There’s a special kind of excitement that comes with holiday gatherings, and appetizers often help kick things off. You’ll find 13 festive starters in this collection, each one with crowd-pleasing potential for December celebrations. From the first plate set out to the last bite enjoyed, these ideas help make every get-together memorable. It’s often those first flavors that set the tone for the whole night.
Pine Cone Shaped Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.
Skewered Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Skewered Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.
A lively crowd always gathers near this Skewered Brussels Sprouts with Bacon at any holiday event. The combo draws in both veggie fans and bacon lovers, making it one of the first trays to empty. Hands reach for seconds before the platter even leaves the table. I’ve found people start talking about the appetizer selection as soon as these skewer bites are served.
Get the Recipe: Skewered Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Onion Rings Recipe
Onion Rings Recipe. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.
Bringing crunch to the holiday lineup, this Onion Rings Recipe never fails to create a buzz in the room. Folks recognize the golden rings right away and chat with excitement while deciding who will take the first bite. Laughter always sneaks in because eating onion rings just feels fun. Everyone wants an extra serving, especially as the party warms up.
Get the Recipe: Onion Rings Recipe
Air Fryer Cheese Puffs
Air Fryer Cheese Puffs. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.
Kids and adults rush to grab these Air Fryer Cheese Puffs the moment they arrive on the table. Biting into one leaves you with a little surprise that just begs for another. Joy fills these get-togethers as small plates fill up in record time. I like tossing a few extra in the basket because they’re that much of a hit.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Puffs
Steamed Artichoke
Steamed Artichoke. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.
Conversation grows brighter when this Steamed Artichoke makes an appearance on an appetizer tray. People lean in, curious about how to enjoy every leafy bite and end up sharing tips and stories. Holiday spreads suddenly seem more interesting with artichokes in the mix. I love the way friends pause to appreciate something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichoke
Cranberry Dip
Cranberry Dip. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.
Rich colors and a sweet, tangy flavor put this Cranberry Dip in the spotlight at parties all December long. It catches guests’ attention quickly since it stands out from other starters. People dip once, then come back pretending they “just want a little more.” For fun, festive gatherings, there’s always room for a bowl of this cheerful dip.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Dip
Zucchini Patties with Chicken
Zucchini Patties with Chicken. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.
Fresh ideas take center stage with these Zucchini Patties with Chicken joining the appetizer spread. People pause to ask about the recipe before going back for a second helping. Fun shapes and savory flavors bring a twist to the classics we all know. It’s nice seeing everyone find something new and memorable at chilly season get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Patties with Chicken
Baked Stuffed Mushrooms
Baked Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.
Any appetizer table looks fancier with this Baked Stuffed Mushrooms arranged neatly in the center. Bold, savory flavor makes each bite a talking point, while their size encourages nibbling between stories. Holiday parties feel polished and fun with a plate of mushrooms within arm’s reach. Serving these always gets a few appreciative nods across the room.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Mushrooms
Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.
Nothing brings a crowd like this Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts, especially when the aroma fills the room. Friends crowd around, eager to see why bacon and Brussels sprouts make such a hit pairing. Lively conversations get started while plates are passed around. I notice this starter usually disappears before the main course even arrives.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Feta Cheese Eggs Bites
Feta Cheese Eggs Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.
Holiday mornings or afternoon parties gain some extra flavor with these Feta Cheese Eggs Bites. Guests love picking them up and popping them into their mouths while chatting. There’s always a little buzz about what gives each one such a unique taste. I keep this recipe handy because people go looking for these bites more than once during the event.
Get the Recipe: Feta Cheese Eggs Bites
Antipasto Cheese Ball Recipe
Antipasto Cheese Ball Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.
Centerpieces like this Antipasto Cheese Ball Recipe spark excitement before anyone even tastes them. Slices and crackers surround the cheese ball, inviting guests to dig in without any hesitation. Winter parties come alive thanks to crowd-pleasers like this one. People often go searching for extra cheese after the first bite wins them over.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Cheese Ball Recipe
Roasted Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan
Roasted Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.
Winter flavors shine with this Roasted Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan on the starter table. Creamy and rich, this appetizer offers something a bit more comforting as temperatures drop. Guests who try it for the first time often want seconds, surprised by its mellow sweetness. For December get-togethers, this dish feels like pure comfort.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan
Pine Cone Shaped Cheese Ball
Pine Cone Shaped Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.
Creative food always gets a reaction, which is why this Pine Cone Shaped Cheese Ball stands out on a holiday table. Guests gather for photos before diving in with crackers and veggies. The festive shape makes the spread feel a little more special. Serving this recipe helps kick off the fun right as the party begins.
Get the Recipe: Pine Cone Shaped Cheese Ball
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.
Warm, bite-sized comfort comes with these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls every single time. Plates empty quickly as people chat and reach for just one more. The soft texture with a savory twist keeps folks coming back until there’s nothing left. I can always count on this appetizer to keep the holiday crowd happy and full of energy.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
The post 13 festive starters to make your appetizer spread the talk of the season appeared first on Food Drink Life.
