Party Starters That Win Every Round

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The holidays are here, bringing a whirlwind of parties, gatherings, and last-minute drop-ins, and you need appetizers that wow without the stress. Start the indulgence with Crab Dip, then wow guests with bite-sized Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms that deliver savory satisfaction. Feeling fancy? A gooey Baked Brie is pure holiday gold, while Tzatziki Dip offers a lighter option for balance (or at least the appearance of it). And for a centerpiece that screams “I planned this,” the Holiday Charcuterie Board ties it all together. These recipes are tried, true, and guaranteed to make your festive hosting both effortless and deliciously memorable.

Crab Dip

Crab Dip
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

This creamy, spicy crab dip is so good you’ll be pushing a cracker into the corners of your serving dish to scoop up the last schmear!
Get the Recipe: Crab Dip

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Delicious Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms ready to be enjoyed
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Stuffed Mushrooms are cheesy, savory, and so delicious! This sausage stuffed mushroom recipe is the perfect appetizer for holidays or game days.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Guacamole

Guacamole
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

The fresh flavor of this easy homemade guacamole can’t be beat! This simple avocado dip is creamy, zesty, and so deliciously fresh.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Baked Brie

Baked Brie in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Baked Brie recipe pairs the soft cheese with apricot jam, thyme, pecans, and honey for a decadent appetizer that’s ready in 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie

Coconut Chicken W Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

Coconut Chicken W Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

These tender and crispy homemade Coconut Chicken Strips are perfect for dipping in a tangy and sweet chili sauce.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Chicken W Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

Holiday Charcuterie Board

Scrumptious Holiday Charcuterie Board photo
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

I’ll show you how to make a holiday charcuterie board with lots of festive ideas, so you can have the best board for Christmas celebrations!
Get the Recipe: Holiday Charcuterie Board

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Make this super simple, but deliciously creamy and tangy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip appetizer for your next holiday party or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Tzatziki Dip

Tzatziki Dip in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Need a refreshing vegetarian appetizer for your next party? Look no further than the easy tangy, creamy, herby, and garlicky Tzatziki dip.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki Dip

Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip

Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

This incredibly easy Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip only has five ingredients, no processed cheese, and is sure to be the star of your next party!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip

Crab Cake Recipe (Baltimore Crab Cakes)

Crab Cake Recipe (Baltimore Crab Cakes) in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This crab cake recipe is so simple and tasty! We love fresh, crispy crab cakes, and these Baltimore Crab Cakes are really hitting the spot.
Get the Recipe: Crab Cake Recipe (Baltimore Crab Cakes)

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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