Easy Holiday Appetizers (With a Few Armenian Favorites)

These easy holiday appetizers are my go-to list for every party from Thanksgiving through New Year's. There are make-ahead dips, pretty crostini, crowd-pleasing sliders and a few of my family's Armenian favorites, because in our house the appetizers have always been the best part of the holidays.

Why Appetizers Are the Best Part of the Holidays

Our family jokes all the time that we should just scrap the main meal and stick with the appetizers, side dishes and desserts. For whatever reason, those are always the most delicious, and we fill up on them because we just cannot get enough. Especially the cheese boreg and lahmajoun.

Just last year we said maybe we should turn the holidays into strolling hors d'oeuvres. So consider this list my official proposal.

Make-Ahead Holiday Dips

1

Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)

Smoky roasted red pepper and walnut dip that tastes even better made a day ahead. Serve it with pita chips.

Check out this recipe

2

Spanakopita Dip

All the flavor of spanakopita in a warm, cheesy dip, with no phyllo rolling required.

Check out this recipe

Holiday Crostini and Bites

3

Pomegranate Brie Prosciutto Crostini

Pomegranate, brie and prosciutto crostini. Festive, fast and always the first platter to empty.

Check out this recipe

4

Vegan Bruschetta on Crostini

Fresh, bright bruschetta on crispy crostini. Make the topping ahead and assemble right before guests arrive.

Check out this recipe

5

Caprese Flatbread Recipe

Caprese flatbread cut into squares makes an easy, colorful party appetizer.

Check out this recipe

Armenian Holiday Appetizers

6

Cheese Boreg Triangles

Flaky phyllo triangles filled with salty, melty cheese. Make them ahead and freeze them unbaked.

Check out this recipe

7

Armenian Sheet Cheese Boreg

Sheet pan cheese boreg cut into squares, perfect for a crowd.

Check out this recipe

8

Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves (Sarma)

Vegetarian stuffed grape leaves with lemony rice and herbs. A make-ahead classic.

Check out this recipe

9

Grandma's Armenian Lahmajoun

My grandma's lahmajoun, thin Armenian flatbread with a spiced meat topping. Cut it into wedges for a party.

Check out this recipe

10

Tourshi (Armenian Pickled Vegetables)

Crunchy, tangy Armenian pickled vegetables that cut through rich holiday food.

Check out this recipe

Something Fresh for the Table

11

Feta and Pomegranate Salad with Pomegranate Molasses Dressing

Feta and pomegranate salad with a pomegranate molasses dressing. Jewel-toned and perfect for the holidays.

Check out this recipe

12

Pretzel Bun Sheet Pan Cheeseburger Sliders

Cheeseburger sliders on pretzel buns. Hearty enough to keep everyone happy until dinner.

Check out this recipe

How to Plan a Holiday Appetizer Spread

• Plan 4 to 6 kinds. One dip, one bread or crostini, one hearty bite, one pastry and one fresh option.
• Make half of them ahead. Muhammara, sarma and tourshi can all be made a day or two before.
• Bake from the freezer. Unbaked cheese boreg triangles go straight from freezer to oven.
• Mix warm and cold. Serve a warm dip or sliders next to cold crostini and pickles so the oven is not a bottleneck.

Easy Holiday Appetizers FAQ

How many appetizers do I need for a party?
Plan about 4 to 6 different appetizers and 8 to 10 pieces per person if appetizers are the whole meal, fewer if dinner is coming.

What appetizers can I make the day before?
Muhammara, sarma, tourshi and bruschetta topping are all great made a day ahead.

What are traditional Armenian appetizers?
Cheese boreg, sarma (stuffed grape leaves), lahmajoun, muhammara, tourshi and Armenian string cheese are all classic Armenian appetizers, called meze.

What is the easiest holiday appetizer?
Crostini. Toast sliced baguette and top it with brie, pomegranate and prosciutto or a quick bruschetta.

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