30+ Holiday Potluck Appetizers

Find holiday potluck appetizers, from make-ahead dips and cheese boards to bite-sized snacks, with tips for packing, transporting, and serving.

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

My ideal holiday potluck contribution is something I can prep ahead, pack easily, and serve without borrowing the host’s oven. Bonus points if it involves cheese! My mom’s sherry cheese dip is a family favorite.

Below you’ll find dips, cheese boards, bite-sized appetizers, and warm options, plus tips for getting everything to the party in one piece.

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

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 : )

We like to serve it with crackers and a plethora of veggies. Make it in advance and serve in a festive bowl. 

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 clove garlic
• Sherry to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

Step 1: Grate cheddar cheese

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

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!!

Step 3: Process into a dip

Fit the food processor with the blade attachment, then add the grated cheddar, cream cheese, toasted garlic, and sherry. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 4: Serve

Serve with veggies, crackers, or both. 

Refrigerate the dip in a covered container until serving. Pack crackers separately so they stay crisp.

This Spiced Walnut Pimento Cheese is another favorite dip!

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. I love anything cheese board!

These 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.

Charcuterie Boards

Of course a cheese board made the 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. 

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!

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. These bamboo toothpicks work for appetizer bites and cocktail garnishes, so one pack can cover both.

Meatballs + Pigs in a Blanket

Are you a meat lover? While these 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:

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! 

Crostini

Top a crostini with anything and you have an app!! Such a crowd-pleasing choice.

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!

Easy Holiday Crostini Combinations

Start with toasted baguette slices, then try one of these combinations. Pack the toast and toppings separately and assemble shortly before serving.

• Brie + fig spread
• Goat cheese + cranberry sauce + pecans
• Cream cheese + smoked salmon + dill
• Whipped feta + roasted red peppers
• Hummus + olives + parsley
• Goat cheese + sliced pear + honey
• Brie + sliced apple + walnuts
• Pesto + mozzarella + roasted tomatoes

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!! 

Make-Ahead Tips for Holiday Potlucks

Make-Ahead Tips For Holiday Potlucks

• Check with the host. Ask whether oven space, refrigerator space, or an outlet will be available before choosing a dish that needs them.
• Prep what you can. Follow the individual recipe’s instructions for making dips, cheese logs, and other components ahead.
• Pack crunchy foods separately. Bring crackers, crostini, and toppings in separate containers, then assemble at the party.
• Plan for the trip. Use leakproof containers and an insulated cooler with ice packs for cold appetizers.
• Bring serving tools. Pack a spoon, spreader, tongs, or toothpicks so your dish is ready to serve.
• Label your dish. Include its name and ingredients, especially common allergens such as milk, nuts, and wheat.

Need something festive to pour alongside the appetizers? Here are my holiday drink ideas, including cocktails and alcohol-free options.

More Holiday Appetizer Ideas:

• If you are looking for more warm and baked apps, this Taste of Home post has a great list from puff pastry to bacon-wrapped scallops 
• Food Network has some no-cook toothpick appetizer ideas
• Brit+Co has a great list of 50 Tiny Finger Foods 
• Our Favorite Holiday Recipes