Make holiday parties easy and fun with 27 dishes that disappear fast at any gathering. These recipes are simple to prepare and work well for sharing with friends and family. From appetizers to desserts, the dishes are crowd-pleasing and stress-free. Bring them to a party and give guests a spread they won’t be able to resist.
Brazilian Cheese Bread. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Grab these flaky puff pastry pockets filled with seasoned beef for a snack that’s warm, handheld, and easy to serve. They can be made ahead and baked just before guests arrive to save time and stress. Bring these empanadas to a holiday party and make snack time simple, filling, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cereal Bars
Cut these chocolate and peppermint bars into squares for a sweet snack that’s crunchy and easy to grab. The combination of chocolate and peppermint works for a fun, delicious dessert everyone can enjoy. Share these bars at a holiday party and give guests a treat that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Peppermint Cereal Bars
Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
Scoop this smooth chocolate mousse mixed with Bailey’s Irish Cream into small cups for an easy, make-ahead dessert. The creamy texture and balanced flavor make it a dessert guests will love without extra effort. Put this mousse on a holiday table and give everyone a rich, special treat they can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Spoon out tender pork simmered with bold chili flavors for a hearty dish that cooks itself in the slow cooker. The spices bring a deep, satisfying taste that works well for feeding a crowd. Bring this chili to a holiday party and watch guests go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Brazilian Cheese Bread
Make these Brazilian cheese rolls for a crisp outside and soft, cheesy center that’s perfect for sharing. They’re yeast-free and simple to make, which saves time when feeding a group. Bring these rolls to a holiday party and offer a snack that everyone will reach for.
Get the Recipe: Brazilian Cheese Bread
Chocolate and Caramel Tart
Bake this tart with a buttery crust, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate for a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. The layers are simple to prepare but create a rich, shareable treat for a crowd. Put this tart on a holiday table and serve a dessert that leaves an impression.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate and Caramel Tart
Bacon Deviled Eggs
These creamy deviled eggs with smoky bacon turn a classic snack into a bold and flavorful treat. They come together quickly and can be made ahead of time for easy prep. Bring them to a holiday party and offer guests a small bite packed with big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon is a side that’s crisp, savory, and easy to prepare. The flavors pair well with heavier dishes and bring a satisfying crunch to the table. Add this dish to a holiday party and serve a side that everyone will return to.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Spice up the table with tender chicken coated in rich barbecue sauce that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or baked potatoes. The bold flavors come together quickly in the Instant Pot without extra effort. Bring this chicken to a holiday party and let guests build their own tasty, handheld creations.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Make this pull-apart bread loaded with melted cheese and garlic for a warm, gooey snack that’s easy to share. It bakes fast and goes straight to the table without extra fuss. Bring this bread to a holiday party and give everyone a comforting, cheesy bite they can grab.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Brighten up the table with tender chicken packed with lemon zing and garlicky flavor that’s simple to make. It cooks fast in the Instant Pot, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying company. Bring this chicken to a holiday party and give guests a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Roll out fudgy chocolate cookies with a hint of mint for a soft, chewy treat that holds its shape well. They store easily and can be made ahead, making them a stress-free dessert for parties. Put these cookies on a holiday table and serve a sweet bite with a little twist that makes everyone smile.
Get the Recipe: Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
White Chocolate Party Mix
Toss pretzels, candies, and dried fruit with white chocolate in a bowl for a sweet and salty snack that’s easy to pick up and share. It comes together in minutes and works perfectly in a large bowl for party snacking. Share this mix at a holiday gathering and give guests a treat that disappears faster than you can stir.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Party Mix
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Layer tender potatoes with creamy, melted cheese for a side dish that’s rich, comforting, and easy to serve. The flavors balance heavier dishes while staying simple enough to make ahead. Bring this potato side to a holiday party and offer a warm, cheesy dish that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Twix Copycat Bars
Layer buttery shortbread, chewy caramel, and smooth chocolate for a sweet bar that’s perfect for sharing with a crowd. The bars are easy to cut and hold together well, making them ideal for a dessert table. Put these copycat bars on a holiday table and give guests a candy-style treat that keeps them coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Twix Copycat Bars
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Wrap sweet dates in smoky bacon for a bite that’s fast to cook and easy to serve to a crowd. The combination of flavors is simple but packs a punch that guests notice right away. Bring these bites to a holiday party and serve a small snack that steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Dates
Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Layer thinly sliced potatoes with smoked brie for a rich, creamy side that’s easy to cut and serve. The cheese melts perfectly into the potatoes, creating a smooth, flavorful dish that feels fancy without fuss. Bring this gratin to a holiday party and offer a side that tastes indulgent but is simple to share.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Crockpot Carnitas
Slow-cooked pork blends with spices until tender, creating carnitas that are easy to portion and full of flavor. It works perfectly in tacos, sliders, or served solo for a handheld option. Bring this dish to a holiday party and give guests a protein-packed bite that’s simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Roast Brussels sprouts until caramelized and toss with toasted pine nuts for a crunchy, flavorful side. The mix of textures and natural sweetness balances richer dishes while staying simple to make. Add this side to a holiday party and serve a dish that looks colorful and tastes memorable.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Bake golden, flaky empanadas filled with savory chicken for handheld bites that are easy to eat and share. They can be prepped ahead and warmed just before serving, making party prep stress-free. Bring these empanadas to a holiday gathering and give guests a snack that’s simple, filling, and fun to grab.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Roast zucchini, squash, and tomatoes until tender for a colorful side that’s easy to make and share. The natural sweetness of the vegetables balances heavier dishes and keeps the table bright. Add this dish to a holiday party and serve a fresh, flavorful side that stands out without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Peppermint Brownie Trifle
Layer chocolate brownies, cream, and peppermint for a dessert that’s fun, festive, and simple to assemble. The mix of textures and flavors makes it a standout on any dessert table. Bring this trifle to a holiday party and give guests a sweet treat that’s both playful and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Brownie Trifle
Buffalo Chicken Rolls
Stuff rolls with spicy chicken and melted cheese for a handheld snack that’s golden, warm, and easy to grab. The creamy, spicy filling keeps guests coming back for more without extra work. Bring these rolls to a holiday party and serve a snack that delivers bold flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Rolls
Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Bake soft, buttery cookies with jam centers for a familiar dessert that’s easy to portion and share. They hold their shape well and bring a nostalgic, comforting flavor to the table. Put these cookies on a holiday table and offer a treat that brings smiles to everyone around.
Get the Recipe: Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Fill crisp masa cups with slow-cooked, spiced beef for a handheld dish that’s packed with flavor. The tender meat pairs perfectly with the crunchy shell for an easy-to-eat snack. Bring this dish to a holiday party and give guests a bite that’s satisfying, fun, and bold.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Hot Bacon Cheddar Dip
Mix melted cheese and crispy bacon into a warm, creamy dip that’s simple to make and serve. It can be prepared ahead and reheated for a quick appetizer that everyone loves. Bring this dip to a holiday party and serve a crowd-pleasing snack that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Hot Bacon Cheddar Dip
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Cook garlic-infused pork in the slow cooker for a tender, juicy dish that’s full of flavor without extra work. The meat stays moist and is perfect for slicing or shredding for guests. Share this roast at a holiday party and give everyone a main dish that’s simple, satisfying, and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork