Should you’ve been invited to some vacation events this yr, you could be requested to deliver a aspect dish to share. From dips to crostini to sliders, these vacation potluck appetizers are simple to move and add to a celebration unfold. You’ll love my mother’s sherry cheese dip recipe!
It’s a festive time for events, get-togethers, and potlucks.
A potluck of appetizers is a straightforward strategy to take pleasure in a celebration with associates the place everybody brings one thing inventive to the desk.
Then you’ll be able to all loosen up and luxuriate in one another’s firm and there’s no strain for one individual to host a proper vacation dinner.
I are inclined to desire make-ahead apps that don’t must be served scorching. It takes all of the strain off when you’ll be able to serve them room temperature.
And if there’s one thing somewhat wholesome to steadiness out the cheese, that’s a win too. Y’all know I can eat cheese for dinner and be one very completely happy gal.
From dips to crostini to pigs in a blanket, these vacation potluck recipes are all simple to make and convey to a vacation potluck.
30+ Vacation Potluck Appetizers
Dips
I really like dips typically, and they’re really easy to take to a celebration as nicely. Put your dip in a bowl, deliver your dippers, and assemble in 2 minutes on the spot.
Vacation Sherry Cheese Dip Recipe
That is my mother’s well-known recipe she made for all of our particular events!
Suppose a number of cheddar cheese soaked in sherry. It’s just like the whipped model of a cheese ball.
This dip is SO simple to make, and it’s at all times a success at our Christmas occasion! My sister and I’ve been loving it for years. The one factor I do otherwise than mother is I toast the garlic so it’s not fairly so uncooked on the palate : )
We prefer to serve it with crackers and a plethora of veggies.
Make it prematurely and serve in a festive bowl.
Substances
- Cream cheese
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 clove garlic
- Sherry to style
Instructions
Step 1: Grate cheddar cheese
Utilizing a meals processor with the grater attachment, grate all of the sharp cheddar.
Step 2: toast garlic
Toast garlic in a skillet in somewhat oil till golden brown. You’ll be able to skip this step when you LOVE uncooked garlic!!
Step 3: Course of right into a dip
Change meals processor to blade attachment. Add cream cheese, garlic and sherry with cheddar cheese and course of till easy. Chances are you’ll have to scrape down the edges just a few instances and you’ll add extra sherry to your style! Add slowly.
Step 4: Serve
Serve with veggies, crackers, or each.
Straightforward Sherry Cheese Dip
This sherry cheese dip is nice for events! Serve with uncooked veggies or crackers.
Substances
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 1 clove garlic grated, minced, or pressed
- Sherry to style however begin with just a few tablespoons
Directions
Grate cheese in a meals processor with the grater attachment.
Toast garlic in a skillet in somewhat oil till golden brown.
Change meals processor to blade attachment. Add cream cheese, garlic and sherry and course of till easy.
Add extra sherry if desired (I prefer it sturdy!)
Serve with crackers or uncooked veggies.
This Spiced Walnut Pimento Cheese is one other favourite dip!

And when you love bitter cream dips for crackers or veggies, this submit has an ideal spherical up of 14 dips that begin with a container of bitter cream.
Cheese Logs & Balls
“Logs and balls” sounds so fancy! Haha. I really like something cheese board!
This bedazzled goat cheese logs from KERF is simple to make at residence. Or you will get Christmasy with this nut and cherry cream cheese log.

Charcuterie Boards
Clearly this made this checklist! Charcuterie boards are nice as a result of you’ll be able to assemble them prematurely, they make a phenomenal assertion, and so they don’t require any cooking or maintaining heat.
Whereas a charcuterie board isn’t high of thoughts for simple transportation, it can be when you construct it in a tray. Discover a tray that has sides that you may nestle your serving board into and forestall shifting. (In a pinch you should utilize a cardboard field.)
Get the step-by-step tutorial on this submit: Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board.
And get the Christmas purple, white, and inexperienced theme purchasing checklist right here!
Toothpick Appetizers
Should you’re searching for Christmas appetizers on a toothpick, this KERF submit has 10 nice toothpick concepts (more healthy choices!) which might be simple to make-ahead and don’t require any utensils or plates.
There are additionally bacon-wrapped dates (YUM!) which might be at all times a crowd-pleaser. And these mini goat cheese balls are bite-size and tremendous cute!
Step up your toothpick sport with these Christmas tree topped ones or Santas and snowmen.

Meatballs + Pigs in a Blanket
Are you a meat lover? Whereas this technically doesn’t fall into the no-cook or “no have to preserve heat” camp, I needed to point out for his or her recognition on the occasion appetizer checklist.
If you can also make them and serve them in a crockpot like these, you then get factors for hands-off!
Or go along with Candy and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs like these from The Cookie Rookie:
Should you’re a pigs in a blanket lover, take a look at the Pioneer Girl’s recipe.
Sliders
Whereas these smoked salmon sliders are my favourite summertime potluck dish, you can also make sliders out of any seasonal meals as nicely!
Suppose cranberry relish and ham or brie and turkey with spiced mustard. These Festive Vacation Sliders match the invoice!

Crostini
Prime a crostini with something and you’ve got an app!! Such a crowd-pleasing selection.
You’ll be able to assemble into bites or enable company to place the toppings on themselves.
In our home we love placing out St. Angel brie (which is tremendous spreadable) with fig unfold and Entire Meals crostini for completely happy hour. It’s probably the most scrumptious mixture!
Combine and match these simple vacation crostini concepts:
Begin with a sticky base:
- Cream cheese
- Goat cheese
- Whipped feta
- Guacamole
- Pesto
- Cranberry sauce
- Mashed beans or hummus
- Olive tapenade
- Baked brie
Add toppings:
- Bruschetta
- Sliced meats
- Melted cheese
- Smoked salmon
- Sliced fruit
- Olives
Add garnish:
- Honey
- Balsamic
- Herbs
- Nuts
- Parmesan cheese
I really like the sound of those candy potato and marshmallow crostini!! And right here’s an inventory of vacation crostini – 8 methods.
Deviled Eggs
Ahhhh one in all my favourite occasion meals! I’ve a bacon and jalapeno recipe right here.
However I feel these purple and inexperienced deviled eggs from Simply A Style could be excellent!
Plus you already know you’re a super-cool individual when you have a deviled egg carrying case for potlucks!!
Make-Forward Ideas for Vacation Potlucks
Top-of-the-line elements about potluck appetizers is how low-stress they can be—when you plan forward only a bit. Over time, I’ve picked up just a few methods that make getting out the door with a dish in hand a lot simpler. First, determine early whether or not your recipe is one thing that may be totally ready prematurely or wants last-minute meeting. Dips, cheese logs, crostini toppings, and even some sliders may be made a day forward, which suggests all it’s a must to do is pack them up earlier than you permit.
When attainable, preserve the parts separate for journey. Crostini keep crisp when you toast them at residence and transport them in a tin or hermetic bag, then deliver your toppings in sealed containers. Cheese boards may be partially assembled at residence—suppose slicing cheeses, washing fruit, and prepping charcuterie—then organized fantastically when you arrive.
Investing in just a few “party-ready” containers is a sport changer, too. A sturdy lidded tray, a very good insulated bag, or perhaps a small cooler makes transport a breeze. And don’t neglect serving utensils! Potlucks at all times have loads of meals however in some way by no means sufficient spreaders, spoons, or toothpicks.
Lastly, select one signature dish you like to make and preserve the components available in the course of the season. That means you’re by no means scrambling when a pal texts final minute asking when you can deliver “one thing small.” A dependable go-to appetizer turns vacation internet hosting—and guesting—into an entire lot extra enjoyable.


