30 Holiday Party Food Recipe Ideas That Are Easy to Ho-Ho-Hold (2024)

It’s the countdown to party time and that means it's time for *all* the Christmas party food! You’ve been baking different cookie recipes for weeks in advance, coming up with the perfect holiday mocktails, and prepping your Christmas appetizers. Plus, there’s plenty of creative candy cane recipes for you to try out this year.

Now all you need is to work out the rest of your holiday menu — something your peeps can grab and go while they mingle, dance and gift swap with festive abandon. Well, we’ve got you covered. Here are 30 party foods that are sweet to look at and easy to eat.

Brit + Co Christmas Party Food Ideas

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Mac + Cheese Donuts

Nothing helps warm you up in wintry weather like comfort food, especially cheesy macaroni. For party season, put it in handheld form with our donut-shaped recipe. (via Brit + Co)

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Image via Leslie Grow

Breakfast Sandwiches

If you're having a breakfast or brunch party (coffee! pastries! pj's!), then definitely add these mini sandwiches to the menu. They're savory, sweet, and literally so delicious. (via Brit + Co)

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Easy Christmas Cookies

Every party needs some sweets, and these Christmas cookies are as festive as they come. They look amazing, and they're actually super easy to put together, which makes us love them even more. (via Brit + Co)

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Image via via Cabot Creamery

Butter Candles

Upgrade your usual bread and butter spread with this TikTok food trend that will leave your guests in awe. Make a savory butter candle, a sweet one, or one of each! (via Brit + Co)

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Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe

This cheesecake will taste amazing no matter how you serve it. Grab some festive plates or make a variety of tiny cheesecakes with a muffin tin. (via Brit + Co)

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Chocolate-Pecan Treat

This dessert doesn't just have to be for Thanksgiving. The sweet flavors definitely work all winter long, but we wouldn't say no to some candy cane pieces on top ;). (via Brit + Co)

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Sweet Chai Latte Cupcakes

If we're honest, anything that's reminiscent of our favorite winter drinks is a Christmas party food in our books. Chai spice mix *and* a bag of Chai tea really bring out the flavors of this recipe. (via Brit + Co)

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Cheesy Crushed Potatoes

This recipe from Rachael Ray can be served with Apple Onion Pork Chops or on their own as a holiday appetizer/Christmas party food. Baking your Yukon potatoes and then smashing with a glass creates an elevated look without any extra effort. (via Brit + Co)

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Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Dish out these soups in tiny bowls to make them crowd-friendly. Don't forget a piece of bread for each bowl too! And cheese...you definitely don't want to forget the cheese. (via Brit + Co)

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Ranch Pretzel Bites

Take your favorite sourdough pretzels and bake them in a tangy ranch coating for this delicious crowd-pleaser. Pretzel bites are a party staple any day of the year, but the seasoning makes these a special occasion all their own. (via Sweet Cayenne)

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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread With Marinara Dipping Sauce

This pull-apart bread is savory, not sweet — each little ball of dough is stuffed with cheese. It’s like biting into little heavenly pillows of doughy goodness. (via Eclectic Everyday)

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Snowman Cheese Ball

Instead of a corn-cob pipe and a button nose, this snowman has a carrot nose and peppercorn buttons! He'll pairs well with your favorite crackers or chips. (via Number 2 Pencil)

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Toasted Ravioli

Crispy and crunchy on the outside and meaty and tender on the inside, toasted ravioli is basically faux-fried food at its finest. (via Small Town Woman)

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Reindeer Chow

Ever wonder what Santa feeds Rudolph? Look no further than this festive take on "muddy buddies." (via Averie Cooks)

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Shrimp Dip

A cheesy seafood favorite for parties, this dip is simple to make with just a few ingredients. Pair it with thick sourdough bread and enjoy! (via Food Lovin' Family)

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Cheesy Vegan Mashed Potato Pancakes

THIS is how to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes for the party season. They go especially well with some sliced avocado or cashew cream. (via Connoisseurus Veg)

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Pomegranate Honey Ricotta Toast

So, toast may be a bit of an undertaking for party noshing, but your guests will be wowed by this sweetly delicate combination. It's cheesy, it's rich, it's fluffy — the end. (via Joyful Healthy Eats)

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Lasagna Zucchini Boats

This appetizer has all the delicious flavors of veggie lasagna, but you can serve them up without utensils. Finger foods for the win! (via Cooking Classy)

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Deep Fried Macaroni and Cheese

A classic take on deep-fried snacks, these macaroni and cheese balls are breaded, warm, and gooey. Those are all the best parts of a party food if you ask us. (via Girl Carnivore)

These Christmas Party Food Ideas Will Be A Hit!

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French Onion Smashed Potato Bites

If you're wondering what the difference is between a smashed potato and a mashed one, you're not alone. These gently squished baby potatoes serve as a base for all that melty cheesy and caramelized onion. (via Give It Some Thyme)

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Cranberry & Brie Bites

These little phyllo bites could not be easier to make. But better prepare a double batch, because your peeps are going to make like starved animals the minute you pop these out of the oven. (via Nicky’s Kitchen Sanctuary)

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Baked Brie en Croute

Cheese is such a crowd-pleaser, and even better when the cheese is pungent melted Brie. (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

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Bacon & Cheese Potato Croquettes

There’s something magical that happens when yummy mashed potato batter meets crispy bacon and sharp mature cheddar. Bet you’re salivating just thinking about it... (via Simply Delicious)

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Roasted Butternut Squash Flatbread with Goat Cheese

Nothing shares better at a party than a flatbread. This one is your one-slice-pleases-all for winter flavors your guests will love. (via Give It Some Thyme)

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Potato Pancake/Latke Sliders

Latkes? Check. Endless filling combinations for every night of Hanukkah and then some? Check. A holiday recipe that's sure to have something for everyone? Check check check! (via Jamie Geller)

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Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Browned Butter Buttercream

Cute gingerbread Christmas cupcakes are an absolute must at your party! The warmth of each bite will fill your guests with delight. (via Half Baked Harvest)

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Citrus Spice Glazed Ham

A fun and festive Christmas party calls for a delicious ham — kudos if it has a citrus spice glaze drizzled over it. (via Completely Delicious)

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Southern Smothered Chicken

Smothered chicken is one of the south's staples, but we know this recipe will be a hit no matter where you throw your Christmas party. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

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One Pot Sausage Pasta

Don't discount the wonderful way that pasta can be a part of your meal spread. It's a one-pot dinner recipe you'll reach for well after the holidays. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

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Sea Salt Chocolate Fudge

Biting into sea salt chocolate fudge on Christmas sounds like the upgraded version of keeping your laptop closed during your holiday break. (via The Bossy Kitchen)

Find more recipes like these on our Pinterestand check out our email newsletter for more Christmas party food inspiration.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Additional reporting by Sally Jonesand Chloe Williams.

This post has been updated.

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30 Holiday Party Food Recipe Ideas That Are Easy to Ho-Ho-Hold (2024)

FAQs

What to cook for 30 guests? ›

Feed-a-crowd recipes
  • Spiced salmon with traybaked sag aloo. ...
  • Chicken Provençal. ...
  • Chicken gyros. ...
  • Sharing bavette with blue cheese, beef dripping wedges & ranch salad. ...
  • Sticky tamarind tomato & spinach whirl. ...
  • Summer vegetable & flatbread platter with dill & mustard dip. ...
  • Spring sharing board. ...
  • Waste-nothing loaded potato wedges.

What is a good meal to serve 20 people? ›

19 Ideas For Easy Meals For Large Groups
  • Taco Bar.
  • Meatballs.
  • Butter Chicken.
  • Lasagna.
  • Chili.
  • Homemade Pizza.
  • Baked Pasta.
  • Skewers.
Apr 4, 2023

What is a good dish to take for a Christmas party? ›

Some popular options include:
  • Appetizers: Cheese and crackers, shrimp co*cktail, deviled eggs, bruschetta, meatballs, and spinach dip 1 2. ...
  • Main dishes: Roast beef, ham, turkey, lasagna, prime rib, and salmon 1 2 .
  • Side dishes: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole, stuffing, and cranberry sauce 1 2 .
Nov 18, 2015

How do you feed 30 guests on a budget? ›

Baked potato party. Buy enough potatoes for 30 people. Get smaller potatoes rather then large ones so people can have several with different toppings. For toppings make a chili, A curry, bacon, spring onions, cheese, cheese sauce, sour cream, butter, and roasted garlic butter, anything else you want.

What is a good meal to cook for a large group? ›

Gather, Share, and Eat: Easy Meals for Large Groups That Won't Break the Bank
  • The Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs. ...
  • Tantalizing Tacos. ...
  • Perfectly Baked Potatoes. ...
  • Pizza Extravaganza. ...
  • Mouthwatering Pulled Pork. ...
  • Fabulous Fajitas. ...
  • Hearty Chili. ...
  • Build-Your-Own Sandwiches.
Oct 19, 2023

What is the best cheap food to feed a crowd? ›

Feed the masses without breaking the bank with these budget-friendly dishes.
  • Turkey and Pumpkin Lasagne. ...
  • Slow Cooker Savoury Mince. ...
  • Slow cooker barbecue chicken. ...
  • Slow cooker chicken and olives. ...
  • Slow cooker beef stew. ...
  • Creamy Chicken Pie. ...
  • Chicken, Avocado and Bacon Salad. ...
  • Potato Salad.

What is the cheapest food to make for a party? ›

Here are some inexpensive yet tasty food ideas for parties:
  • Antipasto kabobs - cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olives on a toothpick.
  • Chicken or turkey pinwheels - rolled with cream cheese, lettuce, tomato.
  • Bruschetta - toast with diced tomatoes, basil, balsamic.
  • Pizza dip - layer refried beans, salsa, cheese, sour cr.
Dec 27, 2023

How do you feed a crowd cheap and easy? ›

Create a “Bar” and feed everyone cafeteria-style

There are lots of bar ideas out there, such as the Nacho bar, Baked potato bar, Burrito bar, Hot dog bar, Root Beer float bar, Hawaiian Haystacks bar, Sandwich bar, etc. All of these can be done on the cheap, and links to all these ideas can be found below.

How can I feed 50 guests cheap? ›

How about casseroles that are easy to make in bulk to feed to a large crowd?
  1. Lasagna (Use this method to make it easy to build several Lasagnas at once. ...
  2. Easy Breakfast Casserole (served with a variety of homemade muffins – recipes below – and fresh fruit)
  3. Simple Crock Pot Taco Pasta.
  4. Simple Pizza Chicken Bake.
Jul 24, 2011

How to feed 100 people cheap? ›

Serving budget-friendly cuisines like salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes can be a very cost-effective choice. Or, if you're looking for a more casual option, how about a barbeque? Burgers, hot dogs and other grill-oriented foods are sure to be crowd favorites, and they won't rack up a big bill.

What to cook for a group of friends? ›

Let one of these tasty recipes inspire your next cooking get-together.
  • Crab Rangoon Dip with Wonton Chips. ...
  • Beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread. ...
  • Mediterranean Nachos. ...
  • Jambalaya-Stuffed Peppers. ...
  • Easy Homemade Potato Gnocchi. ...
  • Air Fryer Fish Stick Tacos with Crema. ...
  • Guava Empanadas. ...
  • Steak with Caper Butter.

What are the most popular finger foods for parties? ›

Easy Finger Food Recipes to Make Ahead
  • Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
  • Cheese Puffs. ...
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
  • Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. ...
  • Slow-Cooker Jelly Meatballs. ...
  • Loaded Cheese Ball Bites. ...
  • Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. Treat your guests to a sweet and savory appetizer with bacon-wrapped water chestnuts.
Jan 10, 2024

What is the most popular Christmas dinner item? ›

Overall the traditional Christmas dinner classic, the turkey, is far and away the winner for most popular festive food.

How many Trays of food do I need for 30 adults? ›

Full Trays generally serve 25-30 people, half trays, 12-15 people depending on the quantity of other foods served.

How many finger foods for 30 people? ›

3. How many bites per person? If you're hosing 25 -35 guests, plan 3-4 bites per person if a full dinner is to be served afterwards, or 5-7 bites per person if a lighter meal will be served. If you're hosting a party of 50, then you can offer 6 to 9 different items.

How do you feed 30 guests on a BBQ? ›

For a backyard barbecue of 20-30 people, keep it between 5-8 side dishes. For 30-50, keep it at or under 10 side dishes. This will help you streamline your preparation while still giving your guests sufficient variety. Then double or triple your recipes to make sure you make enough for everyone.

How do you feed 40 guests on a budget? ›

Feed the masses without breaking the bank with these budget-friendly dishes.
  1. Mexican Lasagne. A spicy lasagne for those of us who love Mexican and Italian food. ...
  2. Cheese Cob Dip. ...
  3. The Best Burger in Oz. ...
  4. Kangaroo Casserole. ...
  5. Sausage Casserole. ...
  6. Nanna's golden sausage casserole. ...
  7. Quiche Lorraine. ...
  8. Turkey and Pumpkin Lasagne.

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