Make any holiday gathering easier with 19 recipes that will have guests talking long after the party ends. These dishes are simple to make, easy to share, and packed with flavor that people love. From appetizers to desserts, they’re designed to please a crowd without causing stress in the kitchen. Bring these recipes to a party and become the guest everyone remembers.
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
Scoop smooth chocolate mousse blended with Bailey’s Irish Cream into small cups for a rich, make-ahead dessert. The creamy texture and balanced chocolate flavor make it a crowd-pleasing choice that’s simple to prepare. Bring this mousse to a holiday party and give guests a sweet treat that feels special without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Pull apart soft bread loaded with melted cheese and garlic for a warm, gooey snack that’s easy to share. It bakes quickly and goes straight to the table without extra fuss. Bring this bread to a holiday party and offer guests a comforting, cheesy bite they can grab.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Bake soft, buttery cookies with jam centers for a familiar dessert that’s simple to portion and share with a crowd. They hold their shape well and deliver a nostalgic, comforting flavor everyone recognizes. Put these cookies on the table and give guests a treat that brings smiles around.
Get the Recipe: Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Wrap sweet dates in smoky bacon for a bite that cooks fast and stays easy to serve to a crowd. The simple mix of sweet and savory flavors packs a punch that guests notice right away. Bring these bites to a holiday party and serve a snack that steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Dates
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roast Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon for a side that’s crisp, savory, and easy to prepare. The flavors pair well with heavier dishes while adding texture to the table. Bring this dish to a holiday party and serve a side that everyone will return to.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Bake chewy chocolate cookies with peppermint bits for a sweet treat that’s easy to portion and share. The combination of chocolate and mint holds well and gives a playful, festive twist. Share these cookies at a holiday party and give guests a dessert that’s simple, fun, and addictive.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Dip buttery shortbread cookies in chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint for a crisp, sweet bite that’s easy to serve. They hold their shape and bring a festive flavor that works for all guests. Put these cookies on the table and offer a treat that feels special without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Pretzel Bites
Make soft pretzel bites that are chewy, handheld snacks that guests can grab without utensils. They pair well with mustard, cheese, or other dips, keeping flavors simple and satisfying. Bring these bites to a holiday party and make a casual snack that everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Bites
Buffalo Chicken Rolls
Stuff rolls with spicy chicken and melted cheese for a warm, golden handheld snack. The creamy, spicy filling keeps guests coming back for more without extra effort. Bring these rolls to a holiday party and serve a snack that delivers bold flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Rolls
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Layer tender potatoes with creamy, melted cheese for a rich and comforting side that’s simple to portion. The flavors balance heavier dishes while staying easy to make ahead. Bring these scalloped potatoes to a holiday party and offer a warm, cheesy dish that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Let tender pork simmer with bold chili flavors for a hearty dish that practically cooks itself in the slow cooker. The combination of spices creates a rich, satisfying taste that feeds a crowd with minimal effort. Serve this chili at a holiday gathering and watch guests return for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili
White Chocolate Party Mix
Mix pretzels, candies, and dried fruit with melted white chocolate for a sweet and salty snack that’s easy to share. It comes together quickly and works well in a big bowl for parties. Offer this mix at a holiday gathering and let guests help themselves to a treat that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Party Mix
Peppermint Brownie Trifle
Layer chocolate brownies with cream and peppermint for a dessert that’s simple to make but looks impressive. The mix of textures and flavors keeps it fun to serve and easy to portion. Set out this trifle at a holiday party and give guests a dessert that’s delicious and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Brownie Trifle
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Coat tender chicken in rich barbecue sauce and cook it in the Instant Pot for a quick, flavorful dish. It’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or topping baked potatoes without extra fuss. Let guests build their own handheld favorites with this BBQ chicken at a holiday party.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Cook chicken with bright lemon and garlic flavors that stay simple but pack a punch of taste. It’s ready in the Instant Pot in minutes and keeps the kitchen stress-free. Serve this chicken at a holiday gathering and give guests a dish that’s fresh, zesty, and easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Slow-cooked, spiced beef fills crisp masa cups for a handheld snack with bold flavor. The tender meat and crunchy shell create a satisfying bite that’s easy to grab. Set out these masa cups at a holiday party and offer guests a fun, flavorful bite they can enjoy with their hands.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Garlic-infused pork cooks until tender in the slow cooker, giving a juicy, flavorful main dish. It slices or shreds easily, making it simple to serve to guests. Add this roast to a holiday spread and give everyone a dish that’s filling, flavorful, and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cereal Bars
Mix chocolate and peppermint with crispy cereal to make bars that are fun, sweet, and easy to portion. They hold together well and are simple to grab for quick snacking. Offer these bars at a holiday gathering and give guests a treat that disappears in no time.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Peppermint Cereal Bars
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Bake golden, flaky empanadas filled with savory chicken for handheld bites that are easy to enjoy. They can be made ahead and warmed before serving, keeping prep simple. Serve these empanadas at a holiday party and give guests a snack that’s filling, flavorful, and easy to grab.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas