cream cheese to make these delicious bites. With some helping hands to fill and pinch the crescent rolls, you'll have these ready to bake in short order, and they only need a few minutes in the oven.
Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls
![Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/q7S6080D1XfrGKPYTqWn5NiRU9Q=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PimentoCheeseSausageBalls_16x9_24-S-1-2000-225baebf686a470b8276ad304a07049f.jpg)
A box of Bisquick, ground pork sausage, chopped chives, and pimiento cheese come together in one undeniably satisfying sausage ball. This big-batch recipe also makes enough for a crowd—providing everyone is willing to share.
Stuffed Mushrooms
![Stuffed Mushrooms](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/gnoyrrNCSF_LO27UNndBmem2ENQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-Stuffed-Mushrooms-3x2-819-b48c1ebd089643ec8c64e02201ef5d38.jpg)
Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Tender, meaty, and garlicky mushrooms are always a hit on the appetizer. A couple of extra hands will make light work of the process, as will Boursin, a garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese you can find at the grocery store.
Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
![Cranberry Sauce Meatballs](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/XGRzKLfnn-dlqMS_UZpL2KEMGCY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/CranberrySauceMeatballs_0067-S-2000-a1c03c17c48f4fd3a47d39ae420863bb.jpg)
We've made cocktail meatballs more festive with jellied cranberry sauce and hot jalapeño pepper jelly. These little, two-bite appetizers are a nice balance of sweet, sour, savory, and spicy. Flecks of fresh jalapeño add color and a touch of raw heat.
Hot Crab And Shrimp Dip
![Hot Crab and Shrimp Dip](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/gcOd3ZIXJBsPYHD2NXL8lYhrsoM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pm1209_01-2000-64dd5f545afa4c3ea87bceb997788676.jpg)
Smoked cheese, lemon-pepper seasoning, and whole-grain mustard add more sophisticated flavor than you find in most crab dips. Even better, this warm and cheesy seafood dip takes about five minutes to prepare before you stick it in the oven to bake, leaving you free to relax and visit with your family.
Horseradish Pimiento Cheese
![Horseradish Pimiento Cheese](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/-AZ5WQb9ythPtKiw0Ktb5QVs98E=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2548801_south0514_horseradish-pimiento-cheese_0-2000-48ce9d55c96f447bb74770a6d8967a5b.jpg)
Some hosts wouldn't dare mess with the family recipe, but what better time to experiment than a holiday party with friends? Not only do we call for a little horseradish in this recipe, but we also suggest using horseradish-flavored white Cheddar cheese for an extra kick.
Baked Tex-Mex Red Pepper Cheese Dip
![Baked Tex-Mex Red Pepper Cheese Dip](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/SrsW666EI4Jy93c1G2l8q7GUAhw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/baked_tex-mex_red_pepper_cheese_dip-d13dc2097b1a4638878acacc17221de4.jpg)
Flecks of roasted red peppers, jalapeños, and green onions dot this addictive cheese dip. That makes it Christmas-themed in our book, and everyone will agree this rich and gooey party dip is a true gift.
Baked Brie With Pomegranate And Pistachios
![Baked brie with pomegranate and pistachios on a white plate](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/suvkitV17V20p_Lvhp-GCYSIhjM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-26965_Baked_Brie_with_Pomegranate_and_Pistachios_049_preview-3935783476804aa0bab8cb4e4580c7eb.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
For the holidays, dress up warm Brie with jewel-red syrup, green pistachios, and chopped thyme. The most time-consuming part of this recipe is removing the pomegranate seeds (or arils) from the fruit, so you can easily save time by buying the pre-separated arils rather than the whole fruit.