24 Warm Appetizers That Always Show Up at December Gatherings

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Warm appetizers make holiday parties feel inviting from the first bite. These dishes combine cozy flavors with easy, shareable portions that guests love.

They are ideal for passing around, starting conversations, or keeping plates filled throughout the evening. Each option fits perfectly into a festive December gathering.

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Smoked Cream Cheese

A mouthwatering dish featuring a creamy and flavorful smoked cream cheese dip.Pin
Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Enjoy this smoked cream cheese recipe with pretzels, chips, crackers, or even veggie crudité dippers. This full-flavoured smoked cream cheese dip is ideal for any occasion.
Get The Recipe: Smoked Cream Cheese.

Cranberry Orange Cocktail Meatballs

Close up of meatballs with colorful tootpicks in them.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

These Cranberry Meatballs are one of my most requested appetizers! They are tart, sweet, and very fruity, gluten and dairy-free!
Get The Recipe: Cranberry Meatballs -GF & Dairy-free!.

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Pile of shells on a black plate with parsley garnish.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival

Think of Smoked Shotgun Shells as an exciting fusion between traditional Italian cuisine and the rustic charm of a Southern BBQ.
Get The Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells.

Easy Reuben Dip

Reuben dip in rye bread bowlPin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

This super easy Reuben dip mirrors the classic sandwich with just four ingredients. Packed with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, it captures the essence of the beloved Reuben. It’s the perfect addition to your St. Patty’s Day festivities, offering a festive and flavorful treat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Reuben Dip.

Easy Crab And Artichoke Spinach Dip

Easy Crab And Artichoke Spinach DipPin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival

This Hot Crab Dip takes about 15 minutes to put together and 25 minutes to bake! Cheesy goodness! Make it ahead and serve it for your next party! #crabdip #hotcrabdip #appetizers #superbowlrecipes
Get The Recipe: Easy Hot Crab Dip.

Lobsteries Lobster Pastries

Lobsteries Lobster Pastries on a platePin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival

Lobster appetizers are an elegant appetizer for any occasion! They have a mixture of cheese, spinach, and mushrooms in puffed pastry or phyllo crust!
Get The Recipe: Lobsteries – Lobster Appetizers in Pastry.

Grilled Brie Appetizer Balsamic Strawberries

Grilled Brie Appetizer Balsamic StrawberriesPin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival

This Grilled Brie Appetizer with Balsamic Strawberries is the perfect, ridiculously easy appetizer! This Brie Appetizer is gorgeous, too!
Get The Recipe: Grilled Brie Appetizer & Balsamic Strawberries.

Cowboy Queso

Cowboy QuesoPin
Photo Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks

Take your queso to the next level with this Cowboy Queso! Perfect for parties or game day, this cheesy dip will be a hit with everyone!
Get The Recipe: Cowboy Queso – The Cookin Chicks.

Moms Baked Ricotta Dip

Moms Baked Ricotta DipPin
Photo Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks

This Baked Ricotta Dip is the perfect quick and simple appetizer recipe! It’s a great option to serve at a dinner party, or for game day!
Get The Recipe: Mom’s Baked Ricotta Dip – The Cookin Chicks.

Chorizo Dip

Chorizo dip in a pan.Pin
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

This Cheesy Chorizo Dip is an irresistible appetizer that’s spicy, gooey, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Loaded with rich, savory chorizo and creamy, melted cheese, it’s the perfect blend of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Serve it up hot with a side of tortilla chips or crackers, and watch as it quickly becomes your new favorite go-to snack for parties, game days, or any casual gathering. This dip is not just an appetizer, it’s an experience that promises to delight your taste buds and elevate your snack game to new heights!
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Dip.

Bacon And Cream Cheese-Filled Mushrooms

cream cheese stuffed mushrooms on a platePin
Photo Credit: Christina’s Cucina

Cream cheese stuffed mushrooms are surprisingly addictive, yet so easy to make! You really don’t even need a recipe.
Get The Recipe: Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms.

Venison Steak And Chorizo Taquitos

Close up of woman's hand dipping taquito into a bowl of salsa.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

These Steak and Chorizo Taquitos couldn’t be easier and require just a few ingredients. They can be made with any steak or roast you have on hand.

Sausage Dip

Sausage DipPin
Photo Credit: Trop Rockin

This sausage and cream cheese dip is loaded with flavor and guaranteed to be the hit of your next gathering!
Get The Recipe: Sausage Dip with Cream Cheese.

S’Mores Dip Recipe

S'mores dip in a pan.Pin
Photo Credit: Pear Tree Ktichen.

S’mores Dip is an amazing treat that is the perfect way to bring the warmth and fun of summer evenings around a campfire indoors. Served with a variety of dippers that let everyone create their own perfect bite.
Get the Recipe: S’Mores Dip Recipe.

Skillet Cheesy Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Skillet Cheesy Roasted Red Pepper DipPin
Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy

Skillet Cheesy Roasted Red Pepper Dip served on crackers, baguettes, or even with chips is the perfect appetizer for any gathering or game day party.
Get The Recipe: Skillet Cheesy Roasted Red Pepper Dip.

Bacon-Wrapped Baby Potato Bites With Sriracha Sour Cream

Bacon wrapped potatoes stacked on a plate with dipping saucesPin
Photo Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen

Potato bites coated with spicy seasoned pepper, then wrapped in bacon and baked until golden brown. Make ahead and bake when guests arrive.
Get The Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Baby Potatoes.

Black Bean Dip With Cream Cheese Recipe

Black bean dip in a pot.Pin
Photo credit: The Herbeevore.

This black bean dip with cream cheese recipe will spice up your next party or game day – a delicious appetizer to serve with nacho chips, dipping vegetables in, or adding to tacos or burritos. This creamy bean dip is loaded with black beans, cream cheese, salsa, and cheddar for a kick. This recipe is fantastic all year round and always goes fast when you put it out on the table.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Dip With Cream Cheese Recipe.

Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Bowl filled with pepperoni pizza dip.Pin
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Get ready to indulge in pepperoni pizza dip – your new favorite appetizer! From the savory pepperoni to the melty cheese and flavorful marinara sauce, this pizza dip has it all. Serve it with corn chips, pita chips, crackers, or breadsticks for maximum satisfaction, and everyone will ask for more.
Get the Recipe: Pepperoni Pizza Dip.

Bacon Cream Cheese Dip

Cream cheese dip with bacon bits.Pin
Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

This warm Cream Cheese Dip is perfect for any party or gathering, especially your game day spread. Perfect for serving with your favorite tortilla, chips, or crostini. Suitable for Gluten-Free, Keto, and low-carb diets.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cream Cheese Dip.

Hot Pimento Cheese Dip

Hot Pimento Cheese DipPin
Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy

A southern staple now served warm, this Hot Pimento Cheese Dip must be kept in your recipe box under delicious appetizer cuisine.
Get The Recipe: Hot Pimento Cheese Dip.

Mexican Shredded Chicken Dip

Chip dipping in shredded chicken dip.Pin
Photo credit: Carolyn’s Cooking.

This Mexican Shredded Chicken Dip is always a crowd-pleaser! Shredded chicken, chiles, salsa, and tons of cheese were all baked together to bubbly, melted perfection. I’m actually drooling.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Shredded Chicken Dip.

Pigs In A Blanket & Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce

Pigs in a blanket with honey mustard dipping sauce on square white plate.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

The old traditional standby appetizer. Kids especially love Pigs in a Blanket. This Pigs in a Blanket recipe is super easy and uses whole hot dogs. A delicious appetizer for any occasion! And it’s National Pigs in a Blanket Day!
Get the Recipe: Pigs In A Blanket & Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce.

Corn Cream Cheese Dip

Corn Cream Cheese DipPin
Photo Credit: Cooked & Loved

This creamy corn and cream cheese dip is sweet, savory, and secretly a bit healthier thanks to my sneaky corn trick.
Get The Recipe: Corn & Cream Cheese Dip With A Healthy Twist.

Bacon Dip with Cream Cheese

Bacon dip in an oval bowl.Pin
Photo credit: Finding Zest.

Bacon dip with cream cheese is a creamy and absolutely sinful warm dip recipe, sure to become your new favorite appetizer or snack! Serve it up at your next potluck, game day or holiday celebration. Bacon lovers will thank you!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Dip with Cream Cheese.

Hot Phyllo Crab Cups

plate of crab phyllo cups with cheeseboard and nuts in part view behindPin
Photo Credit: Caroline’s Cooking

Forget about fighting over the dips and chips; these crab phyllo cups are the perfect bite-sized appetizer. It’s like you’re own, hand-held crab dip!
Get The Recipe: Crab phyllo cups

Mini Saucy Beef Appetizer Cups

Mini Saucy Beef Appetizer Cups on a platePin
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish

This saucy beef appetizer recipe is the perfect game-day treat! Not only is it simple, but they are so tasty that they will disappear quickly.
Get The Recipe: Saucy Beef Appetizer | Dishes Delish.

Fried Ravioli

Fried Ravioli on a plate with dipping sauce in the centerPin
Photo Credit: The Peasant’s Daughter

Make crispy fried ravioli at home with a simple breadcrumb coating and serve it with marinara sauce for dipping. Perfect for an easy appetizer or snack!
Get The Recipe: Fried Ravioli.

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