Appetizers are the unsung heroes of any holiday party. They’re the first thing guests flock to and the one thing no one dares criticize—unless you serve something tragic, like plain celery sticks. The right spread can turn awkward small talk into full-blown bonding over who snagged the last bite of the good stuff. These party-perfect picks are here to save you from appetizer disasters and guarantee your snacks are the real stars of the night
Marinated Chicken Wings
These wings are sticky, savory, and just sweet enough to make everyone grab seconds—if they can beat the crowd to the platter. Ditch the standard buffalo sauce for a marinade that’s packed with bold flavor and keeps the mess to a minimum. These are the kind of wings that make guests mingle by the snack table just to snag another.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Chicken Wings
Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bites
Who knew buffalo chicken, broccoli, and cheddar could make such a perfect party trio? These bites are bursting with flavor in a neat, poppable package that keeps hands clean and conversations flowing. They’re the ideal snack for guests who want to socialize without juggling a plate and a napkin.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bites
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with buffalo flavor, these tenders are a healthier twist on the classic without losing any of the crave-worthy goodness. Easy to grab and perfect for dipping, they’re guaranteed to keep the crowd happy—and maybe arguing over who gets the last one.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Buffalo Chicken Triscuit Nachos
Think nachos, but with a crunchy, satisfying Triscuit base that holds up under all that buffalo chicken goodness. Topped with melted cheese and crisp celery, these bites are a guaranteed hit that turns basic appetizers into party legends. Guests won’t just be mingling—they’ll be hovering.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Triscuit Nachos
BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
Loaded with smoky BBQ pulled pork, gooey melted cheese, and toppings like pickled onions and fresh cilantro, these nachos are the kind of appetizer that makes people forget dinner is even coming. The customizable toppings let everyone build their perfect bite, keeping the conversation lively as they share their creations.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
Carne Asada Nachos
Fresh, flavorful, and packed with party vibes, these nachos bring together carne asada, pico de gallo, guacamole, and lime crema for a dish that’s almost too good to share. But don’t worry—your guests will find a way, even if it means circling the tray all night.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Nachos
Brisket Nachos
Use up your leftover brisket (or make some just for this!) to create nachos that are smoky, cheesy, and impossible to stop eating. These loaded bites are a conversation starter, and their BBQ twist adds a little something extra to the usual party spread.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Nachos
Crispy Salmon Bites
These crunchy, savory salmon bites are a unique twist on party appetizers that’ll have your guests asking for the recipe. Made with canned salmon, they’re deceptively easy to prepare but look—and taste—impressively fancy.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Salmon Bites
Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites
Sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy—these bites have it all. Crispy sweet potato rounds topped with guacamole and bacon combine the perfect mix of textures and flavors. They’ll have your guests mingling just to figure out who took the last one.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Crispy, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned, these zucchini chips are a light yet flavorful addition to your party spread. They’re great for dipping, munching, or sneaking handfuls while pretending you’re being healthy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
BBQ Roasted Chickpeas
Crispy, smoky, and snackable, these roasted chickpeas are a guilt-free alternative to chips that still deliver big flavor. Guests can munch on these while mingling without worrying about sticky fingers or greasy napkins.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Roasted Chickpeas
Spicy Seasoned Pretzels
These pretzels are coated in bold spices that make them the perfect snack for casual mingling and dipping alike. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’ll keep your guests reaching for just one more handful.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Seasoned Pretzels
Cranberry Cheddar Sausage Balls
Savory sausage, sharp cheddar, and tangy cranberry come together for an appetizer that’s as festive as it is delicious. Pair them with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that feels just right for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cheddar Sausage Balls
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
