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17 Cheesy Holiday Starters That Won’t Let You Down

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Holiday gatherings call for appetizers that everyone will love, and cheesy starters always hit the mark. They’re warm, comforting, and perfect for setting the tone before the main meal. Whether you’re hosting a big party or just a small get-together, these recipes make it easy to serve something crowd-pleasing without the stress.

BLT Dip

A hand holding a loaded potato skin topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and a slice of tomato.
BLT Dip. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This creamy BLT Dip combines all the familiar flavors of a classic sandwich into one irresistible dip. With layers of bacon, lettuce, and tomato, it’s the perfect creamy appetizer for any holiday gathering. It’s easy to prepare, and you’ll have a bowl ready to go in just 15 minutes, making it a go-to for stress-free entertaining.
Get the Recipe: BLT Dip

Beer Cheese

A pretzel bite is being dipped into a bowl of cheese sauce.
Beer Cheese. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This rich and smooth Beer Cheese dip is perfect for adding a little flair to your holiday appetizers. The combination of melted cheese and a hint of beer creates a comforting, bold flavor that’s sure to please your guests. Simple to make and great for dipping, it’s a quick fix for your holiday spread, offering big flavor without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese

Jalapeño Popper Dip

A cast iron skillet filled with a cheesy dip.
Jalapeño Popper Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spicy, creamy, and cheesy, this Jalapeño Popper Dip is the ultimate party starter. The kick of jalapeños combined with gooey cheese makes it a hit that everyone will want to scoop up. It’s quick to assemble and always disappears fast, leaving your guests asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Dip

Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Close-up of a pastry topped with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites blend sweet and savory in a perfect bite-sized snack. The flaky pastry with melted brie and tangy cranberry is a simple yet impressive treat that won’t let you down during the holiday season. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, these will make your appetizer table shine.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate.
Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These Beef Quesadillas are a hearty, cheesy choice that’s sure to satisfy your guests. With seasoned beef and gooey cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla, they’re a hands-on snack that everyone loves. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large party, this easy-to-make dish is a crowd favorite that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Hawaiian Roll Sliders

A close-up image of a platter of ham and cheese slider sandwiches sprinkled with poppy seeds and garnished with chopped herbs.
Hawaiian Roll Sliders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These sliders made with soft Hawaiian rolls are the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Stuffed with melted cheese and savory fillings, they’re quick to assemble and will have your guests reaching for seconds. They’re simple, flavorful, and sure to be the highlight of your appetizer spread this holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A hand holding a tortilla chip dipped in creamy Buffalo chicken dip, garnished with slices of green onion.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

With the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and cheesy, this Buffalo Chicken Dip is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the type of dip you can prepare ahead of time and serve hot, ensuring guests keep coming back for more. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s ideal for quick holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Turkey Roll Ups

A close-up of a hand holding a turkey roll-up slice.
Turkey Roll Ups. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Turkey Roll Ups are a light yet cheesy snack that will have everyone asking for the recipe. With layers of cheese and savory turkey, they’re easy to prepare and make for a great bite-sized appetizer. These roll-ups are perfect for those looking for a lighter yet satisfying option that still delivers big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Crab Rangoon Dip

A person dipping a piece of bread into a skillet of cheesy dip.
Crab Rangoon Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Crab Rangoon Dip combines the crispy, creamy taste of crab rangoon into a dip form that’s perfect for scooping up with chips or crackers. The mix of cream cheese, crab, and green onions offers a deliciously rich and savory option for your appetizer table. It’s a low-maintenance dish with high-impact flavor, making it perfect for your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Fundido dip with chips.
Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip brings bold, smoky flavors into a creamy cheese dip that’s a guaranteed hit. With just a little heat and a lot of cheese, it’s a simple yet flavorful appetizer that everyone will enjoy. Easy to prepare and perfect for dipping, it’s the kind of cheesy snack that elevates any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart

A plate Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart.
Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart is a sophisticated yet simple dish that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. With layers of melted brie and sweet caramelized onions, it’s the ideal bite-sized treat for your guests. Easy to prepare and visually impressive, this is the appetizer to make if you want to add a touch of class to your holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart

Crunchy Low Carb Taco Cups

Easy Crunchy Keto Taco Cups on a white board with cilantro.
Crunchy Low Carb Taco Cups. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

These Crunchy Low Carb Taco Cups are a fun and tasty way to serve up taco flavors without all the carbs. Made with cheese as the “cup,” they hold a filling of seasoned beef and fresh toppings. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for guests looking for a low-carb option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Low Carb Taco Cups

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

A hand holding a zucchini parmesan chip.
Zucchini Parmesan Crisps. Photo credit: The Honour System.

These Zucchini Parmesan Crisps are a light, cheesy snack with all the crunch of traditional chips but none of the guilt. They’re easy to make, and the combination of zucchini and parmesan makes them a perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings. With only a few ingredients, they’re an effortless snack that still manages to impress.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Baked ricotta cheese in a blue casserole dish with sliced bread.
Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon is a smooth and creamy appetizer that’s perfect for holiday entertaining. With just a few ingredients, it transforms into a rich dip with a refreshing hint of lemon. It’s quick to prepare, and the light lemon flavor balances the creamy richness of the ricotta, making it a great choice for your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Pomegranate Cheese Balls

A plate with pomegranate cheese balls and grapes on it.
Pomegranate Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These Pomegranate Cheese Balls combine creamy cheese with the burst of fresh pomegranate seeds, making them a unique and tasty treat. The sweet-tart pomegranate adds a burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cheese. They’re easy to prepare and visually impressive, perfect for a holiday spread that will leave everyone talking.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Cheese Balls

Cheesy Pickle Chips

Baked pickle cheese chips with bowl of ketchup on white plate.
Cheesy Pickle Chips. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Cheesy Pickle Chips offer a fun and unexpected twist on your typical appetizer. The combination of crispy pickles and melted cheese creates a salty, savory snack everyone will want to try. Quick to make and full of flavor, they’re an easy addition to your holiday menu that won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Pickle Chips

Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Peppers

Plate of pizza peppers and marinara sauce.
Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Peppers. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Peppers are a cheesy, savory snack with a twist. The peppers add a fresh crunch, while the pepperoni and cheese make them rich and flavorful. They’re easy to make in the air fryer, offering a quick and impressive appetizer for your holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Peppers

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