Her (Now Vintage) Holiday Party Menu, According to My Grandma
Dec 12, 2024
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Forget searching anywhere else—these retro party bites are all you need! In a season packed with endless parties and hosting duties, appetizers are the real MVP. Whether you’re in charge of the whole spread or just tasked with bringing something, these classics assembled and served year after year by my Grandma STILL rise to the occasion. They’re simple to whip up, loved by the masses, and have just the right amount of nostalgic charm. These 20 holiday party recipes straight from Grandma’s cookbook are a guaranteed hit, so brace yourself for repeat requests and compliments galore!
Table of Contents
- Creole Sausage Balls with Remoulade Dipping Sauce
- Ranch Oyster Crackers
- Sausage Rolls Recipe with Hot Pepper Jelly (Hogs in a Blanket)
- Deviled Eggs (Easy)
- Cheese Puffs (Gougeres)
- Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Easy Little Smokies
- Party Punch Recipe (Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Punch Recipe)
- Crab Dip
- Small Batch Crunchy Candied Walnuts
- Cranberry Meatballs (Crockpot Recipe)
- Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee)
- Southern Cheese Straws
- Spicy Candied Pecans
- Ritz Cracker Sandwiches
- Mini Cheese Ball Bites
- Christmas Punch
- Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls
- Pigs in a Blanket (Cheesy!)
- Brie Bites
Creole Sausage Balls with Remoulade Dipping Sauce
Sausage Balls are a holiday appetizer staple, but my Cajun-Inspired version takes this classic to the next level! Made with just three main ingredients—savory sausage (I went with pork), sharp cheddar cheese, and trusty Bisquick Original baking mix—these hand-rolled bites bake up golden, cheesy, and downright irresistible. Bring a batch to your Christmas party, and watch them disappear faster than Santa up the chimney!
Get the Recipe: Creole Sausage Balls with Remoulade Dipping Sauce
Ranch Oyster Crackers
Ranch Oyster Crackers are an easy and delicious snack made with just 5 ingredients. They’re perfect for parties, football games, and more!
Get the Recipe: Ranch Oyster Crackers
Sausage Rolls Recipe with Hot Pepper Jelly (Hogs in a Blanket)
SAUSAGE ROLLS are kind of like Pigs in a Blanket, but I’ve transformed them into a fun bite-size appetizer! Paired with a sweet & spicy Pepper Jelly, these Mini Sausage Rolls are sure to please. We are addicted to these little sausage rolls, and I guarantee they will be gone in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls Recipe with Hot Pepper Jelly (Hogs in a Blanket)
Deviled Eggs (Easy)
Always a crowd pleaser, deviled eggs are a favorite appetizer, and this recipe is extra easy! Perfect for parties, and great for any holiday!
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs (Easy)
Cheese Puffs (Gougeres)
These French Cheese Puffs (Gougeres) are a savory, cheesy puff pastry with a pillowy texture inside, and a crisp bite on the outside.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Puffs (Gougeres)
Ham and Cheese Sliders

This easy-to-make recipe combines the classic comfort of ham and cheese sliders. Perfect for foodies and anyone craving a tasty treat.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders
Easy Little Smokies
Little smokies are the most addictive appetizers! Cocktail sausages cooked in a sweet and savory BBQ sauce. Easy to make and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy Little Smokies
Party Punch Recipe (Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Punch Recipe)
This Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Punch is sweet, creamy, and practically made for holiday cheer. With just four simple ingredients, it’s the star of any holiday gathering. Trust me, this easy punch will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Get the Recipe: Party Punch Recipe (Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Punch Recipe)
Crab Dip
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
Small Batch Crunchy Candied Walnuts
This small batch of crunchy candied walnuts is just the right amount of sweet, crunchy, and nutty topping for salads, desserts, oats, and more.
Get the Recipe: Small Batch Crunchy Candied Walnuts
Cranberry Meatballs (Crockpot Recipe)
With only 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time, these crockpot cranberry meatballs are easy to make and delicious enough for a party!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Meatballs (Crockpot Recipe)
Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee)
This Christmas crack recipe is a great festive treat that the whole family will love! Saltine crackers are topped with toffee and chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee)
Southern Cheese Straws
Move over Goldfish crackers and Cheez-Its—these Cheddar Cheese Straws are about to steal the show! Perfect for parties, cocktail hour, or any gathering, these savory snacks are satisfyingly crunchy with a bold cheddar flavor that’s totally irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cheese Straws
Spicy Candied Pecans
This tasty Spicy Candied Pecans recipe is quick and easy to make. Perfect for snacking or adding to salads and charcuterie boards. Also, a popular homemade gift!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Candied Pecans
Ritz Cracker Sandwiches
Ritz Cracker Sandwiches are a quick, easy, crunchy, and delicious snack to serve your family or guests. These little bites are the perfect blend of flavors for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Ritz Cracker Sandwiches
Mini Cheese Ball Bites
Mini Cheese Ball Bites are the perfect easy appetizer to serve at holiday parties. These tasty little cheese balls are made with dried fruit.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cheese Ball Bites
Christmas Punch
Christmas Punch has been my holiday MVP for over a decade, and it’s a fan favorite for a reason! It’s bursting with festive flavor (thanks to a secret ingredient) and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Best of all, it’s ready in minutes—because who has time for complicated drinks during the holidays?
Get the Recipe: Christmas Punch
Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls
These traditional bourbon balls are filled with cocoa and bourbon and rolled in toasted chopped pecans. This boozy, bite-sized dessert is just purely decadent!
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls
Pigs in a Blanket (Cheesy!)
These Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese will be all the rage at your next party. This crescent roll Recipe is easy and fun.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket (Cheesy!)
Brie Bites
Who knew Brie and Bacon could be best friends? These Brie Bites are a revelation! Bite-sized puff pastry cups are filled with gooey Brie cheese, a burst of cranberry sweetness, and the salty magic of crispy bacon.
Get the Recipe: Brie Bites


