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  4. Easy Appetizers That Won't Spoil the Feast

Easy Appetizers That Won't Spoil the Feast

Patricia S York, Assistant Food Editor at Southern Living
By Patricia S York
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Black-eyed Pea Pate
Credit: Hector Sanchez
When hungry guests arrive for the holiday feast, greet them with quick and easy appetizers that won't ruin their appetite for the main event. A refreshing cocktail and a selection of small-bite appetizers will keep friends and family content until it's time to sit down to mouthwatering main dishes, savory sides, and show-stopping desserts. 
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Baked Brie Bites

Baked Brie Bites
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Baked Brie Bites

These bite-sized appetizers are incredibly delicious, with flaky phyllo dough shells surrounding creamy, tasty Brie cheese. Simple to make, these easy holiday treats come together in under 20 minutes.

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Party Poppers

Party Poppers
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Party Poppers

Satisfy hungry houseguests with a spicy two-bite appetizer stuffed with chicken-cream cheese filling and wrapped in some hickory-smoked bacon.

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Cranberry-Goat Cheese Canapés

Rosemary Salt-and-Vinegar Chips
Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cranberry-Goat Cheese CanapésThe perfect appetizer for those who like to plan in advance, the cranberry mixture can be made up to three days ahead of time. Assemble the canapés the day of your party.

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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Mexican Shrimp CocktailFor a fresh swap for heavier, creamy appetizers, try this bright and flavorful dip, which can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

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Black-eyed Pea Pâté

Black-eyed Pea Pate
Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Black-eyed Pea PateMake this Southern twist on pâté up to a day ahead of your party. The addition of country ham adds a salty, smoky taste that is sure to keep your guests satiated until the big meal.

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Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage BitesThe addition of sweet potatoes to the recipe gives a delightful and tasty Southern twist to this classic holiday appetizer, while chorizo sausage lends a bit of spice.

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Creamy Shrimp Dip with Crispy Wonton Chips

Creamy Shrimp Dip with Crispy Wonton Chips
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Creamy Shrimp Dip with Crispy Wonton Chips

This flavorful, no-cook shrimp dip is prepared, chilled, and ready to go in under an hour. This is also delicious spread on crostini.

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Smoked Trout Crostini with Radishes and Dill Cream

Smoked Trout Crostini with Radishes and Dill Cream
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Smoked Trout Crostini with Radishes and Dill CreamReplace half of the smoked trout with smoked salmon for a more colorful presentation.

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Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

These vegetarian appetizers may be big on flavor, but they won’t spoil your appetite for dinner. You can substitute your favorite herb for the tarragon, and even add a bit of spice for a Southern twist.

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Pimiento Cheese Gougères

Pepper Jelly Palmiers
Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pimiento Cheese GougeresWe put a decidedly Southern accent on this classic French hors d'oeuvre. If you are planning ahead, make the recipe and freeze completely cooked gougères in zip-top plastic freezer bags for up to one month.

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Shrimp Nana

Shrimp Nana
Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

Recipe: Shrimp Nana

Prepare this appetizer a day or two in advance to give the shrimp ample time to marinate. You could also serve the shrimp on slices of toasted baguette for something that's a bit heartier.

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Benne-Maple Roasted Pecans

Wine-Spiked Cranberry Cheese Log
Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Benne-Maple Roasted PecansThese pecan treats have a short prep time of just 15 minutes, and you can even make them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

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By Patricia S York

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    1 of 12 Baked Brie Bites
    2 of 12 Party Poppers
    3 of 12 Cranberry-Goat Cheese Canapés
    4 of 12 Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
    5 of 12 Black-eyed Pea Pâté
    6 of 12 Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites
    7 of 12 Creamy Shrimp Dip with Crispy Wonton Chips
    8 of 12 Smoked Trout Crostini with Radishes and Dill Cream
    9 of 12 Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese
    10 of 12 Pimiento Cheese Gougères
    11 of 12 Shrimp Nana
    12 of 12 Benne-Maple Roasted Pecans

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