/30+ Holiday Potluck Appetizers

30+ Holiday Potluck Appetizers

If you’ve been invited to some holiday parties this year, you may be asked to bring a side dish to share. From dips to crostini to sliders, these holiday potluck appetizers are easy to transport and add to a party spread. You’ll love my mom’s sherry cheese dip recipe! 

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It’s a festive time for parties, get-togethers, and potlucks. 

A potluck of appetizers is an easy way to enjoy a party with friends where everyone brings something creative to the table.

Then you can all relax and enjoy each other’s company and there’s no pressure for one person to host a formal holiday dinner. 

I tend to prefer make-ahead apps that don’t need to be served hot. It takes all the pressure off when you can serve them room temperature. 

And if there’s something a little healthy to balance out the cheese, that’s a win too. Y’all know I can eat cheese for dinner and be one very happy gal. 

From dips to crostini to pigs in a blanket, these holiday potluck recipes are all easy to make and bring to a holiday potluck. 

30+ Holiday Potluck Appetizers 

Dips

I love dips in general, and they are so easy to take to a party as well. Put your dip in a bowl, bring your dippers, and assemble in 2 minutes on the spot. 

Holiday Sherry Cheese Dip Recipe

Holiday Sherry Cheese Dip Recipe

This is my mom’s famous recipe she made for all of our special occasions!

Think lots of cheddar cheese soaked in sherry. It’s like the whipped version of a cheese ball. 

This dip is SO easy to make, and it’s always a hit at our Christmas party! My sister and I have been loving it for years. The only thing I do differently than mom is I toast the garlic so it’s not quite so raw on the palate : )

Cheese Dip Recipe | Holiday Potluck Appetizers

We like to serve it with crackers and a plethora of veggies. 

Make it in advance and serve in a festive bowl. 

Ingredients

  • Cream cheese
  • Sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Sherry to taste

cheese dip ingredients

Directions

Step 1: Grate cheddar cheese

Using a food processor with the grater attachment, grate all the sharp cheddar. 

Grate cheddar cheese

Step 2: toast garlic

Toast garlic in a skillet in a little oil until golden brown. You can skip this step if you LOVE raw garlic!!

toast garlic on pan

Step 3: Process into a dip

Switch food processor to blade attachment. Add cream cheese, garlic and sherry with cheddar cheese and process until smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times and you can add more sherry to your taste! Add slowly.

cheese dip ingredients on food processor

Step 4: Serve

Serve with veggies, crackers, or both. 

Cheese dip in ramekin

Easy Sherry Cheese Dip

This sherry cheese dip is great for parties! Serve with raw veggies or crackers.


Keyword cheddar cheese, cream cheese

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 clove garlic grated, minced, or pressed
  • Sherry to taste but start with a few tablespoons

Instructions

  • Grate cheese in a food processor with the grater attachment.

  • Toast garlic in a skillet in a little oil until golden brown.

  • Switch food processor to blade attachment. Add cream cheese, garlic and sherry and process until smooth.

  • Add more sherry if desired (I like it strong!)

  • Serve with crackers or raw veggies.

This Spiced Walnut Pimento Cheese is another favorite dip!

Spiced Walnut Pimento Cheese | Holiday Potluck Appetizers

And if you love sour cream dips for crackers or veggies, this post has a great round up of 14 dips that start with a container of sour cream

Cheese Logs & Balls

“Logs and balls” sounds so fancy! Haha.

This bedazzled goat cheese logs from KERF is easy to make at home. Or you can get Christmasy with this nut and cherry cream cheese log.

Cheese Logs | Holiday Potluck Appetizers

Charcuterie Boards

Obviously this made this list! Charcuterie boards are great because you can assemble them in advance, they make a beautiful statement, and they don’t require any cooking or keeping warm. 

Charcuterie Board | Holiday Potluck Appetizers

While a charcuterie board isn’t top of mind for easy transportation, it can be if you build it in a tray. Find a tray that has sides that you can nestle your serving board into and prevent shifting. (In a pinch you can use a cardboard box.) 

Get the step-by-step tutorial in this post: Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

And get the Christmas red, white, and green theme shopping list here!

festive charcuterie board

Toothpick Appetizers

If you’re looking for Christmas appetizers on a toothpick, this KERF post has 10 great toothpick ideas (healthier options!) that are easy to make-ahead and don’t require any utensils or plates.

There are also bacon-wrapped dates (YUM!) that are always a crowd-pleaser. And these mini goat cheese balls are bite-size and super cute!

Step up your toothpick game with these Christmas tree topped ones or Santas and snowmen

Toothpick Appetizers | Holiday Potluck Appetizers

Meatballs + Pigs in a Blanket

Are you a meat lover? While this technically doesn’t fall into the no-cook or “no need to keep warm” camp, I had to mention for their popularity on the party appetizer list. 

If you can make them and serve them in a crockpot like these, then you get points for hands-off!

Or go with Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs like these from The Cookie Rookie:

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs

If you’re a pigs in a blanket lover, check out the Pioneer Woman’s recipe

Sliders

While these smoked salmon sliders are my favorite summertime potluck dish, you can make sliders out of any seasonal foods as well!

Think cranberry relish and ham or brie and turkey with spiced mustard. These Festive Holiday Sliders fit the bill! 

Sliders Holiday Potluck Appetizers

Crostini

Top a crostini with anything and you have an app!!

You can assemble into bites or allow guests to put the toppings on themselves.

In our house we love putting out St. Angel brie (which is super spreadable) with fig spread and Whole Foods crostini for happy hour. It’s the most delicious combination!

Crostini bites

Mix and match these easy holiday crostini ideas:

Start with a sticky base:

  • Cream cheese
  • Goat cheese
  • Whipped feta
  • Guacamole
  • Pesto
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Mashed beans or hummus
  • Olive tapenade
  • Baked brie

Add toppings:

  • Bruschetta
  • Sliced meats
  • Melted cheese
  • Smoked salmon
  • Sliced fruit
  • Olives

Add garnish:

  • Honey
  • Balsamic
  • Herbs
  • Nuts
  • Parmesan cheese

I love the sound of these sweet potato and marshmallow crostini!! And here’s a list of holiday crostini – 8 ways

Deviled Eggs

Ahhhh one of my favorite party foods! I have a bacon and jalapeno recipe here

But I think these red and green deviled eggs from Just A Taste would be perfect!

Plus you know you’re a super-cool person if you have a deviled egg carrying case for potlucks!! 

red and green deviled eggs

More Holiday Appetizer Ideas:

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