11 Finger-Licking Appetizers To Kick Off The Holidays
The moment the holidays come around, everyone’s appetite for good food goes into overdrive. As much as you want to dig into the main course, it’s the appetizers that set the tone for a delicious holiday feast. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a formal dinner, these eleven yummy starters will get your guests in the holiday spirit.
1. Accordion Potatoes
![Cooked accordion potatoes on skewers laying on parchment with small bowls of condiments around them.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/accordion-potatoes-recipe-h-2-.jpg)
Go beyond the basic potato chips with these fancy Accordion Potatoes. Seasoned with paprika, salt, and pepper, these uniquely cut crispy potatoes make for a fun and flavorful holiday treat.
2. Watermelon Christmas Trees
![8 Watermelon Christmas Trees on a cuttong board decorated with yogurt.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/watermelon-christmas-trees-recipe-step-5-.jpg)
While watermelon is a quintessential summertime fruit, it is also a perfect snack for the holidays. Make these Watermelon Christmas Trees for one of the easiest holiday appetizers you could make.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms
![A white platter of stuffed mushrooms.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/stuffed-mushrooms-.jpg)
This Stuffed Mushrooms recipe is a go-to for holiday gatherings and parties. They are packed with flavor despite their simplicity. You’re sure to impress your guests with this deliciously filling holiday appetizer.
4. Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip
![An overhead view of this finished Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/spinach-artichoke-dip-h-2-.jpg)
Looking for a healthy holiday appetizer? Make this Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip for yourself, family, or friends. Enjoy this with corn chips, veggie chips, veggie sticks, or oven-baked potato chips.
5. Cajun Zucchini Sticks
![The finishedCajun Zucchini Sticks on a cutting board in a pile.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/air-fryer-cajun-zucchini-sticks-recipe-h-2-.jpg)
Want to serve a delicious appetizer or snack without the guilt? These Cajun Zucchini Sticks are perfect. They are air-fried, so there is less oil, and the zucchini is a great way to get more veggies. Who says holiday snacking should be unhealthy?
6. Cream Cheese Balls
![A group of Cream Cheese Balls on a cutting board between some crackers.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cream-cheese-ball-recipe-h-1-.jpg)
Make these Cream Cheese Balls for holiday get-togethers. They make an excellent appetizer. They’re ranch-flavored, so it goes well with crackers and sliced vegetables. They’re easy to make, and you can make them into one large ball or smaller individual servings.
7. Chicken Sliders
![A single chicken slicer on a white plate.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/instant-pot-chicken-sliders.jpg)
For a classic appetizer, try these Chicken Sliders. Cook the chicken in the pressure cooker to make it easy to assemble for serving. Everything can be done in under an hour.
8. Holiday Energy Balls
![Clean Eating Energy Ball Snowmen Recipe](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/snowman-2-h--e1489122400948.jpg)
This Snowman Energy Balls recipe is a good example of a snack that can work as an appetizer, too. You won’t feel guilty about indulging in these healthy treats. Even the kids will love them.
9. White Bean Hummus
![An overhead view of a metal serving bowl filled with white bean hummus and garnished with sliced green onions.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/white-bean-hummus-v-1--1024x682.png)
Add this White Bean Hummus to your list of healthy appetizers for dipping and snacking. It is a delicious, holiday-inspired twist to the classic dip. It’s made with navy beans and cannellini beans instead of the traditional chickpeas.
10. Stuffed Dates
![Adding an almond and topping to pitted dates sitting on a cutting board.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/stuffed-dates-recipe-step-8-.jpg)
This healthy Stuffed Dates recipe is so good that they’re almost a dessert. There is nothing better to kick off your holiday meal than these delicious treats, and you get nine stuffing ideas with this recipe.
11. 3 Ingredient Deviled Eggs
![Clean Eating 3 Ingredient Deviled Eggs Recipe](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/clean-eating-deviled-eggs-h-1-1.jpg)
This fast, easy, and delicious 3 Ingredient Deviled Eggs recipe will be a great addition to your holiday appetizer menu. You can make this in half an hour, and everyone will love it because who doesn’t like deviled eggs?
The Daily Snack Tray
![An overhead view of a charcuterie board with veggies, pita chips, and two bowls of dip.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/snack-tray-.jpg)
Home with the kids? This snack tray idea is a great way to get them to snack on healthy foods all day and quit bugging you for snacks. Works for adults, too!
After-School Snacks That Won’t Ruin Dinner
![Two young kids eating strawberries.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/after-school-snacks-.jpg)
Sick of the kids ruining dinner with everything they eat after they get home from school? Here are some ideas for healthier snacks they’ll enjoy that won’t ruin dinner.
Need Some Healthy Movie Snacks?
![A young boy watching a movie holding a drink and a popcorn bag.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/movie-snacks-.jpg)
The food shack at the movie theater can leave you with a tummy ache when the movie is done. Here are some snacks you can sneak in, or enjoy at home for a happier belly.
40 Clean Eating Road Trip Snacks
![Two young women driving in a car.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/road-trip-snacks-.jpg)
Hitting the road this summer? Take along some healthy snacks that will keep you from overspending and ending up with a stomach ache because we all know that the food you buy on the road is rarely, if ever, the healthiest option.
This originally appeared on The Gracious Pantry.