Make holiday parties simple and fun with 33 recipes that are easy to make and even easier to share. These dishes are quick to prepare and work well for friends, family, or coworkers. They cover everything from snacks and appetizers to main dishes and desserts. With these recipes, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday season with the people around you.
Bacon Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Tender pork simmers with bold chili flavors for a hearty dish that takes minimal effort. The combination of spices and slow cooking brings out a rich, satisfying taste that works well for a crowd. Bring this dish to a holiday party and watch everyone go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Flaky puff pastry pockets hold seasoned beef in warm, handheld bites that are easy to serve. They can be made ahead and baked just before guests arrive for stress-free prep. Share these empanadas at a holiday party and make snack time simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Soft bread gets a cheesy, garlicky lift that makes it a shareable favorite. The melted cheese soaks through the bread, and it bakes quickly for easy serving. Bring this bread to a holiday gathering and let everyone grab a warm, gooey bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Twix Copycat Bars
Layers of buttery shortbread, chewy caramel, and chocolate come together in a sweet, handheld treat. They’re simple to make and hold up well for serving a crowd. Put these bars on the dessert table and give guests a candy-style treat they will love.
Get the Recipe: Twix Copycat Bars
Bacon Deviled Eggs
Creamy deviled eggs get a smoky boost from crispy bacon, giving a familiar snack a bold, flavorful twist. They come together quickly and are simple to prepare, making them a stress-free option for gatherings. Bring these eggs to a holiday party and serve a small, handheld bite that delivers big flavor and keeps guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cereal Bars
Chocolate and peppermint mix with crispy cereal to make a fun, sweet snack that’s easy to cut and serve. They hold together well and make a tasty dessert for any gathering. Add these bars to a holiday party and give everyone a treat that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Peppermint Cereal Bars
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Chicken cooks tender with bright lemon and garlic flavors that keep it simple yet flavorful. It comes together quickly in the Instant Pot and fills the table with a zesty aroma. Serve this chicken at a holiday party and impress guests with a dish that’s easy to make and share.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Golden, flaky dough holds a savory chicken filling that makes handheld bites easy to enjoy. They can be baked ahead and warmed before serving, which keeps prep stress low. Bring these empanadas to a holiday gathering and give guests a filling, simple snack to grab.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
White Chocolate Party Mix
Pretzels, candies, and dried fruit are tossed with white chocolate for a sweet and salty mix that everyone can grab. It comes together quickly and works well in a bowl for parties. Share this mix at a holiday party for a snack that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Party Mix
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts pair with smoky bacon for a side that adds bold flavor and texture. It’s easy to prepare and complement heavier dishes on the table. Add this dish to a holiday party and give guests a side everyone will return to.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Rich, frosted brownies bake in a large pan, so they’re ready to share with a crowd. The chocolate flavor is deep and sweet without being overwhelming, and every piece has a soft, tender bite. Bring these brownies to a holiday party and make dessert the dish everyone keeps coming back for.
Get the Recipe: Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Thin layers of potatoes and melted cheese make a creamy, filling side that goes well with hearty dishes. The flavors balance richer foods on the table while staying comforting and easy to prepare. Serve this dish at a holiday party and give everyone a warm, cheesy favorite they can’t resist.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Peppermint Brownie Trifle
Layers of chocolate brownies, cream, and peppermint create a dessert that’s both fun and indulgent without extra effort. The combination of textures and flavors is easy to assemble and looks impressive on a table. Bring this trifle to a holiday gathering and give guests a sweet treat they will remember.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Brownie Trifle
Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Soft, buttery cookies with a jam-filled center are simple to make and easy to share with a crowd. They hold their shape well and offer a familiar, comforting flavor that many people love. Put these cookies on a holiday table and make a treat that brings smiles to everyone around.
Get the Recipe: Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Slow-cooked beef with rich spices fills crispy masa cups for a handheld dish that’s packed with flavor. The tender meat pairs perfectly with the crisp shell for an easy-to-eat party snack. Bring this dish to a holiday gathering and give guests a bite that’s bold, satisfying, and fun to grab.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bites
Mini bites of bacon, cheese, and a touch of bourbon bake into small treats that are full of flavor but easy to eat. They hold their shape well, so guests can grab them straight from the tray. Serve these bites at a holiday party and make small snacks with big taste the star of the table.
Get the Recipe: Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bites
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Tender chicken coated in rich barbecue sauce is easy to make in the Instant Pot and works for sandwiches, salads, or topping baked potatoes. The flavors are bold without being complicated, and it comes together in minimal time. Bring this chicken to a holiday party and let guests create their own handheld favorites with ease.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Chocolate and Caramel Tart
A buttery crust holds gooey caramel topped with smooth chocolate for a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. The layers are simple to prepare but create a rich treat that everyone will want a slice of. Put this tart on a holiday table and offer a sweet dish that makes a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate and Caramel Tart
Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Chewy chocolate cookies with bits of peppermint give a fun, flavorful twist that stays easy to make. They hold their shape on the tray and balance sweet and minty in every bite. Share these cookies at a holiday party and give guests a dessert that’s simple, festive, and addictive.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Hot Bacon Cheddar Dip
Melted cheese and crispy bacon combine into a creamy, flavorful dip that’s ready in no time. It can be made ahead and reheated for a warm, shareable appetizer that everyone enjoys. Bring this dip to a holiday party and make a snack that keeps people coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Hot Bacon Cheddar Dip
Buffalo Chicken Rolls
Spicy chicken and melted cheese fill golden rolls that are easy to grab and serve. The mix of heat and creaminess keeps people reaching for more without extra effort in the kitchen. Bring these rolls to a holiday party and make a handheld snack that stands out on the table.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Rolls
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Garlic-infused pork cooks tenderly in the slow cooker, giving a rich, savory flavor with minimal prep. The meat stays juicy and flavorful, making it perfect for slicing or shredding for guests. Share this dish at a holiday party and give everyone a main dish that’s simple, satisfying, and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Fudgy chocolate cookies with a hint of mint bake into soft, chewy treats that are easy to portion and share. They store well and hold their flavor, making them a reliable dessert to bring to gatherings. Put these cookies on a holiday table and give guests a sweet treat with a fun, festive twist.
Get the Recipe: Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Caramelized Brussels sprouts paired with toasted pine nuts create a flavorful side with a satisfying crunch. The dish is easy to roast and works well alongside heavier options on the table. Bring this side to a holiday party and add a dish that looks vibrant and tastes memorable.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Buttery shortbread cookies dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint create a crisp, sweet bite that’s easy to share. They hold their shape and offer a festive flavor that everyone can enjoy. Put these cookies on a holiday table and give guests a treat that feels special without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies
Smoky little sausages cook in a sweet bourbon sauce for a fast, flavorful appetizer. The dish is easy to prep and stays warm for guests to grab from the tray. Serve this at a holiday party and offer a quick, satisfying snack that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies
Crockpot Carnitas
Tender pork slow-cooks with savory spices to create melt-in-your-mouth carnitas that’s easy to portion for guests. The flavor is rich but simple, perfect for tacos, sliders, or a bite on its own. Bring this dish to a holiday party and give everyone a hand-held meal that’s full of flavor and easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Roasted zucchini, squash, and tomatoes come together in a colorful, flavorful side that’s simple to prepare. The natural sweetness of the vegetables pairs well with richer foods on the table. Add this dish to a holiday party and give guests a fresh, easy-to-eat side that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Brazilian Cheese Bread
Enjoy the classic taste of Brazilian cheese bread with a crisp outside and a soft, cheesy center. This yeast-free treat is easy to make and perfect for sharing with a crowd. Bring this cheese bread to a holiday party and offer a simple, tasty snack everyone will reach for.
Get the Recipe: Brazilian Cheese Bread
Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
Smooth chocolate mousse mixed with Bailey’s Irish Cream creates a rich dessert that’s easy to make ahead and serve in small portions. The creamy texture and chocolate flavor are balanced, making it a crowd-pleasing choice. Put this mousse on a holiday table and treat guests to a dessert that feels special without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
Pretzel Bites
Soft pretzel bites bake into chewy, handheld snacks that are easy for guests to grab. 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 without utensils.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Bites
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Sweet dates wrapped in smoky bacon bake quickly and stay easy to serve, making them a hassle-free appetizer. The mix of sweet and savory flavors is simple, but it always gets noticed and loved by guests. Bring these bites to a holiday party and give everyone a small snack that delivers big flavor and keeps people coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Dates
Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Thinly sliced potatoes layered with smoked brie bake into a creamy, rich dish that stays easy to portion for guests. The cheese melts perfectly, giving a smooth texture that complements any table spread. Bring this gratin to a holiday party and give everyone a side that feels indulgent but is simple to share.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brie Potato Gratin