Easy Festive Appetizers (Perfect for Holiday Parties!)
Easy Festive Appetizers are perfect for holiday parties, cozy December gatherings, or casual nights by the tree. Try these four warm and delicious appetizers — Boursin Marinara Dip, Boursin Bruschetta, Baked Tomatoes & Goat Cheese, and Meatball Toasties — for simple, crowd-pleasing holiday hosting.
Easy Festive Appetizers for Cozy December Gatherings
If you’re looking for warm, cozy, ridiculously simple appetizers to serve this holiday season, you’re in the right place. These easy festive appetizers are perfect for December gatherings, holiday parties, game nights, or those magical evenings when you want something warm to nibble on by the tree. 🎄✨
Each recipe below delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort — my favorite combination for hosting. From creamy Boursin dips to melty tomato-and-cheese moments to hearty meatball toasties, these are the appetizers I make on repeat all winter long.
Let’s dive into the deliciousness.
🧀 1. Boursin Marinara Dip
Boursin Marinara is exactly what it sounds like! Warm, melty, creamy, and wildly easy — this Boursin Marinara Dip is the definition of holiday hosting magic.
Why You’ll Love This Appetizer
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Only a few simple ingredients
- Feels fancy without the effort
- Perfect for dipping bread, crackers, or veggies
- Always the first dish to disappear
How to Make It
Spread a layer of your favorite marinara sauce in a shallow baking dish. Add spoonfuls or chunks of Boursin cheese throughout. You can serve it just like this! Or, you can bake until everything is hot, bubbly, and irresistibly melty. Finish with a swirl of balsamic glaze and serve warm with crusty bread.
Currently, Carbone Marinara is topping my list!
🍅 2. Boursin Bruschetta
This Boursin Bruschetta is what happens when cozy meets fresh. Warm, herby Boursin meets a bright, juicy tomato salad — and suddenly you’re everyone’s favorite host.
Why You’ll Love This Appetizer
- Five-minute prep
- Works with naan, crostini, or grilled bread
- Easy to scale for a party
- Make-ahead friendly (tomatoes can be prepped early!)
How to Make It
Warm a round of Boursin in the oven. Meanwhile, toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Spoon the mixture over the warm cheese and serve immediately with your favorite bread. A drizzle of balsamic glaze takes it to a chef’s kiss level.
Need the Tomato Salad recipe I keep in my fridge? You’ll love it!
🐐 3. Baked Tomatoes & Goat Cheese Dip
Think viral baked feta… but creamier, tangier, and even more crowd-pleasing. This Baked Tomatoes & Goat Cheese Dip is rustic, cozy, and full of roasted tomato flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Appetizer
- Only a handful of ingredients
- Gorgeous on any holiday table
- Jammy tomatoes + tangy goat cheese = heaven
- Pairs perfectly with grilled or crusty bread
How to Make It
Add cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs to a baking dish. Nestle a log of goat cheese in the center. Bake until the tomatoes burst, the cheese softens, and everything becomes dip-able. Swirl together before serving.
Check out these Christmas Party Buffet Recipes for your next Holiday Party!
🍝 4. Meatball Toasties
These Meatball Toasties require a tiny bit more effort — but your guests will talk about them for weeks. They’re savory, cheesy, toasty, and perfect for game night or a casual December gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Appetizer
- Hearty enough to be dinner
- Easily customizable
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Absolutely irresistible
How to Make It
Toast slices of baguette or Italian bread with olive oil. Add a spoonful of marinara, top with sliced or halved meatballs, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden. Finish with basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
I love making Meatballs in the Oven and freezing them for a quick weeknight meal!
More Easy Appetizers for Holiday Hosting
If you love cozy, shareable bites, you’ll also enjoy:
- 20 Hearty Appetizers You’ve Got to Try!
- Sips & Dips Party — the best way to host a holiday party!
- How to Host a Cocktail Party
Hosting doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes all you need is a warm dip, good bread, and people you love gathered around the table. ❤️✨
Be sure to pin these ideas for next year!
