Look no further for healthy holiday appetizers that all your friends and family will love. They're even Santa-approved!
42 Healthy Holiday Appetizers
Updated on Oct. 06, 2024
Pickled Pepperoncini Deviled Eggs
It’s hard to resist these adorable deviled trees on our buffet table. The avocado filling has pepperoncini and cilantro for extra zip. —Carmell Childs, Clawson, Utah
1/42
2/42
Marinated Cheese
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
This special appetizer always makes it to our neighborhood parties and is the first to disappear from the buffet table. It's attractive, delicious—and so easy! —Laurie Casper, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce cheese: 121 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
3/42
Cannellini Bean Hummus
Total Time
5 min
Servings
10 servings (1-1/4 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
My version of hummus features a delightful nuttiness from tahini, a peanut butter-like paste made from ground sesame seeds. The beans pack a lot of protein so it’s a healthy snack for kids. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 78 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
4/42
Spinach Turkey Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our children call these “Gramby Meatballs” because the recipe came from my dear mother-in-law. It’s a great way to make spinach palatable. I usually make a triple batch, bake them all and freeze the extras for a quick meal later. —Mimi Blanco, Bronxville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3 meatballs: 234 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 0.500 starch.
5/42
Nutty Stuffed Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Basil, Parmesan cheese and mushroom blend together well, while buttery pecans give these treats a surprising crunch. Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren always ask for them! —Mildred Eldred, Union City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 44 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
6/42
Crunchy Vegetable Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crunchy Vegetable Salad is a tasty and colorful side dish Linda Russell of Exeter, Ontario frequently puts on her table. “Kids love it!” she relates.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 176 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
7/42
Dill Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Be prepared—you’ll likely need to make a double batch of this delightful dill dip recipe. One batch is never enough when we have a get-together! It tastes fantastic with just about any vegetable, so you can use whatever you have on hand as a dipper. —Kathy Beldorth, Three Oaks, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 123 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
8/42
Oysters Rockefeller
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are oyster farmers, and this classic Oysters Rockefeller dish always delights our guests. It's deliciously simple! —Beth Walton, Eastham, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 oyster: 79 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
9/42
Santa Deviled Eggs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love creating special deviled eggs for parties. These little Santas are easier to make than they look, and everyone raves over them. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
10/42
Marinated Shrimp and Olives
Total Time
15 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This are my favorite party appetizers to serve guests. The flavors in this colorful dish blend beautifully, and the shrimp are tender and tasty.—Carol Gawronski, Lake Wales, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 71 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
11/42
Pomegranate Pistachio Crostini
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Pomegranate seeds intrigue me, so I sliced French bread, smeared it with cream cheese, and added seeds, pistachios and chocolate. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 44 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
12/42
Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This festive dip is a snap to make, taking only 10 minutes from start to finish. Thanks to its hint of sweetness, both kids and adults will gobble it up. —Frankie Robinson, Lockhart, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 76 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
13/42
Festive Guacamole Appetizers
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
For ages, my brother’s family and I have gotten together on Christmas Eve, and we always eat Christmas snacks while we open our presents. This Tex-Mex spin on classic appetizer pizza is one we have again and again. —Laurie Pester, Colstrip, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 57 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
14/42
Cucumber Party Sandwiches
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite holiday appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is roasting. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 53 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
15/42
Caprese Salad Kabobs
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Trade in the usual veggie party platter for these fun kabobs. I often make it for my family to snack on, and it’s a great recipe for the kids to help make. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
16/42
Olives and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without baguette): 168 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
17/42
Zesty Marinated Shrimp
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These easy shrimp look impressive on a buffet table and taste even better! The zesty sauce has a wonderful spicy citrus flavor. I especially like this recipe because I can prepare it ahead of time. —Mary Jane Guest, Alamosa, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp: 28 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
18/42
Garlic Garbanzo Bean Spread
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and family always ask me to make it. I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe. —Lisa Moore, North Syracuse, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 114 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
19/42
Grape Appetizer
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These small bites are well worth the time they take. Serve them as part of an antipasto platter or as a cheese course alongside your favorite wine. —Eleanor Grofvert, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
5 appetizers: 146 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
20/42
Dill Vegetable Dip
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 107 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
21/42
Salmon Mousse
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s so easy to top crunchy cucumber slices with a smooth and creamy salmon filling. Guests rave about the fun presentation, contrasting textures and refreshing flavor. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 42 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
22/42
Gorgonzola Polenta Bites
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
I needed a brand-new appetizer for a big party. I covered polenta with Gorgonzola and a tangy sauce. That’s how you spread holiday cheer. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 67 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
23/42
Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
When entertaining, I often rely on my pepper tapenade recipe because these appetizers only take 15 minutes to whip up and pop in the fridge. Sometimes I swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans. —Donna Magliaro, Denville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons dip: 58 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
24/42
Shrimp Appetizer Spread
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s no secret to this creamy seafood appetizer—it’s simply delicious! I originally tasted it at a friend’s house, and I liked it so much that I requested the recipe. It’s since become a family favorite. —Brenda Buhler, Abbotsford, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 136 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
25/42
Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 71 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
26/42
Baked Crab Dip
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoyed this exquisite crab dip at my grandson’s wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You can even fill the bread bowl early in the day and chill it until serving. Just remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 100 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
27/42
Roasted Grape Crostini
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A trip to Spain introduced me to its culinary treasures, like Manchego cheese and sherry. This appetizer always impresses folks who’ve never tasted roasted grapes. They're amazing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 52 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
28/42
Shrimp Cakes with Spicy Aioli Sauce
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I made these for our staff Christmas party last year; they were such a hit that I was flooded with requests for the recipe the next day. Throughout the year, whenever I needed favors done at school, people gladly helped as long as I promised to bring them shrimp cakes! This year’s Christmas party is coming up, and I’m already being asked if I am bringing the shrimp cakes—I guess I am! —Linda Zilar, Kennewick, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 106 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
29/42
Roasted Brussels Sprouts & 3-Cheese Crostini
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Brussels sprouts for a snack? Oh, yes. Combine these roasted goodies with cheese for the ultimate toast topper. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 72 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 141mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
30/42
Artichoke Caprese Platter
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I dressed up the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with marinated artichokes. It looks so yummy on a pretty platter set out on a buffet. Using fresh mozzarella is the key to its great taste. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 192 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
31/42
Brussels Sprouts with Garlic & Goat Cheese
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings (2/3 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to up my veggie game, so I smothered Brussels sprouts with garlic and goat cheese. It’s really a side dish, but I love to eat it for lunch! —Brenda Williams, Santa Maria, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 81 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
32/42
Parmesan Ranch Popcorn
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you need a quick gift idea or yummy munchies for movie night, we’ve got you covered with this cheesy twist on regular popped popcorn. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 112 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 243mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
33/42
Chicken Ring
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s an impressive-looking dish that’s a snap to prepare. Even when my cooking time is limited, I can still serve this delicious crescent wreath. The red pepper and green broccoli add a festive touch. —Marlene Denissen, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 151 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
34/42
Spicy Shrimp Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Radishes add a wonderful crunch to this colorful salsa that is also great over grilled fish. There’s just enough jalapeno to give flavor without much of the heat. —Mary Beth Relyea, Canastota, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 38 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat.
35/42
Dill Vegetable Dip
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 107 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
36/42
Caramel Apple and Brie Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a caterer, and this is one of my best-selling appetizers. The shortcut of using prepared caramel makes these little apple skewers a snap to assemble. —Camille Ellis, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 272 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 303mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
37/42
Cannellini Bean Hummus
Total Time
5 min
Servings
10 servings (1-1/4 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
My version of hummus features a delightful nuttiness from tahini, a peanut butter-like paste made from ground sesame seeds. The beans pack a lot of protein so it’s a healthy snack for kids. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 78 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
38/42
Cheesy Snack Mix
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Our love for Mexican food inspired me to make party mix with taco seasoning. The flavor is so mild that it’s even kid friendly. —Elizabeth Wynne, Aztec, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 151 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
39/42
Sesame Chicken Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
36 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can’t tell you how many times I’m asked to bring this easy dip to holidays, birthday parties or girls’ weekend getaways. It’s fresh and light, and it has the Asian flavors that make it stand out. The rice crackers are a must! —Dawn Schutte, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip: 97 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
40/42
Christmas Cheese Balls
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 cheese balls (6 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
Christmas at our house just wouldn’t be complete without these rich cheese balls. Friends and family ask for them every year-and I can make three gifts from just one recipe. —Margie Cadwell, Eastman, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 125 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
41/42
Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Besides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. At parties, I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed tomato: 25 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat.
42/42
Mediterranean Layered Dip
Total Time
15 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick and easy dip begins with purchased hummus. It's then flavored with the Mediterranean flavors of feta cheese, olives and lemon.
—Patterson Watkins, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without vegetables or chips): 83 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 347mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Next: Check out these copycat recipes for restaurant appetizers.
