If you’ve been invited to some holiday parties this year, you may be asked to bring a side dish to share. From dips to crostini to sliders, these holiday potluck appetizers are easy to transport and add to a party spread. You’ll love my mom’s sherry cheese dip recipe!
It’s a festive time for parties, get-togethers, and potlucks.
A potluck of appetizers is an easy way to enjoy a party with friends where everyone brings something creative to the table.
Then you can all relax and enjoy each other’s company and there’s no pressure for one person to host a formal holiday dinner.
I tend to prefer make-ahead apps that don’t need to be served hot. It takes all the pressure off when you can serve them room temperature.
And if there’s something a little healthy to balance out the cheese, that’s a win too. Y’all know I can eat cheese for dinner and be one very happy gal.
From dips to crostini to pigs in a blanket, these holiday potluck recipes are all easy to make and bring to a holiday potluck.
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
- Cream cheese
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 clove garlic
- Sherry to taste
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
Switch food processor to blade attachment. Add cream cheese, garlic and sherry with cheddar cheese and process until smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times and you can add more sherry to your taste! Add slowly.
Step 4: Serve
Serve with veggies, crackers, or both.
Easy Sherry Cheese Dip
This sherry cheese dip is great for parties! Serve with raw veggies or crackers.
Keyword cheddar cheese, cream cheese
Prep Time 5 minutes Total Time 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 1 clove garlic grated, minced, or pressed
- Sherry to taste but start with a few tablespoons
Instructions
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Grate cheese in a food processor with the grater attachment.
-
Toast garlic in a skillet in a little oil until golden brown.
-
Switch food processor to blade attachment. Add cream cheese, garlic and sherry and process until smooth.
-
Add more sherry if desired (I like it strong!)
-
Serve with crackers or raw veggies.
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!
This 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
Obviously this made this 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.
Meatballs + Pigs in a Blanket
Are you a meat lover? While this 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!
Mix and match these easy holiday crostini ideas:
Start with a sticky base:
- Cream cheese
- Goat cheese
- Whipped feta
- Guacamole
- Pesto
- Cranberry sauce
- Mashed beans or hummus
- Olive tapenade
- Baked brie
Add toppings:
- Bruschetta
- Sliced meats
- Melted cheese
- Smoked salmon
- Sliced fruit
- Olives
Add garnish:
- Honey
- Balsamic
- Herbs
- Nuts
- Parmesan cheese
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
One of the best parts about potluck appetizers is how low-stress they can be—if you plan ahead just a bit. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make getting out the door with a dish in hand so much easier. First, decide early whether your recipe is something that can be fully prepared in advance or needs last-minute assembly. Dips, cheese logs, crostini toppings, and even some sliders can be made a day ahead, which means all you have to do is pack them up before you leave.
When possible, keep the components separate for travel. Crostini stay crisp if you toast them at home and transport them in a tin or airtight bag, then bring your toppings in sealed containers. Cheese boards can be partially assembled at home—think slicing cheeses, washing fruit, and prepping charcuterie—then arranged beautifully once you arrive.
Investing in a few “party-ready” containers is a game changer, too. A sturdy lidded tray, a good insulated bag, or even a small cooler makes transport a breeze. And don’t forget serving utensils! Potlucks always have plenty of food but somehow never enough spreaders, spoons, or toothpicks.
Finally, choose one signature dish you love to make and keep the ingredients on hand during the season. That way you’re never scrambling when a friend texts last minute asking if you can bring “something small.” A reliable go-to appetizer turns holiday hosting—and guesting—into a whole lot more fun.
