Her (Now Vintage) Holiday Party Menu, According to My Grandma

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy + disclosures for details.

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!

Creole Sausage Balls with Remoulade Dipping Sauce

A plate of golden-brown sausage balls garnished with herbs, surrounding a small bowl of white dipping sauce. The texture of the sausage balls looks crispy and savory.
Photo credit: Salt & Lavender

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

A bowl filled with hexagon-shaped seasoned crackers, placed on a light-colored surface next to a striped cloth napkin.
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

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)

Close-up of a savory pastry showing a golden-brown puff pastry wrapped around a sausage, topped with a glossy layer of mustard or sauce. The pastry looks crispy and appetizing, with seeds visible in the topping.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

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)

A hand holding a deviled egg over a tray filled with several deviled eggs. Each egg is garnished with dill and a sprinkle of paprika. The eggs are neatly arranged on a white dish with a striped cloth partially visible on the side.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

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)

Golden brown cheese bread rolls are arranged on a white parchment paper. A sprig of fresh thyme and a small glass bowl of grated cheese are seen in the background. The bread rolls have a smooth and slightly glossy surface, indicating they are freshly baked.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

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

Ham and Cheese Sliders
Photo credit: Cheerful Cook

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

Easy Little Smokies served fresh
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

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)

A large glass bowl filled with a creamy pink punch containing scoops of ice cream and mixed berries. Two glasses beside it also have the punch, garnished with mint leaves and berries. A wooden spoon is partially visible on the side.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

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

A white bowl filled with creamy salmon dip, garnished with chopped green onions, surrounded by crackers, sliced lemons, and colorful peppers on a platter.
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

Small Batch Crunchy Candied Walnuts

A close-up image of a bowl filled with walnuts. The nuts have a rich, brown color and a slightly glossy texture, suggesting they are fresh or possibly roasted. The bowl is made of wood and sits on a light-colored surface.
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

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)

Mouthwatering Cranberry Meatballs (Crockpot Recipe)
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

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)

Close-up of stacked chocolate toffee bark topped with pecans, red and green star-shaped sprinkles, and white sugar sprinkles. The layers reveal a mix of chocolate and toffee on a crispy base.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

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

A bowl filled with golden, crinkle-cut cookies sits on a white surface. Some cookies are scattered around the bowl. A patterned cloth is partially visible at the top right corner.
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

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

Close-up of glazed pecans on a parchment-lined baking tray. The pecans are coated in a shiny, caramelized glaze, giving them a rich and appetizing appearance.
Photo credit: The Honour System

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

A stack of cheesy cracker sandwiches filled with turkey and melted cheddar cheese, topped with poppy seeds. The crackers are golden brown and slightly shiny from the cheese.
Photo credit: Kitchen Divas

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 in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

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

A mason jar filled with a red beverage topped with cranberries and lime slices sits on a table. Next to it is a drink dispenser with a spout. Warm, glowing string lights create a festive atmosphere in the background.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

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

Close-up of several round chocolate truffles coated in crushed nuts, each nestled in individual white paper cups, arranged on a vibrant red surface.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

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!)

Baked pigs in a blanket arranged on a tray, featuring small sausages wrapped in crescent dough with melted cheese. A small dish of creamy dipping sauce is in the center, garnished with chopped herbs.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

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

Close-up of a savory appetizer featuring bite-sized pastry cups filled with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a topping of cranberry sauce. The golden-brown edges add a touch of crispiness to the dish.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

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

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week!

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!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *