Having a get together this holiday season and want to make an impact on your guests with some delicious food? Here are five easy appetizer ideas that you can make that will have your guests grazing all night long.

When it comes to parties what is your preference? Buy everything pre-made, or make it fresh? Personally, I prefer to make everything fresh because IMO, it just tastes better. I also believe it’s healthier to make as much as you can from scratch because you’re cutting out all the preservatives, and other additives that are always added to foods to extend shelf life (and some, I’m not really sure why! Read your food labels peeps).

Anyway, if you don’t want to spend all your time prior to your get together slaving away in the kitchen, most of these recipes can be made in advance so when it comes down to crunch time all you have to do is bake, or throw the dish together on your pretty platters.

Disclaimer: This post may contain some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something from a link provided on this post. Ship’s HQ appreciates your support and thanks you!

Just a little forewarning: most of these appetizers contain cheese, so if you’re lactose intolerant, there might not be that much here for you.

FIVE SAVORY APPETIZERS TO TRY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Bourbon Bacon Jam

Bacon and caramelized onions… What is there not to love? I first made this to get a little fancy with some homemade croissants at my daughter’s third birthday last year, and have been finding excuses to whip some up ever since! I swear, it is so good, you will want to eat spoonfuls out of the jar.

Instead of eating it straight from the jar, however, put some in a little dish and add this to your charcuterie board, or find some delicious focaccia and make some finger sandwiches.

Maggiano’s Style Stuffed Mushrooms

I don’t make these as often as I should, but they’re a delicious and unexpected appetizer to serve at a party. These mushrooms are stuffed with fresh spinach, garlic, and cheese and are oh so delicious! I picked this recipe up when I worked at Maggiano’s back in college.

You can check out this post too if you’d like to read a particularly embarrassing story about something that happened while I was working there.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke dip is something that I serve at every party, and I also will make to bring over to get togethers when it is appropriate to bring a dish. I always get several compliments with this dip, and get asked the recipe all the time. It can be made with your favorite kind of mayo, or substitute the mayo for a plain Greek yogurt for a lighter dip.

Smoked Salmon Bites on Rye

This is an appetizer I cam up with after being inspired by nice brunch spot after taking a girls trip to Santa Monica, CA. I kept it pretty simple, but you can layer on extra goodies like avocado, cucumber, or whatever you think would be yummy!

Jarlsberg Cheese Dip

Now Jarlsberg is actually lactose free, so I do have one cheesy app for my lactose intolerant friends. You can actually find this dip in the deli section at most Krogers too, so if you’d like to cut a corner or two at your next get together feel free! If you’d like to have more control over your ingredients, however, check out my dupe recipe. This dip is like a more sophisticated pimento cheese, and is SO addicting. You’ve been warned!

A FEW EXTRAS

You know I’ve got to throw in a few extras for you just in case. Some of these posts still need to be updated with better pictures (oh, the cringe worthy photos when you first start blogging, but got to start somewhere!), but I assure you, the food is still delicious.

Grilled Pizza

If you have a Big Green Egg, or an oven and a pizza stone, you need to try this pizza recipe! This can be a little more time consuming, but homemade pizza bites are always a hit!

White Truffle Popcorn

I first came across truffle popcorn when my husband and I were on a trip to Canada. We went to a nice steakhouse to celebrate our anniversary/my birthday since both dates are in June, and this is what they gave us to graze on before we ordered. It is so delicious, it is really the only way I like to make my popcorn these days.

To get your popcorn flavored with all the truffle goodness all you need to do is pop some kernels in a pot the old fashioned way, and top with equal parts melted butter and white truffle oil. Add salt, pepper (and maybe a little garlic powder) to taste.

You can read about our trip to Banff and see where we ate HERE.

Pimento Cheese

Now I can’t mention pimento cheese without sharing my actual recipe! This classic, Southern staple is oh so addicting and extra delicious made with extra sharp white cheddar.

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

This is one of my more recent posts, and a perfect app to serve for the holidays because of its festive colors.

And Don’t Forget the wine!

How about sipping with a purpose this holiday season? One Hope Wines are not only top rated, but they also give back to great causes with every bottle sold! Find out more about their wines, customizable gift options, and charities benefitted by clicking HERE.

Hope you enjoyed this post! Be sure to leave me a comment and let me know what your favorite appetizer to eat during the holidays is. Also follow me @ShipsHQ on Instagram to see what I’m up to from day to day. Cheers!